Creator/Writer Michael Witkes – born and raised in Philly.
Interested In is a coming-of-age story about recently out college student, Parker. We follow his journey through gay sexcapades, in Philadelphia, as he begins to find himself after “the closet.” During his first openly gay hook up, Parker realizes he has much to learn. Through help from his best friend, Danny, and various hookup encounters, Parker learns to reinvent himself as he begins to freely express his sexuality for the first time.
Hi, Michael! Thank you for granting the interview. We’re excited to speak with you. You recently wrote, produced, and starred in “Interested In.” Tell us how do you estimate the value of any given film?
I wrote Interested In because I felt lost after I came out. There were no examples on TV or film about what to do after the closet. Coming out was always presented as the end of the story, but it’s actually such a confusing time. After years of suppression, you have to reinvent yourself. And on top of that, you’re plunged into a completely new dating culture. Interested In begins directly after the closet and features a diverse cast of queer characters. I think this story is important because it brings queer representation to stories we haven’t seen before.
Did you come across any budget challenges during production?
Of course. We were extremely thankful to make $7K through an online fundraiser from AMAZING supporters. But making a film is expensive. I was so lucky to have a fantastic team that believed in the project. We budgeted to make something that we are all so proud of.
How do you choose the material to use for a film?
I became a writer because I wanted more LGBT representation. I write stories that I want to see, or wish was on film. I feel like I started writing out of necessity. When I choose the material, I definitely need a personal connection to it—and usually, that personal connection is something LGBTQ.
What do you hope to accomplish with the series?
I hope Interested In expands what it means to be gay. I hope people relate to Parker’s journey as he figures out what it means to be a young gay man.
But more specifically for the series itself—We filmed the first five episodes of season 1. I wrote six additional episodes to complete the season. We are beginning our run at the festival circuit now. But the ultimate goal is to get picked up as a series and finish season 1!
When choosing talent, what did you look for?
I think LGBT roles should be played by LGBT actors. Representation is so important, and there’s a lack of LGBT roles in film and TV. Queer actors are often typed out of straight/cis roles. Until there is an equal opportunity/representation for everyone, LGBT actors must be cast to tell their own stories. I’m also really passionate about casting people on screen that we haven’t seen before.
What was your favorite scene?
Oh, this is hard ‘cause I wrote all of them… the show is vignettes into Parker’s life. The first five episodes are mostly hook up encounters. But there is one scene with Parker’s best friend, Danny. That one’s special to me, because I think the heart of the show really becomes about platonic gay friendship.
How can fans-to-be gain access to the series?
We’re currently running at the festival circuit! You can view us at Cinema Diverse in Palm Springs on 9/21, Out on Film in Atlanta on 9/28, and of course, First Glance Philly Film Festival Oct 12-14! We will announce more festivals on our Instagram (@interestedinseries) and our website www.interestedinseries.com. So follow us to keep up to date on the series and where you can view it!
What has been your favorite experience in making the series?
This has been a passion project of mine for a long time, so I’m truly so grateful for the team of people and supporters that helped this come to fruition. I think my favorite part has been working with the amazing people that made up our team. Especially our director Blayze, our Director of Photography Brendan, and producer Phillip. Their passion and dedication, since the start of pre-production, has been crucial to Interested In’s success.
When looking back on the series, what resonated with you the most and why?
I mean truly everything since I wrote it! Haha!
In your opinion, how could this series make an impact in the world?
I think the series brings much-needed representation to that confusing time after “the closet.” We see Parker struggle with labels, stereotypes, masculinity/femininity, and so much more. When I came out, I thought I would immediately accept myself, but I still struggled with the label and had so much shame about my sexuality. Confidence takes time after years of suppression. I hope Parker’s journey shows that your identity is always evolving and that there are so many ways to be LGBTQ [that’s why our flag has like, so many colors 😉 ].
If you had to do it all over again, would you still choose to make this series? Would you do anything differently?
Of course, I would do it again! But now I just want to make the rest of it!
Do you have anything else you would like to share about the movie and your career?
Be sure to follow Interested In on Instagram (@InterestedInSeries), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/InterestedInSeries/) and our website (www.interestedinseries.com) to stay up to date. And come to check us out at one of our festivals!!
Featured Image Info: Creator/Writer Michael Witkes – born and raised in Philly.
Featured Image Credit: Photo by Alexander John Photography.
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