Monique Needham talks about how she created the stories and characters for new web series HouseMates, which is about a group of young girls and their experiences living together. The series will be released on the BWNG TV, which airs Brothers With No Game and A Day In The Life Of Daddy.
Black Ballad: How did it feel to watch your characters come to life in our fake interview with them?
Monique Needham: It was quite surreal, the characters do not exist in the context of real life? I made them up, I gave them names and personalities. To sit there and watch them be asked questions and see them interact made me feel like a viewer. I wrote the scripts for each of the episodes so usually I know what they are about to say before they say it. In this case the characters took the lead in what they said and I enjoyed watching them. I hope everyone else does too.
BB: Why was it important to have your characters active on social media?
MN: I really wanted the characters to be able to interact with the audience, it brings them to life off screen.
BB: What inspired you to write Housemates?
MN: I had the concept in my mind for quite a few years. Since 2007 actually. I had an amazing experience back during my university days of living with friends and over the years, I have heard so many hilarious stories that I felt could be turned into something very entertaining. At the time I had no idea how I would ever be able to get something like this made.
BB: In writing the script, did you draw on any experiences from your own personal life?
MN: Drawing on personal experience is the only way I know to write. I don't necessarily recreate exact scenarios like for like, however it definitely fuels ideas. Of all the HouseMates episode, just one of them is based on an actual real life scenario but the girls’ characters allowed me to explore the situation in a different way that made it far more humorous.
BB: Which of the characters do you most identify with?
MN: Definitely Mya. I modelled Mya on some of my characteristics, however the actress Ani Nelson brought elements to her character that made her far cooler than I am. She is melodramatic like I am; I have my drama queen moments.
BB: Which character was the most fun to create?
MN: Zara, she is very laid back, quiet and very content in her own space. She could comfortably not speak to anyone all day, but when she does speak it really knocks you back. It was tough to write but so fun coming up with her one liners, and the actress Tramain Reindorf delivered those beyond what I expected and even brought a few lines of her own to the table.
BB: What would you like viewers to take away from watching this series?
MN: This is not an overly dramatic show, instead very scenario based. I am a big fan of relatable shows and films that show real people, real characters and real situations. I really hope that viewers find HouseMates relatable and find elements of the characters that they see in themselves or people they know. I'm sure most people have had housemates at some point in their life and have a few stories of their own.
BB: Why did you choose BWNG as a platform for your show?
MN: The Brothers showed interest in the concept very early on. I put HouseMates tasters out last year (which will be re-releasedon BWNG TV) so they were keen on having the show on the channel. After various conversations I thought it was the ideal place. A UK platform that has done amazing over the last few years, creating great content and most importantly they are all about collaboration, which is very important to me. The idea of working together to elevate ourselves in a tough industry to break, I'm all about that.
BB: Do you think that being able to put your content out online empowers creatives like yourself?
MN: I am a control freak and a perfectionist so the controlling part of me says yes. I control every aspect of the project, what I put out, how and when. However the perfectionist in me finds it the scariest thing ever to put my content out there. Having all that control means you made all the decisions and then you have to share it with the world. But nothing is ever perfect right? I have to just let go and let people see and hopefully enjoy. So I ramble and say all that to say yes - it has definitely given me a sense of confidence that allows me to get my ideas, my vision to the world without having to wait for anyone to give me the green light.
BB: What TV shows do you like to watch?
MN: Well like everyone, I am one of those annoying Breaking Bad fans that can analyse all characters and their motivations like they are real people. But I love New Girl, Suits, Orange is the New Black, Modern Family and apparently I will love Game of Thrones I've been told, when I finally find the time to watch it. I get told off so much when I admit not having watched this show yet. It better live up to the hype.
BB: What was the biggest challenge you faced whilst making the show?
MN: Lack of budget, which leads to lack of resource. We need money to be able to produce content to a decent standard and without it you really stumble across some serious obstacles. Having to shoot three episodes in one day because your budget doesn't permit a week long shoot, is really tough.
BB: Why do you think that web series' are so successful?
MN: People are itching for content. They are desperate to find content they can relate to - TV produce the odd show every now and again, but overall I think TV is missing something that the online space is providing. It's a place that allows you to get as creative as you want on your own terms.
Watch the first episode of HouseMates now!