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By now, I've had the privilege of making multiple trips to the Northeast Ohio based It's Sew Easy TV studio. From the parking lot you would never imagine the hustle and bustle inside, all in an effort to bring you quality sewing education and inspiration. KS Productions is owned and operated by Katherine Stull. She is an extraordinary woman, producing a wide variety of award winning do it yourself shows broadcast online, and via PBS stations across the country. Katherine is also the beautiful voice over you hear on each show.
Make up makes a world of difference!
Susan (pictured here) and Karen, (a regular at the studio but off on this particular day) are both master make-up artists. Each of these talented ladies has a unique background specializing in production for movies and videos. They can quickly conceal dark circles left behind from long nights of sewing in preparation for the scheduled week of taping!
Lights, Camera, Action!
Mike orchestrates all the action from the master control room. It's evident that he is happy in his work and loves the entire fast paced process. In his role as Director he focuses on getting everything "just right" each and every time.
Expert camera operators such as Brett are part of what makes every show you see is bright and beautiful when production is all finished.
Lights and cameras are moved from place to place in preparation for each new segment. Tom always disappears into the dark background once taping begins. Then, he skillfully operates cameras that come from above and behind without me ever knowing where they are hovering and zooming in. One camera is so large (I call it Tyrannosaurus Rex), I couldn't even get back far enough to get a good photo!
My countdown camera man Keith snuck out before I could snap his photo. Each segment begins with a 5-4-3-2-1 ACTION! Keith always puts me at ease with his bright smile as my mind races with last minute thoughts of "I hope I remember what I want to say."
Brian makes certain the sound you hear is clear and crisp so you don't miss out on any important instructions. I never notice the microphone he so strategically puts in place.
I only notice how cold the equipment feels when you are taping first thing in the morning!
I only notice how cold the equipment feels when you are taping first thing in the morning!
Team effort ensures a smooth
and seamless show!
and seamless show!
From left to right, Segment Producer Lynn, and Production Coordinator Katherine, look calm and collected as they sit at their desks. This photo shows a rare moment of sit down time as they are both usually hopping around helping instructors with everything from ironing samples, setting up machines, feeding hungry participants, and coaching instructors with a run through of their show time demonstrations.
Patsy is parked in the green room where every guest prepares and organizes their samples and such. A monitor on the wall shows in real time what's happening live on the set. Patsy's official title is Production Assistant, meaning she does a million different things, including snapping on-set photos from every angle imaginable.
Kimberli MacKay is there for the duration, encouraging and educating all who arrive ready to demonstrate and sew on the broad line of machines Brother provides on set. Kimberli is a Brother product specialist and an experienced educator herself, but for me she is a much-needed cheerleader as countdown begins for each new segment.
The photo collection you see here by no means shows the whole team. Assistant Director Kara and Video Editor Sherry are invaluable and important team members. It's hard to catch them for a photo op because they are always hard at work making the end result of each show something you will enjoy watching.
I can't neglect to mention Production Manager Tim Stull, able and affable spouse of Katherine. He literally had a hand in building the studio and could easily wear a hat emblazoned with the title "Master of things that need to be done."
I can't neglect to mention Production Manager Tim Stull, able and affable spouse of Katherine. He literally had a hand in building the studio and could easily wear a hat emblazoned with the title "Master of things that need to be done."
Just like most busy sewing spaces, it's not all neat, pretty, and perfect! A menagerie of miscellaneous machines and accessories are tucked away, ready to be moved into place for sewing, embroidery, and quilting scenes demanding the right tool for each instructor to use. It's a whirlwind of activity from beginning to end, one jam packed week for a season's worth of quality "how to" shows.
I hope you enjoyed this peek into the It's Sew Easy TV studio! It all comes together so you can relax and learn from the comfort of your own home, computer, or favorite mobile device. Happy Sewing!
I hope you enjoyed this peek into the It's Sew Easy TV studio! It all comes together so you can relax and learn from the comfort of your own home, computer, or favorite mobile device. Happy Sewing!
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