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Are You Afraid of the Dark? What SOPA Censorship Means For Our Web-Series

January 18th, 2012 by The OJBG Team · Bishop's Garden, New Media, Film, TV, Video, Web, OJBG, teen web series, webseries

By: Emily White

It’s Blackout Wednesday, everybody (don’t run to the liquor store, this is serious.) As you may have heard, there are two pieces of legislation in the works that aim to stop piracy online but could threaten the freedom of the internet in the process. Sites from WordPress to LOL Cats are ‘blacking out” today in protest.

Orange Juice in Bishop’s Garden has been a victim of piracy from around the world. However, it is the openness of the internet that allows web-series like us to grow and flourish– even if as a result we lose some of our revenue to piracy. Because we produce content for the web exclusively, we rely on the internet to distribute and promote our show. Much of our success has been from the organic promotion of people talking about and sharing our show with each-other through blogging and social media sites.

While we don’t support piracy or copyright violation, we also do not support the maiming of free speech and creativity, in order to stop it.  Piracy is a problem, but this censorship is not the solution.

Right now, the entertainment industry is pushing the passage of the Stop Online Piracy Act and the Protect IP Act (I would link to the Wikipedia page for each of those, but ironically it is blacked-out in protest today). The intention of these acts is to stop the piracy of music, movies and television online– but in reality it will have a huge impact on much more then that.

This video helps explain the potential effect of Protect IP and SOPA:

[PROTECT IP / SOPA Breaks The Internet from Fight for the Future on Vimeo.]

Instead of fighting it to the death, Hollywood should embrace and adapt to the internet as a new medium. The internet is a platform for creators to share content in new and exciting ways and makes it easier then ever to be creative. The television and movie industry will adapt to the internet, the same way the radio industry had to adapt to them. We’ve evolved from listening to The Lone Ranger on old-time radio to watching Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog on our iPads– and that’s OK. Entertainment changes (and grows!) with technology. The internet is also a way to preserve and share our beloved mediums of entertainment, old-time radio shows can be listened to online at Archive.org (which is also blacked-out today.)

Right now, websites are required to remove copyrighted content if presented with a formal DMCA take-down request. With the passage of these bills, the government would be able to block entire web domains for one violation and make websites responsible for what their users post and comment. Start-ups could be shut down easily and links and content shared on social networks would be heavily censored by the sites in order to avoid being blocked by the government. Think of all the spam comments and pirated TV episodes that show up on YouTube– should the entire website be taken down because of it?

With the internet, anyone with a webcam and some talent can become a star. With SOPA, Less piracy = less innovation, less creativity, and less content like OJBG. Is that a fair trade?

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Weekly Top 10 (1/8/12 – 1/13/12)

January 9th, 2012 by Otessa · behind the scenes, DC, Events, film, music, New Media, Film, TV, Video, Web, OJBG, OJBG mixtape, Otessa, otessa ghadar, teen, teen things, teen web series, Uncategorized, washingtonian, washingtonians, webseries

by Otessa

#1 Happy Birthday, David Bowie

  • #1  Happy Birthday to you, David Bowie.

Bowie’s b’day was yesterday, fyi.  And the thin white duke has the distinct honor of being 1 of 300 people, to decline HRH, the Queen’s offer of knighthood. In Ashley’s words: “How rock & roll of him”.

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this leads me to #2 this week, which is…

#2 a helluva album cover

  • #2 DIAMOND DOGS

The awesomeness speaks for itself.

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#3 Manba, cover image via Japanese magazine "Egg"

  • #3 MANBA… all hail the Japanese street look of the 90s

How cool are they?  The whole taking of Western surf culture…peppered w/ Ken & Barbie… and then, taking it to the EXTREME. Turning it into a pastiche. It’s just brilliant.

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and speaking of pastiches… have you seen this?

#4 Muppets mock Twilight. win.

  • #4  MUPPETS POSTER — aka Muppets mock Twilight

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#5 teen dreams and beauty queens. the ep

  • #5 TEEN DREAMS & BEAUTY QUEENS — the Beach Week EP is here

and it is great. You can have a listen and grab it for yourself at either CD-baby or iTunes. (yes ma’am/sir, those are hotlinked).

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#6 Thunder & Lightning. live.

  •  #6 THUNDER. LIGHTNING. the way you love me is frightening.

OJBG favorite composer and person, Mr. Brent Katz, has a show coming up. So to those of you located in NYC, I highly recommend that you check out his upcoming show at the Glasslands.

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  •  #7 OJBG’s upcoming EP

Yes, this is TRUE!   I was actually in the recording studio — of the very kind and talented music-guru, Ben Ozeki — just last week.  I was there with the lovely Ms. Ellen Winter (aka Sarah Roberts).  I am extremely excited. There will be 3 songs on the EP — all tracks written & inspired by tracks composed by Brent Katz, and then performed by members of the cast. There is even a song called “Me, I’m Afraid of Nothing” and it sounds like a Hawaiian/Western. It is my favorite.

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#8 Geek Chic, via etsy BongaChopShop

  • #8 The FACT THAT THIS DRESS EXITS

It is made by “Bonga Chop Shop” (found on etsy). And all hail the New Orleans based designer who makes these charming and adorable finds. I wish I had known about her sooner. The wallets she makes would have made great stocking-stuffers.

Check out the etsy shop HERE.

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#9, Looking for Alibrandi

  • #9 MOVIES FROM OZ

I’ve been on a kick lately — watching coming of age movies from Down Under. The above still is from the wonderful movie “Looking for Alibrandi”, which is based on the eponymous book, “Looking for Alibrandi”, written by Melina Marchetta. Marchetta is absolutely amazing. Her book “On the Jellicoe Road” was  one of the favorites that I read last year.

(*And PS if you haven’t seen Peter Weir’s “Picnic at Hanging Rock” from ’75 –then I suggest you go see it… run, NOW. It’s a staple of Aussie cinema. And it’s that good.)

And now for some “Honorable Mentions from OZ” :

#9 tomorrow when the war began

The above still is from the movie  ‘Tomorrow When the War Began” (which is based off John Marsden’s best-selling book/series of the same name).  Some reasons why it is great:  Post-Apocalyptic survival story. Bad-Ass female lead. Coming-of-Age element.  Lush Scenery. Strong Action Sequences with compelling cinematography.

#9 cont'd: "Puberty Blues"

And of course there is “Puberty Blues”.  I know, I know, the name is kind of cringe-worthy. But, don’t be fooled by the slightly-sacharine name. The movie  explores the extreme darkness and light of being 13, in the ’79 Sydney suburbs.  The movie is (like the others listed in #9) based off a book of the same name. Incidentally, the book created quite a stir when it was published (mainly because the authors were only 18 when it was published, and also because the book was a candid auto-biographical account of their experiences being 13, and dealing with sex, heroin, and surfing).

#9 cont'd more "Puberty Blues"

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  • #10  SEASON 5 of Orange Juice in Bishops Garden HAS BEGUN!

Hip, hip, HOORAY!

Watch the trailer here…

I hope that you  like, comment, & enjoy.  The first episode of Season 5 starts THIS FRIDAY! And new episodes roll-out weekly from then on — always new, always Friday. xoxo

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OJBG’s Weekend Walk-In’s

November 11th, 2011 by The OJBG Team · 20something, Bishop's Garden, DC, Events, film, Going-out-guide, music, New Media, Film, TV, Video, Web, OJBG, Otessa, otessa ghadar, teen, teen things, teen web series, Uncategorized, washingtonian, washingtonians, webseries

By: Samantha

1. Reel Fest D.C.

            The weekend we have all been talking about is finally here! Reel Fest D.C. is in full swing this entire weekend. At the festival, there will be a screening of Orange Juice in Bishop’s Garden Episode 4.02 “Sarah Live! At Comet Ping Pong” as well as works by some of Washington, D.C.’s most inspiring up and coming filmmakers! OJBG is being screened Saturday night at 9 p.m. and Monday afternoon at 12 p.m. at the Boston University Center for Digital Imaging Arts. The address is 1055 Thomas Jefferson Street NW,
Washington, DC 20007. Visit the Facebook event for more details! To purchase tickets, head to the Reel Fest D.C. website: http://www.reelfestdc.com/

*Tip: Note the location change in the Facebook event. It would be tragic if you showed up to the wrong place and missed this splendid event.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=151617208263790

 

2. The Reel Fest D.C. After-Party

            We have raved about the actual event, but the After-Party is just as important! Right after Reel Fest D.C., head on over to the D.C. Jazz Loft this Sunday night, November 13th,  for some sweet tunes, a cool atmosphere, and great conversations with inspiring D.C. natives who love the arts just as much as we do!

*Tip: Check out the Facebook event for all the little details regarding the After-Party.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=283110075063089

3. Free Burger at Z Burger

            Who doesn’t like getting stuff for free? OJBG certainly does! Z Burger in Tenleytown is offering its customers a single patty burger 100% free of charge. The offer is available from now until November 18th.  Why are you still sitting here reading this? Go get that burger.

*Tip: OJBG heard of this deal through ScoutMob. Download the app to your smart device and easily stay informed about all of the hot deals circulating D.C. every day.

http://scoutmob.com/washington-dc/today/2011-11-11?referrer=Scoutfinds&utm_source=DC%3A+Scoutfinds&utm_campaign=5ff9cb119c-DC_DailyEmail_11_11_2011&utm_medium=email

4.  Make a wish! It’s 11/11/11.

            It’s okay to give in to the camp tradition of kissing the clock and making a wish at 11:11. Take this once in a lifetime opportunity to make a wish at 11:11 p.m. on 11/11/11.

*Tip: Be careful what you wish for- it may actually come true this time around.

5. The Harry Potter Finale

            If you’re like me and enjoy a cozy night in on the couch with Chinese food fresh out of the carton and your best pals next to you every once and awhile, I suggest making a night like this happen this weekend in celebration of the DVD release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. Who would give up an opportunity for relaxation, quality time with the pals, and a night to relish in the FINAL CHAPTER OF HARRY POTTER? I certainly would not.

*Tip: Watch Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone first. Your mind will be blown by how young the trio was, how sucky the special effects were, and how incredibly wonderful the series’ beginning still is.

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          **PS psst extra addition by Otessa:

#6 see kimya live at the black cat. minus the bunny suit

 #6   Kimya Dawson is playing tonight (11/11/11) at the Black Cat… doors are at 9pm. Check it out, get tickets & info HERE.

It’s been a while since I saw her live…actually it was several years ago, when she and Adam Green were still Moldy Peaches. There was a bunny suit involved & the drinking of (fake/real?) pee on stage. Quite memorable. I also have one of Adam Green’s sweaters. Long story. It was bought from off of his back.

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Why OJBG uses corded phones… and answers to other big questions

October 24th, 2011 by Otessa · 90's, behind the scenes, Bishop's Garden, film, New Media, Film, TV, Video, Web, OJBG, Otessa, otessa ghadar, teen, teen web series, webseries

by Otessa

Many viewers have had questions about OJBG. “Why do I feel like I’m missing things sometimes? Why are there gaps in the story line between seasons? Why are there new characters, and mysteriously disappearing/reappearing charcacters? Why do you use corded phones?”

Every season is a new summer– and a year passes in between. So Season 1 is the summer of ’94, Season 2 is summer of 95…and a lot of the story line is not just what IS happening…but also is about playing catch up — trying to figure out what happened throughout that passed year. It is a bit like a mystery. I like that when the characters have lives outside of what we see on the screen. It gives them more life and they aren’t always knowable. We have to get to know them.

I chose summer because it is, in many was, the quintessential high school time period. While you are in school, the social order, and the hierarchy are constantly being re-instated daily, because of the pre-ordained and constantly repeating schedule. But during the summer– people change, their schedules change. Sometimes people get thrown into the mix with an unexpected crew. Sometimes people have to go away to their grandmother’s for the summer. Sometimes they have summer school or work and cant hang out like they used to. Sometimes people have camp many states away. Whatever it is– the order is changed — destabilized. And a person’s place, at that age, is uncertain. Their friends, their “standing”, their beliefs, the very structure of their lives — these can all change, becoming re-ordered or dis-ordered. It is in many ways the most fitting representation of that unknown, unknoweable, unsettling age — precisely because it is so unsettled and up-in-the-air.

Also, in terms of characters disappearing and re-appearing… we are a super indie and we don’t have the luxury of 5 year contracts, which is how most TV shows work, and how they are able to guarantee that the actors can stay around for a while. (Ever wonder what happened to Carly Kittredge-McBride?? Yea — me too. I had big plans in store for her, which I had to scrap.) Sometimes our characters/actors just arent available for that season. Sometimes they have moved, sometimes they have job conflicts, sometimes they are college visiting, sometimes they have summer school. Simply put — we have to roll with the punches a lot more. And we hope that you are willing to too.

And as for the corded phones… if you have to ask, the show is set in the 90′s, and you might just be a lost cause.

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High School Intern Edition: “Indie”

June 7th, 2011 by The OJBG Team · Blog, film, high school intern edition, New Media, Film, TV, Video, Web, OJBG, Otessa, teen, teen things, teen web series, Uncategorized, webseries, Women In Film

High School Intern Edition features a group of students from the Field School in Washington, DC, that interned with us for two weeks in January.

The first day I started interning at 2020 Productions- I had only a vague notion of what an “Indie Film” was. In fact, I really only had a minimal idea of what “Indie” was at all. That said,( yes I will admit it), to better understand this genre I did both Google and use Wikipedia, (a link for which is included above).

And, I decided that for everyone who might be new to the show, new to web series, and new to the “Indie” genre- I thought it would be valuable to start a discussion.

According to Wikipedia: an indie film is a film that is produced outside of a major film studio; these films are often distinguished by content and style, particular to the artistic message or theory the artist is trying to convey. Further, the marketing of these films is generally characterized by a limited release designed to build word of mouth or to reach small specialty audiences.

However, the longer I’m here the more I’ve realized how bare bones of an assessment that definition is. And that according to these characteristics- “Orange Juice in Bishops Garden”- viewed in 136 countries and now viral- must be doing something right.

And for those of you unfamiliar with the term “viral” it means that these video have spread not by paid publicity or promotion, but by having independent websites pick them up and air them. As of late, episodes of “Orange Juice in Bishops Garden” (particularly those dealing with the Gwen and Sarah’s new relationship) have been picked up and promoted by One More Lesbian, and Shewired.

And anything that promotes female empowerment, self esteem, and acceptance- well, we’re all for it. But in reality, we at 2020 have to ask what is it that demonstrates we’re dealing with material that is worthy of such laud? Because our whole objective is merely to provide truth, mirror life, and create a banging product.

But isn’t that what everyone is aspiring to do?

At least we would think so. Then again, maybe that’s just what inspires people to watch OJBG- this pursuit.

From a conservative perspective there wouldn’t be a hook to naturally draw me into the “Indie” culture, my palate was simply not refined enough. However, there is a hook for me here. The realness of the series, free from iron fist of a bullying studio, draws you in. There is no show of “reality tv” or people trying to portray real life- it simply is real life.

So, where the term “Indie” had once caused my mind to drift towards images of Birkenstocks, moderate facial hair, and hemp- I’m instead interpreting the word to mean something more, something real, something pulsating.

So, for those of you curiously clicking through the OJBG website trying to discover the “hype” that has begun to surround the series: stop clicking and watch. After an episode or two, you may just begin to label yourself as someone who is into “Indie.”

Image via punkgoesindie.com

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OJBG Wins 2 LAWEBFEST Awards!

May 13th, 2011 by Otessa · Events, film, New Media, Film, TV, Video, Web, OJBG, Otessa, otessa ghadar, teen web series, Uncategorized, webseries, Women In Film

Orange Juice in Bishop’s Garden has won two LA Web Festival Awards for Outstanding Achievement!

Back in December we announced that OJBG had been one of the first 20 selected to be featured at the 2nd Annual Los Angeles Web Series Festival—the first and only open-air web series-only festival in the world.  Well, we’ve just been notified that two of our very own are LAWEBFEST 2011 Award Winners!

Our Director of Photgraphy, Gene Ertel, has won an award for “Outstanding Cinematography in a Drama Series.”  And our esteemed Series Creator, Otessa Ghadar, has won an award for “Outstanding Drama Series.”  You can find OJBG, and many other great web shows, on the LAWEBFEST’s Class of 2011 page:  http://lawebfest.com/video.html

Congratulations to Gene and Otessa, as well as the rest of our crew and cast.  We can’t make OJ magic without you!

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Will You Please Show Love by Spreading the Word?

April 15th, 2011 by Otessa · 20something, 90's, behind the scenes, Bishop's Garden, DC, Events, grunge, New Media, Film, TV, Video, Web, OJBG, Otessa, otessa ghadar, teen, teen things, teen web series, Uncategorized, washingtonian, washingtonians, webseries, Women In Film

by Otessa

Orange Juice in Bishop’s Garden has proved to be incredibly successful …but unfortunately is not profitable. OJBG makes no money and so every year I must raise funds for filming. And we need your help to continue it. Please show love by spreading the word about our IndieGoGo campaign for our upcoming season.

The show has achieved great acclaim:
–We are watched in 134 countries and still growing.
–Sometimes we’ll have more than 80,000 unique full episode views in 1 day (meaning that in one day 80,000 different people will watch a full episode, all the way through the credits).
–We’re winning awards, like the Telly we just got, which is amazing!
–OJBG was invited to the Dinah Shore weekend, to participate in the events there, and to be recognized for doing great things for the LGBT cause & community.

But, since OJBG makes no money for the company, every year we have to raise the money from scratch. Most shows at our level are made for around $50,000 per season. Ours is made for a SMALL FRACTION –just a very small FRACTION of that.

When I started this show, everyone said it was impossible– year after year they laugh in my face and tell me it is impossible — and year after year — it HAPPENS. We make it happen, to great acclaim.

But it takes a village! So please, I need your help to make it happen.

Our IndieGoGo Campaign can be found here:
http://www.indiegogo.com/ojinbg

There are special perks for contributing like Twitter shoutouts, signed memorabilia, walk on roles, character naming and more!

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The Dinah Recap

April 13th, 2011 by The OJBG Team · 20something, Events, Going-out-guide, New Media, Film, TV, Video, Web, OJBG, Otessa, otessa ghadar, teen web series, Uncategorized, webseries, Women In Film

by Ashley Mumford

As we’ve mentioned before, Orange Juice in Bishop’s Garden was invited to OML’s Battle of the Lesbian Web Series at this year’s Dinah Shore Weekend (March 30th – April 3rd), and we had no clue what to expect.  After much anticipation, some of the OJBG gang got a chance to see first hand what the Dinah is all about—and they were not disappointed.  Check out this video, a compilation of red carpet moments, with a brief (and I mean BRIEF) appearance from Otessa!

Did you catch that? If not, here’s a screen grab.

Otessa, the Wizard, and Jesse Swire (who plays Slake) are still recovering from their romp in Palm Springs; but I was able to wrangle some photos that Otessa took throughout the weekend (with captions from the photog herself).

Lobby of the Riviera [Hotel]


The White Diamonds Party at the Dinah


Chandelier (it was pretty!) at the Riviera Hotel / White Diamonds Party


Those ladies really did drink at the Dinah. Here is proof.


Me with Renee from “Seeking Simone”, at Saturday’s Battle


Me with Tatum from “Cherrybomb”, at the Battle


Goodbye Palm Springs!

Here’s a photo of Otessa, the Wizard, and Jesse competing fiercely in Saturday’s Battle.  If you want to see more, SheWired.com has a ton of photos from the Battle, as well as the Celesbian Dodge Ball game.

via SheWired.com

Otessa and the OJBG Team are super grateful for the unforgettable experience.  Hopefully, Orange Juice in Bishop’s Garden will be invited again next year!… And next time, we’ll be prepared!

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On the Set: Comet Ping Pong

April 12th, 2011 by The OJBG Team · DC, Events, New Media, Film, TV, Video, Web, OJBG, On Set, Otessa, teen web series, Uncategorized, washingtonian, washingtonians, webseries, Women In Film

by Ashley Mumford

We’re in the beginning stages of Season 5 here at OJBG Headquarters, which has us reminiscing about the hot, long, rewarding days of filming Season’s 3 & 4 last summer.  One of our stops was Comet Ping Pong, where we filmed several scenes for some upcoming Season 4 episodes.

Comet Ping Pong is a D.C. establishment that offers up tasty thin-crust pizza, a variety of musical acts, and–of course–PING PONG!  The  venue is industrial, artsy and just plain cool to look at.  James and Sasha from Comet took great care of us, so we had an easy-breezy time filming.  We loved it so much that we even had our wrap party here.  The footage looks awesome, and we can’t wait for you to see it.  But until then, take a look at some behind the scenes photos.

We’ve been teasing about Adrian (Nick Libowitz) being recruited into the Navy.  That scene was shot in front of Comet.

And here are our recruiters (Shawn Golanksi & Paul Brown) hanging out inside.

Have you noticed the sing-a-long in Season 3′s opening credits?  We filmed that here while Ellen Winter (who plays Sarah) manned the keys.  Many local artists and musicians perform at Comet every week.

Be sure to check out Ellen’s free EP.

You’re actually looking at the entrance to the bathrooms.  Can you find the door?? I couldn’t…but it looked pretty cool.

Some more behind-the-scenes candids from that day:

Comet Ping Pong is located at 5037 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington DC 20008.  Friend them on their main  Facebook page, or check out their music schedule at their Facebook Live Music page.  You can find their hours and more on their website:  www.cometpingpong.com

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He takes letters, and he writes with them… WORD!

February 28th, 2011 by The OJBG Team · 20something, 90's, Bishop's Garden, Blog, DC, film, grunge, music, Otessa, otessa ghadar, teen things, teen web series, webseries

By: Carmen Shamwell

Every once in a while, an epic show from my early teens pops into my mind and it stays there all day until I get home and I HAVE to watch a clip or a video to satiate me… naturally, I’m talking about PBS’s “Ghostwriter”!

And, yes. I’m being serious.

It was so freakin’ AWESOME watching a group of kids who were actually MY age in the early 90′s running around Brooklyn and NYC solving mysteries (with a colorful ghost who can read), building friendships and learning about life. I wanted to be a part of the Ghostwriter Team so badly… I wanted to be friends with them SO DESPERATELY that I watched the episodes over and over and over again no matter how many times I’d seen them before. What I find hilarious as an adult is how annoyingly WHOLESOME they all were! Sex (they said no). Drugs (they said no). Gangs (they painstakingly said no). Parties (their parents hosted them and were present the whole time and they were during the day… WTF?!) With the inception of OJBG premiering and running as an adult, I find myself wondering a most bodacious and earth-shattering question: Which group of 90′s teens would I have rather hung out with… the Ghostwriter Team, or the OJ Kids?

And you?!

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