LVTV goes live on Halloween

by Bailey Porter
LV Life Editor

Jack-o-lanterns, zany costumes and a spooky set at the University of La Verne's television studio await LVTV's "Halloween Live" program tonight.

"Halloween Live" was developed four years ago to promote outreach and community involvement, said Shane Rodrigues, one of the producers and the director of the show.

The show is live and includes spontaneous as well as planned entertainment for the community.

Community members are welcome to stop by the studio for trick-or-treating and go on-air to share favorite scary stories or Halloween jokes. Children are given the opportunity to appear on the show and say "Hi" to friends or family on camera, said Rodrigues.

Communications professor Don Pollock conceptualized the idea to make use of the medium of public access in a way that brings community involvement and to have something to do on Halloween night.

"I don't want to be home for Halloween with the kids ringing the doorbell," he said.

This year, planning began when classes started in September and Pollock went to area schools and encouraged young students to create videos that can be aired throughout the night, he said.

ULV communications students also produce Halloween themed video inserts that will go with the show's live skits.

The program is crewed by communications students, which gives them class experience, Pollock said.

Stage manager Antonette Manabat, junior, has been hearing about the show since she started at the University two years ago, and she is finally able to be part of it.

"It's a lot of fun, a real kid's show that brings in the community," Manabat said.

Costumes for the show hang expectantly in Pollock's office.

In the past, the show was hosted by Pollock's Halloween personae, Billy Bob, a hillbilly complete with rotting, crooked teeth and a thick accent.

This year viewers and walk-ins are in for a surprise. Billy Bob has been replaced by a vampire, also played by Pollock, and throughout the night, Pollock will become three different characters.

Skits performed by ULV students will tell the story of Billy Bob's demise and Count Dracula's debut.

Viewers can watch Halloween Live on Channel 3 on cable in La Verne and San Dimas.

Trick-or-treaters and others interested in visiting the set can come to the LVTV studio located at 2016 D Street on the corner of D Street and Arrow Highway in La Verne. Call-ins can be made to the show during during show hours at (909) 596-8743.