Claudia: Graduation (Friends Forever)

Senior year is filled with finishing up requirements, killing the game at your internship, going abroad to LA or DC, applying for jobs, and trying to remain calm as graduation quickly approaches. You have to perfect a few meals so you don’t starve without the dining hall and you don’t burn down your apartment. I should put out a disclaimer: I am NOT a Senior. I’m a sophomore and have another exciting two years at BU.

So then why am I freaking out about graduation? Because three of my closest friends (Matt, Kevin, and Ben) are GRADUATING.

If you had asked me at the beginning of my freshman year, I would have been shocked if you told me that some of my closest friends at BU would be two years older than me. But it’s true. So thank you WTBU, BUTV10 and COM Ambassadors for introducing me to three of my favorite people.

The beginning of this year was great. The thought of my friends “growing up” and leaving me was not a major concern. Graduation was months away. We had plenty of time to hang out, reminisce about old times in Warren (even though I was in high school when they lived there), and watch Holes. We don’t share the same A and C tower memories (either way, B Tower is where it’s at) and we aren’t the same age, but I’d like to think — since we’re very close now — we would have been friends since day one.

As the semester went on, we’d crash each other’s radio shows and spend hours in each other’s dorms (I practically lived in South last semester) watching movies and old episodes of Pop Showdown (specifically the ones with said best friends). Finals hit and then suddenly, poof, Kevin graduated and entered the real world. This has been a difficult transition (more for me than Kevin). I keep inviting Kevin to my 10 pm radio show (Pop Cultured – check it out) only to be disappointed when Kevin reminds me that he can’t because of work (at the MA Health Policy Commission) the next morning.

Ben would then jokingly (?) yell “HE’S DEAD TO US” anytime Kevin was mentioned. We would cry it out, but then listen to showtunes or talk about TV to make us feel better. Now Ben’s getting ready to enter the real world too as the law school acceptances roll in and I scream Legally Blonde references and lyrics at him.

And now Matt (AN ECON AND STATS DOUBLE MAJOR WHO IS ALSO GETTING HIS MASTERS IN ECONOMICS!!!!) is fully immersing himself into the Film and TV world as we finish producing our show (“Entidaled” coming soon) while interning at PBS and preparing for the real world.

And I just sit here (still finishing my Freshman/Sophomore requirements) in awe, so happy for these guys. They’re starting the real world and are already killing the game. And although I am a little upset that they’re “leaving me,”  I’m so excited for these last few months at BU with them and what lies ahead.

*Cue Vitamin C’s Graduation (Friends Forever)*

So long story short, I wanted to write this (super sappy) post as a thank you note of sorts, but to also remind everyone that there are so many amazing people at BU and don’t be afraid to look outside your grade for friends. You never know, some of your best friends could be rising Seniors.

And if you need any help find your own Ben, Kevin, and Matt, then I suggest watching Pop Showdown.

Here’s Ben & Kevin (http://www.butv10.com/shows/pop-showdown/#vid=114385753) and Matt (http://www.butv10.com/shows/pop-showdown/#vid=87701598) on Pop Showdown! for your viewing pleasure. 

Disclaimer: this might get very sappy.

Matt, Ben and Kevin,

Thanks for agreeing to be friends with “The Girl Who Didn’t Know You, but Added You on LinkedIn When You Were Abroad,” “The Showtune-Obsessed Girl Who Was Probably Too Intense at the First WTBU Meeting,” and “The Freshman Co-EP that You Tutored in Econ and Who Also Kept Bothering You While You Were Editing CO-ED.”  I don’t know what I would do or where I would be without you guys.

Chris: My Answer to “How Was Abroad?”

It's been a week since classes have started and as I start to settle in back in Boston, as I stroll up and down Comm Ave. I run into people I haven't seen since May and automatically get the same question, "Oh my gosh! How was study abroad?" Depending on who's asking, I have a few prepared statements:

1) "It was great!"
2) "It was so much fun, I'm still really tired from it!"
3) "It was good, but it's nice to be back."

You pretty much get the picture there. In casual conversation, I still haven't really put into words what a great experience going abroad was, so this is pretty much what I really want to say about the experience, having been back in the states for a month:

Going abroad was one of the best experiences I've had throughout my academic career. The BU internship program itself allows students to have a great balance between work as well as immersing themselves into the abroad experience. Having been bit by the travel bug many years ago, my main focus while in London was seeing as many places as I could, therefore, over the course of three and a half months, I was able to visit nine different countries and gain a much better perspective.

Whether I was in London, the Netherlands, Germany, or the Czech Republic, I was always being challenged to step out of my comfort zone. From small things like learning how to cook or finding my way through the small and winding streets of Prague, I was constantly learning and in my opinion improving as a person, while doing so. However all of this is mute if I was only that way for a three and a half month period, now the challenge will be to carry on that way while I'm back in Boston, or wherever life takes me after I graduate in May.

Furthermore, as a senior in college on his way out to you, a prospective student interested in COM;  make sure you do the same wherever you go. Step out of your comfort zone, learn about the things you enjoy and that make you happy because that'll set you up for success in the future.

Alex: A Californian’s Guide to Winter

As someone who had always lived in sunny Southern California and had never experienced a winter that dropped below 50 degrees during the day, my first winter in Boston last year definitely came as a shock. As I reflect back on my freshman year winter, I think of some of the many mistakes I made the first time around and how to beat winter this year.

Here are the 5 things I wish I had known for my first real winter:

  1. Your toes don’t have to be/should not feel frozen
    I wish I had known that while you MIGHT be able to survive winter with just Hunter rain boots and a couple pairs of thin socks, it doesn’t mean you should! Snow boots aren’t always necessary but some thicker socks would have definitely decreased my worries of losing toes to hypothermia.
  2. Don’t be afraid to dress like the little brother from A Christmas Story
    If you’re like me and have a low tolerance for cold temperatures, it’s better to look like a giant marshmallow than to be miserable and freezing. If layers upon layers makes for an easier walk to class than I’m all for it!

3.      Watch your step.
This is a direct reference to the slippery metal death traps on the BU Bridge.

4.      Fleece-lined _____.
Fleece-lined tights, fleece-lined gloves, fleece-lined hats, fleece-lined flannels….the possibilities are endless! These are real game changers.

5.      Don’t spend your entire semester indoors.
Some spots in Boston look the best with a layer of snow. You go to school in one of the most beautiful cities in the world so bundle up and go explore it.

Jimmy: Fellow Film and TV Majors, Listen Up: Indie Cinema in the Greater Boston Area

First and foremost, welcome back to another semester at Boston University! It’s great to meet up with old friends, readjust to the frigid cold, and return to the old, familiar BU landmarks we all have come to know and love. However, I wanted to take this blog post to discuss my favorite place OUTSIDE of the campus and in the city of Boston itself (well, technically Cambridge)

Showing films since 1953, The Brattle Theatre in Harvard Square is a non-profit, independent organization that dedicates itself to showing quality content. As their website states:

“The Brattle shows the best in classic, cutting-edge, foreign, and art-house films. We also show first-run films and new releases of classic films, but our specialty is a repertory programming format consisting of films from a particular director, genre, or subject shown over the course of a week, or on the same weekday throughout the month.”

As a repertory theater, The Brattle will have weeks where they showcase a collection of films that fit a certain genre or theme. For example, in late November, they showcased an “Authors of Noir” series where for a whole week you could go see black-and-white classics such as Double Indemnity and The Maltese Falcon. In December, they had a week dedicated solely to New German Cinema Director, Wim Wenders and his body of work.

My first experience with the Brattle was in late September when they were premiering a new movie by my favorite filmmaker, Charlie Kaufman (writer of Being John Malkovich, Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind, among others) as part of a film festival. Not only was watching a phenomenal movie in a beautiful, historic theater an amazing experience, afterwards, they invited everyone present at the screening to a local restaurant for free refreshments and conversation about the film. I even got a chance to talk with the manager of the organization and hear his perspective on the movie which was really cool.

But Jimmy, I neither speak German nor am interested in artsy-fartsy independent film! What’s in it for me?

Good question! While a good deal of their programming is dedicated to showcasing niche/foreign films, they often showcase new premieres and old classics for fun. For example, check out some of the listings from their most recent calendar.

-A recap of this year's’ Oscar contenders such as The Revenant and Mad Max: Fury Road

-A special screening of Labyrinth in honor of David Bowie’s passing

-A Valentine’s Day screening of The Princess Bride

-A double feature of Magic Mike and Magic Mike XXL

Whether you want to venture out of your comfort zone and see something new or revel in a personal favorite, The Brattle Theater celebrates the joy of watching movies of all types: something every COM major can relate to.

Megan: The Movies I’m Most Excited to See in 2016

Welcome to my first blog post! While as a freshman I am still fairly new to the whole—college—thing, one aspect of my life that has remained the same is my love of movies (hence why I’m a Film and Television major!). I saw the new Star Wars movie five times in theatres, and if that’s not love I don’t know what is. So, here is my list of the top five movies I’m most excited to see in theatres this year.

 

  1. Snowden: One of the more intimidating films coming out this year, I am very excited to see how they portray one of the most controversial people of the last few years. Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars in what is sure to be a very talked about film.

 

  1. Independence Day Resurgence: If you haven’t seen the original Independence Day, it is a definite must see, along with its sequel, which I didn’t know I needed until it was announced that there was going to be a new one! Combining a love for America with aliens and, yes, Liam Hemsworth, this movie is sure to be a hit.

 

  1. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: There has been a very empty void in my heart since the last Harry Potter movie came out in 2011, and it will finally be filled with this prequel, led by the ever wonderful Eddie Redmayne. I am so excited to revisit my very favorite fantastical world, this time set in a city closer to home: New York.

 

  1. Moana: This Disney animated film stars a young woman on a quest to find a fabled island. On this journey she will be accompanied by a demi-god named Maui, voiced by non other than the fan favorite Dwayne the Rock Johnson.

 

  1. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story: Probably the movie I’m most excited to see this year, this spinoff tells a story between Episode III and Episode IV. How did the Rebels acquire the plans to the Death Star, and will we see a surprise appearance from a young Han Solo?

 

Bonus! Take this Buzzfeed Quiz to see which movie you’re most excited to see this year: http://www.buzzfeed.com/talhaishaq2001/can-we-guess-which-2016-movie-are-you-more-excited-1saop?utm_term=.vy6KxDrLGA&bftw=#.ghPw83PBKr

Tyler: We’re baaaaaaaaacckkk: Tackling Spring Semester

Happy first day of classes, terriers! Are you ready for the spring semester? For many upperclassmen, it may be simple to adjust to the new schedule and new courses -- and some freshmen might already have the hang of it, too! But for those of you who still struggle with the transition, here are some tips to make sure you start the semester off right:
 
1. A given -- but if your new professors email you before the semester starts, READ IT!
These emails usually speak on important events within the first week of classes in addition to including a syllabus. It's good to know what you're getting into. The syllabus is key. It often lists the required materials and texts for the class (which the sooner you get, the better!)
2. Map out your schedule.
Classes, sports, clubs, work, etc. all run on their own schedules, but you have to run on your own. The day before the semester begins, sit down and take a look at all your commitments for the semester. Make a 7-day consolidated calendar and label your typical week's schedule that includes locations of events. Hang it up in your room for your personal reference (your roommate may appreciate it, too!), put it in a notebook that you always carry around, or even upload it onto your phone's calendar.
3. Walk around campus briefly to figure out where your classes will be.
It'll be helpful to know where you're going on the first day, especially if you're new or have never been in a specific building before. Take some time before class to know the specific classroom you will be in so that you can assure that you'll arrive on time on the first day.
4. Keep an open mind.
A class you're taking may have a reputation for being very difficult, or you haven't heard the best reviews. This shouldn't impede you, though. Try going into classes with an open mind. You may end up loving the topic and the professor! Everyone's opinions are different.
 
5. And of course, don't forget to celebrate a new semester with your friends!
It's been a month since you've seen your friends! Go say hi and grab dinner together. Catch up on life, have fun, and get ready for an exciting few months!

Katie: Getting Settled: Starting Strong this Spring Semester

It’s that time of year again! January is coming to a close and "Syllabus Week" is upon us.

While some students are psyched to be back at BU after a long, tedious month at home, others are anxious or stressed and ready to hop right back on the plane that brought them here. Full disclosure: I live about 45 minutes away and I still get homesick when I first come back to school! Regardless, some of us are starting internships or new jobs, and others are back to the normal grind of schoolwork. Whatever your case may be, it’s important to try to start the new semester on a high note, and there are plenty of ways to do so!

Remember that the professors you have this semester have never met you before—the week ahead of you virtually a blank slate. This can work to your advantage, of course, so make sure to start off on the right foot! Ask questions and take the time to connect with people in your classes. See a dreaded group project on the syllabus? Turn to the person next to you and ask if they’re looking for a partner. You’ll be amazed at the effects some planning can have, and I can say from experience that making friends on the first day always makes that 20-page paper or the upcoming exam a little more bearable.

That being said, be sure to spend time with the friends you’ve been missing for the past few weeks as well. My favorite way to catch up with friends is to ask them to dinner at the dining hall—while it isn’t the most glamorous situation, everybody needs to eat. So why not eat together?

Coming back to school after a few weeks of total freedom can always be daunting. We’ve spent the past thirty days sitting on the couch binge watching “Making a Murderer” and eating peanut butter out of the jar, (I can’t be the only one, right?), so it’s understandable to feel a little so-so about the upcoming week. But keeping a positive attitude is the key!

Nail the first day at your new internship. Step into class on the first day and talk to someone you’ve never spoken to before. I promise, you won’t regret it!

Hanna: Putting COM Knowledge into Practice

While classes are just about to kick off for most students, I am happy to report that I’ve been keeping busy in Boston for the past two weeks. Last semester, one of my wonderful COM professors put me in touch with a friend of hers…this friend happened to be the GM of Television Programming at WGBH in Boston. WGBH produces over 90% of national PBS content, and within a week of reaching out, I had clenched an internship for the spring! Teach-able moment #1: always ask your professors about their contacts. They have all worked in their fields or continue to do so, and they can almost certainly put you in touch with someone who can help you out. Having their reference always pushes your resume up the pile as well, and COM professors are more than willing to assist if you make your passion clear!).

Two weeks ago, I reported to day one of the internship. I would begin by working on Sing That Thing!, a reality competition program for high school, college, and adult singing groups throughout the northeast. At first I admittedly belittled the project – it will only be broadcast in nine states, and reality is not exactly what I want to do with my career. Teach-able moment #2 and 3: It is an honor to work on any project within television, especially starting out as a college student. Each one offers so much to learn in its own unique way, and it is so important to take advantage of what it can do for you. While an internship may not fulfill your life goal, it will provide a very necessary step in getting there. In addition, starting out on a smaller project is the best way for interns to get experience. The team on this show is plentiful and professional, but its lesser scale has allowed for more of my tasks to be hands-on. Just yesterday my boss considered me a Production Assistant instead of an intern, and larger, national program may have stuck me in the copy room a lot more than the set.

In addition to Sing That Thing!, I am looking forward to working on projects for the WORLD channel, a national news documentary channel with positive initiatives and lots of opportunities for someone like me. In only two weeks I have grown very comfortable asking questions, navigating the high-pressure environment of a television studio, and offering my own perspective. I’m starting to determine which areas of the production I enjoy and which I’d rather avoid, but I’m still making sure to approach the internship in as well-rounded a manner as possible.

To top off the experience comes the 4 credits I get to apply toward my Film and TV major! When interning, check to see if credit is available within COM. They are incredibly helpful in ensuring that you get the most out of the opportunity, both throughout your time there and in terms of your college education.

It is crazy to see the parallels between what I’ve learned in my COM classes and in this professional environment. Although I am learning a lot of new information, much of what I have been able to do at this internship is simply a practical application of what I have already learned from professors. This is wildly comforting as I reach the latter half of my college career; it’s a clear indication that what I learn in COM truly sets me up for success in the real world.

Hanna and another WGBH intern having fun on the set of Sing That Thing!

Stacy: The 5 Stages of Grief after Ending an Internship

So you're interning at your dream company... and you are having an amazing time. But suddenly you get the e-mail telling you the password to your work e-mail is about to expire. You also get the e-mail from your internship coordinator in COM giving you the end of the semester paperwork to receive internship credit. How do you handle it? Through these stages:

Denial - "Wait, so I don't actually work here?"
After working for a company or organization for a semester... you almost feel part of it. However, come finals time... you realize there is a last day... and it comes quick.
Adjusting - "Look at all the free time I have... it's great...."
Not used to 16-20 free hours every week? How do you spend them once the internship is over? I guess there is Netflix... or you can exercise... or sleep? But who really wants to do those things?
Depression - "Oh your internship still has another week? Mine already ended..."
Watching your friends continue dressing in their business casual while you... don't. You've already finished all six seasons of White Collar and re-watched The Office, so I guess you can take up a hobby? Knitting or... watching the TV station you interned for....
Anger -  "So... there will be another me next semester?"
You realize there is a new intern every semester... someone who will do the same jobs you did, sit in the same seat you did and have the same opportunities. You consider re-applying for the same internship.. but you know it's wrong.
Acceptance - "I wonder where I'll intern next!"
You finally understand that there is so much in your future college career to embark on, and you can take the experiences from your past internships - and use them in the future.

Kevin: If I Could Do It All Over…

As I wrap up my final week at BU and look back at my time, I only have 1 regret. It’s hard for me to admit, and I’m honestly quite ashamed, but it’s time I said it…

I never went to a screening of The Room.

Coolidge Corner Theater has midnight screenings a couple times throughout the semester, and rumor has it Tommy Wiseau and Greg Sistero have made surprise appearances in the past.

Now that I’m graduating, I have only 1 goal: to get a cameo as Mike in James Franco’s Disaster Artist, the movie about the movie about nothing. Rumor has it Dave Franco, Seth Rogen, Kate Upton, Josh Hutcherson, and Zac Efron have all signed on, and I think I’d fit right into that cast.

 

If you haven’t already seen the room, here’s all you need to know:

  • ·      Tommy Wiseau claims to have financed the film by importing and selling leather jackets from Korea. He refuses to further elaborate on this.
  • ·      Shot simultaneously on 35 mm film and high-definition video. Tommy Wiseau was confused about the differences between the formats, so he used both cameras on the same mount. He also purchased the cameras, instead of renting them as film productions usually do.
  • ·      Mark (Greg Sestero) is named after Matt Damon. According to Sestero, Tommy Wiseau misheard the actor's name despite his obsession with the actor.
  • ·      Entire scenes were out of focus because nobody bothered to check the lens.

(these are all entirely real, from IMDB.)

 

To check out the Coolidge’s schedule of screenings, you can click here.

 

Don’t make my mistake and graduate without experiencing The Room gloriously projected onto the large screen.