Norm and Kate Love the Ladies
Norm & Kate Love the Ladies is a web-series that details the love lives of a straight guy and a gay girl in modern day LA.
Interview with Writer/Director: Kate Przylepa
Main image - Kate to Norm: "You never interrupt date three, you know that!"
Congratulations! Why did you make your web series?
I really wanted to make something that I hadn’t seen before. I love watching series like WILL & GRACE, BROAD CITY and MASTER OF NONE, but I wasn’t seeing characters that I personally identified with. So my Co-writer and I looked to our own experiences to create the world of “Norm and Kate”, and through the process of writing about crazy events or bad dates, we realized we had something.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
“Norm and Kate Love the Ladies” is a comedy that explores the friendship between two roommates, a straight man and a gay woman, as they search for their better halves (and themselves) in the big city. If you like awkward situations and honesty comedy, then you should check it out.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
We just really wanted to make a show that felt real. Grounded in honesty. It’s all character-driven. Norm and Kate are the “straight men” in a world of comedy that sits right outside their door. They don’t make jokes or deliver one-liners – they wander into everyday, grounded, awkward interactions and situations that are funny. These characters are flawed, but also likable, because they’re ultimately just trying to find their place in the world.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Norm and I started just writing down ridiculous situations we had been in. Obviously we exaggerated them to some extended, but through grounding them in real situations we have my favorite formula for comedy (Sadness + Time = Comedy).
We went into shooting with full scripts, but I knew I wanted to cast strong improv actors who could bring these characters to life and understand the world we were putting them. We have 18 speaking roles, and only 3 of them are male, for me, that was a huge driving force.
I was also honestly blessed to work with Kendra Ryan, Kate in the show, who is one of the most phenomenal actors I have had the privilege to work with. Although, it was a little creepy seeing her try to imitate some of my idiosyncrasies.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
We have received amazing feedback from people who have seen it. We just need to get it out there more.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I honestly have to say not really. The only thing I have been surprised by is the overwhelming support we have received from those who watched it. We created it in the most indie way possible, and looking at (as a perfectionist) there are always things I would want to change, but the tone, actually the essence of what we tried to get across… I think did, but you be the judge.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I hope to achieve what any film maker wants. To share something that they poured their soul into. I hope that people who see “Norm and Kate love the Ladies”, feel something, even if its just a laugh at silly cat paw joke.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
We have already written the 2nd season and are looking for anyone who wants to help get that made. (spoilers) We will be filming the entire 2nd season at a wedding… and who doesn’t love weddings?
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I think the best way to introduce people to a different way of life is through comedy and I was tired of seeing Hollywood present these ridiculous lesbian caricatures, lumping us all into one category. I wanted to do a show about a lesbian character where the fact that she’s a lesbian is the least interesting thing about her.
How many “lesbian” characters have you seen either killed off or in love with their “straight best friend”. We make jokes in the beginning about certain gay stereotypes in the community through the “tinder app”, but Kate knows who she is and is comfortable with that, as is everyone else around her. Being gay is just a part of who she is – it’s not all she is.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
I don’t know If there is a debate to be had or a specific conversation. I think I made this series to be non confrontational. It's just fun and I hope people get that out of it. Look at your past fondly and don’t regret bad dating situations. They will be the fodder for your comedy later.
Would you like to add anything else?
Thank you for taking the time to watch this series. I had the most amazing experience with all the great artists who worked on it, and it only makes me more driven to continue to make more.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I have a couple of irons in the fire at the moment and I can’t wait to show more.
August 2017
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
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Norm and Kate Love the Ladies
Norm & Kate Love the Ladies is a web-series that details the love lives of a straight guy and a gay girl in modern day LA.
Length: 5 episodes (7-9 min each)
Director: Kate Przylepa
Producer: Norman Knoerlein, Kate Przylepa, Kendra Ryan, Vivek Rao
Writer: Norman Knoerlein, Kate Przylepa
Key cast: Kendra Ryan and Norman Knoerlein
Looking for sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists
Social media handles:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/normandkatelovetheladies
Twitter: @nkloveladies
Instagram: @nkloveladies
Funders: Self funded
Where can I see it in the next month?
You can see the whole series on Youtube.