BWW Webseries Partner THE RESIDUAL Creator Previews Season 2

Last month, BroadwayWorld announced its newest webseries partnership with the hysterical THE RESIDUALS. The series focuses on the up and downs (mostly downs) in the life of a commercial actor. The are currently entering the last week of their ambitious Kickstarter campaign for the second season. Check it out, and contribute what you can. You won't regret it!

After funding the first season out of their own pockets, THE RESIDUALS creators, Michael Paul Smith and his wife/co-star Gillian Pensavalle, are working to bring you a star-studded second season. During their month-long campaign, BroadwayWorld has been bringing you exclusive content, ranging from videos, to blogs, and now a Season 2 preview. Check out all of the BWW RESIDUALS articles and videos here.

Michael has learned a few things during the process, and he would like to pull back the curtain and share his new found knowledge with you. So, take it away MPS...

When I first sat down to write Season Two of "The Residuals," the first question I had for myself was about the "big picture." Do we make this season about a big overall storyline, or do we abide by Larry David's "Seinfeld" rule of, "No hugging, no learning"?

The answer turned out to be my attempt to find a balance between the two. Gillian and I want this to be realistic. Yes, it is a sitcom, but it is rooted in our experiences. Those experiences are absurd, because they're real, not in spite of it.

And the life of an actor that does commercials is one that involves keeping a lot of irons in the fire. We concluded that our characters will be more relatable if the audience can root for them as they struggle with challenges over time. But for you conventional comedy fans: don't worry. Nobody learns enough to leave town. And the jokes will come at a very rapid clip. No laugh track, though. That's where we draw the line.

Here's what you can expect this season on "The Residuals"--- Pete tries to get his webseries off the ground, follow up on his "Clyde's" booking with another one, and grab a legit agent, as everyone around him seems to be losing their mind.

Keith thinks that all of his impulses, particularly on set, must be followed. The result is an onset of extreme Diva-like behavior that Pete alone must deal with.

Valerie finds herself becoming far too much like her perpetually angry boss; casting director Mark Lyell, for her own comfort.

Ellen builds her standup audience as she makes some major changes in what becomes an intolerable roommate situation.

Mark and Devan stay Mark and Devan, but the inclusion of Valerie into their little circle of trust causes Mark to find her to be an antagonist. Devan and Valerie become closer friends, and they try to reach out to Emmett to save him from Mark's wrath.

Emmett appreciates it, and pays it forward to annoying perpetual auditioner, Lance.

As for our guest stars... Horatio Sanz is slated to play Ken: an overly enthused trust-fund baby whose company is producing a commercial. Michael Torpey will play himself in a parody of Woody Allen's play/movie "Play It Again Sam." Jenna Leigh Green will make an appearance as Lance's girlfriend. Which begs the question: why is she dating him?

In conclusion, and at risk of over-hyping, I will say: get excited, BroadwayWorld. We are!

Michael Paul Smith is the writer/director of the webseries THE RESIDUALS and also plays the role of Pete Hamilton. The episodes, and more information, can be seen on www.theresiduals.tv. Follow the show on Twitter @TheResiduals, and like it on Facebook. And for heaven's sake, go to their Kickstarter page, and give what you can. I guarantee it will be the best entertainment investment you've made all day.