May 17, 2013
by The OJBG Team
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Otessa just joined the new social media reading platform, ReadWave and published her first short story! It’s totally different from what you’ve seen from her before. Her story is based on the true events of a mentally unwell woman who finds her way into the lion’s den at the National Zoo… Take a look! And please let us know what you think!
You can read it for free here: http://bit.ly/107cgwm
And check out her other script books, ezines, and new textbook on our Book page!
May 15, 2013
by The OJBG Team
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We’ve already mentioned that a lot of people have been asking us about where the title of the show comes from, so we wrote a blog post explaining why Orange Juice, why Bishop’s Garden. We received a few comments from fans expressing their dismay that Season 1 is in the vault and available for purchase as a download. We were sad to see this! OJBG is truly a labor of love and we have definitely tried our best to provide viewers with the best and most accessible content. So here’s our explanation as to where and how you can watch Season 1 and your guide on how to get OJBG goodies free of charge.
Otessa decided to put Season 1 “in the vault” because honestly it works better as a prequel, something to come back to at the very end of the show, after you’ve gone through the whole Sarah & Gwen experience. Otessa also feels that it’s not the best introduction or representation of what OJBG is as a series overall . She specifically wrote and directed Season 2 as a new beginning for the show. She wrapped up story lines, got rid of a few characters and developed others, and established new footing to fully develop the Sarah and Gwen story arc. These were conscious artistic choices she made to make OJBG a better web series to watch.
Also, when OJBG went viral within the LGBT community, OJBG received a bunch of noise from viewers who watched Season 1 expecting to see a lesbian story line! By that time, word was getting out about our show as a lesbian favorite, but in Season 1, Sarah’s still straight because, it’s the ’90s and that’s what was expected of her. But her character is still questioning, going through a process, and when she meets Gwen in Season 2, she’s ready for her.
Lastly, we’re an indie production- we need all the help we can get! We provide almost all our content for free online for anyone to enjoy. But everyone involved in making OJBG happen poured their passion and their love into the project. It is truly a labor of love. We always believe in supporting our fellow web series and indie artists so that they can do what they love and be able to support themselves with their passion. We would love to do the same! So a few dollars for a download, or shopping from our Etsy wardrobe, or buying a book in support goes a long way and we do appreciate it! 
We did put Season 1 in the vault, but we did give you some loopholes around it and many opportunities to get OJBG goodies for free! If you want to view Season 1 and can’t spare a few bucks to support, LIKE us on Facebook or Tweet us your OJBG love and we’ll send you a FREE DOWNLOAD of ANY episode of your choosing — including Season 1 episodes in the vault. And as we gear up for the release of Season 7(!!) we’ll be hosting special Twitter and Facebook giveaways so be sure to follow our posts!
We also host Goodreads giveaways where you can win Otessa’s script books for free. You can also reach out to us and request a FREE ebook and we’re always happy to send it your way.
The Season 1 feature film was also just posted on our site so that you can watch the ENTIRE season with back to back episodes for FREE now But this feature is only up for a week, so get your watching in while you can!
May 14, 2013
by The OJBG Team
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We went to the seriously epic Worn Magazine party last week to kick off the launch of their 5th Issue– the DREAM issue. You may remember, Otessa did a nouvelle vague-inspired video shoot with Worn Editor-in-Chief Nicole Aguirre for her Worn Abroad spring collection (we’re editing the video now and it will be ready for your viewing pleasure soon!). So we were pumped for Worn’s launch party!
The party was held at the new Black Whiskey in Logan Circle, D.C.–an awesome bar. From cool art on the wall, a banging DJ and later a live band, and over 400 sweaty and drunk guests, it had all the makings of an epic celebration. There was a lot of sweaty hugs, And Nicole was glowing the whole night, fabulously dressed in white with her unmistakable signature black hat.
The photos in this issue are beautiful. And, come on– it’s the DREAM issue! The writing and stories are bound to be great! Be sure to pick up your own copy at local shops, or buy an issue online here.
Photo by Dakota Fine for BYT (Brightest Young Things)
Otessa had a heart swelling moment when she saw her name in the Thank You section of the newest issue of Worn Mag. (Photo via Otessa's Instagram)
Photo by Dakota Fine for BYT (Brightest Young Things)
Photo by Dakota Fine for BYT (Brightest Young Things)
Photo by Nicole Aguirre of Worn Magazine
Super high-tech camera phone pic!
Super high-tech camera phone pic #2!
Super high-tech camera phone pic #3!
Photo by Dakota Fine for BYT (Brightest Young Things)
May 13, 2013
by The OJBG Team
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Film maker and creator of the internationally acclaimed LGBT youth web series “Orange Juice in Bishops Garden,” Otessa Ghadar, is taking her new campaign and plea to “Go Orange” to heads of state, legislators and Embassies throughout Washington, DC.
“Go Orange” is a special interactive new media project that provides a safe space, aims to unite LGBT youth around the world, and acts as a catalyst and call for tolerance in countries where sexual orientation is considered taboo. The LGBT youth community around the world is still very much under-served. Otessa is launching this campaign to raise awareness with top influencers in the most powerful city in the world – Washington, DC.
Capital Pride 2013 is the perfect platform!
As part of “Go Orange” Otessa will be gathering personal messages from top influencers who are willing to go in front of the camera to promote tolerance for LGBTQ youth around the world. If you’re involved in the LGBTQ community and have a message you want to share, we’d love to capture you on film too! Find us at Pride (we’ll be in orange!) or send us an email at reply@twentytwentyproductions.com.
Free tee shirts with the plea to “Go Orange” will be given away during the parade.
T-shirts will also be available for sale online and a portion of each sale will be donated to an organization supporting LGBTQ youth in particular. An app has also already been developed for people to send pictures of themselves showing support and “Going Orange” for the global LGBT youth community and putting their cities on the map.
Some people have already starting showing their support! If you’re a supporter, submit your pic!
Here’s Otessa talking about the power of the web in allowing her to create a community for LGBT youth around the world:
May 10, 2013
by The OJBG Team
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We’ve been getting lots of questions lately about where the title of our web series comes from. “Orange Juice in Bishop’s Garden” is a mouthful, and an unusual one at that. So I’ve decided to sit down and spill it all out for you.
First, it’s all explained in the very first two episodes of the show. They’re now “in the vault,” and are available for download on our Shop page. Also, we offer them FREE to awesome fans who create video responses to our episodes telling us why they love OJBG, or any questions they have for creator Otessa Ghadar or any cast members.
But to answer the question! Why Orange Juice? Why Bishop’s Garden?
Staring with OJ. It has something to do with how everyone always says say it’s good for you, but, honestly, it just doesn’t go well anything! Like after you brush your teeth, eating pancakes– it’s no bueno. It gives you that sick, gross aftertaste in your mouth. But you drink anyway. In the first episode you find Sarah and her BFF Kris sneaking a smoking break with Marlboro Reds, listening to a song: “I like you like I like my orange juice…” Sarah turns to Kris and says, “Sometimes I think the only reason I drink orange juice…” and Kris finishes it for her, “…is because of this song.” It’s about the impressionability and nonsensical aspect of youth, getting under the influence– for things both good and bad for you.
Next, Bishop’s Garden. It’s a park by the beautiful National Cathedral in the heart of Washington, D.C. This is where all the OJBG teens meet at midnight, drink, and cause havoc while idle summer misbehaving. Under the auspices of the towering cathedral, they let loose, learn about love, insecurity, and how to have fun. Of all the places in D.C., where else can a kid blow off safely blow off some steam? They’ll get drunk (and not off OJ), do stupid stuff, but these nights are the ones they’ll remember. And so… Orange Juice in Bishop’s Garden! Teen life summed up in a few enigmatic words.
And actually, Otessa hates drinking orange juice. She talks about the creation of her web series and diving into new media here. Any other questions? Tweet us or post it on our Facebook page!
May 8, 2013
by The OJBG Team
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Since 2006, Otessa has been a pioneer of new media, and the web series format in particular. As the creative force behind “Orange Juice in Bishops Garden,” which is now one of the oldest and longest running web series online, and the Founder and President of 20/20 Productions, a new media company that consults, produces, and distributes independent new media productions– she’s practically a new media veteran who continues to serve and define the industry.
Otessa realizes there is an unfulfilled demand for educational tools created for students growing up in the 21st Century digital age, and outdated information being taught in traditional film studies. Otessa is now in the process of writing the first comprehensive textbook on new media productions for use in schools and universities around the world. Her series, OJBG, is also currently being used as a case study in new media web-based productions in film and media courses in schools across the U.K. Her new textbook will also be used as a resource as part of a film program run by Global Kids, a non-profit educational organization for global learning and youth development.
As a true new media advocate, the book will be widely available both in print and as an ebook download. Visit our Book page to learn more. We are currently taking inquiries and orders for the textbook at reply@twentytwentyproductions.com.
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Otessa has been named as a recent Filmmaker of the Month by the DC Office of Motion Picture and Television Development and has been recognized as an ITV Innovator. She organized and hosted the First DC Web Series Festival in April 2013 and arranged for the first screening of web series at the 27th Annual Washington, DC International Film Festival (Filmfest DC). OJBG continues to rise in popularity and has gained viewership in over 140 countries around the world. The show is a Telly Award Winner, three time LA Web Fest Winner, two time Webby Award Official Honoree, and has had screenings at The OUTlander Project at SXSW and Dinah Shore Weekend, among others.
May 7, 2013
by The OJBG Team
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The beauty of 90s grunge fashion is that it’s meant to be rough, a little dilapidated, and have that hand-made look. This makes it perfect for DIY fashion. So, get your glue guns and old, ripped jeans out because you’ll want to add these super simple DIY creations to your style wardrobe. You can also find these tutorials and other fun posts on our Pinterest!
GOLD STUDDED BRA
EMBELLISHED SHORTS
BOLT BRACELET
SPIKED HEADBAND
May 7, 2013
by The OJBG Team
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May 3, 2013
by The OJBG Team
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Today, Otessa went to a filmmaker’s luncheon at the DC Film Office and was personally congratulated by DC Mayor Vincent Gray for her work with “Orange Juice in Bishop’s Garden” and being “a shining example of the incredible talent [DC] has to offer.”
OJBG was shot entirely on location and brought to life teen experience during the 90s in the nation’s capitol. Otessa has been committed to cultivating DC’s creative culture. She’s a DC-native with a local production company, 20/20 Productions, which assists, produces, and distributes web series and new media productions. She also recently arranged for the 1st Annaul DC WebFest, the first web series screening at Filmfest DC, and continues to actively reach out and promote local filmmakers and creatives. She’s used all local actors and her shows, OJBG and Secret Project, highlight the amazing, hidden, and unknown parts of the city.
Wish her congratulations and send her all your OJBG love on Facebook and Twitter Girl power!
Otessa and Leslie Green (Photo by DC Film Office)
Hugs all around. (Photo by DC Film Office)
More photos from the DC Film Office can be viewed here.
May 3, 2013
by The OJBG Team
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Hypable is holding a Webseries Wednesday poll to find out what is the Best Webseries Of All Time!
Orange Juice in Bishop’s Garden (OJBG) was nominated by a few people to appear on the list for being an awesome show. Voting has now opened and will close at 11:59pm May 6th! We already have a great number votes and we’d love to see an indie show like OJBG earn the title! Please help us get there! Vote here! http://www.hypable.com/2013/05/01/webseries-wednesday-vote-for-your-favourite-webseries/
Here’s a little bit about the show in case you need more reason to vote:
You know that summer, right… the summer where EVERYTHING changed? “Orange Juice in Bishop’s Garden” (OJBG) is that summer and Bishop’s Garden is where it all happens. It’s the 1990s grunge era and Doc Martens, raves, and mixtapes rule. This is their story of growing up, getting down, and coming out. An unexpected romance between two young girls, Sarah and Gwen, begins to blossom and their epic first love will redefine and lie at the heart of their teenage experience.
For more reasons to vote OJBG, check out some of our videos at http://OJinBG.com/category/watch/episodes/
Thank you!!!