BEST FRIENDS: Together, They’re Taking Hollywood By Storm

Two young and talented friends set out to conquer the world of entertainment, but find that the journey proves to be more difficult than expected in the new family comedy/drama web series BEST FRIENDS. Created and directed by longtime industry veteran Nancy Criss of Nandar Entertainment (who also has several feature films in development, including WINDCATCHER: THE STORY OF SACAJAWEA, and the new musical WAITING IN THE WINGS, starring Sally Struthers, Christopher Atkins, and Lee Meriwether),  and written by Dawn Chapman and Melvin Johnson, Jr.

The series, which premiered last Fall, is set for an eight episode first season (four episodes have already aired, with the rest currently filming and set to premiere later this Fall), and stars two real life best friends who are both equally talented: Nancy’s real life daughter Nicole Criss, and Jewel Brown. Criss plays Jade, an aspiring actress who uses her talents to overcome her shyness, and Brown plays Amy, Jade’s best friend, who is blessed with an incredible singing voice. With the support of their parents, both join forces to pursue their dreams of stardom, but learn that making it in the entertainment business isn’t as easy as they had imagined. The cast also features newcomers Colton Rodgers as Amy’s annoying older brother Mark, Zana Mitchell as Jade’s little sister, Charlie, along with Amy Eidel and Donald H. Steward as Amy’s parents, and Sariah Devard and Jason Wiechert as Jade’s parents.

The real life friendship between Brown and Nicole Criss inspired Nancy to create BEST FRIENDS. “It has always been Nicole’s dream to be an actress, and apparently Jewel’s passion to be a singer. This is when I came up with the series. Two ‘real’ best friends striving to make it in the entertainment business and their journey. I thought it would make for a great Disney or ABC Family-type show for the whole family.” In addition to being a champion equestrian and rodeo competitor, Criss, a veteran writer/producer/director and actress who got her start in the industry back in the 1970s with guest roles on various TV series, learned the ropes of both the entertainment industry, and filmmaking, through experience. “I jumped in with both feet and the attitude (of) ‘I can do that.’ I pretty much self taught myself in most fields. Fortunately, I have been able to sustain a career in what I love to do and that’s make movies. I started acting when I was 13 and then moved more into the production side of the last 10 to 12 years. I love the whole creation process.”

The show’s production process was made even more smooth due to the talents of the series’ co-writers, Chapman (a Brit) and Johnson (an American). “Nancy asked both Melvin and I about the series. I was attracted to it, because of its potential, and the opportunity to work with my best friend,” Chapman says. Both Chapman and Johnson sought to write a show that would appeal to audiences of all ages, with sophisticated, yet palatable, humor. “We wanted to write a show that not only teens would like, but adults could watch and not be bored. Sort of like the Cosby Show. Kids will laugh at some of the jokes, while adults will laugh because they lived them. We didn’t want just a laugh track-filled show. We want real humor,” says Johnson.

While Criss, Chapman and Johnson hope that BEST FRIENDS achieves success in viewership, they each hope that the show can not only entertain kids and their families, but also teach valuable lessons, about life, friendship, and pursuing one’s dreams. “I want people to know that life can be fun. There’s too much negativity in the world. I want them also to understand that a true friend is priceless,” Johnson says. “I think they will take away the light heartedness, and fun side of the show, but also that Hollywood has a harsh side,” says Chapman. Criss sums up the show this way: “(A)lways follow your dreams, no matter how many obstacles come your way. There is always a positive that comes out of every situation, (but) you just have to look for it. Hopefully, we will give you a few laughs to brighten your day and inspire kids and adults to go after what you want in life, don’t let other people get you down or crush your dreams. We all need hope and dreams.”