Awkward Black Girl

Transcription

>> Female Presenter: My name is Camille Hearst. I'm a product managing marketer at YouTube. And I'm very excited to be here today with the cast and crew of Awkward Black Girl. Let's give them a warm welcome. [applause and cheering] >> Female Presenter: Really excited about the turnout so thank you all for coming. What we'll do today is have a conversation for about half of the time. Then we'll screen an episode. Episode five: the party. [laughter] I can see a lot of you have seen it already. >>Audience member: Love it >>Female Presenter: And then we will go into Q and A open to the floor. There's a mic over here that we ask you to come and speak into the mic because we have people on VC which is video conferencing for those out in YouTube land. We're also recording this for YouTube later that's also why we want you to use the mic. So thanks for coming. Let's go ahead and get started. For those of you who are not familiar, Awkward Black Girl is the show about J, an awkward black girl who navigates the mine field of love, friendship and office politics. The series began in January 2011 so earlier this year and now consists of 12 episodes. At the beginning they struggled with having enough money to continue but were able to raise over 56 thousand dollars through an online kick starter campaign that they promoted quite a bit through YouTube. And to date, Awkward Black Girl has 3 million views and counting so quite an accomplishment. So first I'd like to ask you all to introduce yourself and who you are in real life and who you are on the show. >> Issa: So my name is Issa Ray and I'm just a film maker, writer, aspiring producer. And in real life, J, the character, is an extended version of me. I have my awkward moments often and I really just like to find the humor in simple situations. Originally from LA. I don't know this feels like a dating service. [laughter] That's me in a nutshell. So I hope you pick me. [laughter] >> Tracy: Okay. I'm contestant number 2. I'm a Gemini. [laughter] I'm originally from the East Coast. Went to Stanford with Issa and then went to USC film school to pursue, I guess, a writing and producing career. Graduated last year, May of 2010, and linked up to co-produce and write the show with Issa. And I also play the probably most hated character on the show. [laughter] Her name is Nina. She's a bitch; everyone doesn't like her. Yeah, so that's me in a nutshell. >> Female presenter: What's your real name. >>Tracy: Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't tell you my name? I'm Tracy Oliver. >>Madison: My name is Madison Shockley. I like long walks on the beach. [laughter] I play Fred on the show but in real life I'm an entrepreneur, marketer, and just loving life. [chuckles] >> Presenter: Great. So what is Awkward Black Girl? Where did it come from? What's your inspiration? How did this whole thing begin. >> Issa: So as I mention I do have several awkward moments in life and I come from a really, really awkward family. My mom is the queen of awkward. Her moments are ridiculous. Like as a family, we once walked into the wrong funeral. [laughter] And had to leave quietly. We walked in late to the funeral. Things like that and just as a family we always would laugh at these simple moments and we come home and we share these moments together like, you know. And something that I thought only we found funny and then as I started making friends, we'd share that humor. And I grew up watching shows like The Office and 30 Rock. I didn't grow up watching--. [laughter] But yeah. I love shows like The Office, Arrested Development, . Parks and Recreation. And that humor just resonated with me but I felt like once again the humor wasn't really present in shows of color. And so, I felt that void and I thought that it would be funny to put the two elements together. And so, I decided I wanted to make it an animated series originally but I just didn't have the money to do that. And so, after, you know, two years of sitting on the idea, m I read an article in Clutch magazine and they were asking where's the black Liz Lemon? And I was like, "no, that's my idea; I need to do it". [laughter] So instead of putting the money to do an animated series I just decided to shoot it guerilla style. Called up my friend Andrew, who plays A on the show, and my best friend, Devyn, to like --who had no film experience-- I asked her to help me shoot it and that's how the show was born. >> Presenter: That's great. Who are the inspirations for the characters. >> Issa: My pet peeves in life are the inspirations for the characters. I really -- for example the boss lady when she asks -- in Episode 2 she asks all these questions about Jay's hair after it's cut it off. She said, "Is that how your ancestors wore it? Is that why you wear it?" [laughter] And I actually had a teacher in sixth grade who asked that if I wore my hair naturally because I was honoring my ancestors. [laughter] And then like Baby Voice. Baby Voice, Darius, comes from my pet peeve of having to ask people to repeat themselves because I feel rude asking you to, you know, I'm sorry I didn't hear you and they'll be like. [laughter] One more time and I'll be like. [laughter] So things like that. Different pet peeves in life, different awkward moments that come from those characters. >> Presenter: Tracy, Madison, where do you draw inspiration when you're playing Nina and Fred respectively? >>Tracy: Nina is pretty much that girl or guy that everyone has encountered. That person on the job that takes their job too seriously [laughter] or that person who shows up to class ten minutes before class starts or the person in high school that stays after to ask the teacher questions and people are trying to leave. [laughter] It's -- she's pretty much that type A person who is kind of a go getter and that's something I guess to admire but she's also -- she's mean and kind of vicious and kind of a bully. And I think, playing her, I had to draw on those experiences from middle school. I think middle school and high school are the times in your life that you feel most like an outcast. And I try to think of like the mean girls, the most popular girls in high school that pretty much either tormented me or that I knew. So it's kind of ironic that I'm playing them now because I was not that person at all growing up. But that's what I try to channel -- the people that I know and have encountered throughout different times of my life that I couldn't stand. [chuckling] >> Madison: Yeah, Fred is like the guy -- he's a hard working guy. He's the guy in the office though that doesn't really -- is not really aware of the attention he gets from the women in the office. [chuckles] But he's an easy going, nice guy, hard working, and that's kind of who I am, in general, too, so. >> Presenter: So you are Fred in many ways. >> Issa: Woo. [laughter] >> Madison: In some ways, yeah. >> Presenter: Do you play the guitar over your shoulder at home to practice that? >>Madison: I did practice that for a week straight to get it down. Almost knocked my head off trying to do it, too. [laughter] >> Presenter: That's great. So did you set out to make an Internet only hit or were there greater aspirations for the show. >>Issa: Honestly, in putting it out. I wanted to just expand my portfolio. I had two other web series before that. The second one was sort of gaining popularity and I wanted to take advantage of that audience and you know once I put out the series I didn't really -- I didn't expect for anyone outside my friends and family to spread it. So I didn't have necessarily high hopes for the web series but I did have high hopes for the brand because I did think awkward and black, in and of itself, was something different and wasn't represented. So I thought the web series would accompany that brand. And so, yeah I didn't have high hopes initially. So. >>Presenter: You talked a little bit about your prior projects. What were they? You said two other web series? >>Issa: Yes. When I was at Stanford, I created a web series called, "Dorm Diaries." Forgot what it was called; Dorm Diaries. And it was about being black at Stanford. And I was trying to like procrastinate writing a paper one day and I had the idea to the series and I just went to the Stanford's library, went to their equipment, wrote a script really quickly. Contacted people like Tracy to be in it. I wanted to take advantage of Facebook. Facebook's Posted Items feature just came out and people were sharing articles and YouTube videos. And I was like how cool would it be to make a YouTube video for people to share on campus. I felt like this would spread and it did. And people outside of Stanford, like people at Howard, at Duke were like, "I really identify. This is my black experience in college." I felt like there was something there. And so, my second web series was called FLY GUYS present the "F" Word. And it was just about an LA group trying to make it in the music industry. It was a mockumentary. And same premise. That's the first time I started taking the web really, really seriously. Would have like these production Meetings on Monday where we would sit down together and spread the word about the series. We would put out every Monday faithfully. I just started taking the Internet seriously and YouTube seriously. >> Presenter: Stanford really is a great place for innovating ideas whether it's in tech, in the arts. Tracy also worked on a few projects at Stanford; you want to talk a little bit about those. >>Tracy: I did. I came from like the theater space. I pretty much -- which sounds crazy--, went to Stanford wanting to pursue theater [laughter] even though people don't see Stanford like that. It's a great place to kind of cultivate a lot of artists because there is a lot of grants and resources and fellowships that really supported us. And coming in, I started this company called Blackstage and it was a theater company. And just through that, we were able to do original productions that Issa adapted and directed and also productions that I would direct and write and act in. I directed the Wiz when I was there. Did like a lot of productions. Vagina Monologues and For Colored Girls, we both acted in together. So we did several productions at Stanford. Then when I graduated, I went to USC film school. Did a few short films there. I'm currently working on feature as well that I'm working with Morgan Freeman on. That's what I do outside of Awkward Black Girl is I also write. >>Madison: I kind of came from the opposite end of the spectrum as they did. I dropped out of community college to start my own business. Started a recording studio, recording local artists and doing artist development. And then also working for an independent record company as a marketing director. Did a national album release for MLK records in association with SCLC. And that's kind of my background. >> Presenter: No acting experience for you. >> Madison: No. This is my first time acting. >>Presenter: How are you enjoying it. >>Madison: I'm enjoying it. >> Issa: We were in a church play together. I would like to put on. Madison likes and I put on one of my first plays in church and he was in it. I think he played Jesus. [laughter] How dare you. >> Madison: I've only acted with Issa my whole life. [laughter]. >> Presenter: I feel like I should have a witty thing to say. I don't want to get in trouble with Jesus jokes. [laughter] I already said too much. So let's move into our uncomfortable controversial subjects section, on that note. So can you talk a little bit about your decision to use the N word in the show. If any thought went into that, what thought did, and if anything didn't, what do you think of it in retrospect. >> Issa: In creating the show I always say this but I wanted to create a character whose raw and unfiltered thoughts were put out there, essentially. And like a lot of the feedback that we get is people find our show funny but they wish we wouldn't use the N word because they don't use it and they feel like it's vulgar. In my mind, I say, like even if you don't use the word, you've thought it. [laughter] If someone's done something you'll be like this -- umm. So that's a real thought. Think about it -- J's passion and what she does in her spare time is she writes violent rap lyrics to help her get through things. [laughter] Just kind of rap uses that word a lot. There's so many phrases and sayings in rap culture that are used. So naturally J would embrace that. I mean -- at the end of the day this is satire. It's supposed to be representative of what real life is. Real life is the N word. [laughter]. >>Presenter: Quotable, right. >>Madison: That's a t-shirt-- >>Presenter: I was at the Kanye West/Jay-Z Watch the Throne show last night and they perform "All of the Lights". There's a line in there when he says about Michael Jackson, our N word there. And he said I want everybody in the audience to yell this out. Black people give everyone a pass just for right now. [laughter] It's interesting to see how. >> Issa: That's very interesting. >> Presenter: The N word continues to evolve. [chuckles] Plays a role in our culture. >>Presenter: So speaking of offensive topics, there's a recent Internet controversy with the Feminist Collection or Collective which is an online blog or community which is LGBT community and they posted an open letter offended about the use of the T word which not all of us knew that it was offensive to the extent this group found it; this community found it. So can you talk a little bit about your response and what these new controversies mean to you in the further development of the show? >>Issa: Yeah, like as you mention we weren't aware that the T word was a slur at the time. And it's really -- it's actually odd because the original -- the original line was -- oh, I can't even say any of that. [laughter] But the actress accidentally said that but we kept it in there because it still worked. But in doing the show, as I mention, it is satire and it is everyday speak. A lot of these characters -- we tackle so many subjects that many people consider offensive. And so, we put that in line. The character CeCe, for example, just does questionable and says questionable things and that fit in with her character. And in a particular scene, J was going through sort of like a heartbreak and this other girl comes into the picture and CeCe said this particular statement to make J feel better. And when the Crunk Feminist Collective, the CFC approached us about it, they wrote a respectful open letter. They're fans of the series. I wanted to acknowledge it because they were one of the first groups to support Awkward Black Girl in the beginning when we had less than 1,000 fans, they were there promoting the series. I felt like we owe them at least an acknowledgment of what they were saying even though I didn't necessarily agree with the fact that we were targeting them or we were being hateful. I understood where they were coming from and why that word could be offensive. We wanted to say, "hey we hear you. We don't mean to offend you, to hurt you but this is something we struggle with." We walk this line every single -- not every day -- every episode. What's offensive what's not. You might want to add to that. >> Tracy: The irony in the situation is that when we were in the writer's room and we're coming up with episodes, as Issa just mentioned, we struggle with the issue of being politically correct versus incorrect all the time and what's appropriate and what's not appropriate. This particular word -- T word -- we didn't even know was any kind of slur. It was the one word that we didn't even debate it because we were that unaware of its meaning and the history that it now represents. We were unaware of the violent history of that word. Other times that we use the N word or we bring up social issues, it's intentional. It's deliberate time we're trying to bring certain issues to light so we can talk about it. And through certain characters like Sister Mary being this kind of like hypocritical Christian and then Boss Lady who is really down with black culture but says really culturally insensitive things. Or Amir who is racially ambiguous so he can insult anybody ask and get away with it because nobody knows who he is. We do these things all the time. Sometimes it's inappropriate to certain groups of people and we're either unaware of it or we're doing it to bring those issues to life. With the T word, it was just unawareness of it. Like Issa said now that we are made aware of it and we realize it was offensive to the LGBT community, it's something we're aware of and we're not going to do again. But that was not a deliberate attempt to demean or cause harm to any member of that group. >> Presenter: The way I look at it you say a lot of offensive things on the show. It's kind of the intent behind it in order to promote dialogue or promote laughter. >> Issa: Absolutely. >> Presenter: Well, let's move onto lighter subjects [chuckles] and talk a little bit about heartthrobs. So where's CeCe? We had an audience specifically from one of our fellow Stanford. There you are. Dante in the back. So where is CeCe since we know we got a few fans in the audience? >> Issa: CeCe's chilling at home. She actually has to work. But this is so sad Dante. [laughter] Yeah. But yeah, she would love to be here. She just couldn't. >> Madison: A lot of people don't know what CeCe is and she's Indian. So I'll clarify that. >> Presenter: Thanks. And so, Madison. I keep wanting to call you Fred. How does it feel like to be a heartthrob? Has your dating helped since being on the show. >> Madison: It's helped a little bit. It's definitely changed since being on the show. [laughs] They do a really good job of making me look good on the screen, writing for my character. Yeah, no -- it's way different. In public, people recognizing me. Want to take pictures and stuff. So yeah. It's a lifestyle change. >>Presenter: So people do recognize you in public? >> Madison: Yeah. >>Presenter: That's incredible. >> Presenter: How about you Tracy? >> Tracy: Yeah, so I get recognized and usually it's not a pleasant experience. [laughter] Because most people think I'm not acting for some reason. So even if I'm with them or with anybody in the cast they'll be, "Hey Fred! Hey J. Oh." And then they just don't even want to speak or say anything. I get the worst side eyes ever. So I'm not Nina. I'm really pleasant and nice in real life. I get recognized and I get really serious side eye. >>Presenter: So J -- sorry Issa -- how did you learn to rap so well? >>Issa: I've always had just a fascination with rap. And my little brother and I -- no -- ever since like again sixth grade I tried to start a rap group in every grade. [laughter] And like, I was the only ' bout it one. And my little brother and I actually were a duo. We were a rap duo. We were called --. Never mind. [laughter] >>Presenter: No, no -- continue. What were you called? >> Issa: We were called JoLeDi but it doesn't make sense. It's our names. It's the first letters of our names. >> Presenter: Is this Enimal? . >> Issa: Enimal. Yeah, my brother and we would rap together. We had a song Bang Bang. It was a hit in the house. And then when I went away to college he actually pursued rap and got really, really good. And I got kind of jealous because we were in this together initially. And he started his own rap group. So I really started focusing and I just love rap. I just love hip hop. I would free style when I would be under the influence of alcohol. [laughter] And since then I just never let it go. I thought it would be fun to incorporate this love of rap. This love of raunchy, ratchet hip hop into that character. [laughter] >> Presenter: Can you do a ratchet rap for us right now. >> Issa: CeCe is not here so. Yeah, she's my beat. >> Presenter: You need a beat? >> Issa: Okay. >> Issa: Yeah, you going to give me a beat? >>Presenter: [ beatboxes]. >> Issa: Sitting ere at Google. You all just oogling but I'm just me and I'm just flowing. Got my girl Tracy and Madison with me. This is real crazy because we're here for ABG. And I'm so tough. I'm on the mic rough. And I'm just going to keep going until you say stop. Stop! [laughter] [applause]. >> Presenter: That will be on YouTube later. [laughter] Thank you. >> Madison: You all got a guitar in the house?. [laughter] >> Presenter: I think he's going to go get one actually. [laughter] >> Presenter: So why is Awkward Black Girl successful? There are a lot of other shows, web series, that are built just for the Internet. What is it about ABG that you think has made it take off? >> Tracy: Sure, I think the thing we hear most often is that it's relatable. I think if you come just from the awkward point of view, first of all, almost everybody can relate to those awkward moments that we touch on on the show. Walking down the hallway. Especially if you work in the office building. You see the same people every day and several times in one day. [laughter] Do I have to keep smiling and say hello every time I pass this person? And it's awkward for the person that's stationary -- the receptionist or somebody that keeps having to see this person walk past them. And that's something we can always relate to. The thing that Issa and I bond off of because we're both semi-awkward. And at Stanford we would just have these awkward moments happen a lot. And we were in the airport recently and had like another awkward moment where -- we had one yesterday, too. Yeah, I'll just explain this one where we were getting off the plane and like the person we got seated next to was kind of a celebrity person. >> Issa: She was on Top Model. >> Tracy: She was on Top Model and we both -- >> Issa: Well, this is broadcast. We don't want her to know that. >> Tracy: She's on Top Model and we're both like "Oh, she's on Top Model" and we're talking about her even though she's sitting next to me. Anyway, we got off the plane and both of us had to go to the bathroom and then she was going to the bathroom. And we both needed to go really badly. >>Issa: We'd already said "bye" >>Tracy: We said bye to her. [laughter] And we're like bye girl and we went in separate directions and realized we were headed to the same bathroom. So in order to not have to see her again, we walked like -- and extra, like, mile to the nearest restroom. Having to go really badly just to avoid seeing her again because we said bye. So it's like -- so we do these really awkward drawn out things all the time just make notes of them put them in the show. You guys can relate to that kind of stuff. So it's not even just about race. It's about like the universal awkwardness we all go through. I also think just the cast being primarily filled with people of color -- there's not a lot of shows that display us in those lights. Because the thing is, all of us are awkward and nerdy and have all these weird quirks about us, but I don't really see that. I see us as being sassy and really cool and really suave and put together or really loud or obnoxious or whatever. Be we don't really see normal people that like I went to school with or that remind me of my friends and family. So I think we're showing a different side of what it's like to be of color and be quirky and awkward. So I think the awkwardness is relatable. Just being of color and having that element adds to it. >> Madison: I would say it's also successful because of the spirit that we have among each other. And contributing and helping get things done and move the project forward. That's been a big part of the success of our project. Because it can be extremely hard. As probably a lot of you know to coordinate a lot of people to work on your project without any money and without -- and that's something that Issa did remarkably. >> Presenter: Great. Well, we wish you much continued success on YouTube and beyond hopefully. And next we will go into a screening of episode 5 the party. [audience member hoots] >> Tracy: Awesome. >> Issa: Just sit here? >> Presenter: It's kind of awkward. >>Madison: Should we sit down? >>Tracy: This is awkward. [laughter]. [music]. >> J: In my mind, I'm the best dancer ever. [rhythmic music]. >> Male rapper: [rap] Ice Cube baby, Ninety-nine baby, I'm on the grind baby, All the time baby. Show me something. You can do it; put your back into it. I can do it put your ass into it. You can do it put your back into it. Put your ass into it. Put your ass into it. [rap] tic-tic-boom, hear me banging down these back streets. Bumpin' Blackstreet, fiending like an athlete. Life ain't a track meet, no, It's a marathon. Fuck the cemetery that a nigga get buried on. >>CeCe: [claps hands] J you need to focus. We need to figure out this dancing situation. >> J: [Coughing] You know I think I caught something from Patty. It's not feeling so good. I'm just going to stay home. >> Cece: You're full of shit. Look, Fred actually invited you tonight. You've been trying to get close to him forever. Here's your non-stalker's chance to do it. >> J: Fine. You're right. >> Cece: Besides you're not the only person in the world who can't dance. I'm an okay dancer but what makes me a great dancer? This. [demonstrating] [music begins] I whip my hair back and forth. I whip my hair back and forth. >> J: I hate to say this but hair is the best thing to happen to rhythmless non-blacks. >>Cece: See? You just work the hair and nobody knows you can't dance -- oh, right. Sorry. >>J: You know what? Just forget it. I got him a card. I'll give it to him at work. No big deal. >> Cece: No -- you're giving it to him. In person. Tonight. And then you're going to make out with him. Get dressed. We're leaving. >>J: [heavy sigh] [slow music] >>Male DJ: Yeah. [music picks up rhythm]. >> J: I hate parties. They're so competitive. A blatant contest of luxe, style and sex moves. I'm so above that. [music] >>Cece: There he is. Go. Go. >>J: Fred. >>Fred: J, you made it.. >>J: I just got you this card. Not a big deal or anything. >>Fred: Aw, that's so nice. Thank-you. >> J: Is it weird I glued the card shut so he needed my help. >>Nina: Damn girl. I didn't know Fubu made dresses. >> J: Nina. We're not at work. >> Nina: Well, it's Saturday night. Have you been taking our drugs? >> Fred: I cannot get this card open for nothing. >>J: Oh. Just. You know. >> Nina: I can help with that. >>J: Umm -- >> Nina: [reading] Oh, happy birthday, Fred. Thanks for being the reason I haven't quit. [giggles] >> Nina: That's so cute. Another work reference. >> Fred: Thank you, J . Look, look -- grab a drink. Enjoy yourself, okay? >>Male DJ: [music] She want it, I can tell she want it Want me to push up on it 'fore she know when I'm all on it We get the party going, liquor flowing, this is fire 50 and Jeremih, number 1, there's nothing higher >> J: Everybody from the office is here. Why did I think I was special? >> Cece: Why is Nina dancing with Fred? >> J: My comebacks weren't fast enough. >> Cece: Is she trying to get pregnant? >> J: Let's get out of here. This party is lame. >> Cece: No, it's not. I'm having a great time. You need to loosen up. Get a drink. Go dance with some hot guy. >> J: Thirsty Bitch is dancing with my hot guy. >> EnimaL: Hey, what's up. >> Cece: What's up Papa? >> EnimaL: I'm enimaL. >> Cece: I be CeCe. What it do? it? >> EnimaL: It do. I guess. >> Cece: That's what's up bud. That's what's up. >> EnimaL: Hey, I'm going to get some drinks. You stay like right here. >>Cece: Alright, play on. >>J: Why does CC sound like a contemporary slave. What was that? >>Cece: Black guys love when I talk like that. >> J: He walked off. >> Cece: He's getting his drink, see? Oh, hell no. Ruth! >> J: Great. Now I'm by myself. [rhythmic music]. >> J: Standing alone at parties is the clearest indication that nobody wants you. Should I try to make friends? [rhythmic music]. >> J: Do I need to act like I'm having a great time? Are people looking at me? Maybe if I dance next to this guy he'll recognize his urge to dance with me. >>J: If this party is a competition, I'm losing. Could things get any worse? >> A: I brought you a drink. >>J: I'm allergic so. >>A: But you were drinking the night we passionately made love. >>J: We did not f-ing make love. We had sex!. [loud scratching noise] >>J: It was a f-ing mistake. I never want to see you again; I was drunk. So get out of my life. [slaps cup] >>J: CeCe's right. I need to loosen up. >> White Jay: Here. Let me -- here you go.. >> J: Beautiful. >>White Jay: You bet >>J: Awwww, mother f-[beep] >> White Jay: Beautiful >>J: What, this stain? >>White Jay: No, that's I was talking about the way you said mother [beep] . I can't do it. But you had like a melody to it. It was beautiful. >> J: Mother f-[beep] >> White Jay: I'm Jay. >> J: So am I. That's so -- >> White Jay: So dyno-mite! [laughs] Okay because you're Jay and I'm Jay so it's Jay Jay. So dyno-mite! It's Good Times. >>J: Lame. So cool. >>White Jay: It was lame. I'm so awkward. >> J: I'm awkward. Like you don't even know. >> White Jay: No, you're mother fucking beautiful. >> Fred: Hey, I see you met my boy, Jay. >>White Jay: What's up, man? >> Fred: Yeah. Well, I'm going to hit the dance floor and get my Dougie on. You all coming. >>White Jay: I don't dance >>J: I don't dance >>White Jay and J: Me, neither >>White Jay: I just thought though, because you just seem like. >>J: Like I have rhythm. [laughs] >>White Jay: No, not to be like weird about it >> J: It's like a burden for me. >>White Jay: I just figured you could dance but not because of any reason. >> J: Did I just see what I thought I saw? No way. Fred couldn't be. >> J: It's hot in here. >> White Jay: Yeah, okay. >> Male rapper: [music] I think I started something. I got what I wanted -- can't feel nothing [song]. >> Darius: I just wanted you all to say happy birthday to a man Fred. It's his party. Hey Fred come on up here,man. You know, when we was in high school, dude, . We was on the track team. He made us run[inaudible] >>Fred: [laughing]. Aw thanks man >> All: [singing] Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear Fred. Happy birthday to you. [applause]. [music starts again] >> White Jay: So it's a slow song. You want to give it a shot? >>J: Sure, why not. >>Female singer: [song] Even if we only go to my house. >>J: Nothing like a cute white guy to make me feel secure about my dancing. Wait, is he looking at me? Could it be? Is Fred suffering from a bad case of envy? All it took was a -- I change my mind. The worst thing about parties is watching the guy you like kiss the girl you hate. [music] >> Issa: Is it focused? It's too dark. Okay. We can turn the exposure up. >>Friend: Where is that? >>Issa: I have to show you. So awkward. But my mouth is too dark? I can put it in auto-focus at this point, too. >>Friend: This is the view that I have of you. Can't really tell. >>Issa: Can you? >>Friend: Do you want the view of your radio too? >>Issa: No, I just want to start with the radio with me turning my song up and then back to here. Mostly like when I am going to shift my. Yeah, when I am like -- as long as you can't see out my window that he's not there really. >> Andrew: I think it's pretty good. >> Issa: And what about if I'm scooting down? Can you tell that my seat is going down? >> Andrew: Yeah. >> Friend: That's good. >>Andrew: You can't see me. Yeah, that's perfect. >>Issa: Okay, so let me just keep it at this angle or whatever. >> J: Are you coming? [cracks up laughing] >>Nina: t Yeah well, look. My sorors are meeting up later for dinner if you want to meet up later. >> J: You know it's really nice of you. You know I didn't really eat lunch today >> Nina: Oh, whoa, -- no, no, no -- I meant after. >>Tracy: [as Tracy] Oh no stop. Why did she laugh? >>Loud woman: Uh-huh? For real? No. But let me tell you last night -- last night. Was so bomb. It was like. Then I was like yeah. Uh-uh. Why doesn't she.. >>Loud Woman: Hello how may I help you. >> Loud Woman: Yeah, so I was like. Yeah, let me tell you about last night though it was on. It was so on. Why didn't you go last night. Where hold on. >>J: Can you keep it down a little bit. >> Loud Woman: Keep it down? >> J: Yeah, just. >> Loud Woman: Yeah, anyway so yeah, the hair appointment? Lashanie knee did it? What did. [laughs] [loud traffic noises] >> J: Oh, I got it. When I pick up the coffee cup like this. [laughter] >> Person filming: I don't see the coffee cup. I see your ass. >> J: But is it just my ass. >> Filmer: Well no. Bend over. I see all of you. >>J: Hi. I'm Jay I'm sorry? Derek? >>Darius: [whispering] Darius. >> J: So are you from around here? I'm sorry, come again? >> Darius: Arizona, originally. >> J: Yeah, oh. Come again >>Darius: Arizona, originally [laughter] >>Darius: I was upset when he switched. [inaudible] [laughter] >> Darius: My parents sometimes we don't like jelly fishing. [laughter] >>Crowd: Action. Hey. Go go go go go go go. Go crazy. Go crazy. >>A: I brought you a drink.. >>J: I'm allergic. >>A: But you were drinking the night we passionately made love. >> J: We did not make love. We had sex! [beep] >>Woman on stage: So, I said live today like it is tomorrow. Yet, I felt so much sorrow. But I will not borrow nor buy your excuses. [long beep] But I will not borrow nor buy your excuses.. >>EnimaL: Let's go, Queen. Nothing but OGs in here anyway >>Cece: [singing] Good-bye high high high. High high high. [laughter] >> Presenter: That was great. I don't think I've ever laughed that hard at work. >>Presenter: So we'll open up the floor to questions now. Anyone has a question wants to come over to the mic. Please don't yell out because we are recording this for later and there are people on VC. Some come on over. While we're waiting, when will we find out who J chooses? >> Issa and Tracy: January 12th. >> Issa: Episode 12 season finale premiers and we'll know who J makes; who decision J makes. >>Tracy: J makes what [laughs] [laughter] >> Female #1: Okay. Hi I'm Shaniece. I loved your episode by the way. I've seen all your episodes like ten times. [laughs]But I know that you did make it -- the webisodes are supposed to be able to view them online and everything like that. But I know one day I was watching MTV and I saw a show called Awkward. And I thought it was interesting because the entire cast of course is white. And I much prefer your show and I was wondering if in the future if you're working towards being like on mainstream or something like that do you think the kind of show you have just wouldn't fit in and it would limit what you're trying to do with your show. >> Definitely the latter. It's something Tracy and I struggle with all the time. We just went back and forth with this particular week. There's definitely interest in terms of mainstream television, but there's such a fear that in selling our rights away we have to change the title, the cast, the content. A lot of it would be watered down. That's a big fear of mine in addition to creative control. That's very important to us moving forward. So personally I feel like keeping it online and leveraging our audience, I'm sorry, building our audience so we can leverage our position to networks in the future is the intended goal right now. >>Tracy: Yeah, well I would love to see ABG on television. I would love it. If we could still maintain what we love about the show -- like, maintain the integrity of it. And there are some networks -- cable networks rather -- that allow you to do controversial topics and language like HBO,Comedy Central , Showtime, FX, and Comedy Central, things like that. So I think if we did do television it would have to be on a network that allows you to push buttons. Because I can't see a format where ABG can exist the same way if we water it down to a point where it has to fit a mainstream audience and be really PG and family friendly. Because it's not that kind of show. Like Issa said, it's something that we struggle with. We we're trying to figure out how to reach the most mass audience possible but also maintain the integrity of the show. So sorry if that didn't answer your question. >>Female #1: No, it did. Thank you so much and I love you guys. I'm so glad you're here. [giggles] >> Issa: Thank you. >> Presenter: Yeah? So we've got some questions people submitted online. >>Tracy: Oh, cool. >>Presenter: Do you want to bring them up here? >>Presenter: So after creating ABG, you step behind the camera to create the hilarious Fly Guy series. How have the creative directive processes differed for you? Do you have different goals and audiences in mind for these two shows? >>Issa: So actually Fly Guys before I did ABG. At that point I was really comfortable being behind the camera and sort of directing them and the way that show is, I'll essentially give them an outline much like Curbed. Curbed I'll give them outline or plot points -- moments to get to -- and they'll essentially improvise it -- improvise a scenario to come to a certain conclusion. And so, I love working with them just because they have a natural chemistry and it's just easy. Whereas ABG is scripted for the most part, I'm in it, and for the majority of the episodes I'm directing myself. And that's hard because I feel like I'm, like -- I don't get to focus as much on other actors because I'm worried about me. And I feel like I'm bringing them down. If I do focus on other actors I'm not working on my own performance. So I would prefer to have other directors; it's a little bit harder. Yeah, I would prefer either being behind the camera and directing or being in front of the camera and being just an actress. >> Presenter: That question was from Natalie Bell who was actually at YouTube right now. She's watching. >> Issa, Tracy and Madison: Oh cool hi Natalie. >> Presenter: Any other questions? Come up to the mic and we'll take your questions as they come. >>Male #1: How is it going? Thanks so much. I started watching the show this week when I saw your post. Really loved it so far. I wanted to ask -- I'm sorry Nina -- >> Tracy: Awesome. You can call me that. [laughter] >>Male #1: You talk about mentioning the universal awkwardness of the show. I think that's one of the things that's really appealing. It's about dating and it's about the office space. But then there's also moment unique to being African-American. People ask you about your hair. I'm wondering what other kind of specific like unique to being African-American awkward moments you'd like to bring to the show in the future. >> Tracy: You were asking that? >> Male #1: Anybody. >> Tracy: Do you want me? >> Issa: You can. >>Tracy: I think episode 7 -- I don't know if you've gotten that far in watching but I'll tell you what that episode is about. It's J's character going on her first interracial date with a white guy. For me -- because we co-wrote that episode together -- and for us to do that I had to draw into my experiences with interracial dating. And just being African-American woman, it varies. Like, where you are. I'm from the South originally. And walking around with someone who's not black -- like, pretty much elicits all kinds of stares. And so, I wanted to incorporate that into the show. Even in LA, in places that are more progressive, there are certain people that still feel like interracial dating is something to stare at or something to talk about. So we wanted to kind of make that, I guess, situation known. And when they walk into the soul food restaurant. It's over-exaggerated, but everybody in the restaurant turns to them. We even have a black guy with a white girl on his arm like -- judging them as well. [laughter] And so, those are the kind of moments where we are directly talking about what it's like to be a black woman and what it's like to be in an interracial relationship. And then also hair is a big -- like you mention hair is a big part of the show. We haven't really delved into like issues of colorism. >> J: We're definitely going to go into more -- after jay makes decision next season we want to talk about the awkward moments of dating as that relates to I guess being African-American sort of the standards that we expect. So yeah, I guess to answer your question in terms of that like where we'll start figure out. Because they come every day. I don't isolate them as -- oh, this is a African-American awkward moment. [laughing] Tapping into that we'll definitely think about these experiences. >> Male #1: Thank you. >> Issa and Tracy: Thank you. >>Female #2: Hi. My name is Camille as an awkward person no matter what my race, I'd like to thank you for the show. [laughter] Is there a way to submit ideas? >> Issa: Currently we can't. I mean, I guess, legally accept ideas. People like will write things in the forum but legally we can't accept ideas unless they come from the writing team. >> Female #2: Okay, thank you. >> Issa: Thank you. >> Female #3: This is mildly awkward because the questions I had they actually both took them. So. [laughter] You mention, Issa, that you thought about and people are like this is funny but you didn't think it would be funny beyond your family and your friends. What would you say to those who were in your shoes -- they were doing things they currently find funny between family and friends and they want to do it but they literally convince themselves it's not going to be funny. It seems like your impetus was when you saw someone else was going to do it. And were like no I got to do it now. What would any of you, not specific to hear, say for those who want to do it but it's just like I just won't invest the time. They've already discouraged themselves. >> Issa: One of my biggest things is I would continue make excuses as to why I couldn't do it. "Oh, I have a 9 to 5. I don't have time to do it." Or "Oh I don't have the money." And the more and more I kept saying that I just wouldn't create anything. That was just really holding me back. I guess the advice I would give is just to stop making excuses. And if you're really passionate about something just put it out there. Doesn't matter if it's just funny to your family and friends. Someone else could think it's funny and spread the word about it. If you want to put something out there, there's nothing stopping you from putting it out there but you. I strongly believe in that. >>Presenter: Do you still have your day jobs? >>Tracy: No >> Issa: No, I quit. [laughter] >>Presenter: Congratulations. >> Issa: Thank you. >> Tracy: Thanks. >>Madison: Hold on. I need a day job. >> Tracy: I think for me, it's never been a matter of time in fitting it in. Mine has always been fear of other people judging it. And that's something I grapple with as an artist all the time. Any time I write anything, I'm always afraid of criticism. And even with awkward black girl. It's been a great experience for testing out I guess our work and then also learning to have thicker skin and dealing with comments. The great thing about YouTube is the feedback is instant. So you can tell if someone hates it or loves it within two minutes of posting it online. And that's a good and bad thing. [laughs] It's great because you don't have to guess how you're doing. People are telling you. But it's also -- you know, bad -- because as an artist, you're really sensitive to your work and when you put something up it's really hard to hear, "I hated it. Or this sucks. You're terrible at this; you're a bad writer. You look crazy in this episode." For me, because I play the villain, I never read anything nice about myself. It's something I just had to deal with just like getting over the fear of criticism. And I think honestly that's one of the main reasons why people are afraid to go after their dreams because they're afraid of what people are going to say. And I think you just have to do it and take the criticism if it comes and take the praise if it comes. Just learn to get over your fears and just put it out there no matter what. >> Madison: Yeah, I think a major excuse for people not to start their great ideas they have is they tell themselves I'd do it if I only had this or I had this piece in place. I encourage people to start with what you have and I think once you do that our minds can figure out ways to accomplish the stuff that's not already in place. So it kind of spurs that creativity. So go ahead and start. Figure it out. >> Female #3: Thank you.. >>Issa: Thank you. >> Female #4: Can you guys hear me? I'll just bend down like this. Hi guys. My name is Taylor. Thank you so much for coming; we are really happy to have you. I wanted to ask you a question. As my friends and I were watching the show. I think this is more geared towards Nina's character. We noticed a lot of references to sorority life. And like the satire off of that. I feel like you've gotten this question before. [laughter] I wanted to know if there were any real life situations that caused you to maybe integrate that into Nina's character. And also if there are any like pet peeves associated with sorority or fraternity life that you kind of wanted to highlight on the show. >>Issa: She wants to know if you're Greek. >> Tracy: You're trying to get me in trouble. >> Female #4: No I'm not. I'm not even in one; totally objective. >>Tracy: So I'm not either. For some reason I think people think because Nina is very much into sorority life that I'm into sorority life as well. I'm not. Didn't pledge. I'm not Greek. But the reason why we put it in there was because it's a huge part of African-American culture. And it's a very big part of going to HBCU's. It's a big part of going to any college pretty much at this point. There's people that pledge and there's people that don't pledge. So I think we have to have some kind of character that does represent the Greek community. As we do with everything there are moments we are using satire to laugh at some parts of Greek life. In episode 10, that was that when Nina is hazing the office. [laughter] That's just an over-exaggerated like version. And we combine that with our Halloween feel to make it really over the top. But we're not necessarily saying anything about Greeks at all. We just think it's important to have some character represent that part of black culture. And it's just fun. And I do have to share stories. My sister was at her best friends wedding reception and her -- my sister -- the entire, like, bridal party was, like, in the same sorority together. And there was one person who wasn't. And they like were doing their stroll at the reception and she was unaware that you can't just jump in the stroll. [laughter] And so, and she picked up on the choreography, like, rather quickly and just kind of like jumped in. And they really reacted to it. And so, that was something when she told me that -- oh my God we have to use that. And so, we threw Jeremy Patti into my sorors doing the activity. What do you think you're doing. I thought this was open audition. [laughter] So yeah, there's just in a moments. That was one actual moment that happened we thought was fun so we wanted to utilize it. So yeah -- that's why it's there. >>Female #5: Thanks. My name is Shayna. Thanks again for coming. We really enjoyed it. My question is how can we help you guys move forward? Remember after you had to push after Episode 7 to raise money and I'm sure you need funds to continue to eat, to make stuff. So how can we as the audience help you guys move forward. >> Issa: Thank you for asking. >>Issa: We actually have a donate button on our website. People have donated after Kickstarter, And that's really been helpful. So if you find it in your heart and your pocket to donate, go to awkward black girl.com/donate and there it is. >> Presenter: White Jay? Go ahead. >> Male #2: Coincidentally my question is about White Jay [laughter] >> Tracy: Love it. >>Male #2: So does the audience have a -- when you meet with the fans and interact with the audience. Do they have a preference? Because you guys have a team Jacob team Edward thing going here and everyone I talk to it's pretty split. Usually when I see an do you feel pressure? First of all is there a certain preference and is there pressure writing that in. >> Presenter: Let's do a quick poll. Who's team Fred? Team Fred hands up. [laughter] >>Tracy: You got one. Two. Yeah. There we go. [laughter] >> Issa: It's funny she does that. Initially it was team white jay. That wasn't our intention at all. After episode 5 white jay was only supposed to be a one time character. His name was jay at the time. >> Tracy: The white came later. >> Issa: And then after episode 5 people were like "Ooh team White Jay". So we're like wow, okay. This really worked. And so, the love triangle thing happened really by accident. The audience's feedback. With that there was pressure to continue. I guess you're hired for the rest of the season. We worked as writers to put back Fred into the running, to change things. So we're happy to say that not in this room apparently but overall it's pretty split. There's -- there are a lot of team Freds out there -- teamwhite jays. Really hostile. See what kind of backlash you get. >>Male #2: Thank you and love the show. And thank you Janna for introducing me. >>Issa: [inaudible] [cheering and applause]. >>Presenter: [laughter] Sounds like you're responding real-time to comments and taking feedback on the go >> Issa: Yeah we do. That's what we love about the series. Instant feedback and you can see how people respond about scenarios. We don't take everything into account but we do take a lot of things into account. >>Presenter: We'll go ahead and wrap up this final question. Being a YouTube employee this one caught my eye. Using YouTube as a platform to test out a series seems like an obvious way to gauge viewer interest. Do you take into consideration viewer's comments in creating content and have YouTube stats helped you pitch to TV networks. >>Presenter: You kind of answered the first part. Have YouTube stats helped you in your pitches. >>Issa: Absolutely. Stats just help in general. Even people to sit and watch the series. A lot of people -- and I'm this type of viewer as well. I'll look at a video and I'll be like, "this only has 500 views? Wag." Without even testing it. The fact the show does have a lot of views or relatively does help people tune in to paying attention. Networks and people have been paying attention. So definitely the numbers help and the fact the numbers are displayed at screen and the likes are displays really helps to get us out there. Through word of mouth, especially. >> Presenter: Well, it's always exciting to hear our work is impacting people's lives individually and communities online and off line, in the real world. With that we'll wrap it up. There is a merchandise table in the back if you guys would like to pick up some Awkward Black Girl T-shirts. That's a great way to support the show. There are some free ones that we're giving away -- is that the case? Yeah. So everyone check under your seat. If you have a post it under your seat, then you're getting a free Awkward Black Girl T-shirt. >> Issa: Thank you guys. [Applause] >> Issa: Thank you. Tell your friends all about the show.. >> Presenter: Thank you for coming.