In March I had the great honor to tape 4 segments for Quilting Arts TV. I have been a long time fan of the both Quilting Arts Magazine and Quilting Arts TV and I was over the moon excited to be invited to appear on the show. Let me take you along for a peek “behind the curtain” of the filming process. First off the episodes are shot in Ohio a short distance from Cleveland where I managed a celebrity selfie at the airport upon arrival….
Once at the studio there are big tables with large trays to set out all your segment materials - these are mostly how to do segments and take a lot of step outs and supplies.
I came in a day early so I could have plenty of time to get my bearings get set up and to have the chance to watch the taping process BEFORE I went in front of the camera.
A charming welcome - I must be in the right place!
Getting all set up
On taping day the first stop up is the Make-up department. I worked in professional theater for a number of years but always backstage, never on stage, so this was the 1st time I had this kind of heavy theatrical makeup applied. Karen the make-up artist was so good and I fell in love with the lip color she used on me. I ordered a tube and can’t wait until it arrives.
Once make-up is done and you are in “costume” It’s time to roll. You are ushered onto the set. It’s all very exciting and happens very quickly.
Bernina is a sponsor of the show and Jeannine the Bernina rep works with you to make sure the sewing machine is all set up and you know exactly how to use it for your segments, she is awesome! I just wanted to take her home with me. She is one of those rare people who is so positive and supportive and just plain huggable that you can’t help but want to be around her.
Jeannine top left, Susan Knapp the shows host top right, views of the equipment and Kristine Lundblad taking picture (photos by Vivika DeNegre)
Each segment is done (hopefully) straight thru in one take. Before each segment you talk thru what you are going to demonstrate with the producer, cameraman, and other key people like the shows host Susan Brubaker Knapp and the editor of Quilting Arts Magazine Vivika DeNegre, so they all know how the shots will be handled what equipment you will need for your demo.
I was really nervous until after we did the 1st segment then I relaxed and started to have fun. Everyone involved is so supportive and there to help you to do a good job and it was fun to meet the other artists and get to compare notes and see their work up close. I am pleased to say I was able to do all my segments in one take each. But, by the time I did the last one I must say I was getting tired! It looks like the last segment I taped, is the 1st one that will be broadcast so I’m anxious to see if my fatigue shows…
Walking thru the segment before the cameras roll
Feeling pretty….
Here I am with Susan Brubaker Knapp, she is just as smart, talented and nice in person as she appears to be on the show.
3 of my segments will appear in season 2600 which begins airing on July 2 on PBS the exact day and time will vary depending on your market. At my house that means the 1st episode of the new season is July 4 at 9:00 am and if I am reading the schedule right I am on episodes 3, 10 and 13 airing on my PBS station on July 18, Sept 5 and Sept 26 assuming they don’t skip any weeks or have any other programming shifts. I will be setting my DVR to record the whole season (I already record all the episodes…) so I don’t miss any of the episodes.
I think my quilts looked FABULOUS on the set, THEY didn’t need make-up ;-)
After a long day filming everyone is hungry and feeling relieved, time for a group dinner and a chance to get to relax together.
from left front to back and right back to front - Susan, Kristine, Ana, Ana’s husband, Candy, Lorraine, me and Vivika
At the end of the day back at the hotel, I didn’t want to take my make-up off and go to bed - that would mean the wonderful day and this awesome experience had ended… I am so grateful to Quilting Arts for the opportunity to come together with these wonderful people and share something I love so much. it was a magical day I won’t ever forget.