Exit Stage Left Episode One- “The Interview”
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Ostensibly a behind-the-scenes look at a theater production in progress, Exit Stage Left is a new web series from Emerging Artist Productions. As stated in the main review here, our entry into this world comes via NYU student Pam William (Katie Kimball) as she documents the goings on. Her video camera reveals a number of familiar story elements- creative egos itching to clash, prima donnas, and below-the-liners privy to it all.
Familiarity, however, need not breed contempt. The look and sound of ESL is polished and professional- shot with care and edited with panache. The performers are well-cast and believable (well, for the first five minutes at least but that’s a good start, no?). It feels like we’re in very competent hands.
Critically, the mix of scripting and improvisation is promising. The doc-style framing device suggests numerous viewpoints throughout the run of ESL, so the plotting should be rather loose. That will work if the players show good chemistry, and “The Interview” does just that. Writer Tim Haggard (Steve Budd) and director Ronny Simons (Michael Navarra) are the major creative forces in the story, talented individuals with strong incentives to work together but big enough egos to regularly clash. The seeds of their contempt are sown early in this episode; I’m curious to see what grows.
The wildcard in “The Interview” is Terry Nichols (Annamarie Mcleod), a self-aggrandizing actress looking to get back in the spotlight. The character is predictably over the top, which seems appropriate for the story but may quickly become tiresome. If subsequent episodes reveal some interesting layers to her, she could be intriguing. Based on the rest of the episode, I’m willing to give her some time.
And not just her. This first installment of ESL does exactly what a pilot should do- set up conflicts, introduce the main players, and build desire to keep watching. On that score, Exit Stage Left is a success, and I’ll be checking it out on the 10th and 25th of each month to see what’s going on backstage.
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Comments
Liz Shannon Miller, January 4, 2009 at 6:57 PM
Hi, Chris, you make some really interesting points here! Can you please drop me an email at lizshannon@gigaom.com? I have a question I’d like to ask you.
Sinohui Hinojosa, January 5, 2009 at 9:59 AM
First off, I couldn’t be happier with our first official review of EXIT Stage Left. Both Liz’s insight to the work we have done so far (prior to launch, blogs, updates and other content) and the very astute comments by FilmChris. As for our “wildcard”, I completely agree with the analysis of the characterization of our over-the-top stage actress and her place in the show, but it is indeed our intent to bring her full circle and slowly reveal what makes her tick, why she is there and most importantly the person behind the facade. It is my viewpoint that each character needs to be believable and the responses we have received to date (especially from theater patrons, actors and producers) makes me think we are on the right track.
I also wanted to acknowledge the fine work of our composer and editor, Joel H Hinojosa who’s work in designing the sound and musical cues for the show (not to mention the deft pacing and editing) makes the show look as good as it does (if you get a chance, his short subject doc will be playing at this year’s Slamdance, please check out the trailer at his site http://www.littlewhitelinesmovie.com), plus be sure to watch for our new show opening starting with episode two on Jan 10th.
Finally I would be remiss without mentioning the two unsung heroes of the production, our producers Bernard Fok and Thomas A Koch, without them, this would still be an idea that I had in the middle of Sept 2008, instead of the start of something special.
I’ll see you at the theater….
Sinohui Hinojosa
Creator – EXIT Stage Left
http://www.lowrytheatercompany.com
Corey Fischer, January 22, 2009 at 11:11 PM
Marvelous beginning! I must admit, though, that not being used to this form — five minute webisodes — I find myself wanting more! more! more! At the same time, I’m amazed at how much can be packed into 5 minutes — characters, plot, even a hint of back story. I thought Michael Navarra and Steve Budd are terrific and can imagine their relationship escalating with some great comedy along the way.
I wonder why producers chose to set it in NYC. rather than San Francisco, which has plenty of Lowry-like companies. So far, I haven’t gotten any sense of place. At lease use some paper coffee cups with pictures of the parthenon on them (from NYC’s ubiquitous Greek diners).
I also can’t help but notice quite a similarity to one of my favorite TV shows of all time: “Slings and Arrows” from Canada, a brilliant behind the scenes take on a big institutional theatre, like the Stratford Festival or the Guthrie in the U.S. Written and acted by some of Canada’s most gifted comic actors. And impeccably well-observed. And surprisingly moving. Each 6 episode season had an arc that went from first rehearsal through the opening of, in order, Hamlet. the Scottish Play and King Lear. Some actually excellent Shalespeare performance and analysis along the way. If you like ESL, you should check out “Slings and Arrows” DVDs of all 3 seasons on Netflix.
ty mckenzie, April 21, 2009 at 10:33 PM
I’ve been trying to collect a past rental debt from this group and no one is responding to my emails. The debt is one month past due (March 22nd, 2009) for a venue rental to shoot their web series. If someone could please please get a hold of me and let me know when I can expect payment I would greatly appreciate it. Sorry to air dirty laundry but no one will respond. I don’t know what else to do anymore.
Thanks ty@stagewerx.org
ty mckenzie, April 22, 2009 at 10:11 PM
The Producers of this series have followed up with me and have made arrangements to pay for their rental. Thanks to Bernard Fok for all his help. They were a great group to work with while I had them at my space. Ty Mckenzie