Netflix and Masterman Announce New Collaborative Documentary Series

      At the beginning of the 2022-23 school year, along with the usual permission forms, NDAs were signed between students and parents to keep the production secret. Ever since, camera crews have been pacing up and down the hallways, entering classrooms during important tests, and recording important interviews with prominent students and faculty. 

      As a new transfer student, the writer of this article has adjusted to Masterman in the most unique of ways, which is to be in the spotlight while adapting to the unique challenges presented. When Netflix first asked for an interview on the 2nd day of school, I had no idea that I would be the first interviewee of the series. To be asked for my unrestrained opinion about Masterman's unique culture came as a shock to me, because I had no idea what it was really like. I sat down in front of the black paneling and studio lights set up in a makeshift space inside of Room 309. I was given a clapperboard and was told to say; "Study to Survive. Scene 1. Action!". Then, I almost fell out of my seat.

      With the school year approaching the halfway mark, the production of Legally Blonde was a crucial point. As the stage lights turned off and the violinists tipped their bows, the Netflix cameras pointed at them, as well as every possible angle of the stage and audience. Orchestra conductor, Ms. Neu, commented, "It is a wonderful thing for Netflix to come and film our musical as well as the entire school. It will surely generate a lot of publicity and recognition¨! Upon release, the cast and crew of Legally Blonde are sure to become superstars in their own right. However, it is important to know that many audience members tripped over cables, were blinded by the lights, and bumped into the expensive equipment. Ms. Waber, an English and Drama teacher, also mentioned that the inclusion of Netflix in the school environment was fantastic as it “made Drama class a lot more interesting and fun¨!

      Netflix’s presence in Masterman was also a source of controversy among the student body. Many complained over the presence of TV crews in classrooms. Three students have commented for Voices, with Andrew (10-1), saying, “Having a massive light and a camera behind you makes you feel like a celebrity, but at the same time, it feels like a huge weight on your shoulders¨. It must be said that even with the writer’s lack of experience here at Masterman, he agreed with an anonymous senior who said, “Netflix being here has been amazing! Our boring lives have officially become interesting¨! However, even with all of the fun the production of Study to Survive has brought us; my eyes have become extremely sensitive to light and I refuse to take photos with anyone. Another student, Cyrano Rosentrater (10-2), said that, “Because of Netflix, I haven't been able to practice the piano or even eat lunch¨! It is clear that the chaos within the school has multiplied tremendously, due to Netflix´s presence. 

      Study to Survive is expected to expose behind-the-scenes details of the school year, so perhaps some truth about the chaos might come through. However, many within the school believe that the show might create imaginary drama as Netflix has full control over the storyline. But, with access to the episode list, the writer of this article knows everything and cannot say anything, otherwise, Netflix might remove him from the first episode. Anyway, Study to Survive will premiere in the U.S. and Canada on June 14th, 2023, just in time for summer vacation! Gossip, anyone..?

**No NDAs were violated in the writing of this article.