Date: Nov 21, 2007

Hofstra Grads YouTube Series Picked Up by Major Network

CBS and Darren Star to Develop Comedy Based On We Need Girlfriends Series

Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY – A Web series created by three Hofstra School of Communication alumni after they were dumped by their girlfriends following graduation is being developed as a comedy by CBS.

“We Need Girlfriends,” created by Steven Tsapelas ‘03, Angel Acevedo and Brian Aymot ‘04, had an 11-episode YouTube run that drew as many as 700,000 views per episode. Now, “Sex and the City” creator Darren Star has teamed with CBS to develop a comedy based on the series.

The recently graduated threesome saw a Web series as the perfect outlet for their film work, which they wanted to be funny and at the same time tell engaging character-based stories that would bring viewers back for more.

“As the show developed we noticed the fan response was increasing monthly,” said Angel. “Soon we were being contacted by people in the industry that said they were fans of the series. Around that time we were pretty sure we had a shot at a TV pick –up.”

The series was produced by Ragtag Productions, Brian, Steven and Angel’s production company they created after graduation. The threesome not only produced but cast and wrote the series.

“YouTube is the new film festival,” said Brian. “It gives filmmakers ample opportunity to get their voice out there and receive instant feedback. You know very quickly from the audience comments what is working and what isn’t.”

One of those 700,000 viewers who thought the series was working was Greg Daniels, the executive producer of “The Office”.  Mr. Daniels invited Steven, Angel and Brian down to the set of The Office set, which just happens to be their favorite show, to discuss the production.

“He was the one who told us first he could see our series on television, which really got us thinking,” said Steven. “We got a manager and an agent and now we have CBS and Darren Star!”

Steven, Angel and Brian owe a lot of their good fortune to the Hofstra Filmmakers Club, where they met.

“When we met at the first Filmmakers Club meeting we bonded instantly,” said Angel. “Our love of movies and our desire to make more films inspired us. Soon we were living together and spending all our time together.”

What’s next for these successful film makers and Ragtag Productions?

“We have a lot of ideas we’re floating around for movies and other TV shows,” said Brian. “We would also really like to produce another Web series. The Internet got us to where we are today and we want to keep our voice present on it.”

Hofstra University is a dynamic private institution where students can choose from more than 140 undergraduate and 155 graduate programs in liberal arts and sciences, business, communication, education and allied human services, and honors studies, as well as a School of Law. With a student-faculty ratio of 14-to-1, our professors teach small classes averaging 23 students that emphasize interaction, critical thinking and analysis. Hofstra offers a faculty whose highest priority is teaching excellence, cutting edge technology, extensive library resources, internships and special educational programs that appeal to their interests and abilities.  The Hofstra community is driven, dynamic and energetic, helping students find and focus their strengths to prepare them for a successful future.

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