The pilot episode of Borderland Picturehouse, a non-profit show produced in part by EPCC student Benjamin Munguia, is scheduled to air later this month on KCOS channel 13.
Eli Valenzuela, producer and host of the program, had long envisioned a show for local television which would give local filmmakers an outlet to showcase their work.
He was able to actualize his idea when radio and television broadcast student and senior assistant manager of Tinseltown Benjamin Munguia, 25, acquired the
production equipment necessary.
Adam Hollgene, an English graduate from UTEP, and Jorge Salas, manager of Tinsletown, also joined the project as producers.
“The show has been a labor of love,” said Munguia. “All the expenses are out of our pocket, but it is worth it to give artists this opportunity.”
After much deliberation, Salas offered up the name for the show, Borderland Picturehouse.
“We had thought of several names including Eye on El Paso but decided on Jorge’s idea for the name,” said Munguia. “Borderland may sound cliché to some people here in El Paso but it is because we’re also trying to reach out to Las Cruces, Juarez and all surrounding areas. We show films in all languages.”
After pitching the idea to an executive at KCOS, the team of producers started work on the pilot episode with the idea to exhibit more than just short films.
“KCOS made it clear that it had to be community based, not selective,” Munguia said. “So, we interpreted that the show should span the spectrum of art which also includes photography and music.”
In the pilot, paintings and other artwork are accompanied by music produced by local musicians.
“It is a big honor to have my music featured on this show,” said UTEP liberal arts major Eddie Poschmann, 26, known more commonly as rootbug, which he spells with a lowercase “r.” “Anytime I get this kind of chance, it lifts my spirits greatly and helps me get inspired to create more tunes.”
The other portion of the 30 minute air the show is set to fill at 10 p.m. one Saturday a month is dedicated to interviewing local artists of different expertise.
“For the pilot I interviewed Zechs Marquise, a progressive instrumental band, and we showed a music video by Radio La Chusma,” said Salas. “I want to interview all creative people, focusing on bands and music groups.”
The show features, in addition, a how-to segment hosted by EPCC mass communication instructor, Dr. Douglas Carr.
“Dr. Carr gives insight into the skills necessary for TV and audio production,” said Munguia. “We want to make the show informative as well as entertaining.”
Jackie Garcia, 21, electronic media student at UTEP and co-host of Borderland Picturehouse said the show will present several students, including herself, with opportunities not otherwise readily available.
“This show is something El Paso needed,” said Garcia.
“It allows artists to submit and show off there work and it allows me to get the hands on experience I need.”
Hopes that the show will benefit the community as a whole are high among the producers.
“I want it to make the point to people that there’s more than desert to El Paso. There are creative minds here,” said Salas. “I want El Paso to become known for its filmmakers like Austin is known for its musicians.”
Valenzuela anticipates that the exposure will inspire more artists in the area to create pieces consistently.
“Local artists will produce more work now that they have a place they can show it,” Valenzuela said.
The producers are continuously looking for new artists seeking publicity.
“We are continually accepting entries,” said Munguia.
“I want to spread the word wide enough and invite artists of all kinds.”
Munguia said if the program is successful in spotlighting and promoting regional artistry, then the air time may be extended.
“I hope we will be able to bump it up to an hour,” Munguia said. “It’s such in the early stages at this point that we are really just trying to earn the support of the people in El Paso. Then, we may start accepting donations such as tapes.”
For submission inquiries visit myspace.com/borderlandpicturehouse.
