West Michigan is preparing a unique invitation for children to "Come On Over" - a first-of-its-kind television show designed to reacquaint young people with the joys of everyday play, creativity and imagination. It is all unfolding in the state-of-the-art production facilities of the new Martha Miller Center.
The new show, which began shooting last month, is the creation of Enthusiastic Productions, LLC, a recently formed venture involving Hope alumnus Joel Schoon Tanis '89 and the Grand Rapids Children's Museum. The show's initial 13 episodes are scheduled to air this fall in Western Michigan on WOTV-4.
Hope students are working alongside veteran producers and cameramen as production assistants, camera operators and program talent. The show is also drawing on college staff for creative and choreographic input, as well as technical assistance.
"Hope is very pleased to partner with Enthusiastic Productions! and the Grand Rapids Children's Museum to support this exciting new venture in children's television," said Provost James Boelkins. "The programming is consistent with our goals of education through collaboration, creativity and engagement. It is a great opporutnity for our students to learn from the excellent cadre of professionals who are working on the project, inlcuding our own graduate, Joel Tanis. In addition, we are pleased to utilize the resources of the new TV studio in the Martha Miller Center. We see this as a win-win relationship in every respect."