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“K&A” centers on a lesbian and her straight BFF

With promised future episode titles like “The Herps,” “Doing Nice Shit For People” and “Racist Wednesday,” K&A sounds like comedy gold and you can help make it happen. They are currently looking for backers through Kickstarter to begin filming their first season in Boston. The series will feature “Karly (straight) and Alex (lesbian) best friends since college, whose dysfunctional, co-dependent, drinking, and drug taking relationship impedes them from ever finding someone special in their lives besides each other.”

Personally, I was sold after viewing their promotional video “Donna Martin Graduates,” in which Karly prays to a shrine of the 90210 alum.

Katie Shannon (creator and former Retro Reviewing star), Audrey Claire Johnson (Karly) and Ashley Elmi (Alex) took some time to answer a few questions about the series and themselves.

AfterEllen: How did you come up with the idea for this series?

Katie Shannon: One of my favorite shows is Sex In The City because to me it is honest and truthful about women today and their friendships. My best friend from college lives around the corner from me. I’m gay and she is straight. I think we have a unique relationship and I would definitely say that a lot of the ideas for the series come from our relationship. Not all but some. I think it’s a character dynamic that hasn’t really been explored that much. When I hear or see something I think would be great for the show, I write it in my phone. If someone ever read the list, they would probably think I’m crazy! This series never focuses on the fact that the character of Alex is gay, but to me the more normal being gay is portrayed, the more of an impact this series can have. K&A is crazy, crude, and pushes the envelope.

AE: The city of Boston seems to be an important aspect to your web series. Why is Boston special to you?

KS: I’ve lived in the city of Boston on and off for about seven years now. It’s the place I consider home. The cast and crew of K&A are so talented and inspired. We really want to show people what the independent film scene in Boston can bring to the table. The city is full of people who have huge amount of pride for Boston. It’s a different and special city, and I wouldn’t want this series to take place anywhere else. With everything that has happened here in the last few months, it can’t hurt to try to put a smile on people’s faces.

AE: Can you explain the casting process you went through for K&A?

KS: I had worked with Audrey on a previous project of mine called 617. When I wrote the part for Karly, I knew Audrey was the one I wanted for the part. With Audrey already in place, we knew we needed a strong female who could match her hilarious wit and personality. We liked Ashley from her first audition, but we were concerned that she may be a little too young for the role. In the second round of auditions, Ashley was the last actress to read. At that point we already had decided that we would most likely be casting another actress who had auditioned for the part of Alex. Just when we thought we were set, Ashley came in and nailed her second audition. She left the room, and we all looked at each other and said, “That’s our Alex.” Sometimes when you are casting you need to wait for that “ah ha” moment. And with her, that was it.

AE: What is your writing process like? Is it collaborative or a solo effort?

KS: I write all the original scripts. Then I’ll bring in Ashley, Audrey and Mike (our other producer) for writers table session. We laugh a lot and throw out new ideas as we go. And then after a few drinks, a new script is born. With such funny and talented leading women, it’s safe to say a lot of it will be improvised once filming begins.

AE: What are some of the main challenges when creating a web series?

KS: I think the main challenge with any creative project is financial backing. You could have a brilliant idea, but without money, it will always just stay a brilliant idea. That is why we are doing a Kickstarter Campaign. The biggest challenge is convincing total strangers to donate. You just hope that there is something that they can relate to or makes them want to take time out of the day to press that donate button.

AE: Any advice you could give to someone who is thinking of creating their own web series?

KS: Have fun with it. Base it on things you are passionate about. Love what you do. And remember, having the web as a source for distribution is a great way to share your talent and to make people’s days a little better.

AE: What made you decide to work on this project?

Audrey Claire Johnson: Katie and I met on 617: The Series, and I vowed to work on any other project she’d helm from web comedy to outdoor Shakespeare. She wrote the relationship between Karly and Alex to be completely authentic. So with that foundation, we get to play real girls in outrageous scenarios and outrageous girls in real scenarios. Ashley Elmi: What drew me to this project initially was the possibility of getting more experience on camera. Coming from an improv theater background, I haven’t mastered the subtle performance. Now, in addition to that, I’m excited to work closely with a group of people. The bond that forms is special. AE: From the clips I have seen you both seem to have great chemistry when working together. Did you know each other before this project started? ACJ: I met Ashley when she came into audition! There’s a finesse to playing the “straight” gay character while maintaining such luscious hair. I can’t wait to start shooting with her, she’s going to blow everyone away. Ashley Elmi: So glad it comes off that way. Me and Audrey met at my audition. Although, Boston is a real tiny city-Audrey was taking an improv class taught by my roommate.

AE: Can you tell us more about your past comedic work, like Brainfox and Improv Asylum? How do you think this experience will help while working on K&A?

ACJ: Brainfox is like web sketch comedy in a Gladiator arena. Not the Roman one, I mean the 1989-1996 TV series. We collaborate stupidly well together, and I’m so grateful for the experience to hone my technique on camera with creative friends I love. So I’m always hunting down the best, newest ideas generated online that make people laugh. That’s a forever priority for me, and Brainfox and K&A.

Ashley Elmi: I’ve worked with Improv Asylum for 4 years, in almost every capacity you can imagine; intern, usher, video technician, performer. All of those jobs were just ways for me to get my foot in the door. Once I became an employee, I got to take the classes for free and it all took off from there. I was on the NXT cast for two years, improvising and performing in sketches. All experiences I’ve had just perfect my timing, one of the most important things you can have on the set of a comedic web series. Improv, of course, makes you quick and sharp while responding in character. Improv Asylum was my realization that I wanted to involved with comedy as a career, so I started having more than just fun. I learned to be a professional and be consistent.

AE: Is there room for improvisation on the set of K&A or will it be strictly scripted?

ACJ: There Will Be Improv! Katie’s always encouraged naturalism in rehearsal and on set, and I’m predicting even more with the comedic set up of K&A. I can’t stop laughing already, imagining our outtakes for this.

Ashley Elmi: They hired me as an improviser and the promotional videos we have shot have all been improv. There will be plenty of room I think!

AE: Can you tell the AfterEllen readers more about the $2,000 donation incentive of the walk on role? You mentioned in the kick starter video it would be hookup scene with Alex.

ACJ: Donate $2,000: “Walk On Set and Into Alex’s Embrace” Role. Or Karly’s? Can we discuss this?

Ashley Elmi: I think it’d be something we all should talk about.

You can help fund K&A by visiting their Kickstarter page.

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