Student hopes to direct, produce URI soap opera

2/1/08 - "General Hospital." "Days of our Lives." "All My Children." Soap opera aficionados at the University of Rhode Island may soon be able to add a homegrown daytime drama to this illustrious lineup. Entitled "The Art of Deception," the student-created show is tentatively scheduled to begin filming Feb. 19, and the first episode may air in mid April.At present, freshman film media major Grant Michael Rutter, the mastermind behind the program, is largely alone in the creation of the work. Though still in the planning stages, Rutter intends the show to be filmed at URI and to be created entirely by students.

Rutter, who intends to serve as executive producer, director and head writer, has had some prior experience with producing a soap opera.

Rutter is not planning on appearing in the production and is seeking volunteer actors and production staff. While participating students will not be paid or receive credit toward any major, Rutter explains that that is not what the project is about.

"It's for fun, for experience and for resumes," Rutter said.

Students interested in being involved in the soap opera as either actors or production assistants have already contacted Rutter. He hopes that the prospects of the experience will attract even more students.

While Rutter has not yet completed the script, he promises the usual soap opera fare. Viewers can expect to see the requisite love triangle and skeletons in the closet, Rutter said.

"The story begins to unfold as one of the characters is transferred into the university and is put into a room with two other girls, and that's when jealousy, deception and trouble starts," said Rutter.

Rutter, who dreams of becoming a writer or director of daytime TV shows, is not concerned by the genre's sometimes negative reputation.

"I have an obsession with television and soap operas and I believe that they don't have the respect which they deserve," Rutter said.

Rutter further stressed that the show is intended to be accessible to everyone.

"I am writing it so it can be much more available to the age group and both sexes, 'cause there's an equal amount of characters and both feminine and masculine story lines," Rutter said.

Rutter hopes to create and air the show using equipment from URI TV.

"We have the station, we have the studio, and students should be able to take part in this and get hands on experience," Rutter said.

Aiding Rutter in his dream is Tim Tierney, assistant director of audio and video production services. Rutter works for Tierney as a student assistant, and the assistant director describes himself as Rutter's unofficial coach and adviser.

Tierney said he fully supports the production and is hopeful that it will succeed, but he cautioneed that it will be a difficult task.

"It's like climbing a mountain, you've made a big challenge for yourself . so be smart about all your effort . make sure this is do-able," Tierney said.

While John Leo, head of the film media program, didn't offer an opinion on whether the project is likely to succeed, he said he is hopeful and stressed the value of the learning experience.

"If he has [overreached himself] it's going to be one of the most educational experiences of his life," Leo said.

Students questioned were split on the question of interest.

"It would be about students, people like me, I would relate to them personally . yeah I'd check it out," junior Doug Perry said.

Sophomore Danielle Henderson was less enthusiastic about the idea.

"I don't think . tending toward the dramatic is really a good way to showcase what's really going on campus," Henderson said.

Despite the obstacles, Rutter said he is confident that the program will be a success.

"I have high hopes for this production," he said. "I know that it might take a little bit to catch on, but I'm not doing this just for myself. I also want to see more film opportunities at the school."

For students interested in participating in the show, a meeting will be held Feb. 7 in the Memorial Union at 7 p.m.