Broadcasting student debuts show
By Lauren Allen
Around the Town Editor
A student produced television show has been added to the WNCP-TV line up.
Oct. 3rd marked the first shoot of “On Tha Come Up,” a show designed to highlight unsigned artists in North Carolina.
Rules and Regulations
The show is produced by Robert “Chi” Ortega Jr., a junior broadcasting major, and A.J. Graves, also a junior broadcasting major.
The show is open to gospel singers, poets, spoken word, hip-hop and alternative artists.
The show is shot in front of a live audience.
Artists who appear on the show are asked to have at least three songs prepared to perform.
Profanity and derogatory language is not allowed.
Audience members will get the chance to ask questions of the artists during an interview session conducted by Erin Berry, who hosts of the show.
 Photo By Hannah Simpson |
“Actually, the show was an idea I came up with my freshman year. I figured what better way to be heard and be seen than to do it myself,” he said.
It was Ortega’s desire to be heard that helped spark the idea for the show.
Ortega said he started the show because he loves the emotion and heart that an unsigned artist puts into their music.
“I feel that North Carolina artists have not been properly represented. It’s important for somebody to set the tone and help the world understand how talented we all are,” Ortega said.
Berry said the show focuses on the music the artist creates, but also attempts to break the surface and cover issues pertinent to music today.
“We just want to give artists the drive and passion for music and a chance to showcase their talent in a cut-throat industry that usually doesn’t care,” Berry said.
What’s In A Name?
Ortega says the show’s name means it’s for artists who feel like it’s their time to do better and excel in their work.
He explains that these people are on the come up, especially in the music field.
Mike “Wats” Watson, a broadcasting major at UNCP, was the first artist featured on the show.
Watson also took home second place at the 2006 UNCP Talent Show and has inspired many students through his music, including Ortega.
“I watched Wats perform one of his songs on the show and it touched my soul,” Ortega said.
Getting Started
In order to get the show approved, Ortega, Graves and Berry had to create a concise, well thought out production plan that explained the focus and purpose of the show.
The team had to conduct research on demographics, as well as on the likelihood that the show would be a success.
A final proposal plan was presented to Mass Communications Department Chair Dr. Jamie Litty and Mike Decinti, a former instructor in the department.
According to Litty, Ortega and Graves have been very responsible and methodical about producing the show, but she has not seen the finished version of the first episode, yet.
Musical Influence
Music has been a major part of Ortega’s life since he was 8 years old. Currently, Ortega is part of a group called So Much Money Entertainment, better known as SME.
Some of his idols in today’s industry include P-Diddy for his business mind, Nas for inspiring him to start rapping, Lil Wayne and Jay-Z.
Future Plans
After graduation Ortega hopes to continue working with music and possibly expand the show.
“I see it way bigger than it is right now.
“A bigger set, a stage and a large audience; it’s all in my head,” said Ortega.
But more than anything, Ortega just wants to put to use what he’s learned in college.
He’s interested in working for either radio or television but would one day like to direct top budget music videos like Hype Williams.
Williams has worked with artists such as Nas, Missy Elliot, Jay-Z and Kelis.
“I just want to jump out there and do it all,” said Ortega.
Keep The Music Coming
Ortega firmly believes that anyone can do what he’s doing now, as far as his music career goes and his work with the television show.
His says his advice for others would be to get involved in everything possible.
He says people are going to criticize, every crowd won’t like you, but somewhere along the line you’ll reach someone and that’s what counts.
“Just keep the music coming and go, even when they tell you to stop,” Ortega says.
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The print edition of The Pine Needle is published 14 times a year during the fall and spring semesters. Updated: Sunday, November 5, 2006 © The University of North Carolina at Pembroke |
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