Big Idea Magazine – February 2002 - Writer: - Ken Taylor
Musical Renaissance
Ronnie Brewster may not strum the guitar too often these days, but the music
bug still has it's teeth in him.
When the demise of PBS' Backstage Pass left the Detroit music scene's TV
presence in limbo, Brewster and co-producer Paula Parisot decidedly picked up the slack. he's intent on winnning back the scene's audience with his latest
project, Musical Renaissance: The show that Rocks Detroit.
Truth be told, Musical Renaissance isn't exactly Brewster's latest endeavor.
The show acutally first took hold in 1987 when Brewster was fresh out of
the Specs Howard School. Over the next couple of years, he produced nine episodes, but the project has been sitting dormant since 1989.
Why now?
Is it that Detroit's thriving garage rock scene, led by the White
Stripes and company, has pulled up it's socks and found itself on the cover
of every newspaper from here to Britain? True, those groups may not need
Brewster's help but there are a number of others that still do.
"I get the most response from the musicians" reports Brewster.
"Everybody
wants a show like this. There is a need for it.
And he's right. There certainly is a demand for such programming as more and
more bands crop up throughout the state. Tom Ness, publisher of the scene
chronicling Jam Rag Magazine, would be the first to admit it.
"As usual,
Ronnie is leading the way in covering Michigan talent with his TV shows, "he
says, referring to Brewster's non-profit Michigan Television Network and
it's penchant for recognizing local arts talent.
Ness is just one subject interviewed for the rebirth of Musical Renaissance.
He, along with WCSX,s Ken Calvert, the Howling Diablos, and George Clinton
will be featured in the half hour shows set to air in March. Videos by
locals Stewart Frankce and Robb Roy will also be interspersed with interview
footage.
It's not just the musicians who are excited about the new prospect of
television rock journalism, though. Everyone from camera operators, to White
Room Studios, to Baywatch actress and Musical Renaissance host Nicole
Tindall, has donated their time in hopes that it will lead to something
bigger.
Brewster also ensures that the visuals will be as raw and edgy as the music,
flavoring the show with on-location and concert hall shoots.
He also hopes that the program will inspire bands to make their own videos
for airplay.
This, he feels will set Musical Renaissance apart from shows
like Backstage Pass that focus mainly on in studio performances.
"Right now {If bands} do a video, where are they going to air it? "he ask.
"They send it to MTV, what are the chances of them even getting seen? With a
local braodcast, the possibilites are endless."
In the past, Brewster paid out-of-pocket to see his dreams become a reality,
buying time on public access television to run MTN's programs.
This time
around though, he hopes sponsors will foot the bill.
until then,
Brewster will keep pounding away his labor of love.
If all goes
well, he and Parisot could be on a regular production schedule very soon.
They've already started working on a second episode.
C&G
Newspapers: 10-28-98
Writer: Michelle
Moran
The state's the
star in a new television program put together by lifelong Madison
Heights resident.
Fulfilling a long held dream of creating a television program that spotlights local talent,
Ronnie Brewster has gotten his Michigan Television Network (MTN) off the ground and on the
air on local cable stations in more than a dozen area communities,
including Detroit, Hazel Park, Madison Heights and Troy.
Most
recently, Media One of Roseville was added to that list, he said.
"I just want to try to get people together, to unite people
to create TV that inspires others to create TV, enhances the image
of Michigan and supports the (states) entertainment industry,"
Brewster said. "Brewster, a
Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts grad, created and produced the show.
Detroiter Michael Williams
directed the first episode, and Warren resident Timothy Ross acted
as the show's photographer and production assistant.
The first
show, which is still airing in some communities and will be starting
in others, features interviews with members of the Michigan Music
is World Class campaign, 1998 Red Wings parade footage and music
from Joe Brown and the Beard Band.
The eclectic mix is in keeping
with Brewster's goal of making his variety show a broad-based
effort the spans the gamut from music and comedy to public opinion.
"Were going to get a lot of groups involved - as many as
possible," he said. Unlike other variety shows, Brewster's
is shot entirely on location.
The producer said he prefers outdoor
settings and shot some segments for the first episode in Mount
Clemens and Green Acres Park in Hazel Park.
If you look at the
credits as far as set design, it says, "GOD, mankind and
the evolving Universe,'
because we don't have a set," he
said.
Besides a general love for his state, Brewster traces the
impulse to create MTN to a music video program he worked on almost
ten years ago at Barden Cable, which featured one local video
per episode.
At press time, Brewster was in the planning stages
for the next show, He said the second episode probably won't be
ready until the beginning of next year, since Brewster hopes to
get assistance in marketing and producing it.
He welcomes submissions
from budding filmmakers, local bands with videos and others.
"If
it's good enough, we can put it on the air," he said.
He
hopes - and believes - others in television will follow suit and
salute the state's talent as well. But even if the program succeeds
and draws national attention to people in the state, as Brewster
says it can, he wants to keep the volunteer-produced show nonprofit.
"I'd rather find people who want to work from the heart than
people who just want to make money," he said.
Local producer features Michigan
Great talent doesn't
just come from New York And Los Angeles.
There's plenty of it right here in Michigan, and local independent
producer,
Ronnie Brewster wants to show it off!
That's why Brewster,
a lifelong resident of Madison heights, created the
Royal Oak based Michigan Television network, a program dedicated
to
inspiring, educating and entertaining others by featuring the
talented folks
who live right here in our state.
I love Michigan.
I always have, said Brewster.
"And I know we have a lot of
talent here - I've seen it."
Brewster, a 1987 graduate of the
Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts
,combined his lifetime love for Michigan with his longtime passion
for television production and The Michigan television Network, a variety show featuring local entertainment, was born.
The first show,
which aired Oct. 28 on TCI Cablevision (Channel 52) and Media
One in Roseville, was hosted by Warren funny man, Dave Walters,
and offered
music (Joe Brown and The Beard Band), informative interviews (including Doug Trevethan, editor of Michigan Vue magazine and Tom Ness, editor and publisher
of jam Rag magazine), on-the-street interviews, opinions from
the Michigan
Music is World Class Campaign and exclusive footage from the 1998
Red Wings
parade.
Brewster was assisted
by director and cameraman Michael Williams of Detroit
and photographer/production assistant Timothy Ross of Warren.
The half-hour
show also aired by Detroit's Comcast Cable in November , and all
three cable
providers ran it more than once.
"It went well,"
said Brewster.
"We interviewed 60 people for the show and 42 made the final
cut."
Complete production
of the program took about five months, according to
Brewster, and although use of the public access facility was free,
Brewster
used his own money to front any additional charges.
"I'm not doing this to make money," Brewster said. "Sure,
I'd like to build
it up by looking for sponsors and try to get it on other networks.
But, that
all depends on how much air time cost.
In the meantime,
Brewster is planning to run a second episode on public
access channels soon, and production is already in the works.
That's where
the talented Michigan public comes in.
The Michigan Television
Network is looking for producers, writers, comedians,
musicians, inspirational material, TV stations, radio stations,
local print
publication, production houses and other cable stations who want
to enhance
the image of out state and recognize Michigan's many talented
treasures.
"The more people
we can involve, the better," said Brewster. "I know
we have so much to offer right here in Michigan, but we need people to
catch on."
Brewster envisions the next program to have more involvement,
more music
videos and have a more professional look.
He always wants to improve what
he's done, but according to Brewster, he's also having fun learning
from his mistakes.
"Nobody can
discourage me on this," said Brewster. "As long as I
can learn
from it and enjoy it, I cannot be discouraged."
Now that's one Michigan resident who's already a star.
Michigan Vue Magazine
August 1999 –
Courtesy Doug and Hily Trevethan
In October of 1998 a cable access show premiered with the title Michigan Television Network.
The first show was created by lifelong resident and
Specs Howard graduate
Ronnie R. Brewster, executive producer.
It was hosted by Wayne State Alumni, Warren’s own funny man Dave (Guido) Walters, associate producer.
Mike Williams from Detroit directed and operated camera. Timothy Ross (also from Warren) was production assistant and photographer.
According to Brewster.
“The mission of the show is unite creative minds to inspire and support the entertainment industry and enhance the image of Michigan
–MTN is a non profit organization that understands the importance of human potential, the value of continuous education, and thrives on those who work from the heart, not just to make money.”
Proceeds go towards creating programs, promotion, education, and compensating those who share their knowledge and expertise.
The MTN crew started shooting for their second show in May and are hoping to have it completed by the end of July.
“It’s getting better all the time.” Said Walters.
“Nothing can stop an idea whose time has come, ”added Brewster.
Already in the can are interviews with Phillip DiMambro from the I group talent agency/Creatives for a cure; Wayne Indyk, Chairman of the Detroit Film Coalition; Jasen Magic, one of Michigan’s favorite magicians who received national attention last year by hanging himself 70 feet over the Clinton river in a straight jacket and setting the rope on fire; Rose, a singer/songwriter from Royal Oak whose music and unique beat will leave you wanting more; and Fabrizio Rallo, a pianist/composer from Italy who has only been in America for four years and now resides in Shelby township –“his music will touch your heart and lift your spirit,” commented Brewster.
As if that wasn’t enough, include Kathleen McEvilly, the queen of sit down comedy who has inspired so many by proving that a head injury that has left her handicapped can’t stop those with the passion and perseverance to succeed.
Recently, Dave Walters was a guest on Specs profile.”
A Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts production, which will be seen in over 70 different cities on public access.
Clips from that interview will also be seeen on the MTN show. In addition, some well known people in the community shared their thoughts, including Dick Kernan, vp of industry relations and Jim Bell, chief instructor, both from the
Specs Howard school:
and Chris Benjamin, 98/99 president of the Detroit Producers Association.
Less than a year after starting this venture,
Brewster wrote, “the greatest minds in history understood the power of our thoughts and habits.
The importance of listening to others and the advantage of having an open mind … an understanding that our attitudes and perspectives send contagious energy that develops our minds and creates the world we live in.
Recognize that a love for what we do is one of the most powerful motivators in life.
“You can get involved by sending your suggestions and videos to MTN, BOX 765 Royal Oak, I 48068-0765.
If you would like to share your thoughts, write a segment, sponsor a segment or just leave a message, call 248-570-0863, anytime.
New cable show focuses on Michigan talent
Ronnie Brewster
loves Michigan.
He was born and raised here, and as an adult
it remains his home state. Brewster also loves to create.
As a
producer, videographer and editor, he is an individual of many
talents.
So with his dual interest, it is fitting, perhaps, that
he would form the Royal Oak-based Michigan Television Network
(MTN).
The show combines
interviews and videos with a touch of humor, courtesy of
host Dave Walters. Filmmakers, photographers and magicians have
been profiled, and rocker Ted Nugent has even lent his support
with a brief appearance.
The stated goal:
"to recognize the great wealth of talent of talent and open
people's eyes to the enormous potential of our great state.
"
"There's a lot of (gifted) people right here in Michigan,
and they don't get the recognition they deserve," said Brewster,
executive producer.
"This program
serves as a vehicle to people who wouldn't ordinarily get
projects seen," added director Michael Williams.
Two installments
have aired on Media One, Community Media Network and Comcast
Cable systems, and a third show is now in post-production.
The idea for the program first came to Brewster a decade ago,
while producer
of a music video show.
It also aired ion local cable though it
mainly featured national acts.
This lack of regional
attention troubled Brewster, and the idea of MTN was
sown.
Ten years later, with the assistance of Walters and Williams,
as wall as crew members Timothy Ross and Dave Olson, concept has became a reality.
Thus far, response to the program has been positive.
So much so, in fact, that some have been solicited the network, requesting that their work be profiled.
And there have been other improvements: technical strides have
been made,
contacts have been cultivated and another staff member has recently
joined the project.
"This is something
I truly believe in my heart," Brewster said.
For more
info, contact MTN at 248-570-0863.
Videos' footage,
ideas or
inquiries can be sent to:
P.O. BOX 765 Royal Oak, MI 48068-0765,
or leave a message at 248-570-0863.
- Writer: -John Smyntek.
Starring your friends and neighbors This article has been shorten for MTN.
Mike Duffy’s TV Weekend
“Michigan Television Network” (1.a.m., WDWB-TV, channel 20)
Local access king Ronnie Brewster’s video dream magazine hits the airwaves. Guest include comedy impresario Mark Ridley and magician Jasen Magic.
Jam Rag Magazine – January 2001 - Writer: - Tom Ness
Michigan Television Network’s next show is due in March on WB20 watch for an exclusive interview with Michigan native Bruce Campbell, “star in the Evil Dead series, Jack of all Trades and Autolycus in Xena the Warrior Princess.”
Big Idea Magazine – February 2002 - Writer: -
Ken Taylor
Musical Renaissance
Ronnie Brewster may not strum the guitar too often these days, but the music
bug still has it's teeth in him.
When the demise of PBS' Backstage Pass left the Detroit music scene's TV
presence in limbo, Brewster and co-producer Paula Parisot decidedly picked up the slack. he's intent on winnning back the scene's audience with his latest
project, Musical Renaissance: The show that Rocks Detroit.
Truth be told, Musical Renaissance isn't exactly Brewster's latest endeavor.
The show acutally first took hold in 1987 when Brewster was fresh out of
the Specs Howard School. Over the next couple of years, he produced nine episodes, but the project has been sitting dormant since 1989.
Why now?
Is it that Detroit's thriving garage rock scene, led by the White
Stripes and company, has pulled up it's socks and found itself on the cover
of every newspaper from here to Britain? True, those groups may not need
Brewster's help but there are a number of others that still do.
"I get the most response from the musicians" reports Brewster.
"Everybody
wants a show like this. There is a need for it.
And he's right. There certainly is a demand for such programming as more and
more bands crop up throughout the state. Tom Ness, publisher of the scene
chronicling Jam Rag Magazine, would be the first to admit it.
"As usual,
Ronnie is leading the way in covering Michigan talent with his TV shows, "he
says, referring to Brewster's non-profit Michigan Television Network and
it's penchant for recognizing local arts talent.
Ness is just one subject interviewed for the rebirth of Musical Renaissance.
He, along with WCSX,s Ken Calvert, the Howling Diablos, and George Clinton
will be featured in the half hour shows set to air in March. Videos by
locals Stewart Frankce and Robb Roy will also be interspersed with interview
footage.
It's not just the musicians who are excited about the new prospect of
television rock journalism, though. Everyone from camera operators, to White
Room Studios, to Baywatch actress and Musical Renaissance host Nicole
Tindall, has donated their time in hopes that it will lead to something
bigger.
Brewster also ensures that the visuals will be as raw and edgy as the music,
flavoring the show with on-location and concert hall shoots.
He also hopes that the program will inspire bands to make their own videos
for airplay.
This, he feels will set Musical Renaissance apart from shows
like Backstage Pass that focus mainly on in studio performances.
"Right now {If bands} do a video, where are they going to air it? "he ask.
"They send it to MTV, what are the chances of them even getting seen? With a
local braodcast, the possibilites are endless."
In the past, Brewster paid out-of-pocket to see his dreams become a reality,
buying time on public access television to run MTN's programs.
This time
around though, he hopes sponsors will foot the bill.
until then,
Brewster will keep pounding away his labor of love.
If all goes
well, he and Parisot could be on a regular production schedule very soon.
They've already started working on a second episode.
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