Throughout the history of web series, many shows such as ANYONE BUT ME, OUT WITH DAD, HUSBANDS and DORM LIFE have portrayed various aspects of life and love in the LGBT community. Yet, almost none have shown a side of same-sex romance that is rarely discussed or even covered in the mainstream media: infidelity. The new comedy EASTSIDERS, created by, and starring Kit Williamson (co-star of HIPSTERHOOD, in addition to a new role as “Ed” on the popular AMC series MAD MEN) explores that issue in a humorous and entertaining way.
With new episodes premiering each Tuesday, nine episodes are set for the show’s first season, a season that began on Youtube on December 21, 2012 (tied in with the Mayan calendar’s prediction of the apocalypse, one which, of course, never happened). After its successful Kickstarter campaign in January, Viacom (owner of Logo, a popular cable network for the LGBT audience) approached Williamson with an offer to air the rest of the show’s episodes on the network’s web site. From there, EASTSIDERS has become one of the most talked about, and most popular, web series of this year, tackling issues that perhaps no web series has ever covered, including the controversial topic of abortion.
Williamson plays Cal, who finds out that his longtime partner, Thom (Van Hansis, of the long-running daytime soap AS THE WORLD TURNS) has cheated on him with another man, Jeremy (Matthew McKelligon). The cast also includes Constance Wu as Kathy, Thom’s best friend, and John Halbach as Kathy’s boyfriend, Ian. The show also features a host of guest stars, including Traci Lords as Cal’s mother, Brea Grant as Jeremy’s lesbian sister, Sean Maher as Cal’s boss, Stephen Guarino as party promoter Quincy, and David Blue as Quincy’s lover. Williamson created EASTSIDERS not only as a way to work with many of his old friends, but also as a way for the actor to stretch his abilities, through his portrayal of a man who finds himself burned by an unfaithful lover. “I wanted to play a complex, flawed gay character and looking around it didn’t seem all that likely that I would be afforded the opportunity to do that. I also wanted to do something with my friends in my neighborhood, Silver Lake.”
After he finally got that chance, Williamson set out to create a show that approaches the subject of infidelity in a biting, darkly comedic style. The production process was a learning experience for Williamson. “It was some of the most fun I’ve ever had in my life, but it was also a lot of stress, wearing so many hats. I definitely learned a lot from the first round of shooting that I was able to bring to the second, in terms of how to plan shots and schedule your day more efficiently. I can’t wait to do it again.” The production was made easier due to the fact that he was blessed with a talented group of actors, who knew how to achieve a perfect balance between lighthearted comedy and dramatic sensibility. “We have really amazing, professional actors who are hitting it out of the park every week. The tone is really tricky because characters have to deliver humor and emotional vulnerability at the same time– not a lot of actors can handle that. I’m really grateful to the actors because I think this kind of story requires good acting.’
While being picked up for distribution by a major cable network’s web site has helped EASTSIDERS grow its audience, Williamson feels that it’s all gravy compared to his overall goal for the show’s success. “I just want as many people to see it as possible. Having the show get picked up by Logo is so far beyond my initial expectations that anything else is just icing. I haven’t spent much time thinking about the show from a financial standpoint, but I suppose it’d be great if the success of the show allowed me to go right into my next project–or even a second season.”
ON THE WEB: http://eastsiderstheseries.com
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/eastsiderstheseries
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/eastsiderstv
LOGO TV: http://www.logotv.com/shows/eastsiders/series.jhtml