Off University

This webseries will always have a special place in my heart, as will the group of people who helped make it. ChomPics Productions came into my life at a time when I was very unhappy with where I was, both in life and in my creative career. After changing my major 8 times - and no, that's no exaggeration - I had been a Telecom major for all of a week when I got an email from the Telecom listserv with the subject line: "TV Miniseries Project". It almost seemed too good to be true that the exact thing I wanted to do most in my life seemed to fall in my lap[top] that day. Having spent most of the previous summer writing sketches and short stories, I decided to submit an application for a position on the writing team. Though my methods may have bordered on unethical (I offered to buy the selection committee Red Lobster), I was ultimately given a spot as one of the staff writers. The show certainly does have a aimlessness about it - I cannot deny that. What I think this ultimately makes Off University relatable is how aimless its creators felt at that particular time in our lives - certainly myself, at the very least. It makes me very happy to say that the friends I made in ChomPics during the Off University era went on to become some of my very best friends in college, and I feel confident in saying that will continue to be true for the rest of my life. I look forward to a day when we can all work together again in the future once our skills have been further honed. (By the way, Connor and Beth if you're reading this I know I still owe you those Cheddar Bay Biscuits.) For Off University, I was a Staff Writer for Episodes 1-3 & Episode 5. I was Head Writer for "Episode 4: Johnathan" alongside my good friend and frequent collaborator Darren Cohn, who now holds a Masters of Fine Arts from the University of South California School of Motion Pictures. I also played the role of Angus Black in Episode 1 and Episodes 3-5.

Episode 1: Pilot

Johnathan (played by Kelbin Ramirez) is an opportunistic political science major trying his hardest to climb the student government social ladder; he also happens to be gay.

Mia (played by Crystal Bailey) is an introverted Journalism major who is not afraid to speak her mind. She may be a bit naive, but she is definitely calm, level-headed and rational.

Kelsey (played by Leah Shields) is an overachieving, outspoken student set on giving a good impression to the world. She may be a bit materialistic and overbearing, but she always acts with the best intentions.

Codi (played by Sam Speedy) is a quirky young woman who could care less what other people think. She has many hobbies (taxidermy being the least strange) and dances to the beat of her own drum.
Episode 2: Mia

"Mia" is the second installment in ChomPics Production's original 5 episode scripted mini series "Off University."

Shortly after her roommates forget the anniversary of her mother's passing, Kelsey, Codi and Johnathan try to make it up to Mia by throwing a "get together."

In order to plan the surprise event, Kelsey sends Bryce on a mission to distract Mia for the day, but nothing turns out as expected for anyone involved.
Episode 3: Kelsey

"Kelsey" is the third installment in ChomPics Production's original 5 episode scripted mini series "Off University."

After being purchased by Grover at a date auction for her service fraternity, Kelsey wakes up in his apartment with no memory of the previous night.

While Kelsey is trying to remember the events of her date, Johnathan secures the help of his roommates and Bryce to produce his newest venture - a web series entitled "Callate y Aprende con Johnathan."
Episode 4: Johnathan

"Johnathan" is the fourth installment in ChomPics Production's original 5 episode scripted mini series "Off University."

After a confrontation with is arch-nemesis Chad, Johnathan resolves to run against him for the presidency of a student organization.

The gang tries to help Johnathan out for his campaign, but the pressure starts to get to him and tear their friendship apart.
Episode 5: Codi (Series Finale)

"Codi" is the fifth and final installment of ChomPics Production's original 5 episode scripted mini series "Off University."

When Codi tells her friends that she's entering into an engagement with her boyfriend Angus, they come together to make sure Codi's and Angus' impending nuptials will be the event of a lifetime.
Off University - Episode 4: Johnathan

This is the script for "Episode 4: Johnathan" that was written by Darren Cohn and myself. The idea for a student election episode came to us during our first brainstorming session in an Arby's. I spotted a nearby copy of The Alligator (the UF student newspaper) with a headline regarding a student government corruption scandal involving fraternity and sorority members. Meanwhile, Darren was absentmindedly rapping a made-up song containing the lyrics "...my ho, my ho, my ho is in the garden..." and thus MIHO* was born.

(*I'm not exactly certain that's how the name "MIHO" came about, but I know we were at Arby's and I ordered a Reuben on marbled rye.)
Behind the Scenes - Evan, Angus, & Grover

Evan (Darren Cohn), Grover (C.J. Benson) & Angus (Kenneth Stewart) really bring a...strange energy to the "Off University" family! Check out their experience on the show here!

Fun Fact: I've known C.J. since 6th grade, and he was my roommate through all 4 years of college. He was my first ever sketchwriting partner, and I actually got him the audition for Grover's role. They were immediately impressed with his creepiness, thinking it to be donned for the role. Only I knew the truth: it's a mask he can't remove. But we love him anyway.
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