For the comically challenged, the web series Colored People may be a bit too insensitive as it breaks down the notion of “politically correct” and turns it upside through a diverse cast of characters helping to make the world more “Colored”. Creators Shannon Baker-Davis and Derek Davis put their married life aside and teamed up for the race-bating comedy Colored People. It all started 5 years ago over a conversation to create a pilot of day-to-day race relations in the office, which they wrote a 30 minute pilot. The concept turned into an all out gut-busting web-series of a unique group of HR professionals turned diversity experts on their pursuit to educate corporations on inclusion.
In November 2013 with the motivation & support from producer Nikita Adams, the duo re-penned the script into a shorten format of a 10 episode web series. With zero funding, the couple doled out the dough and shot their first episode in February 2014 completing the 5 series release in May 2014. On July 15th Colored People was launched through the ‘CPTV Tuesday’s’ campaign releasing a new episodes once a week for 5 weeks.
I highly recommend this series for the witty writing, colorful characters and questionable commentary. Shannon & Derek welcome feedback and appreciate any comments & suggestions as they gear up for the next 5 episodes of the series.
The Cast
Dean Testerman “Evan” is hands down one of this generation’s most talented and sexy actors. He has so far avoided having a day job as well as a life in porn.
Megan Thomas “Jada” is a host, actress, comedienne, model, non-profit consultant and former radio show producer. This “Black-and-Asian-country-girl” writes and is a featured vlogger (video blogger) for http://www.TheVirtuousDiva.com.
Naiia Lajoie “Natalie” made the move to Los Angeles in the late summer of 2013. With a Filipino, Syrian, & French Canadian background, it’s no surprise this Canadian-born, Middle Eastern-raised, now Venice Beach-living actress would find herself in a project aptly named “Colored People”.
Rahul Parikh “Rizwan” is originally from Orange County, CA graduating from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He is most noted for his one second in a Domino’s Pizza commercial. Rahul would like to thank Colored People, his family, and friends for all their support.
Rae Latt “Jordan” was born and raised in Los Angeles, Ca. She started her dream of acting at age 18 and has no plans to stop! A few goofballs, hookers, drug addicts and a killer or 2, Rae say’s “Those are the most fun”. Rae will continue to push boundaries and have a ball doing it!
Jonaton Wyne “Waddell” is a veteran of the stage and screen, he’s a bit reclusive and Colored People is thrilled to have him onboard.
The Crew
Derek and Shannon Baker Davis – Creators
Colored People is the brainchild and 5 year passion project of this husband and wife team who met at the Mecca, Howard University. Thanks to the blood, sweat and tears of countless people their idea has finally come to fruition. Hope you enjoy!
Natasha “Tash” Gray – Director
Born and raised in the tumultuous streets of South Central LA, Tash says she barely resisted the urge to become a gangsta rapper. Tash’s ultimate goal is to prove to everyone that ovaries are funny.
Garland McLaurin – Director
Garland works in television and film in the United States and abroad. He recently co-directed/produced the Peabody award winning documentary “180 Days: A Year Inside An American School”. The second installment of the “180 Days” documentary series is slated to air on PBS in the spring of 2015.
Breht Gardner – Director of Photography
A Howard University Alum, Breht recently worked as a co-producer on the Peabody award winning documentary “180 Days: A Year Inside An American School”. The second installment of the “180 Days” documentary series is slated to air on PBS in the spring of 2015.
Carole McClintock – Director of Photography
Carole has received various awards for her cinematography. Carole won Best Undergraduate Cinematography at Fusion Film in Festival in 2009 and received the Nestor Almendros Award for Excellence in Cinematography at NYU’s First Run Film Festival in both 2009 and 2010.
curated by Angela 