Jennifer Bartels – American Woman

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) I’ve primarily been focused on promoting “American Woman” because we are on the eve of it launching. I’m also working on writing and producing a new female driven project with my writing partner Samantha. We’ve both done a lot of comedy in the past so in my down time I’ve been writing and picking up projects to try and sell to try and create opportunities for other females.

Q) Please tell the premise for the series “American Woman.”

A) It’s basically about three strong independent women in 1975. Alicia Silverstone plays Bonnie, a woman that is redefining marriage and being single in the 70’s. Mena Suvari plays Kathleen, a woman finding her footing as a female who wants to start a business and also navigating love. Then, you have my character Diana who is in the working world at a time when many women didn’t work. She’s not only working but trying to make her way up the corporate ladder in a world that is dominated by men. It’s basically their journey and trials and tribulations through this time period, which was a very specific time period in regard to women’s empowerment and women becoming their own individuals.

Q) Was there anything you added to Diana that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

A) I think as we developed the character throughout the episodes it was a wonderful collaboration when the writers started to see that as a performer I have done a lot of comedy. That was naturally sprinkled in through some of my readings. So, I think they leaned into that and they also trusted me to run with some really rich action as Diana. She goes to some really dark places and she goes to some really promiscuous places and I think they allowed me to have fun with that. There is a scene in an upcoming episode where they allowed me to use my improv and comedic elements in this monologue and supposed to be on all these drugs and. I’m on this pool roof. So, I think they really trusted me to bring some extra insight to the character based on my past in regard to comedy and improv. There was a lot that was written, but a lot they gave me to have fun with.

Q) Did the costumes help you with getting into character?

A) I think it was an all hands in project. There was so much love put into this project from the way it was shot, our terrific DP, to the lighting and to the costumes by Judith Gelman. They were all vintage. The sets and the scenery and the costumes really did help embody these characters and transport us because a lot has changed, but a lot hasn’t when it comes to style and trends. It was really nice to come set every day and had these beautiful clothes that had a little different of a style. That was interesting, but it really did help us transport us into the roles. It definitely did help.

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before working with them on the show?

A) Oh yeah! That’s been such a gift and a joy. I’ve always been a fan of both Alicia and Mena’s work. So, to become a part of this project was personal to me because these are both strong, wonderful women that have done so well in Hollywood, both as actors and activists and strong women themselves. That was really wonderful. I’ve been a working actor for a while, but these women have a special place in my heart so it’s really cool to work alongside of them.

Q) What are some scenes you are most looking forward to having people see?

A) I think coming from a more comedic background, I think it was nice I was able to lean into some more dramatic and honest situations as my character Diana. I think there is a lot of things I was challenged with in a wonderful way that I had never done before on screen. So, I’m excited to see how that is received since a lot of my fans are people that know my work and appreciate my comedy. I would say too that every woman in the show all have really fun, rich moments. There are sexy moments. There are honest moments. I think the series is fun and it goes to places that the audience doesn’t think it’s going to go. I’m excited to see how people look at the series from the pilot to the evolution of where it ends. I think that the writing and the characters are really rich in their journeys.

Q) How hands on has creator Kyle Richards been with the series?

A) Kyle Richards has been great. This is her first big baby, in regard to putting on the producer hat. She was very hands on and she is still hands on with promoting and making sure things are aligned and going as they should be. The show is loosely based off aspects of her life, but it takes on a life of its own. So, it’s a really nice attachment to have Kyle there and she was wonderful in so many ways in just giving ideas on set and doing set visits, but it’s also nice that the story takes a life of its own. So, I think it was a nice balance and she really delivered as a producer.

Q) What do you think it is about the show that will make it a fast fan favorite?

A) I think there a lot of elements that can speak to a lot of people. I think it’s not only for females. I think there are a lot of fun and dynamic themes that people can relate to. I think the fashion is amazing. When you get past the rich writing and the fun roles, there is also aesthetically that people loved the 70’s. It was a very specific time socially and personally for people. So, I think that between the music, clothes and rich wild ride that all these characters go on that it will really appeal to people. It’s about strong women and strong relationships. It’s about friendships and it’s also about honesty and hard times. I don’t think we’re afraid to go there. As the series progresses, I’m anxious to see how people think of it from the pilot.

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the fan feedback you will be receiving to “American Woman?”

A) I love social media! I think it’s a blessing and a curse, but I think this is the age where you can use social media to create awareness and create a platform for things you believe in. Actors are actors, but we’re all just people. We’re all dealing with stuff so it’s a great way to create awareness and community so I’m excited to see what people think about the work and what new people may come into my life. I’m a big Instagram girl so I love a good gram, a filter and a funny quip underneath it. I’m that girl! [laughs]

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and the work you do?

A) I’m more appreciative than you’ll ever know for the opportunities I’ve been given and the people that have stood by me as the opportunities have come. A lot of opportunities come with a lot hardship behind them before you see that sun. So, I’m really excited and thankful for the people I have in my life and my goal is to always keep it honest and real and to inspire to know that even if you’re a kid that grew up in Staten Island and moved to North Carolina and sold cell phones and did comedy at night that if you work hard, you are kind and focused and prepared that good things can happen. Your dreams can come true.