Destination El Paso and PBS station KCOS have teamed up to launch a web series called “Only in El Paso,” a project intended to promote the city through a collection of 10 short episodes produced by talented El Paso digital storytellers.

“This is a great way to show our citizens that El Paso has hidden gems. Each webisode is an interpretation of each producer on El Paso,” said Emily Loya, marketing director for KCOS. “It’s like a mirror to how they feel about the city. Each week we will release one new video on our YouTube channel.” 

“Only in El Paso” is made for El Pasoans by El Pasoans. The project received over 30 applicants, but only 10 were picked. The project was green-lighted by fundraising behind the cameras. However, in order to kick off this series of webisodes, $20,000 needed to be raised.

“Indiegogo, an international crowd funding site, and PBS Digital Studios each had to fulfill $10,000 to raise for the stipend that will help the producers make their videos,” Loya said. “Equipment such as digital video cameras, lights, microphones and other media products had to be purchased so that we may fund for more videos like this in the future.”

The webisodes featured in “Only in El Paso” consist of downtown artists, El Paso ghost stories, Jay J. Armes, a local private investigator, the Plaza Classic Film Festival and much more.

Emily Matthews, sophomore music major, said the web series will show how diverse El Paso is. Matthews said that if she could produce a webisode, she would like for it to revolve around concerts put on by the El Paso Symphony Orchestra and other musical performances that are performed in the city.

“I believe we are a diverse city because we are close to a border with another country,” Matthews said. “El Paso is a very beautiful place to live and the people here are very friendly.”

Among the 10 storytellers who were selected, Ramon Villa, communication lecturer, will produce a video for the web series. His video will focus on the Paso Del Norte Paranormal Society and the featured ghost stories of El Paso.

“I did the webisode based on the paranormal because I think it is interesting that people can learn a little bit of El Paso history,” Villa said.

People who are interested in the paranormal should visit the society for more information and history about downtown El Paso, Villa said.

 “I believe that people will see the diversity in our city. I think a program like this may help people in our city to get more involved in the sense that they might strive to offer something more so that they can be featured,” Matthews said.

Although the web series is focused on El Paso and used as a channel for outside visitors, Loya said that this project is a perfect opportunity for those who are into film and digital production to use their passion for the greater good. KCOS is currently working with UTEP to set up fourcredit internships for communication majors beginning in the fall.

“It’s a great way for someone to grow as well as watching as more people get involved with expanding El Paso,” Loya said, “ We are thrilled to do this and hopefully we can continue to hold more programs and events like this to get the scene of El Paso known as well as open up doors for our city.”

Webisodes will be uploaded to YouTube under the “Only In El Paso” user account. The first webisode has launched and it features the multicultural business of Barrio Skate Shop owner Emmanuel Urbina. In the webiside, Urbina discusses his philosophy in how the border influences his business and shares his philosophy.

For a complete schedule of the webisodes and dates that will be featured, visit indiegogo.com/projects/only-in-el-paso.

Ashley Muñoz may be reached at [email protected].