The newest class of celebrity in Los Angeles are the actors that appear in popular web series across the web. To learn more about what goes into a web series we sat down with Ronit Aranoff, one of the emerging stars of this medium, to talk about her show Seeking, and some of her favorite LA hangouts.
Tell us about your show.
My show is Seeking, the web series. The show is based on real stories that people submit to me and my writing partner. We like to say that we turn reality shows on their head in that we take real stories and script them. Our entire first season is available on our website, seekingthewebseries.com and via our YouTube channel. We recently were honored to be an official selection of the Los Angeles WebSeries Festival where I was so lucky to win Outstanding Leading Actress in a Comedy Series. We are currently in development for our second season and are so excited to share with our fans the hilarious stories that have been submitted this time around.
Why did you decide to create your own web series?
Women telling their own stories is and has always been important to me. In writing this story, I have involved so many people and their stories and that really excites me. I’m very proud that our show is written, produced and directed by very talented women. Instead of just being frustrated by a lack of powerful female voices, my team and I decided to take control and just do this thing! Another great thing about creating my own series is writing in a serial format. Our director, the incomparable Ruth Du, worked so well with our talented cast to further our crazy characters each week. Sticking with these rich and hysterical and quirky characters excites me because we can potentially follow their stories for years to come. It’s not just a two hour story. We can know these people for years. Pretty much it’s been such a thrilling experience to be able to say my own words and play with such talented people on our own terms.
What has been your favorite role to play so far?
When I’m playing a role, I usually get really close with the part. So, the person that I’m playing becomes my best friend for the duration. You can imagine yourself walking down the street thinking about your best friend’s problems and worrying about their well-being. You can also probably do a really good impression of your best friend, understand their ticks and physicality, know how they think and feel about important matters. I’m always concerned with her inner thoughts and struggles so that I think about her when I’m walking down the street. In that way, I feel really close with each part that I play. And you can’t pick favorites with best friends!!
Is there a different reaction you get when you tell people you are staring in a ‘web series’ vs. film or television?
That’s a very interesting question. For a while I had to describe it as “a TV show for the web” but I think now with all the major companies creating shows for the web as well as recent acquisitions in the New Media area, I think people are really catching on. This is the future, baby!
What projects do you have coming up?
Seeking Season 2!! We’re in development for our second season right now I am also personally developing two other projects one of which involves getting to sing which is another passion of mine so I’m really excited about that.
How do you relax in your downtime in Los Angeles?
The beach for sure. Running in Palisades Park should be illegal its so blissful. I also love to write at the Annenberg Center in Santa Monica. Maybe I shouldn’t give away my secret, but what the heck. They have great wifi and the view of the beach can’t be beat!
What are your favorite bars & restaurants in Los Angeles?
Wexlers, Hugos, Artisan Cheese Gallery and, of course, Spin LA at the Standard in DTLA!
When you win your first Oscar, where will you go to celebrate in Los Angeles?
Disneyland! (I’m kind of serious.) I would love to hang out in my backyard with my family then go to Asia De Cuba on Sunset. I love the view and the food. I also really like Nobu on PCH if we want to be fancy and we might since I just won an Oscar! Until I get there, you can follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @RonitAranoff or check out www.ronitaranoff.com.
