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VIDEO: Unicorn Plan-It Episode 205 “Dinah Blow Your *Unicorn* Horn”

Hello cupcakes! It’s here! The moment you’ve all been waiting for! Welcome to the fifth episode of the second season of the most magical and hilarious webseries in all the land, Unicorn Plan-It. In Episode 205, our unicorn friends are exploring the different aspects and stages of dating. Harmony mentions carrying backpacks up mountains and we get a peek at J’s OKCupid profile,  all of which I believe are relevant to your interests.

So without further adieu, here it is, the episode you’ve been not-so-patiently awaiting:


UNICORN PLAN-IT is a tight little comedy best described as Modern Family meets The Office meets “a bunch of hot lesbians in Los Angeles.” Has anyone made a real comedy about that last one?

Three co-workers, one crazy boss and one enlightened fairy-tale-haired spiritual healer face the slings and arrows of everyday life as event planners and ladylovers.

This show is written, directed, produced and edited by Real Lesbian Females who want to make you laugh, make you proud of who you are and generally make your life better in every way. Who are these females?

The fantastic cast includes Haviland Stillwell (TV/Broadway Actress, recording artist, voice of Raquelle on Barbie: Life In The Dreamhouse), Ashley Reed (screenwriter/producer, playwright, once recorded a song for you), Sarah Croce (Actress, Miss April, Girl Talk, Fake-Whitney), comedian Sherri D. Sutton, and actors Amir Levi and Catherine Wadkins.

Season 2 also promises guest appearances by Oscar Nominee Bruce Dern (Big Love, Monster) and Deborah S. Craig (Hart of Dixie).

And for this season, Director K. Rocco Shields of WingSpan Pictures has joined the unicorn team!

Keep up with UNICORN PLAN-IT:

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Twitter

VIDEO: Unicorn Plan-It Episode 204 “Across The YOUniverse”

Are you ready for another smokin’ spicy hot Unicorn Plan-It fajita of sizzling lesbian sexiness?? Because it’s definitely time. Strap on your scissor bumps and cuddle up with your favorite unicorns!

Behind-the-scenes shots! Pew pew! IMG_0416   IMG_0421   IMG_0413


UNICORN PLAN-IT is a tight little comedy best described as Modern Family meets The Office meets “a bunch of hot lesbians in Los Angeles.” Has anyone made a real comedy about that last one? Three co-workers, one crazy boss and one enlightened fairy-tale-haired spiritual healer face the slings and arrows of everyday life as event planners and ladylovers. This show is written, directed, produced and edited by Real Lesbian Females who want to make you laugh, make you proud of who you are and generally make your life better in every way. Who are these females? The fantastic cast includes Haviland Stillwell (TV/Broadway Actressrecording artist, voice of Raquelle on Barbie: Life In The Dreamhouse),  Ashley Reed (screenwriter/producer, playwright, once recorded a song for you), Sarah Croce (Actress, Miss AprilGirl TalkFake-Whitney), comedian Sherri D. Sutton, and actors Amir Levi and Catherine Wadkins. Season 2 also promises guest appearances by Oscar Nominee Bruce Dern (Big Love, Monster) and Deborah S. Craig (Hart of Dixie). And for this season, Director K. Rocco Shields of WingSpan Pictures has joined the unicorn team!

Keep up with UNICORN PLAN-IT:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

VIDEO: Unicorn Plan-It Episode 203 “Kiss Kiss Dang Dang”

Hey unicorns, have you spent the past six weeks anxiously awaiting the next installment of everyone’s favorite lesbian webseries? Duh, of course you have. Episode 202, “Awkward/Awesome”, was funny and sexy and perfect, but it left us with so many questions! We need to know if Harmony and Bambi are rising in love together, if poor Miguel has finally convinced J to take a shower, and if Sarah Croce and Ashley Reed I mean Keesha and Vic can continue to outdo themselves every fucking episode with the best lesbromance the world has ever seen. These are Serious Questions, ya know? Today is a day for Serious Answers. (Or not — you’ve gotta watch the episode to find out!)

this is a gratuitous screenshot of ash and croce because why the fuck not

this is a gratuitous screenshot of ash and croce because i said so

Okay, everyone scissor-bump in anticipation. Are we ready?! I feel ready. FYI, this episode is gonna teach you that flexibility is essential and that’s true, so feel free to stretch while you watch. Personally I’m in child’s pose right now but I think Harmony would be impressed with any yoga position you can muster up. So take a deep breath and get ready to get horny with Episode 203. Om.


UNICORN PLAN-IT is a tight little comedy best described as Modern Family meets The Office meets “a bunch of hot lesbians in Los Angeles.” Has anyone made a real comedy about that last one?

Three co-workers, one crazy boss and one enlightened fairy-tale-haired spiritual healer face the slings and arrows of everyday life as event planners and ladylovers.

This show is written, directed, produced and edited by Real Lesbian Females who want to make you laugh, make you proud of who you are and generally make your life better in every way. Who are these females?

The fantastic cast includes Haviland Stillwell (TV/Broadway Actressrecording artist, voice of Raquelle on Barbie: Life In The Dreamhouse),  Ashley Reed (screenwriter/producer, playwright, once recorded a song for you), Sarah Croce (Actress, Miss AprilGirl TalkFake-Whitney), comedian Sherri D. Sutton, and actors Amir Levi and Catherine Wadkins.

Season 2 also promises guest appearances by Oscar Nominee Bruce Dern (Big Love, Monster) and Deborah S. Craig (Hart of Dixie).

And for this season, Director K. Rocco Shields of WingSpan Pictures has joined the unicorn team!

Keep up with UNICORN PLAN-IT:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

VIDEO: Unicorn Plan-It Behind-The-Scenes Of Season Two

As you eagerly anticipate the third episode of Season Two of our smash hit lesbian webseries Unicorn Plan-It, here’s some behind-the-scenes action to get your goose into a glorious gay emotional situation!

VIDEO: Unicorn Plan-It Episode 202 “Awkward/Awesome”

Good morning, election hangover! Happy Obama! Are you ready to give your ears and eyes over to the likes of Haviland Stillwell, Sarah Croce and Ashley Reed? I know, me too. Thank goddess we’ve been gifted with a new episode of Unicorn Plan-It!

In Awkward/Awesome, we’re just really happy to have these people playing for our team. Let’s not wait any longer; be our guest:

And because I can’t get enough of this Season 2 promo video:


UNICORN PLAN-IT is a tight little comedy best described as Modern Family meets The Office meets “a bunch of hot lesbians in Los Angeles.” Has anyone made a real comedy about that last one?

Three co-workers, one crazy boss and one enlightened fairy-tale-haired spiritual healer face the slings and arrows of everyday life as event planners and ladylovers.

This show is written, directed, produced and edited by Real Lesbian Females who want to make you laugh, make you proud of who you are and generally make your life better in every way. Who are these females?

The fantastic cast includes Haviland Stillwell (TV/Broadway Actressrecording artist, voice of Raquelle on Barbie: Life In The Dreamhouse),  Ashley Reed (screenwriter/producer, playwright, once recorded a song for you), Sarah Croce (Actress, Miss AprilGirl TalkFake-Whitney), comedian Sherri D. Sutton, and actors Amir Levi and Catherine Wadkins.

Season 2 also promises guest appearances by Oscar Nominee Bruce Dern (Big Love, Monster) and Deborah S. Craig (Hart of Dixie).

And for this season, Director K. Rocco Shields of WingSpan Pictures has joined the unicorn team!

Keep up with UNICORN PLAN-IT:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

VIDEO – The Premiere Is Here: Unicorn Plan-It Episode 201 “And So It Is”

Hold on to your trousers because Unicorn Plan-It Season 2 is finally here! We’ve been anxiously anticipating UPI’s return with a series of hilarious interviews with the cast and crew and now your patience has paid off. If you’re new here, Unicorn Plan-It is Autostraddle’s first scripted web series and is badass because it takes you seriously and it’s f*cking funny. You can catch up with Season 1 and all of the UPI goings on. Here’s a quick refresher, in case you missed it:

UNICORN PLAN-IT is a tight little comedy best described as Modern Family meets The Office meets “a bunch of hot lesbians in Los Angeles.” Has anyone made a real comedy about that last one?

Three co-workers, one crazy boss and one enlightened fairy-tale-haired spiritual healer face the slings and arrows of everyday life as event planners and ladylovers.

This show is written, directed, produced and edited by Real Lesbian Females who want to make you laugh, make you proud of who you are and generally make your life better in every way. Who are these females?

The fantastic cast includes Haviland Stillwell (TV/Broadway Actressrecording artist, voice of Raquelle on Barbie: Life In The Dreamhouse),  Ashley Reed (screenwriter/producer, playwright, once recorded a song for you), Sarah Croce (Actress, Miss AprilGirl TalkFake-Whitney), comedian Sherri D. Sutton, and actors Amir Levi and Catherine Wadkins.

Season 2 also promises guest appearances by Oscar Nominee Bruce Dern (Big Love, Monster) and Deborah S. Craig (Hart of Dixie).

And for this season, Director K. Rocco Shields of WingSpan Pictures has joined the unicorn team!

So get your giant bowl of Swedish fish and get ready to watch some shit go down on this Season 2 premiere episode, “And So It Is.”

+

This season on Unicorn Plan-It:

Keep up with UNICORN PLAN-IT:

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UNICORN PLAN-IT’s Ashley Reed, Sarah Croce, and Haviland Stillwell: The Autostraddle Interview

by vanessa & carmen

As you must surely know if you’ve been reading this website at all in the past week, UNICORN PLAN-IT is returning to your computer screens in just a hot minute! Season 2 premieres on October 3rd and it’s going to be bigger, better and hornier. Lucky for us, since the show is created by Autostraddle superstars and is an exclusive Autostraddle lesbian webseries, we were able to score interviews with the smart, sexy, funny ladies who run the world UNICORN PLAN-IT (but also the world). They told us how they came up with the idea for the show, what it’s like to write the episodes, and they even shared a few juicy spoilers.

Beretta at Revolver is hosting the Season 2 Premiere Party this Tuesday, October 2nd at 6:30pm, so if you’re in LA make sure to check it out. The show premieres for the rest of us on Wednesday, October 3rd, right in the comfort of your very own computer screen. Stay hungry, stay horny.

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The Autostraddle Interview: UNICORN PLAN-IT Creators Haviland Stillwell, Ashley Reed and Sarah Croce

Creators of UNICORN PLAN-IT: Croce, Haviland and Ashley
photo by Sabrina Bringuier

AS: How did you guys come up with Unicorn Plan-It? Tell us the birthing story, if you will.

Sarah Croce: Haviland, Ashley, Brandy, Julie, Alex and I were all at The Abbey having brunch.

Ashley Reed: I think we were joking around and Croce said, “Bro, I would do a webseries if you would do one, we could just get together and we could just, like, write one.” And I was like, “Yeah, dude, let’s do it, let’s write a webseries, why not?” totally thinking that this is like most things you talk about at The Abbey . . . it will never really happen.

Haviland Stillwell: Riese has always wanted a scripted webseries on Autostraddle, so I felt that if we got a great idea together and made it ourselves and kept it low key, it would be a really good addition to Autostraddle. I thought perhaps it could grow into something more, and it would be a great way to showcase our talents and to use lots of great friends of ours doing the things that they do best.

AS: The characters on UNICORN PLAN-IT are each really strong personalities. Which character do you identify with the most and which character would you most like to date?

SC: I identify the most with Vick. She’s more with it than Keesha, witty, funny — not that I’m either of those things, but I’d like to be. She’s just more confident, and very aware of what’s going on. If I could hook up with any character, I mean, I would hook up with Bambi, but I would worry that she’d be a Stage Five Clinger. And Harmony is way too airy fairy, she’s not my type.

AR: I think I identify with Vick and Keesha. Vick has a little bit of me and a little bit of Croce, and Keesha has a little bit of me and a little bit of Croce. I’m probably more Keesha than Vick, and Croce is more Vick than Keesha. We thought that would be fun. Harmony is probably my type. Yes, Harmony. However, there are some really unbelievably hot go-go dancers. Back in the day I probably would have dated them, too. Harmony and all of the go-go dancers.

HS: I probably would identify most if you mixed Harmony and J into one person, and I would want to go on a threesome date with Harmony and Vick.

photo by Sabrina Bringuier

AS: So help us get to know your respective characters. What are their favorite foods, what do they order at the bar, what do they want from life?

HS: Well, since Harmony was best friends in college with Bambi, I like to think that Harmony was on a very specific path. Her path was the path of a Wall Street girl or something like that, very business-minded, getting things done, being super business-oriented. There is a flashback in this season that kind of shows her being in her Bette Porter mode a little bit. So you know, there’s definitely more of an element of that in her back story. I think there was an awakening that happened with her where she sort of woke up one day — metaphorically — and said to herself, “You know, there’s more than just this work work work, work-for-the-man kind of mentality, things are changing and I can contribute to the world in a really positive way.”

AR: Vick’s favorite food is definitely sushi. I think that Vick is one of those — she kind of orders at the bar, and what she orders depends on the nearest girl she is trying to pick up. For instance, if it was Riese at the bar and Riese was having her Scotch, then she would definitely order a Scotch to try and subtly pick up Riese. Whereas if it was Haviland, she would have vodka and she’d be like, “Oh, I’m drinking water, too!”

SC: Okay. Keesha, her favorite brunch food is scrambled eggs and cheese. She’s modeled a little bit like Kelso from That 70’s Show, and Keanu Reeves — she’s just kind of like, “I’m just gonna have fun,” but you know, she’s a little slow, a little dumber than your average character. She likes lady drinks, things with all sorts of fruit juices and stuff — she’s kind of like a grown-up kid. She’s incredibly emotionally promiscuous, so she will fall in love with women like that, but she never gets laid.

Ash, Croce and Hav or Vick, Keesha and Harmony?

AS: You brought on a new director, Rocco Shields of WingSpan Pictures, this season. How did that happen and how did it change things?

AR: Rocco and I were hanging out at the bar . . . I guess everything that happens around UNICORN PLAN-IT happens at a bar. She said, “Hey, what’s your plans for Season 2? I’d love to be involved.” So then I took it back to the girls and said, “You know, Rocco mentioned wanting to be involved, and I’m a huge fan of her work.” Then it just happened. It was kind of a touch and go, she was super busy so I was hoping it would work out with her schedule, and it did. She was a major asset. I love that girl.

HS: We wanted to get better and Rocco could bring certain elements that we didn’t have. We weren’t directors first, we were actors and writers first. She said, “You know, I can help you with some things, let’s roll with this.” So that’s what we did.

AS: We really can’t wait to see it. Can you describe a little bit what the writing process is like for you guys?

AR: We hang out for about an hour until Haviland gets nervous and says, “Guys! We should work!’ and then Croce gets out her computer and we start kicking around ideas until I get distracted and I start rattling off and talking to myself.

SC: I’m the fastest typer so I do the transcribing, and we basically just improv all the scenes and character voices, and it’s amazing. The best thing is that whenever Ashley or I say something really disgusting or off-base Haviland will always be like, “Ew, guys, I don’t know,” and then I’ll say, “Put it the script!” That’s our game.

HS: The writing process is very funny, because I work with two really smart girls who both have ADD and they are both brilliant and talented and I generally have to remind myself to calm down. Ashley is really good with dialogue, she is a writer first and an excellent screenwriter and playwright so she comes up with really incredible dialogue. Sarah is really excellent with cutting to the chase with things, and I tend to expound greatly.

AR: [Haviland] struggles [with our working styles], but she’s the backbone of Unicorn. She’s the form of UNICORN PLAN-IT. She holds it, she’s like the organizer, the whip cracker. She keeps everything together, she keeps us on point. Me and Croce, we’ll get to the shoot and be like, “Dude, can I borrow your script?” and she’ll be like, “G-d damn it, you guys!” She’s got her shit together, clearly she is a put together lady.

maybe at this exact moment haviland was saying “ewwww”

AS: That sounds really fun. Can you talk about what being on set is like? Is being on set just as fun? Was it different this season with Rocco there?

AR: Being on set is awesome and we love it. It’s really fun. Shooting days are long and crazy, but they are awesomely funny — there’s usually a wrangler. There’s a lot of improv and we’re encouraged to be crazy and really go with the scene, but at the same time there’s somebody who’s there with a hook, you know, waiting to reel me in. We show up with six different costumes because we are shooting six different episodes.

HS: Filming is really fun. It’s my favorite part, definitely. It’s what we prepare for and just as a person, I love being on the set. It’s very funny. We built more improv into our script this season because we knew, for instance, Ashley is incredible at improv, as is Sherri, so we wanted to let them go with a lot of stuff. We had an entire scene that we let Sherri just improv. We said, “Here’s what needs to happen, and what you need to get to by the end of this, but we just want you to roll with it.” Rocco directed it really well and Sherri totally understood what we were going for and we have clips we are going to post that are behind the scenes of us trying not to laugh out loud. We were turning purple laughing at her during the filming.

AR: It’s nuts — you basically have to stay on point and pay attention and know your lines, and if you don’t you better be good at winging it. Croce and I are usually in scenes together and I’ll be like, “Oh, and this is the part where we start making it up because we don’t know where the hell we are.”

photo by Sabrina Bringuier

AS: Who is the funniest person on set? Who is the funniest person in the world? Is Brittani Nichols the funniest person in the world? Yes, this is a real question.

AR: Brittani Nichols’ hair is the fucking funniest person in the world. That is my final answer. Her hair is so funny, her hair is funnier than my dad — and my dad is pretty funny. Sherri’s improvs made me wet my pants, so I will probably have to give it up to Sherri for funniest on set. Deborah S. Craig is in Season 2, she plays one of my hookups and she is the funniest shit you’ve ever seen. It would be a toss up between Sherri and her. Deborah pulled some shit on me that was just unreal. She did some of the funniest shit I’ve ever seen, ever. She was in a corset and drooling, that’s all I’ll say.

SC: Oh fuck. It’s hard to answer that because everyone is funny in different ways. Brittani Nichols, for instance, is so funny that like, you don’t get it for another two minutes. For instance, her production company is called Nichols & Dimes which is genius. As far as improv and delivery, I would say Ashley and Sherri are tied in funny. Sherri is a comedian, so her improv is awesome. Delivery, Ashley owns it, she always nails it. I’m editing it and I’m like, “Goddammit, how does she do that? Teach me how to do it.” The funniest person I’ve ever met in my entire life… [laughs] It’s a really hard question. Julie Goldman, I would say. Yes, for sure.

HS: Ashley is funniest, for sure. Although Sherri would be very close by her side. And just the collective, it’s a funny ensemble. Wait, who is the funniest person on the planet? Brittani Nichols. Yes, absolutely. She did work on our set. We gave her the title of ‘best boi,’ because she kind of did a little bit of everything for our crew and was super amazing. We are really happy she came and helped out. And she has a cameo, she’s in two episodes — really quick cameos.

AS: I want one of the interns to Photoshop a picture of Brittani in a unicorn suit, on a unicorn, in a TV.

via amazeballs intern geneva

AS: Okay, let’s get real for a minute. We have three Really Important Questions. Ahem. Sarah … what was it like to be on The Real L Word, even if just for a moment?

SC: Okay. To be on TRLW was awkward. The one time they got me I was at Lauren’s house, chilling with her and Amanda. I knew Lauren pretty well, and we’d hung out before, not with cameras or microphones. You are insanely aware of what comes out of your mouth, and when you go to the bathroom you’re like, “Are they listening to me pee? This is so awkward.” There was this sound guy outside of the bathroom, listening to me peeing. Since I know crew production, I just turned my mic off when I was peeing, or when I felt like it was a good idea. [Laughs.] It was whatever — I haven’t watched this season, I gather that I’m in the background a lot more than I thought I was.

AS: Ashley, this is the golden question on all lesbian minds: What was it like to be sort of sexy with Sarah Croce?

AR: Wow. [Pause.] It was really awkward, really fast, and a head bump was involved. Yeah, we didn’t use our talents. [Pause.] No, I’m just kidding. It was really funny, and then afterwards I felt really used and I’m like, “Oh my God, this is what it feels like, you’re such a dick, you made me hate myself.” And then I was like, “Come back, though.”

photo by Sabrina Bringuier

AS: Ha! Somewhat related, our third Really Important Question is, what’s your Hot 100 strategy this year?

HS: Gosh, I don’t like to say that I do anything that is motivated by wanting people to like me, I try and do things that I love and that I feel will make things better for the world in general. Cue the Michael Jackson song right now.

SC: Oh my G-d. [Laughs.] Okay, [valley girl voice] for my Hot 100 next year I’m going to run a really strategic campaign and mostly take pictures next to Mollie Thomas and get her PR rep, and we’re collectively going to run for Miss California together. It’s going to be like, Miss and Miss California — His and Hers — and I think that the more PR I get, the more likely I’ll get to be on the Hot 100 . . .

AS: [Laughs] We just know that you did actively campaign for the Hot 100 . . .

SC: That was one comment! I just wrote one comment, because I thought it was hilarious . . . and it fucking worked.

AS: Sarah Croce, ladies and gentlewomen. Okay, bringing it back to the serious stuff: What was your favorite episode or scene in Season 1?

AR: I really liked the release episode. I believe that is the fourth one. I directed that one and it was me and Lauren in the back of the U-Haul watching them do that scene. By the time we were done we were both bright red and I said, “I need a break.” So, that was really awesome.

SC: My favorite episode from Season 1 is the Parkour episode, where [laughs] I don’t really remember anything else except that shot of Ashley trying to Parkour down the wall and falling [laughs] it was so funny. I had to keep it. I was like, ‘This shot is a total accident and I have to keep it.” It cracks me up every time, and as long as it’s funny we want it.

if you don’t remember this scene go back and watch season 1 again right now

AS: Can you give us any spoilers for Season 2?

HS: I can tell you a juicy spoiler: I am, for the first time ever in my acting career, kissing a girl on camera.

SC: Season 2, episode 6 — it’s a spoiler that is far away, so you have to watch the whole season. There’s a huge party, and it’s gorgeous, there’s incredible lighting and . . . my character finds the love of her life. For the night, I mean.

AS: Oh boy — that’s reason enough to watch the whole season, right?! But finally, we’re already anxious to know — will there be a Season 3?

AR: I mean, I would like there to be a Season 3. If people are still laughing at us, you know? And if there’s a way, sure, I’ll play any day.

HS: We are always thinking about opportunities. As far as UNICORN right now, we are really just trying to edit the best product we can to get it out and to just keep on breathing. Right now we are focusing on post-production for Season 2, and we are bringing in a lot more elements, like different music and a different style. But who knows – there are lots of things up our sleeves for what can happen after Season 2.

photo by Sabrina Bringuier

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UNICORN PLAN-IT’s Sherri Sutton and Amir Levi: The Autostraddle Interview

by carmen and vanessa

Remember when we told you UNICORN PLAN-IT is returning super soon? As part of our ongoing mission to make you the most informed UNICORN PLAN-IT viewers ever, today we bring you the hilarious Sherri Sutton and Amir Levi, also known as J and Miguel from Season 1!

Cast Photo from Season 1

And remember, Beretta at Revolver is hosting the Season 2 Premiere Party on October 2 at 6:30pm, so if you’re in LA make sure to check it out!

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Sherri Sutton and Amir Levi: The Autostraddle Interview

by vanessa and carmen

Amir and Sherri

AS: Tell us a little bit about how you came to UNICORN PLAN-IT — how did you find the team? Did you work with any of the people before you came to the project?

Sherri Sutton: I’ve known Haviland for a long time. Met Haviland when she was 18, and going into university. She’s actually from Savannah, as well – that’s my hometown. So we’ve just known each other for a very long time and worked together and are very, very good friends. And then Amir Levy, who plays Miguel, he’s a former student of mine from the Atlanta International School where I used to work.

Amir Levy: Haviland and I had been working together for a little over a year and a half when she told me about this show. She asked me to audition, I showed up, did a cold reading, and got the part.

Sherri thanks Haviland for including her in this project

AS: Which character do you feel like you relate to the most? 

AL: Well, definitely not Vick as I’m not a player, not Keesha because I’m not a bro . . . In a strange way, it’s probably J because of how lovelorn and lovestruck she is. I don’t know if I’m as jealous as she is, but I can certainly get to it. I’ve seen that side of myself and it’s not the prettiest. So yeah, I guess it would have to be J.

SS: The humor of Ashley’s character, I find her humor very funny. But I am also the awkward — Sarah Croce plays sort of the awkward, doesn’t really have game – so I’m a combination. I identify with those two, absolutely. I really enjoy watching them banter.

Who wouldn’t want to be a mix of these two?

AS: What was your favorite moment in Season 1?

AL: I love it when Bambi makes her first appearance and her fiancee is actually a guy, and how offended Harmony gets. I love Vick’s one-night stand needing to use the bathroom in the middle of the planning session. I love the cliffhanger moment at the end of the season.

SS: I really love that scene where I’m meeting Casey for the first time, and realizing how awful this wedding planning is really becoming. And the other thing I love is they kind of let me improv some things and it really comes through when they let me do that.

In Season 2, I will tell you that one of my favorite scenes is a wedding that I get to perform and they let me go completely off book and I’m with two amazing people in this wedding scene. That’s awesome.

AS: Is the wedding between people we’d expect it to be between?

SS: No, it is not. There are gonna to be some guests! And you can only imagine J in the middle of performing a commitment ceremony on any level.

AS: That sounds perfect to me.

SS: Okay. I was just making sure you guys understood how wrong that’s gonna be.

AS: Do you have any spoilers you can share with us for Season 2? I don’t want to get you in trouble.

SS: Well, let me see if I can get a spoiler in . . . There’s gonna be some unicorns. I can’t go any further than that.

AL: I don’t know what I can tell you without getting in trouble . . . except that you get to see Miguel a lot more outside of the office.

Who is Miguel dancing with?!

AS: Who’s the funniest person you work with on UNICORN PLAN-IT? 

SS: Ashley Reed. And Brittani Nichols, who is so professional. And Miguel’s vagina is pretty amazing, as well.

AL: On set? Definitely Sherri. She is just ridiculously funny.

AS: Sherri – do you have a strategy figured out for the Autostraddle Hot 100 for next year?

SS: Well I have no game, I have no woo, I have no idea. I am open to all strategy suggestions.

AS: We could have people suggest strategies for you in the comments. It’ll be like a pointers sesh for you.

SS: Yes, some pointers would be great. Some guidelines would help at this point.

Give this lady some pointers!

AS: I am so excited for [Season 2] I feel like it’s gonna be so hilarious.

AL: Season 2 is bigger and better. I think in Season 2 people will see how great UNICORN PLAN-IT is, meaning a lot more people were brought on to the team, so people could focus more on their first passions rather than being pressured to do everything. We brought a new director on board, Rocco, and she has been great.

AS: We’re so excited about it!

AL: Everyone should be very excited about it! I really hope there’s a Season 3.

Keep up with UNICORN PLAN-IT:

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UNICORN PLAN-IT Is BACK: Director K. Rocco Shields Talks Season Two

Hello everyone, I have some really huge news that I think you’re gonna want to hear. Ready?

Season 2 of UNICORN PLAN-IT, Autostraddle’s first ever original narrative series, premieres in just over one week! Yes, it’s true — the show is back and it’s going to be bigger, better and hornier.

Creators of UNICORN PLAN-IT: Croce, Haviland and Ashley
photo by Sabrina Bringuier

Carmen and I took on some serious investigative reporting and interviewed the cast and their new director to get all the juicy details about this upcoming season, and we’ll be sharing those little tidbits with you over the next 10 days. But before we dive into Very Important Questions — like for example each actor’s favorite brunch food — let’s take a stroll down memory lane to the premiere of the series, because it was a really big deal.

Do you remember? It was August 2011. There was no new Real L Word and no new Glee. A-Camp wasn’t a thing. You hadn’t donated over $100,000 to help us build a new home.

The world was a different place. To be honest, I have no idea what the majority of us were even doing. The cast and crew of UNICORN PLAN-IT, however, were taking the initiative to make lesbians laugh with art that matters. In case you need a refresher, here’s the deal:

UNICORN PLAN-IT is a tight little comedy best described as Modern Family meets The Office meets “a bunch of hot lesbians in Los Angeles.” Has anyone made a real comedy about that last one?

Three co-workers, one crazy boss and one enlightened fairy-tale-haired spiritual healer face the slings and arrows of everyday life as event planners and ladylovers.

This show is written, directed, produced and edited by Real Lesbian Females who want to make you laugh, make you proud of who you are and generally make your life better in every way. Who are these females?

The fantastic cast includes Haviland Stillwell (TV/Broadway Actressrecording artist, voice of Raquelle on BARBIE LIFE IN THE DREAMHOUSE),  Ashley Reed (screenwriter/producer, playwright, once recorded a song for you), Sarah Croce (Actress, Miss AprilGirl TalkFake-Whitney), comedian Sherri D. Sutton, and actors Amir Levi and Catherine Wadkins.

Season 2 also promises guest appearances by Oscar Nominee Bruce Dern (Big Love, Monster) and Deborah S. Craig (Hart of Dixie).

And for this season, Director K. Rocco Shields of WingSpan Pictures has joined the unicorn team!

We’ve been anxiously anticipating the October 3 premiere that will take place right here on Autostraddle, and to deal with our enthusiasm we’re going to help you get to know the wonderful women (and dude) who are responsible for making this masterpiece happen.

Also! If you really can’t wait, Beretta at Revolver has you covered. They will host the Season 2 Premiere Party on October 2 at 6:30pm, so if you’re in LA make sure to check it out — meet and scissor bump the cast and crew, participate in the GET HORNY photo campaign, and try your hardest to work Croce’s magic on her. Season 2, Episode 1 screens at 9pm, followed by a raffle for UNICORN PLAN-IT t-shirts and other fun prizes. Plus your photo may end up on Autostraddle the morning after — who can resist?!

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The Autostraddle Interview: K. Rocco Shields

UNICORN PLAN-IT director and editor K. Rocco Shields
photo by Sabrina Bringuier

We heard from all the cast members that we can expect some changes and surprises in Season 2, but perhaps the most significant change is that the show acquired a new director and editor, the talented and accomplished K. Rocco Shields of WingSpan Pictures. Rocco was kind enough to hang out with me on Skype a few weeks ago, and we chatted about many different things: her involvement with UNICORN PLAN-IT, the new film she’s working on, and her new puppy. Don’t worry, I took a screenshot of the puppy and included it in this interview. — Vanessa

So, what brings you to UNICORN PLAN-IT?

When I saw the first season I saw something very amazing, but I thought there were things that could be strengthened. When you don’t have a full-time director you lack a cohesive voice. When you’re directing, writing, and acting, sometimes some jokes are lost in translation, so I went to the girls and said, “I think we need to do a Season 2 of UNICORN PLAN-IT, I will do it with you.” And they were totally down for it, and the rest is history.

What was it like working with your good friends?

I love Haviland. I’ve always wanted to work with Haviland and Ash and Sarah, and I wanted to do something for the lesbian community. One of the strongest things I’ve seen come out [for lesbians, by lesbians] is UNICORN PLAN-IT so I thought, “Wow, it would be so awesome if I could work with them and we could bring a Season 2.”

photo by Sabrina Bringuier

Can you tell me a bit about your background and where you learned about film?

I was a film theory major in college, and most people go to film school to learn how to make things, but I learned none of that; I learned about the psychology of cinema, the history of film, the history of television, and the aesthetics that are used to make the viewer feel a certain emotion.

Can you tell me about your most recent project, “Love Is All You Need“? I’d love to hear in your own words where you’re at with this project, and also what inspired you to create it.

When [the issue of] teen bullying was all over the news in 2010, I was struck by how all these newscasters and moms and dads were like, “I don’t understand how an 11-year-old could be [committing suicide].” They kept saying things like, “How is this possible? When I was 11-years-old I was playing with trains, you know, I didn’t think about committing suicide.” They were talking about it like it was this new thing, and I felt like, “This isn’t new, and you don’t even understand where these kids are coming from.”

The next morning I woke up with the idea to create a short film about being bullied from the point of view of a kid, but the world would be reversed so people would understand what it would be like to be prejudiced against someone with their same ideals.

What would you say was your goal for the film?

My goal for this film wasn’t to make a splash in the gay film circuit, but it was to get to the straight film market. It was to get to festivals that don’t normally accept gay submissions.

What are some of the most meaningful responses you’ve gotten?

At one festival, they put it before this documentary about camps people send their kids to where — like real life, But I’m A Cheerleader type of stuff — they are brainwashed not to be gay, they’re shown coffins and they’re like, “This will be you if you keep on being gay.” It’s real stuff, and the protagonist of that documentary was this evil priest-type guy who took these kids in and showed them all this awful stuff and turned them “not-gay.” Since the filming of that documentary he has changed his ways and he was at that festival premiere, and he got on stage and he turned to me and he said, “Before I say anything, I have to thank you for Love Is All You Need? because it gave me a whole lot more to think about . . . thank you for making that film.”

photo by Sabrina Bringuier

Wow, that’s kind of incredible. So aside from UNICORN PLAN-IT, have you worked on anything new?

Yes! The short really took off, and it was always designed to be a test run for what this concept could be on a broader scale. I wrote the feature film version, and the short film has served as its calling card.

Camilla Belle (Push, 10,000 BC) and Kellan Lutz (Twilight) play the two leads, and there are also several other Academy Award winners coming on board to create an A-list ensemble cast. We want this movie to really fly and get out to everyone.

It’s so awesome that you’re fulfilling your dreams. But I’m curious: with such a sensitive topic, have you received any backlash or criticism for the project? And how do you handle that?

Definitely. I’ve already been sent a few letters by gay people who think that I’m going to bastardize the concept. Because it could be very easily bastardized. I mean, you think of this premise of a “gay world,” and it’s already been done. People have tried to create comedies about it, and they played on stereotypes and gender roles in order to do it. If I do that – if I play into any sort of stereotypes – it will discredit the film. It will make the film a joke, and it will make gay people look bad, because in this world it’s gay people that are kind of being the bullies.

A lot of people are going to be really pissed off about this film, but that’s okay, because a lot of people are going to be really excited about this film. I’m excited to show them all my take on it, and then everyone will relax. But until they see it, they won’t.

As a gay filmmaker, do you feel like you sometimes get more backlash from the LGBT community, rather than the mainstream community? I feel like this happens a lot because we’re all invested in making sure our stories are told in a way that feels true to us.

I think because gay people have been so oppressed for so long, they are so quick to judge. So quick. The second I released the trailer I had an email from someone who was very angry, and I took the time to write them back, and then they thanked me. They wrote, “Thank you so much for writing me back, I understand more what you are going for. I’m sorry if I came across as defensive.” So it will be an interesting PR thing.

Definitely interesting! I’m intrigued now, I’m excited to see it.

Yeah, me too. I can’t wait, we are going to start production in the next couple of months.

Rocco is really fun to Skype with because she has cool masks, a million pairs of sunglasses, a PEZ dispenser, a crown and a brand new puppy.

That’s awesome. Moving away from the silver screen and onto our computer screens, is UNICORN PLAN-IT similar to any of the past projects that you’ve worked on? What are the similarities and differences?

UNICORN PLAN-IT is not [similar to any past project]. What works with the show is bringing in an element of reality – you’ll see this season has more reality-style shooting and editing. We are also introducing something new: The Confessional. You’ll be able to see more into the minds of some of the characters, and that creates some comedy. There’s also Flashbacks, which also create some comedy.

Okay, this is a tough one. Of all of the UNICORN PLAN-IT characters, who do you identify with the most?

Oh, you know, I can’t play favorites, I just can’t. But I do love Ashley’s character because she is such a natural comedian. Some of the stuff she says, she had a random humor that I just love, so I really embrace all of her improv and her randomness, through and through. But I also love the kindness of Haviland’s character, and the bro-ness of Croce’s character, so it’s hard for me to pick a fave. I also love Bruce Dern’s character.

And if you had to go on a date with one of the characters in UNICORN PLAN-IT, who would it be?

Let me look at my character list so I can give you an offbeat character for this. Hold on . . . I’m looking at all their pretty faces right now. [Pause.] I’ll have to say Pitch, Bruce Dern’s character.

Yeah? Now I really want to see Season 2.

It was really exciting to work with him, and we could share some war stories.

Do you have a favorite moment from Season 1?

Oh my gosh. [Pause.] I can’t give you a favorite. Just all of them, you know, giving it their all. I think they did a great job in the first season. Also, I would like to change my last answer. I would double up with Pitch and Harmony. We’ll go on a threesome date . . . and then we would go make music together.

Badass. Okay, so this is a Very Important Question that I actually ask everyone I ever meet: do you like brunch, and what is your favorite brunch food?

Yes, love it. Eggs Benedict.

Same! Yay!

Eggs Benedict or a derivative of Eggs Benedict.

I usually go for the salmon option.

Yeah, that’s a little healthier than the pork.

Let me close by asking about spoilers for Season 2. Are you allowed to tell us any insider secrets?

Get ready for dance sequences, get ready for musical numbers, get ready for digging dirt, get ready for crazy sexual tension between a lot of characters. Get ready for transformation and transcendence . . . and that’s what I will tell you.

photo by Sabrina Bringuier