Fairfax Resident to Make Television Debut as Part of Drexel University's Student-Produced Sitcom

PHILADELPHIA, PA (11/03/2011)(readMedia)-- Kristina Massie from Fairfax, Va. worked on the production of a student-produced sitcom at Drexel University that will make its network television debut on Philadelphia's local CBS affiliate The CW Philly 57 this month.

"OFF CAMPUS" is a sitcom produced by students in Drexel's Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design. The storyline centers around the adventures and misadventures of recent college graduates and roommates Claire, Dean, Felix, Hailey and Nick. All three seasons, including the premiere of season three, will air on The CW Philly from November 5-27.

"To say we're thrilled is an understatement," said Allen Sabinson, dean of the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design. "I am extremely proud of these achievements and believe that our students and faculty are just getting started."

"OFF CAMPUS," an interdisciplinary project by students from the Department of Cinema & Television at Drexel's Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, won an Outstanding Achievement in Student Production award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the organization that annually bestows Emmy Awards.

Perry Casciato, The CW Philly's director of programming and an adjunct professor in Westphal's Television Management program, is pleased that the student production will air on a broadcast station. "After we screened 'OFF CAMPUS,' we felt the series deserved a larger platform and were delighted to have the opportunity to feature both the program and the talents of our community on The CW Philly," he said.

During the 20-week production schedule, Westphal students fulfill all television production roles. Interior design students serve as art directors; fashion majors oversee costumes and makeup; and students majoring in music industry create the score. Massie, a film and video major, was supervising producer for the series.

"Our goal is to make 'OFF CAMPUS' come as close to a professional network primetime production experience as possible for our students," said Andrew Susskind, executive producer of "OFF CAMPUS" and television program director.

The first two episodes of "OFF CAMPUS" are viewable at: www.drexel.edu/westphal/portfolio/?phID=tele.

News media contact:

Stephanie Takach, Communications Associate, University Communications

215-571-4244 (office), sct29@drexel.edu