What
ever the case, we didn't really get the feeling that playing a
gay character was a issue, and honestly, the amazing amount of
talent that walked through the door was awesome. People really
responded to the script. I think The
L Word may have helped us with that. Those women have
been on the cover of every magazine and newspaper across North
America. And it sure helped that we were shooting in New Orleans
and not Canada.
AE:
Was there much concern from the actresses about kissing another
woman?
NM: During the early casting sessions we never asked
the actors to kiss, although it was always the topic of conversation
and a good ice-breaker. And some women were actually disappointed
that they weren't going to be making out at the session -- some
had even been sizing up the other women in the waiting room. And
several actresses said that their boyfriends had begged to come
to the audition just to "watch." But when we got down
to the tests where the actors have to audition in front of the
studio executives and then the network executives -- we had them
do a scene where they kissed. Everyone was very comfortable doing
the scene.
The
truth of the matter is that the studio and network cared about
the chemistry the women had together, but more importantly how
credible they would appear as cops and detectives. And Liz and
Christina hit it out of the park, chemistry and credibility. You
believe them as a couple and as cops. In fact, Liz and Christina
ended up doing most of their own stunts. They are such studs!
AE:
What convinced you to cast Liz Vassey and Christina Cox?
NM: Liz Vassey was on the top of our list from
day one. Everyone at the studio and network were big fans. And
she had read the script and really like it. But early in the process
she was testing for another show and had to pass on our project.
But when the other project went away, we circled back to Liz and
begged her to re-consider.
By
that time, we had already narrowed our "Nora" search
to Christina Cox. From the moment she walked in the door, she
was my Nora. She became the watermark for all others who read
the role. She went through a studio and network test with 3 other
actors as Nikki. A trooper, for sure. And she was great every
time. Studio and Network tests are really tough, a lot of pressure.
I've seen actors completely tank at the network after being great
in the room ten times before that. I so respect actors, it's an
insane way to make a living.
When
Liz and Christina met at the network and read together for the
first time, it was magic. Everyone could see them as a couple.
They were fantastic together. I saw my Nikki & Nora. I've
been known to cry at moments like that...I will be forever in
their debt for making these characters come alive above and beyond
my imagination.
AE:
How did the pilot turn out?
NM: Great!
Christina Cox and Liz Vassey were amazing as lovers and cops,
and the city of New Orleans was a fabulous location to shoot:
production-friendly and gay-friendly. The network has been very
supportive of the show. There were very few things that they asked
us to tame down, and most of those discussions happened during
the script development process and long before we ever went on
! location. In fact, most everything we ended up putting in the
final shooting draft got shot and ended up in the pilot. So the
rumors about a tamer version of the show are really not true.
We
did some testing during our post process and ultimately decided
not to include one kiss we shot for the opening of the show, but
only because it was not appropriate for the scene, not because
it was too racy. I am very happy with this intimate look at a
lesbian couple -- after all, it is a prime-time network show,
and this is ground-breaking on all fronts. Gotta start somewhere.
At
any rate, it was a great experience. The show is fun and sexy
and has something to say. We explore universal themes like love
and relationships, family, careers, empowered women working in
a man's world, couples working together, etc. -- All while letting
America know that there is nothing scary or different about same
sex relationships. Come on, it's just a couple of girls living
together with a bunch of pets.
AE: Why do you think UPN didn't pick it up for their fall
schedule? What are the chances it will get a mid-season pickup?
NM: So
many things beyond making a good show come into play when a network
is setting their fall schedule. Advertising dollars, marketing,
affiliate stations, cost per episode, research testing, demographics,
international sales, not to mention what space or real estate
is available on a network schedule to place dramas, comedies,
reality, etc. You really just have to make the best show you can
and bless it and pass it. The good news about developing with
UPN this season is that the odds of getting on the air were better
than at any other network. They shot 7 pilots and put 2 on the
fall schedule, and may pick up another one for mid-season. I like
to play the ponies, and that's damn fine odds anyway you handicap
it.
Nikki
& Nora may be a long-shot, but the race ain't over yet.
Either way, at the end of the day, bravo to UPN for rolling the
dice on Nikki & Nora.
AE:
If UPN passes on it, can another network pick it up?
NM: I
really haven't gotten into the possibility of the show going elsewhere
at this point in time. Trying to stay focused. Shows getting picked
up by other networks does happen, but it's rare. Lots of players,
contracts and money involved. It's not like selling your great
used car to a friend.
AE: Do you think America is ready for a prime time network
TV show with two lesbian lead characters?
NM: Yes!
Thanks to successful shows with gay characters on cable and prime
time, the door has been opened. I don't take any responsibility
of representing the lesbian community or any agenda with this
show. I'm just trying to entertain and tell stories about one
couple. But hey, if along the way it tears down some walls and
dispels some fears, right on.
On the show, our fabulous costumer Janie Bryant (Deadwood)
gave Nikki and Nora matching St. Christopher medals to wear. Liz
wore hers around her wrist and Christina wore hers around her
neck in the pilot. It was their secret "were going steady"
jewelry. After we wrapped the show, Janie gave St. Christopher
necklaces to the team that put Nikki & Nora together.
We are all wearing them for good luck until we hear about the
pick-up. Guess we're all going steady with Nikki & Nora
until we absolutely have to break up.
June 2005 Update: Nikki and Nora was not picked
up by UPN for a fall or mid-season slot, and the actors were officially
released from their contract for the series. Myatt has moved on
to other projects, including devloping a sequel to Wave
Babes called Babes Go West, and co-producing
the upcoming series South
of Nowhere, which features a lesbian teen.
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