Twin Sisters Vie for Shot as NESN’s ‘Next Producer’

A comedy-horror short film produced by Merrimack twins Emily and Hannah Reilly is among 12 semifinalists in New England Sports Network's video production contest for the popular “NESN Next Producer” television show.

Hannah Reilly is a communication major who plans to minor in general psychology, while her sister Emily is undeclared but is leaning toward math. The freshman twins took a film class during their senior year at Triton Regional High School in Byfield, Massachusetts, then joined the Film Club at Merrimack last fall. NESN approached the club in September, looking for contestants.

“We were both iffy about whether we wanted to enter anything because we were still adjusting to campus,” Hannah said. “We didn’t even know where the buildings were yet.”

Emily was the first to commit and pestered her sister until she agreed to take part. About 10 days before the deadline, they went to Sparky’s with a laptop to hash out ideas for a film.

With no experience in sports news, they decided to have some fun and create a short feature, “The Last Putt,” about a miniature golf grudge match. They enlisted the help of Hannah’s boyfriend and another friend, both of whom acted in the film. Using a Canon Rebel T3i, the sisters shot scenes on and off campus, including the dramatic showdown at a miniature golf course in Ipswich, Massachusetts.

“It feels amazing. A little surreal, honestly,” Emily said. “It’s been such a great opportunity, even if we don’t make the top three. It has just been so much fun working with Hannah, and to be in the top 12 with her makes it even better.”

All of the semifinalist videos are online, where viewers can vote for their favorite. The winner of the popular vote will receive a $1,000 prize. To view the Reillys’ video and vote, visit the NESN website.

To determine NESN’s prize winner, celebrity judges will select their own top three finalists, and each will be required to make a 60-second Red Sox promotional video that will then also be judged. The winner, or winners, will receive $20,000 and a job opportunity at NESN.

For the third straight year, the judges will be two Hollywood producers: Tom Werner, the Red Sox chairman; and Newton, Massachusetts, native Brad Falchuk, the co-creator/executive producer of popular shows as “Glee” and “American Horror Story.”

The third season of “NESN Next Producer” began Feb. 17. The Reillys’ video is scheduled to air on Saturday, Feb. 24, at 4 p.m.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

Related News

Photo of Dorie Mansen standing outdoors on Merrimack Campus

Austin Scholars Curriculum Director Blends Academic Religious Studies With Community Engagement

 |
By: Michael Cronin
Dorie Mansen has spent her academic career exploring the historical aspects of religion and organizing community service and engagement programs.
Headshot of Andrew Daume.

Merrimack College Junior Juggles Clubs, Jobs and Studies with Ease

 |
By: Michael Cronin
Andrew Daume ’26 leads two of the five student organizations he’s a part of in addition to pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communications.
Photo of Merrimack students studying inside a classroom.

Core Curriculum Redesign Means Additional Credentials for Merrimack College Students

 |
By: Joseph O'Connell
Beginning in fall 2024, Merrimack students can pursue a five-course minor or three-course certificate as part of their core curriculum requirements.