Ohio University's first regularly produced sitcom, Chester's House
begins filming Saturday at 2 p.m. in Studio C of the RTV building.
Championed by junior Charlie Petrek, the sitcom will air Winter Quarter on Public Access and WOUB II but has been in the works since Spring 2005.
I hope (the show) will be something that could eventually air on network television and be just as good as sitcoms with a higher budget Petrek said.
The sitcom is about a young man who suddenly is hired as a new manager of an inn. What makes Chester's House unique, he said, is the inclusion of the narrator as a character - or as a dismembered voice with whom the visible characters can interact.
If it's not unique it's not worth doing
said Petrek.
Petrek conceptualized, wrote and is now executive producer of the sitcom through Athens Video Works. Inspired by more old-fashioned television sitcoms like Laverne & Shirley
The Dick Van Dyke Show and I Love Lucy
he said Chester's House features clean
straight-edge humor.
Although the group is operating with less than $500, the sitcom includes a staff of more than 30 people, including technical staff, writers and cast.
Matt Campbell, a sophomore audio-productions major, plays Chester.
I hope it's going to be a successful show - one that will leave a legacy
being the first sitcom in OU's history
Campbell said. I want to come back here in 10 years and be proud to have been a part of it.
Director Wrion Bowling said he is looking forward to using various technical aspects that are not available in other Athens Video Works productions, such as the use of multiple cameras.
It's a new challenge. None of the other AVW in-studio programs are narrative
he said, adding Chester's House is unique in the opportunity it provides telecommunications students.
Although Petrek will captain the show for only 11 episodes - two a quarter until his graduation in 2007 - the show is structured in a way that allows future classes to take part in and continue the sitcom.
Chester's House will air this winter. Petrek said official air times for the show will be posted on http://groups.yahoo.com/group/chestershouse.
