Kerry Coddett – Flatbush Misdemeanors

By starrymag | June 27, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

 

Q) We’re currently seeing you on “Flatbush Misdemeanors.” How was Jasmine originally described to you?

A) Initially, Jasmine was jokingly described as “a bum!”  She’s young, she still lives at home, she and Kevin (Kevin Iso) don’t take each other seriously. She was kind of just this fun, cool chick Kevin would pass the time with.  As we began crafting the stories and digging into who she is and what her interests are, Jasmine evolved into the multi-dimensional character that’s on-screen today.  Sometimes as a writer you have an idea of the character you’re creating, but as you begin to shape them and fill out their world, the characters start speaking for themselves.

 

Q) What have you found challenging about portraying her?

A) Convincing people that we’re not the same person!

 

Q) You’re also a writer for the show. Did you always have an interest in lending a hand with the storyline of the series?

A) I’ve been a fan of the show since 2017 when it was a web series. So, upon hearing that it had gotten picked up by Showtime, I was really excited. First, for Dan [Perlman] and Kevin, the creators and stars, who’ve been working on it for such a long time. Then, I was just excited for “Flatbush” to be on the map and I was just down to help in any way I could, especially since I’m of and from the world. Thankfully, I was brought in as a writer and by the time the writer’s room wrapped, I was asked to audition for Jasmine which, obviously, was another dream come true. For my entire life, I’ve been both a writer and a performer, and I’m always grateful when I don’t have to choose.

 

Q) What can you tease is in store for Jasmine the remainder of this season?

A) You’ll have to keep watching to find out.

 

Q) You have great comedic timing. Is it something that has always been natural for you or have you had to work at it?

a) Thank you! I come from a funny family so I’ve always been naturally funny, but I’ve definitely worked at it and will probably be working on it for the rest of my life. I imagine it’s like anyone who’s a professional working to be great at anything. Serena [Williams], Beyonce, Kobe [Bryant] – they all have natural ability, but it’s the continual practicing and working on it that’s made them household names today.

 

Q) What were some of your favorite episodes from filming or standout moments from shooting “Flatbush Misdemeanors?”

A) It was so much fun filming with the cast that the standout moments are innumerable. Truly, there’s nothing like filming a TV show on the streets you’re actually from. In episode 3, we filmed a protest outside and people in the neighborhood honked their cars and shouted their support not even realizing it was all staged; in episode 4, the one that I wrote, we filmed in Caribbean Social, one of my favorite Black-owned restaurants in Flatbush; and one day, I ran into one of my longtime friends who just happened to be driving by when I was filming. It was the small moments amongst this really big moment that really crystallized how much of a homecoming this experience was for me.

 

Q) What do you think it is about this show that has made it such a fast fan favorite show?

A) I think people like the everyday situations and the characters’ relatability. They enjoy getting to see a New York neighborhood on TV that actually looks and feels like the New York so many of us know and love. Plus, it’s laugh out loud funny.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. What kind of fan feedback have you been receiving to episodes?

A) The love has been amazing and I’m so happy folks on social media are responding positively to it. What I’m even more grateful for, though, is that my friends and family bang with it, too. It’s great to be embraced by the industry or people who don’t really know you, but if you can’t walk through your hometown comfortably, knowing you’ve made them proud, the success is bittersweet. I’m extremely grateful that people far and wide are loving the show and knowing that Brooklyn loves it, too, really puts a cherry on top.

 

Q) What are the other recent projects that you have been busy working on?

A) I’m currently in the process of getting my own TV show made (written by, created by, and starring me!)  and in addition to a standup comedy special, I’m also working on a one-woman show. The second season of my podcast, On the Chopping Block, is slated to begin production in a few weeks and I’m also working on a short film.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and the work you do?

A) The same thing I tell my exes: “I love you. Please subscribe to my newsletter at KerryCoddett.com to stay informed on my journey.”