My Next Guest Needs an Introduction: Philosophical Inquiries on Late Night TV!
In late December, Xenia Thomopoulos, a high school Media Arts and English teacher at The Young Women's Leadership School of Astoria, ushered her students through the front doors of Reel Works office in Gowanus, Brooklyn. It was their first time visiting, and with this visit came 21 young women ready to convert their personal Philosophical Treatises into a self-produced Late Night Talk Show format.
The long trip from Astoria, Queens on the subway, in the midst of a pandemic, did not phase them. They arrived excited to learn the ins and outs of their “Talk Show set”, replete with a guest couch, host chair and desk with coffee mugs, as well as professional lighting, sound, and camera equipment.
Students began with a workshop on operating a cinema camera, boom mic, and placement for a 3-point lighting set up. Marcus Fahey, young filmmaker and producer in the Reel Works’ Studio, gave the students a history of his background in Late Night television—including his stints on The Late Show with Jimmy Kimmel and Saturday Night Live.
Now it was time for their assignment, “How to produce a Late Night Television Show”. Students gathered into groups. One student was assigned to be the talk show host, two others were the talk show guests, two students were recording on the cameras, one held the boom mic, and another was assigned to be the set director. Right before calling action, students ran through roles on set.
Action! The camera rolled and everyone not on set became instant audience members as each group delved into the talk show guests’ philosophical treatises devised as part of Xenia’s class. Philosophies ranging from the advancement of technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence, as it pertains to overcoming current health concerns and how faith free of authoritarianism is beneficial to all. The students were impressive in expressing their philosophical treatises, and even more impressive in how quickly they took on television production skills—the show was a hit!
After taking a break for some pizza, they sat and began editing their segments, a process they will complete in class. Before leaving the space, they learned about the opportunities Reel Works’ had available to them and were invited to apply for our Summer Lab!
Reel Works is continuing to expand opportunities for our In-School Program. The In-Schools Program launched at the school on January 13th with Teaching Artist Cali Banks. We look forward to furthering our partnership with, and continuing to inspire these talented young women of Astoria—who no longer need an Introduction at Reel Works!
