As a passionate gamer and avid fan of Michelle Buteau‘s work, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and disappointment upon hearing about the second season of “Survival of the Fittest” being produced, despite the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the recognition it deserved in last year’s awards.
Michelle Buteau, star of “Survival of the Thickest,” looks forward to a more substantial, darker, and improved second season as filming begins. However, Buteau, who co-created and co-produced the show, experiences a range of feelings as her team’s efforts during season one were overlooked for Emmy nominations due to an unfortunate error in the submission process.
Danielle Sanchez-Witzel, known for her work on “The Carmichael Show” and “New Girl,” collaborated with Buteau in co-creating and co-producing this scripted comedy. The show, produced by A24, was first aired last year, just before the historic SAG-AFTRA strike. In February, it was announced that the series would be coming back for a second season, as shared by its lead star.
I’m thrilled to be back on set for the newest installment of “Survival of the Thickest”! In this season, everyone is taking risks and stepping out of their comfort zones. According to the comedian, TV host, and author, it’s going to be a steamy and seductive chapter with renowned guest stars like Anderson .Paak and Tika Sumpter joining us. What’s more, this season will be directed entirely by women, including series star and powerhouse Tasha Smith. Not only has she been promoted to a regular cast member, but she’ll also make her directorial debut by helming two episodes.
“Buteau has long harbored the aspiration to be part of a television production that represents the Black community and the LGBTQ+ community. She envisions a project where female directors dominate the scene. I firmly believe in the capabilities of women, and it’s essential to provide opportunities they scarcely obtain,” she shared about her upcoming series.
“Tracey Pakosta, Netflix’s vp of comedy series, expressed their commitment to top-notch comedy and top-tier talent in working once again with Buteau. The unique authenticity of Michelle’s voice is cherished in this show, resonating well with Netflix viewers, leading us to eagerly renew it for a second season.”
For the actress and her team, going back to filming is a joyful occasion, filled with enthusiasm from the creative collaborators, the show’s actors, and the production crew. Buteu shares that everyone has poured their heart and soul into making the series. However, this moment is bittersweet as they prepare for the Emmys nominations announcement. Sadly, due to an issue in Netflix’s submission process, their work from season one will not be eligible for recognition.
As a gamer, I can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment for myself and my team. We’ve poured our hearts and souls into this project, and it’s disheartening that not everyone will get the recognition they deserve come Emmy season. The women leading our series – from DP to directors, props, and beyond – are absolutely brilliant. It’s not about winning an award for me; it’s about celebrating the collective effort and the unique community we’ve built in this challenging industry during such uncertain times.
Netflix acknowledged the mistake to THR, labeling it as a simple clerical error that became apparent and led them to revisit the TV Academy with the intention of correcting the situation. However, the TV Academy’s spokesperson informed THR that “the submission deadline is endorsed by the Television Academy Board and announced by January for the competition year. Unfortunately, no late entries are accepted beyond the published deadline.”
In the entertainment industry, collecting submissions for awards is an intricate process without a one-size-fits-all solution. Usually, this task falls under the jurisdiction of the platform or production studio. At Netflix, their in-house awards team takes on most of the work, collaborating with creators to manage their submission process.
Personally for Buteau, this comes after a lengthy application phase for fall’s awards, which resulted in two warnings. Additionally, there were challenges with the publication of her book. Likewise, the show’s debut during 2023’s significant labor strikes caused disruptions to its promotional efforts due to COVID-19.
The actress explains that she’s still processing her emotions regarding past events, recognizing that nominations hold significant importance, particularly for women of color. She shared, “I’m not here to rest easy. It may seem absurd, but it’s about acknowledgment and validation. We on this show are all underrepresented groups, and it’s essential not to overlook us. We matter.”
Pakosta emphasizes that Netflix remains deeply committed to stories, actors, and diverse communities, including those represented in Buteau’s program. “We are firmly behind this series, and we wholeheartedly support Michelle,” she expresses. ” portraying the world and its relationships makes the shows more captivating, thought-provoking, amusing, and authentic.”
Although season one of the show didn’t receive Emmy recognition, Buteau is grateful for the experience and personal growth that came with bringing her book to life. “I’m thrilled that the series was based on my book, and people seem to enjoy it,” she shares. “I made sure to represent myself authentically – as a Black, brown, fat, queer woman – and I’m proud of that.” Through this project, she learned the importance of self-advocacy in Hollywood. “You have to fight for yourself no matter what,” she emphasizes.
According to Pakosta, Netflix values more than just accolades for their shows. The engagement from viewers and the resulting discussions about the characters and themes are crucial. He emphasizes, “The dialogue generated by a show like ‘Michelle’s’ exploration of relationships and relatable stories is significant and influential.”
The dialogues will persist as the team goes on filming the second season, with actors such as Tone Bell (Trigger Warning, Coyote vs. Acme), Liza Treyger, Peppermint (Harlem), and Marouane Zotti (I May Destroy You, Bodkin) returning, along with directors Kim Nguyen (Prom Dates, Never Have I Ever), Thembi Banks (Young. Wild. Free. and Insecure.), and Amy Aniobi (Insecure, 2 Dope Queens). Aniobi will take on the roles of co-showrunner and executive producer alongside Sanchez-Witzel.
As a gamer, I’m excited to share that some new faces will be joining the cast this season! Among them are Jonathan Chad Higginbotham, Deon Cole, Alecsys Proctor-Turner, Jerrie Johnson, Celisse, Rolonda Watts, Michael Rishawn, Monét x Change, and RonReaco Lee. Each of these talented actors will bring unique energy and depth to the game, making for an even more engaging experience for us all. Can’t wait to see how they contribute to the storyline!
“Buteau expresses that the team’s work in the show’s second season is driven by cultural significance, unity, and the saving of lives. It’s a fulfilling experience that allows us to chase our dreams while also meeting our tax obligations. There isn’t anything more rewarding than that. We continue to pursue what we love every day.”
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-07-15 17:25