Some came for a chance at fame; others came to be heard.
About 60 people showed up at Maxwell’s on Washington Street Monday evening to try out for a spot on www.iTelevise.com, a web site created by Hoboken artist Kevin Bertotti.
To ascertain how they compose themselves in front of a camera, Bertotti interviewed them about their views on controversial topics. The most interesting responses will be used in one-minute movies broadcast daily on the site. Topics may include sex, religion, politics and the media.
Those who participated might get called back to participate in other programming on the site.
On Monday, the front lounge area of Maxwell’s was turned into a mini-studio for the interviews, with Bertotti directing the camera and running the show.
People interested in participating signed waiver forms and waited on line for their turn to be in front of the camera to answer questions, most of them dealing with sex.
Bertotti explained that he chose sex as his topic of discussion for the casting call because everyone always says they are comfortable talking about it, but when asked to share their views on it, they begin to experience some discomfort.
“I’ve become an aficionado about information,” he said.
Bertotti brought in Dawn DeLorenzo to conduct many of the interviews. A friend of Bertotti’s, DeLorenzo asked questions about sexual preferences, self-gratification and the pleasures of climaxing.
“People don’t feel they’re being represented by what they see on television,” Bertotti said. “When you put a camera in their face, it works like a truth serum. It gives people a new freedom to talk about a whole range of issues.”
David Ruzich, a compounding technician for a pharmaceutical company in New Jersey, lives in Hoboken and came to Maxwell’s to try something new.
“I did it for the hell of it,” Ruzich said. “I like the arts in general, and you never know what this will lead to.” According to Ruzich, Bertotti’s concept is fascinating, and he believes iTelevise.com is the tip of the iceberg for what can be done on the web.
Roger Modi of Hoboken came out for the opportunity to be famous. He recently became a victim of his company’s downsizing and wants to explore new projects during his time off from work.
“Maybe by doing this I can get my foot in the door,” Modi said regarding show business.
Bertotti is a poet, musician, sculptor, painter and film artist who launched iTelevise.com two years ago, but he said he had had the idea all his life.
“This is my electronic canvas to express my ideas,” Bertotti said. “I intend to express myself more clearly in this new medium and to spark more interest in people.”
Bertotti is working on new projects for the site, which include long-feature documentaries, music videos, and comedy shows. He says there is no limit to what can be done with the new technology.
For information about iTelevise.com, email Bertotti at services@iTelevise.com.