By Chris Hagan
Review Staff Writer
‘Sports with Volume?
That’s the phrase on a large poster that now hangs in the hallway of the ONTV studio. The poster serves as a commemorating achievement for ONTV’s flagship program that features two highly energetic local twins and their passion for all things sports ? especially Dragon sports.
The show, Between Taorminas, an award-winning production, kicked off its 200th episode in similar fashion as it’s done all those times before.
Anthony and Sammy Taormina were in their quintessential Lake Orion sports t-shirts and athletic flip-flops spouting off Detroit sports frustration to middle-man Ian Witherspoon.
Even minutes before the Taorminas were set to go on air, there was little discussion of production questions or camera lingo but rather a continued examinations of sports.
‘To bring this on ONTV for 200 episodes is just the biggest reward,? Anthony said. ‘You have three friends that have known each other since middle school talking about sports and having a great time.?
It was obvious that local and professional athletics were not just an interest but a passion for the Taormina twins. But what gives the show a sense of balance is the calm, mediator type role of Witherspoon who will advance the show from topic to topic and will assert his own sports opinions that often trigger further talking points.
The sports talking trio became friends in sixth-grade at Scripps Middle School and have remained close ever since. After the three graduated in 2006, they remained local and helped with coaching various sports.
In October of 2011, the idea came to do a show about sports and Witherspoon, who had interned and worked for ONTV in the past, thought it’d be a good fit.
‘The idea came about during a middle school city track meet and we just said we naturally talk about sports, we just don’t talk about it on the big screen,? Anthony said. ‘So we approached ONTV about this idea and we started back at their old building.?
The 200th episode revolved around the recent disappointing loss of the Lions to the Denver Broncos as well as the Tiger’s controversial decision to keep Manager Brad Ausmus for the 2016 season. But as the show weaved its way through the episode, Anthony, Sammy, and Ian were treated to a couple throwback episodes including their first one.
Ian Locke, executive director of ONTV said ‘Sammy, Anthony, and Ian are really fun guys to work with. They love talking sports and keep things interesting. Whether they’re talking Lake Orion High School sports or the NBA, they definitely bring a wild perspective and energetic delivery style to the show. It’s so rare to have a community television program to last not only 200 episodes, but to go close to 200 straight weeks live. It’s unheard of.?
ONTV Studio Manager Joe Johnson surprised the three hosts with a congratulatory message from WDIV Channel 4 anchor Bernie Smilovitz who wished them well them well on their 200th episode. Johnson said mentioned how much he’s enjoyed working on the show and believes its great testament that others should take notice.
‘It’s definitely the most fun show that I work on and I think they’re an inspiration for other producers who have been doing this for such a long time,? he said. ‘When we opened this building, we made sure the Taorominas was the first production we did here at the new building?
ONTV opened its new studio at the Orion Center on Joslyn Road in 2012.
Between Taorminas was the first program to air live every week on Comcast Channel 10 and AT&T UVerse Channel 99. The show was recognized in 2013 with a Midwest Regional Philo T. Farnsworth award as the best amateur sports talk show on community television.
‘The guys have been a fixture at the studio for so long they’ve become a part of the ONTV family, Locke said. ‘Their sense of humor is so contagious. One memory from their show I’ll never forget is when the ONTV staff convinced Detroit radio personality, and Oakland Press sports writer, Pat Caputo to come on the show as a surprise guest.
‘Sammy was really laying into Pat over multiple episodes for an article he wrote. Well in walks Pat just before the guys go live. Sammy hit the floor in shock. We all had tears from laughing so hard. That’s Between Taorminas. Just plain old fun.?
ONTV offers classes to area residence who are interested in learning television production or hosting their own show.
Between Taorminas can been seen on Mondays at 5 p.m. with replays on Tuesdays at 6 p.m, Thursdays at 9:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 12:30 p.m.
For more information about how to become part of Orion’s ONTV call (248) 393-1060 or email ontv@orionONTV.org.