Original LGBTQ+ Comedy Series Debuts on Queer WomXn TV Channel
OML will release Dating ‘In’ Place, a new original series available to stream exclusively on the new OML on Revry channel on the Revry Network. OML on Revry is the first 24/7 live TV channel exclusively catering to queer womxn (lesbian, bi, trans female, etc.) available for free globally to over 250+ million households and devices in over 130 countries.
The new series takes a femxle-focused comedic spin on the realities of dating in the “new normal” of a global pandemic and social shutdown.
Told through the screens and mobile devices of four young women, the show follows Jo, a hopeful romantic who finds the woman of her dreams–only to discover that her crush lives halfway across the world. Not to shrink from a challenge, Jo connects with her crush online, making plans to meet in Hawaii for their official first date...when 2020 hits.
The original series, composed of 10 episodes and filmed from the novel perspective of the four female leads, is created by director, Marina Rice Bader (Ava's Impossible Things), and Shantell Yasmine Abeydeera (The Influencer, Girls Like Magic) who wrote the series and stars as Jo’s crush Debika. Dating ‘In’ Place brought together a 'behind the scenes' dream team inclusive of composer Allyson Newman (The L Word Generation Q) and editor Andrea Maxwell (Spider-Man, Black Panther). The creators believe that the show serves as a perfect time capsule for what’s currently happening in our world.
“As someone who has always been both challenged and fascinated by the idea of ‘true love’,” says Marina Rice Bader. “I wanted to explore what it means to be on the brink of that magical experience only to have circumstances out of your control crash in and threaten to steal it away from you.” The director adds: “Finding real love is tough enough, you know, without a global pandemic working against you.”
Shantell Yasmine Abeydeera says: “The pandemic hindered a lot more than just romance. With film productions being shut down indefinitely, filmmakers not only lost their livelihoods but their purpose as storytellers.I saw this as an incredible opportunity to craft a story around the technology that was available to me in the hopes that it would allow me to continue to tell inclusive stories.”
Like the fictional characters in the series, the filmmakers we’re confronted with their own pandemic-related challenges: the entire production of Dating ‘In’ Place was conducted in complete observance of the “Shelter in Place” order; and cast members operated camera, audio, lighting under the virtual guidance of the show's director and cinematographer who both worked remotely over video conference. However, the challenges only fostered more creativity in the filmmaking process and the series reflects the versatility and ingenuity of its creators.
The entire series will be available to stream on Revry (watch.revry.tv/OML) on November 1, 2020.
The Creators
Marina Rice Bader
Marina Rice Bader founded Soul Kiss Films in 2009, where she executive produced Elena Undone and A Perfect Ending then went on to write/direct/produce Anatomy of a Love Seen, Raven’s Touch and Ava’s Impossible Things. Marina is currently developing three features under the banner of her new company Play Big Pictures, producing bold universal stories told through a female lens. She also proudly serves on the board of directors for OUTFEST.
Shantell Yasmine Abeydeera
A product of the Land Down Under, Shantell Yasmine Abeydeera is committed to producing female-driven content and has a strong focus on inclusivity. In addition, Shantell has appeared on Good Girls (NBC), Girls Like Magic (OML), and stars in the upcoming indie thriller The Influencer (2021).
The Cast
Shantell Yasmine Abeydeera, Emily Goss (Future Man, Seasons of Love), Kari Alison Hodge (Goodkisser, Crazy Bitches) and Mandahla Rose (All About E, Venice: The Series)
