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Behind the scenes: 'Why Not Us' production crew shares full access of FAMU football life and culture
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- Behind the scenes: 'Why Not Us' production crew shares full access of FAMU football life and culture
Lights. Camera. Action.
This is life at Florida A&M during the 2021 football season on a daily basis.
Every move the Rattlers make from getting taped for injuries to postgame celebrations is being recorded for the docuseries Why Not Us: FAMU Football presented by Cricket Wireless.
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The series is from The Undefeated and is available on ESPN+. NBA superstar Chris Paul serves as the executive producer.
Members of this diverse production crew are from various parts of the country. They've transplanted from the New York tri-state area and set up shop at a hotel.
Tallahassee has been their temporary place of residence since the start of fall camp in August.
Producers, showrunners, camera operators and photographers have acclimated themselves to the campus and city.
Mainstays covering the Rattlers include Abe Issac (field producer), Elandra Fernandez (story associate producer), Tom Stukas (director of photography), Cameron McLaughlin (audio/sound), Ty Stone (camera operator) and Jorge Mejia (assistant camera).
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Veteran multimedia staffer Jeff Anderson serves as the showrunner.
"ESPN and the production companies made a very smart choice to choose Florida A&M for season two of Why Not Us. It was a perfect match," Anderson said.
"I'm a longtime journalist and producer. It's not like work - it's great being here. We've had great access to the field house, stadium and athletics office. We're just flies on the wall showing people what's going on with the team and university."
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While at practice, cameras zoom in tight to capture footage. Filming has also included interviews with players and the coaching staff.
Head coach Willie Simmons has garnered the most individual attention.
He's had cameras set up in his home to show interactions with his family. The ESPN crew has also shot a recent outing at the North Florida Fair.
"It's been crazy. Sleeping at night has been about the only free time we've had. But it's great and a lot of great exposure. It gives people an inside look as to who we are as a football team. It lets them see who I am as a coach and family man," Simmons said.
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"Shaia (wife) has come around. She warmed up to the idea of a camera crew filming us having dinner or going out. The kids see the camera and they show out. I think they're working on a spin-off show."
There also was a period of adjustment for the players. They're used to being filmed at practice. However, this was a different outlook.
The film crew spoke with them for one-on-one sessions. Some players had on-air segments eating lunch in the campus cafeteria and at local restaurants.
"It's fun. I feel like a celebrity around campus. It comes with it especially with the position I play. I just run with it and not let it get to my head," FAMU quarterback Rasean McKay said.
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"Sometimes, they go everywhere. But if you don't want them to record you, they won't. It gives you the ability to do what you want."
Having full access to the Rattlers has been a special treat for the entire production crew.
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But it's a deeper level for Issac and Fernandez. Both workers are graduates from the FAMU School of Journalism & Graphic Communication.
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As alums, they've provided an inside track on the cultural setting of being a Rattler. Covering the team this season has provided a memorable experience for them.
"It's a full circle moment coming back here. I was here from 2008-12. It's extra special to give the spotlight to FAMU and other HBCUs. We want to make sure the right content is displayed," Issac said.
"To be a part of Why Not Us is great. FAMU has given me so many opportunities. FAMU taught me how carry myself when opportunities present themselves. I know because of my time here, I was able to move to the tri-state area and network."
This is season two of Why Not Us. The program debuted earlier this year and followed the men's basketball team at North Carolina Central.
Why Not Us: FAMU Football is produced by Roadside Entertainment, Paul's Ohh Dip!!! Productions and ESPN+.
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"The second season of Why Not Us will continue to highlight the importance of HBCUs including their challenges and triumphs," Paul said.
"Why Not Us will chronicle the Florida A&M football team and shine a spotlight on these extraordinary athletes while inspiring audiences with their incredible journey of resilience in the face of adversity."
The wall-to-wall coverage will document the scenery of the Florida Classic.
"I told them to expect another atmosphere just like homecoming," Issac said.
"They haven't had a win since I was a student. We need to finish the season and get that win. To cap off this great season, it's a must win. I let the crew know this will be a big game."
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FAMU volleyball
Florida A&M volleyball team enters the 2021 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Tournament as the No. 2 seed. The Rattlers meet No. 7 Prairie View A&M Friday.
FAMU (22-6, 14-2) finished the regular season with its first 20-win campaign since 2006. It's also the only team in the SWAC to achieve this win total this season.
The team is currently working a nine-game winning streak (the longest active stretch in the SWAC).
FAMU's highly successful season also features 17 sweeps.
GAME INFORMATION
Who:FAMU (8-2, 7-1 SWAC) vs. Bethune-Cookman (2-8, 2-5 SWAC)
When/Where:Saturday, 3:30 p.m., Camping World Stadium, Orlando
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TV/Radio:ESPN+/ 90.5 FM
Follow FAMU beat writer Rory Sharrock on Twitter @married2game1.
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Behind the scenes: 'Why Not Us' production crew shares full access of Florida A&M football and culture
