By: Olivia Crocker
When she first joined, it was practically an accident. Three years later, she’s directing, producing, and co-writing this year’s Showrunners sitcom.
Executive Producer, Megan Longstaff first joined PLU’s student film production program in 2015 as an actress, having auditioned and landed the second female lead. She went on to act again in 2016. Last year however, she stepped into the role of director and producor, and fell in love.
Longstaff is stepping out of her comfort zone this year with “The Social Circle.” Whereas past projects have been dark, or surreal, this year’s is a sitcom. Longstaff welcomes the challenge.
“I want to challenge students…even if they could do great in [a familiar role]. I want to give them something new, that they can make their own.”
The Social Circle may appear lighthearted, but there is a lot of depth to the story. The main character Jordan, played by freshman Destiny Colville, is entering her senior year. She moves into an apartment with seven roommates, joining late in the year and attempting to blend into the pre-established relationships.
Hilarity ensues but many lessons are learned along the way. The episodes deal with each of the seven deadly sins, and Jordan learns to not only see the strength in others despite their challenges, but in herself as well. Colville appreciates the honest approach the show takes with mental health.
“I relate to Jordan. Her struggles are nothing to be ashamed of. It’s important to know that you can let other people help you. Jordan learns that, and so have I.”
This new direction for Showrunners comes along with a host of new students involved on set, and they certainly need all the help they can get. While last year’s production featured five actors, this year brings that number up to eight.
Add to that the extras, tech crew, and many others…the added help is welcomed, but comes with a new challenge-very student involved with the production has their own schedule outside of filming days.
There are student athletes, performers in the theatre department, as well as some members even studying abroad. As the Executive Producer, scheduling is one of Longstaff’s many responsibilities. She says she’s up to the challenge.
“My goal is that it doesn’t have to be a sacrifice for someone to be a part of Showrunners.”
In fact, most members are not present for each filming day. However, participation of any form is appreciated.
Colville is one of the many who balance Showrunners with other acting on campus. Most of her time commitment is spent learning her part and participating in filming. Colville believes that not having an audience to provide live feedback is an added difficulty.
“When you’re on stage, you know the reactions from the audience…you know what you’re doing right and what you’re doing wrong. Filming is more like performing in front of a mirror with your hairbrush. No one is there to tell you how you sound. With filming, we’re essentially trying to connect to an audience that doesn’t even exist yet.”
When asked how to make that connection, Colville references the editors, and says she places a lot of her trust in them.
“I leave it to the editor. I try new things each take. You can be bold with filming, and try things that may or may not work. The editor gets to decide what to keep, what to toss. ”
Junior Jim Carey, the Director of Cinematography, also spoke of the challenges of filming. He comes from a professional set background, and it has been an adjustment working with this lower budget group.
“We have about three working lights….the camera is significantly cheaper than what you see on a professional set, and it actually stops filming every twenty minutes…by far the most important skill to have on set is problem solving.”
Carey spoke of filming days where the camera rig was broken, lights weren’t working, and a multitude of other problems.
“You can’t predict what’s going to happen.” He enjoys that challenge though.“I’m a hands on kind of person. Give me a script, and tell me go. I’ll go.”
While the budget may be different, Carey says Longstaff does a fantastic job with the resources she has.
“We may not have the same equipment, but we work hard and we’re proud of the end result.”
Carey says he is on set every filming day, but he won’t see the finished product until the premiere, which is estimated to occur in May. That premiere is his favorite part of the whole experience.
“Seeing the work we’ve all put in go onto the screen is the best feeling.”
Students interested in being a part of Showrunners can email showrunners@plu. edu. To see past productions, visit https:// plushowrunners.weebly.com.
