9.2 / 10 (based on 18 reviews)
Behind the scenes videos from the Netflix show “Julie and the Phantoms”. These videos consist of preparations, rehearsals and filming for the acting, dancing, musical and vocal performances in the show. Apart from the technical side, there are also videos showing the personal relationships the cast and crew have with one another.
Genre: Documentary, Music
Main Cast: Charlie Gillespie, Victoria Caro, Madison Reyes, Jeremy Shada
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1 season, 177 episodes
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Behind the Band (2020)
9.7 / 10 (based on 7 reviews)
A behind the scenes insight in how Julie and the Phantoms came to be as both a band and a show. This documentary follows the process of casting, bootcamp and recording, but it also shows a more detailed look into the making and development of “Perfect Harmony”. The cast furthermore share their personal stories from set.
Genre: Documentary, Music
Main Cast: Charlie Gillespie, Madison Reyes, Owen Joyner, Kenny Ortega
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1 season, 5 episodes, 6.0-minute runtime
MsMojo (2016)
5 / 10 (based on 125 reviews)
A spin off of Watchmojo with more female friendly content.
Genre: Talk-Show
Main Cast: Rebecca Brayton, Emily Brayton, Phoebe De Jeu, Elise Doucet
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1 season, 1174 episodes
Charmed (2018)
4.7 / 10 (based on 17163 reviews)
Follows the lives of three sisters who, after the tragic death of their mother, discover they are powerful witches.
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Mystery
Main Cast: Melonie Diaz, Sarah Jeffery, Rupert Evans, Madeleine Mantock
Creators: Constance M. Burge, Jessica O’Toole, Amy Rardin
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4 seasons, 63 episodes, 43.0-minute runtime
Never Have I Ever (2020)
7.8 / 10 (based on 62315 reviews)
The complicated life of a modern-day first generation Indian American teenage girl, inspired by Mindy Kaling’s own childhood.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Main Cast: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Poorna Jagannathan, Darren Barnet, John McEnroe
Creators: Lang Fisher, Mindy Kaling
Directors:
Writers:
3 seasons, 21 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
“Julie and the Phantoms” is a musical comedy-drama that hit screens in 2020, quickly capturing the hearts of viewers around the globe. This Netflix original series, directed by Kenny Ortega, is more than just its catchy tunes and heartwarming storyline. Behind the scenes, the show is a tapestry of hard work, dedication, and a sprinkle of real-life magic that brought it to life. Let’s peel back the curtain and explore what made “Julie and the Phantoms” a memorable experience for both the audience and the crew involved.
Casting Magic
Casting the perfect actors for a show is always a challenge, but “Julie and the Phantoms” faced a unique hurdle. The series needed leads who could not only act but also sing and play instruments, as live performances were a cornerstone of the show. Madison Reyes, who plays Julie, was discovered through an open casting call. At just 16, her talent outshone hundreds of applicants, landing her the lead role. This was not just a job for her; it was her first major acting gig, proving that sometimes, fresh talent is the key to authenticity.
Charlie Gillespie, Owen Patrick Joyner, and Jeremy Shada were cast as the Phantoms. Each brought their own musical background to the table, which added a layer of realism to their performances. Their chemistry, both on-screen and off, was instant, creating a believable bond that viewers couldn’t help but love.
Musical Choreography
Kenny Ortega, known for his work on “High School Musical” and “Descendants,” brought his signature touch to the musical numbers in “Julie and the Phantoms.” The choreography was designed to not only entertain but also to advance the storyline and develop the characters. Each song was meticulously planned, from the lyrics to the dance moves, ensuring they fit seamlessly into the narrative.
The cast underwent extensive rehearsals, often spending hours perfecting a single performance. This dedication paid off, with musical numbers like “Edge of Great” and “Unsaid Emily” becoming instant hits. The effort put into synchronizing the music with the choreography made each performance feel like a live concert, drawing viewers deeper into the world of the show.
Special Effects and Costumes
Bringing ghosts to life on screen required a creative approach to special effects. The production team used a combination of practical effects, like clever lighting and smoke machines, alongside digital effects to achieve the ethereal appearance of the Phantoms. This blend ensured that the ghosts felt both otherworldly and grounded in the show’s reality.
Costumes played a significant role in defining characters and their backgrounds. Julie’s outfits reflect her personal growth and her journey throughout the series. The Phantoms’ costumes, stuck in a ’90s time warp, contrasted sharply with the modern setting, highlighting their ghostly status. The attention to detail in the costume design added depth to the story, subtly conveying information about the characters without needing words.
On-Set Dynamics
The dynamic on set was one of collaboration and mutual respect. Kenny Ortega created an environment where cast and crew felt like a family. This atmosphere allowed for creative ideas to flow freely, with actors contributing to their characters’ development. The bond formed off-screen translated on-screen, enhancing the authenticity of the relationships portrayed.
Anecdotes from the set reveal the fun and challenges faced during production. For instance, filming the concert scenes required coordination between the cast, crew, and live musicians, often leading to long but rewarding days. Despite the grueling schedule, the energy and passion for the project never waned, driven by the shared goal of making something special.
The Soundtrack
The soundtrack of “Julie and the Phantoms” is a character in its own right. Each song was crafted to fit the story’s emotional beats, acting as a window into the characters’ souls. The music spans various genres, from rock to pop to heartfelt ballads, reflecting the diverse musical influences of the characters.
The cast recorded the songs themselves, adding authenticity and emotional depth to the performances. The soundtrack’s success is a testament to its quality, with several tracks charting on music platforms. The music of “Julie and the Phantoms” lives on beyond the screen, continuing to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Legacy and Impact
“Julie and the Phantoms” left a lasting impact on its viewers and the people who brought it to life. The show tackled themes of loss, love, and the power of music, wrapped in a story that was both entertaining and moving. It proved that a show could be fun and thought-provoking, resonating with people of all ages.
The series also opened doors for its young cast, particularly Madison Reyes, who became a role model for aspiring performers. The show’s message of following your dreams, regardless of the obstacles, inspired viewers around the world.
Conclusion
“Julie and the Phantoms” is more than just a TV show; it’s a testament to the magic that happens when talented individuals come together with a shared vision. Behind the scenes, the series was a labor of love, marked by challenges, creativity, and collaboration. The result was a show that not only entertained but also touched the hearts of viewers, leaving a legacy that will be remembered for years to come. Whether it was the catchy tunes, the heartfelt performances, or the story that spoke to the dreamer in all of us, “Julie and the Phantoms” proved that sometimes, the real magic happens off-screen.