Orange Juice in Bishop's Garden - blog for the teen web series

Otessa Publishes Her Short Story: Utopia

The OJBG Team — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:19:17 +0000

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!

OJBG: A Labor of Love Story & Your Guide to Freebies

The OJBG Team — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:50:05 +0000

Where’s Season 1? And Your Guide to OJBG Freebies

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.

The “Why”

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!

Your Guide to OJBG Freebies

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!

Worn Magazine’s DREAM Issue Launches!

The OJBG Team — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:14:46 +0000

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 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)

Go Orange with OJBG!

The OJBG Team — Mon, 13 May 2013 19:38:43 +0000

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:

So… why exactly is it called Orange Juice in Bishop’s Garden?

The OJBG Team — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:16:21 +0000

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!

Otessa Writes New Media Textbook for 21st Century Students

The OJBG Team — Wed, 08 May 2013 17:38:51 +0000

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.

The OJBG Guide to DIY 90s Grunge

The OJBG Team — Tue, 07 May 2013 17:25:03 +0000

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

Otessa’s PRIDE Campaign for LGBTQ Youth Online

The OJBG Team — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:06:38 +0000

Otessa recognizes that cyber bullying is a big problem affecting many LGBTQ teens online today. But as someone who has been involved with new media since the advent of the Internet age, she has also long appreciated the freedom of the web to create a safe space for LGBTQ youth to connect. The process of coming out and being open with one’s identity is a difficult one, and the web can serve as a supportive community for those going through it. Otessa has actively been trying to relay a positive message in the media to foster this facet of the web and build an even safer place for youth to connect online.

She was recently touched and inspired by Neil Giuliano‘s story. As the former Republican Mayor of Tempe, Arizona, he was in the closet for years before coming out. He later became President of the LGBT equality organization GLAAD, and is now CEO at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. He wrote a memoir called The Campaign Within, where he candidly shares details of his long journey from being a shy, self-doubting kid with a secret in an Italian-American Catholic family, to making history as the first openly gay mayor of a U.S. city over 150,000 in population.

But Otessa’s heart went out to his experience. For years Neil couldn’t openly be who he truly was– and that’s a shame because look how amazing he is! And the truth is, we all have this inner potential and our own story and light, and the world is a better place if we can be honest in sharing that with the world. Look at Neil and the wonderful things he’s doing to help youth and those affected with AIDS. He’s an icon of hope.

Otessa has a special interactive new media project in the works that involves her filming this year’s Capital Pride parade to further promote the Internet as a safe space for youth. In her campaign to “Go Orange” she’ll be gathering personal and positive messages for LGBTQ youth to include in her new video project. As part of “Going Orange,” Otessa will be giving away free tee shirts during the parade will also be selling them online to donate a portion of each sale to an organization supporting LGBTQ youth in particular. She’s already developed an app for people to send pictures of themselves “Going Orange” to put their city on a map and show their LGBTQ youth support. If you’re a supporter, submit your pic! And if you’ll be in the Nation’s Capitol for PRIDE, stop by and say hi to Otessa. She’ll be easy to spot– she’ll be the one in orange!

DC Mayor Vincent Gray Congratulates Otessa for OJBG

The OJBG Team — Fri, 03 May 2013 19:24:43 +0000

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.

Vote OJBG for Best Webseries of All Time!

The OJBG Team — Fri, 03 May 2013 15:30:04 +0000

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.

First, it’s based in the 90s— the greatest era ever!
Currently in its seventh and ?nal season, the Orange Juice in Bishop’s Garden series is one of the oldest and longest running teen web series online.
It is an Official Honoree of the 16th and 17th Annual Webby Awards in the Drama Category
It has won a 2011 Telly Award
Was awarded two 2011 LA Web Series Festival Awards (for Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Cinematography in a Drama Series), a 2012 LA Web Series Festival Award (for Best Supporting Actress, Donnis Collins), and a 2013 LA Web Series Festival Award (for Outstanding Lead Actress, Ellen Winter).
OJBG has also received nominations for the 2011 Indie Intertube Awards (Ensemble Drama) and 2nd Annual Indie Soap Awards (Outstanding Ensemble).
The series has also been named as an Official Selection for the 2013 Hollyweb Festival and has had screenings at 2011, 2012, and 2013 Dinah Shore Weekends, The OUTlander Project at SXSW, among others.
OJBG has been recognized by the Human Rights Campaign for making a positive contribution to the LGBT community

For more reasons to vote OJBG, check out some of our videos at http://OJinBG.com/category/watch/episodes/

Thank you!!!