TU alumni bring talent to upcoming HBO series ‘We Own This City’

By Rebecca Kirkman on October 27, 2021

“We Own This City,” a six-hour HBO limited series chronicling the rise and fall of the Baltimore Police Department’s Gun Trace Task Force—based on the book by the same name by “Baltimore Sun” reporter Justin Fenton—has been filming in the Baltimore and Towson areas this fall.

More than a dozen Towson University alumni are behind the scenes, bringing the series from “The Wire” creator David Simon to life. 

“Film- and media-making is a collaborative process, from a first-time student film to a multimillion-dollar production,” says Elsa Lankford, professor and chair of the Department of Electronic Media and Film (EMF). “In the EMF department, we offer students a lot of hands-on experience, from 200-level classes through graduation, inside and outside of class. Out of our outstanding faculty, assistant professor Jena Burchick in particular helps prepare and mentor students to crew on film and TV sets with her years of on-set experience.”

TU’s location as an anchor institution in greater Baltimore provides opportunities for students and alumni to get real-world experiences in the industry. “Because Baltimore has such a great independent film community, as well, we use social media to help share experiences and opportunities with our students and alums,” Lankford adds.

Four alumni share their experiences as part of the “We Own This City” crew and advice for Tigers looking to break into the industry.

Masha Pavlova ’18, Loader, Camera Department

As a loader in the camera department, Masha Pavlova’s main responsibility is to download footage from camera cards to external hard drives, ensuring what is shot each day makes its way to the editors at post-production.

Pavlova, who majored in advertising and minored in electronic media and film, also sets up the video village—housing monitors, iris control units and wireless video feed receivers—so the director of photography can watch what the cameras are seeing and shooting at any given time. Then, at the end of each day, she helps load camera equipment onto the truck so it can safely move to the next shooting location.

Working on a big production in Baltimore has been an amazing opportunity, she says. “I graduated right after ‘House of Cards’ wrapped its last season, so I always felt like I missed out on big job opportunities right after college,” says Pavlova, noting this is her second, big union job as part of a camera department. “In retrospect, I was lucky to be involved in the commercial and indie filmmaking world for a couple of years, so I could make the big leap when I was ready.”

She says working on the series gives the local filmmaking community a chance to shine. “It is refreshing to see so many local artists and techs come together to bring this important, local story to life. We have an amazing film community in this area, and I’m so glad we can show our talents.”

Jess Baroody-Saada ’10, Art Department Coordinator, Set Decoration Department

Jess Baroody-Saada, who majored in electronic media and film with a minor in anthropology, primarily focuses on the administrative needs of the set decoration department in her role as the art department coordinator. 

In this role, which is based in the production office rather than on set, she focuses on accounting and budgeting, securing artwork clearances, communicating with the set dressing team and working with the art department and graphics team.

“The best part of working in motion pictures is the teamwork; you're collaborating with so many people geared toward the same goal of creating something unique that will hopefully reach millions of people,” Baroody-Saada says. “I've wanted to work in film/tv, and specifically in production design and set decoration, since I was 13 years old, so it's a dream come true to do this work.”

Tigers interested in the industry should say yes to as many opportunities as possible, she says. 

“Productions that film in town routinely look for production assistants to fill roles in every department, so always let your instructors/professors or department head know that you're interested in working in production, and your chances to get called will increase,” Baroody-Saada says. “You have to prove your work ethic to people who have been working in this field for decades. Have a positive attitude, be an asset to your team and people will want to work with you and call you back.”

Drew Edwards ’14, Assistant Production Office Coordinator, Production Department

Drew Edwards works with the production coordinator to provide logistical support to other departments by managing contracts, travel and living arrangements, special equipment and more. “We ensure that everyone has the tools they need to do their job and ensure the show runs smoothly,” says Edwards, who double majored in electronic media and film and mass communication.

The best part of the experience on “We Own This City,” Edwards says, is working with the other crew members. “As the support team, production interacts with every department,” he explains. “Having now worked in this industry for seven years, I've been fortunate to work with a lot of different people and many of them on multiple shows. I consider myself a people person, so having the opportunity to forge relationships with so many crew members has been a pleasure.”

To anyone looking to break into the industry, he suggests using every opportunity to show off your skills. “Have an attention to detail, good listening skills and a good attitude. People take notice, and, with this industry being built on networking, it could mean your next job or big break.”

Sam Kessler ’21, Health and Safety Production Assistant, COVID-19 Department

A spring 2021 graduate who majored in electronic media and film, Sam Kessler facilitates and tracks testing of crew members, cast members and anyone involved in production of the series. “I make sure people test on time and warn management if there’s a positive,” Kessler says. “It’s not exactly a ‘film job,’ but it does help protect this set from COVID, and I get to see the inner workings of a real, Hollywood-style film set.”

For Kessler, the best part of the experience so far is the people he works alongside. “Everyone, for the most part, is super nice, and people care about each other,” he says. “I’m also making connections that will help me move closer to my goal of joining the camera department union, IATSE Local 600.”

He advises peers looking to break into the industry to bring the knowledge they have gained in the Department of Electronic Media and Film but also be prepared to learn.

“Take everything you learned in your higher-level production classes and use it, but realize that you’ll be learning a lot in a short period of time,” Kessler says. “Network like it’s going out of style. Learn as much as you can, and always keep yourself busy. Find things to do that make life easier for the rest of the crew.”

Starring Jon Bernthal (“The Walking Dead,” “Show Me a Hero”) as Sgt. Wayne Jenkins and Josh Charles (“The Good Wife,” “In Treatment”) as Daniel Hersl of the Baltimore Police Department’s Gun Trace Task Force, “We Own This City” is expected to debut sometime next year.

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The Electronic Media and Film Department engages a new generation of enthusiastic artists, entertainers and communicators to share media in bold and unconventional new ways. Request information about undergraduate studies.