Zoomed In On Trojan Vision
by AnnaLiese Burich ‘17
Did you know you can be a producer? Yes, of course you did. You might be one of the plenty of business and film students are currently working away in pre-professional classes at USC, dreaming of the day you can work behind the scenes of shows like SNL, Jimmy Fallon, or The Daily Show.
But did you know you can be a producer tomorrow? That’s right – if you’ve been paying attention to my posts, you may have noticed that I’ve mentioned “Trojan Vision” quite a few times. Trojan Vision is, to refresh your memory, USC’s very own student-run live TV station that hosts 11 original shows written, produced, and crewed by students just like you. If you’re settling into the semester and realizing you have time to get involved in more extracurriculars, I could not recommend in Trojan Vision more.
And it’s not too late! You can be involved in it two ways: either through the class CTPR 409, or through volunteering to produce a specific show. Seeing as the add/drop date has passed, I’ll focus on the latter. All you have to do to be a producer now is email the showrunner of the show in which you are interested in producing.
But what exactly are these shows? Good question! Here’s an alphabetical breakdown of each of the spectacular shows that Trojan Vision has to offer.
(And if you don’t want to produce any these shows - your loss, but I get it - you are always more than welcome to tune in live on www.trojanvision.com or on local channel 8.1).
1) Balance
If you are interested in health, nutrition, and wellness – both physically and mentally – then this show is for you! Balance airs on Wednesdays at 11 am, and explores wellness through the lens of a college student. Being healthy in college is a balance game, and this fun producing staff takes you through all of the various ways to balance your life: through fun and healthy recipes, exercise tips, and mental wellness advice. Contact sarahhenschel@trojanvision.com or india.milton@trojanvision.com for more information.
2) The Breakdown
News parody nuts unite! Every Friday at 11, satire, sarcasm, comedy, and hotbutton news stories mesh together in thirty minutes of pure fun and raunchiness. The writer’s room for this show is a riot, and a very popular weekly event for those who love comedy and writing. If you’ve been yearning for a creative outlet in your life – or maybe just a way to laugh – then this show is for you. Contact cisario@trojanvision.com or carterfeuerhelm@trojanvision.com for details!
3) CU@USC
CU@USC is USC’s very own five-day-a-week, 30-minute interview show, a la the style of Larry King or David Letterman. CU hosts some of the biggest names in LA in the entertainment world and beyond; and, as you can imagine, in thirty minutes, one can really get to delve deep into someone’s mind, so they get some pretty fantastic and unique interviews. Producers are in charge of booking, so if you work on this show, you get to work with real-life publicists to book real-life professionals. If you’ve ever wanted to meet a specific person, this is your perfect opportunity to reach out! CU@USC airs every night at 6:30. Contact ccropp@trojanvision.com for more details.
4) Delish
If you like cooking or eating or talking about food, then Delish is for you. Every Tuesday at 11, the hosts have a blast teaching viewers how to prepare college-friendly dishes,; and likewise, the producers have an equal amount of fun exploring the best eats in LA for fodder for segments. There’s really no reason not to join or watch this show, amirite? Contact kylehrabe@trojanvision.com or annielloyd@trojanvision.com for more information.
5) Mind Games
At once intellectually stimulating and entertaining, Mind Games is Trojan Vision’s super rad trivia show. It airs Friday afternoons at 1:30, and is arguably one of the best ways to kick off your weekend. The games are based on your knowledge of the obscure – but don’t worry, not too obscure – related to politics, history, entertainment and more. Two opponents face off for one epic thirty-minute battle of the wits – what could be better? And the best part is that producers get to write the questions. To join the fun, contact bryhancoc@trojanvision.com.
6) The Art Craze
Trojan Visions”s newest show is quickly becoming one of its most popular! Airing Thursdays at 1:30, each episode focuses on a different and equally amazing artist in LA; in the first half, the host picks his or her brain in an interview, and in the second half, the host tries to soak up his or her talent via a demonstration! This show is creative, educational, cultural, and a blast. To find out more, contact juliette@trojanvision.com or adannateemac@trojanvision.com.
7) Trojan Arcade
Do you love anything related to video games? Then you will love Trojan Arcade! Trojan Arcade talks video game news, including new games and coverage of conferences around the nation. The hosts then play and discuss new games with a critical and experienced eye. To embrace your inner player, contact samuelshipp@trojanvision.com.
8) Platforum
Five nights a week, panelists on Platforum get to debate, pure and simple. These debates are honest, they’re incendiary, and they’re smart. And, it gets better: the specific topic of debate varies by night to suit your specific interest: there’s politics, entertainment, social issues, and more. Producers get to organize and mediate the topics of debate—done correctly, real social change could be made through this show every night at 5:30. For more information, contact ddeluca@trojanvision.com.
9) The SCoop
Red carpet premieres, celebrity interviews, and entertainment industry news – oh my! The SCoop is an incredibly popular show, and for good reason. Producers and correspondents get to attend premieres, events, concerts, and more - all in the name of entertainment journalism. The group is tight knit, has a lot of fun, and does a lot of things. Who wouldn’t want to join? It airs every Monday at 11. Contact grant@trojanvision.com or nicolefalsetti@trojanvision.com to get the scoop!
10) The Morning Brew
Breakfast? Who needs breakfast when you have TV? If your morning routine has ever involved any sort of morning program, you know how much fun it can be, and how the right show in the morning can improve your whole day. The Morning Brew helps you wake up every morning at 10 am with USC news, host banter, and just darn good companionship. Start your day right by contacting amooradian@trojanvision.com.
11) The Water Cooler
Sports, sports, and more sports. Every Friday at 2:30, three very passionate and very knowledgable hosts discuss that week in the sports world; these guys know what they’re talking about, so if you want to hear reputable opinions on any previous or upcoming games in any sport, this is your show. The producers get to select the talking points – and debate sports themselves – so this is a great outlet for those who live and breathe the game. Contact rachelkohn@trojanvision.com for more information.
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And there you have it! As you can tell, there is a show for every interest on the planet on Trojan Vision. No matter what you like – or no matter what you wish you liked! – you can develop your interests at the Robert Zemeckis Center every day of the week. Do not hesitate to contact any of the showrunners, or do not hesistate to tune into channel 8.1 or go to trojanvision.com to join the fun!