Television and Film Arts student pilot premieres December 6, serves as launchpad for students’ careers

Each fall, seniors enrolled in TFA 450 in Buffalo State University’s Television and Film Arts (TFA) program are tasked with writing, producing, directing, and marketing an original half-hour television pilot. This year’s project, Spares, premieres with a free public screening at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, in Buffalo State’s Warren Enters Theatre.

“Over the past decade, TFA students have successfully created original half-hour TV pilots as their capstone project,” said Jeffrey Hirschberg, Buffalo State professor and TFA director. “This essential professional experience has helped our students launch their careers in the entertainment industry.”

Spares is described as “a y2K coming-of-age story in which a closeted teen finds love and sisterhood in an underground all-girls bowling team after being sent to a conservative town to suppress her rebellious nature,” and is considered one of the most ambitious pilots the program has undertaken, both in scope and budget.

 “The senior pilot project takes lessons from the classroom and transfers them into real industry spaces where students learn by doing,” said Meagan Weaver, TFA assistant professor and TFA 450 instructor. “This year, our seniors challenged themselves with scope, cast size, locations, and content. To see them live in their roles, work together, build experience, and apply their creativity was an absolute joy.”

This real-world experience is critical not only for students but for Western New York, as demand for film professionals continues to grow. While Buffalo has long been a prime location for feature films, the past few years have seen a significant increase in film production due to the region’s diverse scenic locations and historic architecture, a recent New York State tax incentive, and the opening of Great Point Studios on Niagara Street. 

This year’s pilot concept was pitched by senior Ashley Matter, who served as the project’s executive producer. Each student enrolled in TFA 450 was required to generate a logline and pitch deck for consideration; Matter’s concept was selected by group vote. 

After pitch selection, the class underwent an interview process to determine production roles. Seniors were “hired” for the following production roles: Collin Bostock as director; Julia Eason as production designer, costume designer, and co-line producer; Marissa Wenzel as head writer; Matthew Green as director of photography; Melody Mendoza as writer, hair, and makeup artist; Elisha Martin as second assistant director and marketing writer; Rhea Rose as head editor; Nathan Koss as marketing director and assistant editor; and Hopeton Scott as gaffer and marketing director of photography. Underclassmen served as production assistants.

Matter said that she was impressed at how well she and her classmates assumed their roles during the pilot’s week of filming in November.

“We learned quickly to find our spots in production to work together efficiently,” she said. “I was nervous that there would be many bumps in the road, but production week went smoothly. If there were problems, they were easily fixed. Now, I can take the skills and experience for my future career.”

“It was a great learning experience,” added Eason. “I learned how to manage three departments while also mentoring underclassmen.”

Post-premiere, students will submit the pilot to television and screenwriting festivals. Last year’s pilot, Be Happy, was selected for the Buffalo International Film Festival.

Reflecting upon production, Bostock summed up the experience: “It was a wonderful week where our limits were tested, and we came out the other end stronger for it. I love making movies.”

To learn more about the premiere, follow Spares on Facebook and Instagram. The pilot will be screened at the Warren Enters Theatre—Upton Hall on the Buffalo State University campus:  Saturday, December 6, at 7:00 pm. Admission is free and open to the public.