J Stevens – Slo Pitch

By starrymag | July 29, 2020

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) The series centers around this rag tag softball team, how much of the characters were written or fleshed out formally, and how much did the incredible actors really end up embodying and improvising with their roles?

A) My favorite part of filming the show was watching each of these characters come to life. Most of what you see in the show was written on the page, but the essence of each of the characters is from the unbelievably talented cast we had. I had meetings with each actor before we shot the series and talked about who these people are and what their motivations are and then when we stepped on set everyone was able to build on what was there and elevate it and make it their own. It was amazing to watch and they constantly had me ruining takes because I was laughing so hard. I would say that what made the cut is about 90% scripted, 10% improvised.

 

Q) What I love is that the team doesn’t try to be funny, the punchlines end up being their dysfunctional dynamics which really sets the series apart so well. Talk about this really organic way the show sets up its humor without having to hit viewers on the head with it.

A) I have always been a fan of situational comedy over something that’s just punchline after punchline. This is where I have to give Knox and Gwen most of the credit. That humor came from them elevating my concept for the show. They were masterful at weaving situational jokes in throughout the series like the Pubic Ass reveal. But I think we were able to do this because we had a fleshed out idea for the characters, who are all so different, and that way you know how each person would react to a situation, which, when you lean into it, can really lead to some hilarious moments.

I also wanted the camera to be an additional character in the show and really thought about it that way throughout writing and filming. So, Gwen [Cumyn], [Karen] Knox and I talked about this and how to make some of the jokes more so about what the camera can reveal rather than just what an actor can say. I think the combination of both of those things led to some great moments in the series that I’m super proud of.

 

Q) There is an important recognition of representation and visibility as well as inclusivity as a priority, along with an intent on bringing this balance to the series that showcases deeper discussions and perspectives of topical issues, social justice, sexuality, etc. intertwined within these melodramatic sports centered series and storylines. What do these broader insights that are layered within the series provide as a counter to its silly sense of humor we see?

A) One thing that I’ve always been passionate about in my work is having it say/mean something. I think that’s why I held onto the idea for “Slo Pitch” for so long without telling anyone because I didn’t just want to make something funny/ridiculous. Then, I realized that humor makes learning and expanding your perspective accessible. I think it opens an audience up to watching characters or story arcs that if presented in a typical drama would possibly turn some viewers away or make them put a guard up. But when you’re able to bring people’s defenses down by having some ridiculous jokes in there and then slide in a message about cultural appropriation, that’s the sweet spot.

 

Q) The series fluctuates between time spent on the field and this bar where the team crashes into after win or lose. What is it about the bar that offers a broader look behind the team’s dynamic within the beer league?

A) I truly believe that 90% of people who play slo pitch, or any intramural level sport for that matter, are doing it for the drinking and partying – not the sport itself. As someone who has played on many different sports teams, I know that so much of the team camaraderie and the reason people come back are the times at the bar after practice or a game. So, I don’t think you can have a show like “Slo Pitch” without the bar/drinking aspect and I think it was important to show that in the series. So many of a season’s memorable or scandalous moments happen once everyone has had a bit too much to drink, so I think it was a good way to organically create some drama within the series.

 

Q) JoAnn is such a complex character who is completely neurotic, but has all the best intentions behind her neuroticisms that she’s easily forgivable. She’s truly the glue to the team but she’s also got her own issues. What makes JoAnn such a born leader to this bad news brew crew that really holds them accountable while keeping them steady?

A) I think everyone wants to put their all into what they do but often don’t because they don’t want to seem uncool. And it definitely seems uncool to be super enthusiastic about your beer league slo pitch team. So, while I think that a lot of the Brovaries like to kind of scoff at Joanne and her antics, there’s a respect that she’s doing this 110% and with no apologies for how much she loves the team. As much as they make fun of her, they love her and as long as they can still drink while playing will ultimately do almost anything to make her happy.

 

Q) Zari’s character is so self-aware, and it’s such a quirky juxtaposition to the rest of the brashness at times of the team. She provides this voice of reason and often sanity within the insanity of the series. What does this character’s measuredness within the calamity really signify as a foil for the team’s follies?

A) I’m fighting all of my urges to make a ‘everyone comedy needs a straight-man’ joke here…But it’s true. I see Zari as the voice of a lot of the audience. Sometimes when I watch a show and no one is pointing out how absurd someone’s actions are within the show, it loses me. You need to point out to the audience that you as the filmmakers know how ridiculous certain characters or situations are and that’s what Zari is able to do so well. Zari also is the one that can reign in different characters in the show like Boris and Joanne because they respect her opinion which kind of brings us back to your earlier question where it allows us to set up a lot of situational comedy because they are such opposites.

 

Q) The series is on OutTv currently, but later will be available on the KindaTv lineup in August. How does having the series showcased on these dual platforms add to the accessibility of LGBTQ content for the queer community?

A) Having Slo Pitch on these dual platforms is extremely exciting. Firstly, with OutTv I actually think the exciting part is that hopefully once fans are done streaming Slo Pitch they will find some other great content that they might not have otherwise. OutTV has quite a few amazing, Toronto based, female led shows that I hope people watch as well like “Avocado Toast” and “Running With Violet.” And then with KindaTv it’s really exciting the reach that it allows the show itself to get. My hope is that people around the world will connect with this series and KindaTv gives us the platform to do that. I think YouTube is an extremely powerful resource for LGBTQ+ people around the world who may not be fortunate enough to have a network like OutTv in their countries. Having the series available online in places where people might not feel safe being out, but can feel safe watching a series online means a lot to me.

 

Q) We see the series filmed as a mockumentary which really gives the series a unique view as if we were a sports insider. We see a good portion of web series mostly providing more of a voyeur look while we watch.  How does this type of film style help with the tone of the series immersing you within the actions rather than the audience just being more of a spectator?

A) I love sports documentaries, even for sports that I hate actually watching a game of, because seeing the inner workings of a team and the behind the scenes drama is fascinating to me! I have also always loved “The Office” and “Parks and Rec,” so when I had the idea for a show that centered around a mainly female, mainly queer, slo pitch team, it was never a question in my mind that it had to be a mockumentary. The audience gets to see moments that otherwise you wouldn’t and hear the thoughts of different characters through the talking heads. I think it makes you feel like you’re a part of the team and hopefully makes people route for the Brovaries that much more.

 

Q) Is there anything about the series we didn’t touch on or that you would like to make sure we mention?

A) I think you had great questions! If anything, I would just add that this was such a collaborative, group effort and I think that’s why it shines. Every member of the crew and the cast worked so hard and was so passionate about this project, which I think comes across on screen. As the co-creator and director, it was incredible to come to set every day and see people putting their all into something I care so much about. I hope that audiences love it as much as we do so that we can make more for everyone!