Karen Knox & Gwen Cumyn – Barbelle

By starrymag | August 6, 2018

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) In Season One we saw some serious topical issues and themes tackled, but also inspirational and empowering as well dealing with identity, relationships, eating disorders, etc., but it was all done with a good deal of respect as well as a delicate purposeful balance of heart and humor. What are some of the themes we can expect to explore in Season Two?

 

A) Glad you asked! Since we’ve been working on the Season Two scripts for the better part of the year we’ve been able to adapt the story line to reflect the 2018 zeitgeist. We couldn’t ignore the more vital themes of the past year, so we’re exploring the issues of the #MeToo movement through a queer lens, as well as the prejudice that women face within the music industry. Our Gaynadian heros Tegan and Sara are championing an organization called “Women in Music Canada” that is working towards correcting the gender imbalance within the music industry especially in the producer/engineer field, and we’ve definitely been inspired by the work. You can also expect a return to some of last season’s themes with a little more in-depth exploration, alongside that classical glitter-bomb weirdo sense of humor and style.

 

Q) You two have written and created some really multidimensional “dysfunnyctional” fierce but flawed characters who are quirky, charismatic, but also really complex and compelling. How will that be extended in season two and will we see any new characters added?

 

A) In Season Two we get a little more in depth on the subject of why Alice and Veronica got into the music industry, and what their endgame is. We also really wanted to showcase a queer relationship that was functional, loving, and ROMANTIC af – and while this might not be our main Alveronica ship, viewers can certainly expect to see this present in Season Two. All our main heroes will be coming back and there are a few new faces to look forward to as well, including two new musicians that make up Lulu’s band.

 

Q) You have the Bell funding but with the extra money raised through your Indiegogo, how might these funds help the series to push boundaries even farther and will you be bridging old with new at all?

 

A) We are REALLY working at making sure that all of our team is getting paid equitable wages as we work on Season Two. We think it’s so important to make sure that marginalized and queer filmmakers are being paid industry standard as the work they are making is just as vital, important and valuable as anything coming out of more traditional mainstream media. We’re also going to be able to up the ante in terms of our music video quality. We know, we know. You want more green screen 90’s trash fire magic (a/k/a the Clear Cut video). We promise the cheese will just be EVEN better.

 

Q) We left things off on kind of a cliffhanger, any hints on where we pick up?

 

A) Well, what we can tell you is that BARBELLE is heading out on tour and that rekindled romance between Alice and Veronica is very much still a secret. As to who tipped off the press about their breakup, you’ll definitely find out!

 

Q) We got to see a famous KindaTV face last season when Natasha Negovanlis guest starred. Might we find another familiar family member or more pop up for PopTarts?

 

A) YES YOU WILL. Okay…… we’ll get real with you. Xavier Lopez of All For One fame is FULLY JOINING THE BARBELLE SQUAD as one of Lulu’s new bandmates! We are so excited to be welcoming him to the team, and we can’t wait for audiences to fall in love with his character. The rest of the Barbelle team certainly already has.

 

Q) With the season beginning to film in October, when can we expect a finished season two to possibly air?

 

A) We’re hoping to get through post production much faster than the first season. We’re looking at a premiere in the spring of 2019, but you’ll get lots of sweet behind-the-scenes content before that – especially during production.

 

Q) What we loved are these great layers of music blended with a unique story that felt very eclectic and unique, but also real and relatable. What about these significant stories you are telling provide an important perspective?

 

A) It’s important to us to write characters that display queer people as well-rounded individuals, who are allowed to have complex lives. Queer characters that can be funny, mean, make mistakes, forgive each other and come out the other side. Or not? Beyond the absolutely essential queer representation the show offers, we’re also really keen on presenting successful and talented women within the music business.

 

Q) Diverse positive representation is such a struggle these days whether on TV, the big screen, or web series. How is Barbelle working to be more inclusive and to showcase a spectrum of the right kind of representation?

 

A) With the grant funding we’ve been awarded and the money we’re raising through Indiegogo, we’re very pleased to be able to have the capital to hire a more diverse cast and crew without relying quite so much on the kind hearts of volunteers. Adding new characters has given us the opportunity to work with more People of Color and (without giving any spoilers) showcase a greater diversity of experiences. Behind the camera, we’ll be working with the site WeAreHere.ca to hire even more female and gender non-conforming crew members than we had working on Season One. And we’re JAZZED about it!

 

Q) Alveronica will be on tour together and Alice’s ex will be there, too. What kind of challenges and tests will their newly reminted relationship face?

 

A) Well the iconic love triangle will absolutely get a new twist in season two, but we don’t want to give too much away! What we can tell you is that while Barbelle and Lulu’s new band are on tour, a reality TV show crew will be following their every move. This heightened state of surveillance will certainly throw our heros for more than a few loops!

 

Q) With the campaign being open to perks, will there be any upcoming additions fans can add on or will there possibly be available last-minute perk pushes whenever the campaign eventually begins to wind down?

 

A) There are a couple perks we’re looking to add in the next couple of weeks! We’ll definitely do a Barbelle themed alarm/ringtone, so everyone can wake up to the dulcet tones of Veronica improvising a sea creature themed song (just one idea!). And we’re considering doing some personal skype calls/hangouts, so stay tuned to twitter for more info!

 

Q) Your creative team with the director, cinematographer, and production designer are all female. Why now more than ever do we need the female lens front and center?

 

A) This year we’ve seen some monumental steps for women in the film industry. With initiatives like #MeToo and #TimesUp we can see that tangible change has been made. However, we must be vigilant. The Barbelle team was all in attendance at the Cannes Film Festival this year and while there were moves made to ensure more gender parity in terms of representing marginalized film makers, within the festival, the amount of female directors and cinematographers still made up less the 20% of the films being shown. We can’t let this momentum lag, we have to ensure that we are in front/behind the lens and that women’s stories are at the centre of 50% of the media being made.

 

Q) Is there anything else about the campaign you would like to share and how may fans get more actively involved?

 

A) We love when people tweet and share the campaign! It’s honestly just as valuable as a contribution as getting the word out is incredibly vital. And if there’s any added perks that anyone wants to see, get at us! We’re very open to suggestions. And finally, we wish to extend our sincere and MASSIVE thanks to everyone who has already contributed – this honestly wouldn’t be possible without the incredible fandom Barbelle has! Love you Poptarts!

 

Donate to Barbelle: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/barbelle-season-two-all-that-glitters-is-gay-women/x/19008703#/