The media, journalism and film department began work on its next web series, “Show-Me Chefs,” this week at the downtown Springfield business 319 Event Center.

About ‘Show-Me Chefs’

The series, a reality-show cooking competition, will shoot throughout April and air during the fall semester on the partnering network KOZL-TV. Others partners include 319 Event Center, KOLR-10, Farmer’s Market of the Ozarks, Care to Learn and Mama Jean’s Natural Market.

Series format

The series will feature local chefs who will be paired with local culinary arts students. Each will face off in three rounds highlighting certain ingredients, four quarter round shows, two semi rounds and a finale.

Judges will also be local residents. Both the winning chef and student will receive prizes.

Student involvement

Students across many College of Arts and Letters departments will be involved to help produce and promote the series.

The show will be hosted by broadcast journalism students Lakyn McGee and Samantha Bowers; directed by media production students Courtney Youssef and Megan Morris; produced by alumnus Daan Jansen and communication graduate student Chelsea Eichholz; and executive directed by Deb Larson.

Purpose of series

In addition to providing hands-on experiences for Missouri State students, this series hopes to highlight local food growers, organic and sustainable food production practices. The chefs will be working with locally produced meats, cheese, produce, wine and spirits.