Comcast SportsNet to air “The Making of the Luvabulls”
“The Making of the Luvabulls” to premiere Wednesday, November 2 at 7:00 p.m.; CSNChicago.com to provide additional “web-exclusive” content, including extended video clips
Chicago Bulls
October 26, 2011
Chicago, IL (October 26, 2011) – Beginning Wednesday, November 2 at 7:00 p.m., Comcast SportsNet will debut a landmark, four-part, behind-the scenes documentary entitled The Making of the Luvabulls, chronicling the personal dreams, joy and heartbreak taken by over 200 Chicago area women vying for just 25 spots on one of the NBA’s most prestigious dance teams.
With over 30 hours of exclusive footage shot over the course of four weeks, The Making of the Luvabulls (narrated by Comcast SportsNet’s Pat Boyle and produced by Sarah Lauch & Ryan McGuffey) will take viewers through the entire, never-before-seen process on exactly what it takes to make this team. From the initial mid-August tryouts featuring 200+ hopefuls (which was immediately cut down to 47 in one day) — to the grueling minicamp process that followed — to the moment the official 25-girl roster was announced, Comcast SportsNet showcases the amazing athletic skills, along with the raw emotions of these determined women every step of the way.
Additional highlights from the four-part series include extensive interviews/bio features with numerous women on the 2011-12 Luvabulls dance team including former Miss Illinois Ashley Bond, Luvabulls Director Cathy Core, choreographer Kim Tyler, along with many other women who participated in the process — including those who made the final cut — and those who didn’t. Viewers can also look forward to several “Day in the Life” segments, which follow the girls around for a day featuring candid interviews with their co-workers, roommates, friends and husbands/boyfriends. Plus — Comcast SportsNet will also showcase an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the chaotic, yet ultimately sexy Luvabulls poster photo shoot.
“We wanted to provide our viewers with an honest look at what it truly takes to become a member of the Luvabulls, not just from a physical standpoint, but also from a mental one as well,” said Charlie Schumacher, Senior News Director for Comcast SportsNet Chicago. “We captured so many euphoric moments, but also numerous moments of heartbreak. Most importantly, ‘The Making of the Luvabulls’ showcases so many hard-working, determined women trying their best to make their dream come true.”
Viewers are also urged to visit a special “Making of the Luvabulls” page set up on Comcast SportsNet’s newly-enhanced website, CSNChicago.com: CSNChicago.com/luvabulls, which currently showcases the teaser trailer for the series, along with behind-the-scenes commentary from producers Lauch & McGuffey. This page will also include a Luvabulls photo slide show and web-exclusive video excerpts from the series that will not be shown on Comcast SportsNet. Fans can also visit the official Luvabulls page at Bulls.com/luvabulls.
Note the following episode-by-episode details and quotes for The Making of the Luvabulls, premiering Wednesday, November 2 at 7:00 p.m. only on Comcast SportsNet (schedule subject to change):
Episode 1: Wednesday, November 2 at 7:00 p.m.
(Additional replays: Fri, Nov. 4 at 12:30 p.m. & Sun, Nov. 6 at 9:30 p.m.)
Summary: The first episode takes a look back at the history of the Luvabulls, along with profiles of Director Cathy Core and choreographer Kim Tyler. Highlights include the initial tryouts featuring over 200 girls, with only 47 of them being asked to come back to the intense next phase of “minicamp.”
Episode 2: Wednesday, November 9 at 7:00 p.m.
(Additional replays: Fri, Nov. 11 at 12:30 p.m. & Sun, Nov. 13 at 9:30 p.m.)
Summary: Minicamp begins. Viewers will witness the physical/mental stress of a grueling choreography session that not only has to be learned quickly, but accurately. Additional highlights also take a break from camp with “Day in the Life” features with Ashley, Kafi and Jackie.
Episode 3: Tuesday, November 15 at 7:00 p.m.
(Additional replays: Fri, Nov. 18 at 3:00 p.m., Sun, Nov. 20 at 2:00 p.m. & Thu, Nov. 24 at 8:00 p.m.)
Summary: As minicamp concludes following countless hours of intense choreography routines, the final 2011-12 Luvabulls team is selected. The emotional highs and lows from this episode are not to be missed.
Episode 4: Tuesday, November 22 at 7:00 p.m.
(Additional replays: Thu, Nov. 24 at 8:30 p.m. & Mon, Nov. 28 at 7:00 p.m.)
Summary: We go behind-the-scenes for the orchestrated chaos that is the always-popular Luvabulls poster shoot, plus – now that the team is set, viewers will be treated to some additional practice footage that clearly indicates the pressure is now on for this year’s team to succeed.
Quotes from “The Making of the Luvabulls”
“This is show business… they should come in knowing what they are getting in to. You see those veterans when they come in for their audition… I mean, you can’t touch them.”
– Luvabulls Director Cathy Core on girls showing up to auditions
“It is a very difficult process and anybody that kind of makes it through that training process, kudos to you because I felt like it is one of the hardest things mentally, physically, that you will ever go through in life being challenged on both ends and have that balance to make it through to the other side.”
– Luvabulls choreographer Kim Tyler on auditions/minicamp
“We look for a lot more than just a pretty face and a good dancer. We look for the whole package. Somebody who can speak in front of crowds and interact with CEOs and the community and really be a great representation for us and for the Bulls.”
– Bulls Sr. Director of Game Operations Jeff Wohlschlaeger on what the team looks for in a Luvabull
“There are no guarantees. Every girl needs to try their hardest. You are just like a rookie. You have to learn the choreography, you have to stay on top of everything, you have to look like a Luvabull. As a leader, you have to be a leader.”
– Erika, nine-year Luvabulls veteran
“I love this city. I love sports. I love the Bulls. It all ties together. It is just truly amazing and I feel blessed that I got chosen that first year.”
– Ashley, five-year Luvabulls veteran
