10 THINGS – Carly Craig

For obvious reasons, comedy has always been a big part of your career. How have you seen the state of television and film change for comedians? 

There are so many more platforms now with streaming and cable, that make room for all kinds of voices and tones. It was really exciting for me because I always wanted to make a comedy that was truthful and relatable and that the funny would come from real life situations, instead of just a funny joke. 

Which other comedians have influenced your own career over the years and which ones are you inspired by?

Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett and Gilda Radner were big influences on me. I still watch old reruns of “The Carol Burnett Show” and die laughing every time. They really paved the way. I’m also a big fan of Tina Fey. Watching her wear so many hats as a female creator was inspiring. 

Currently, you’re working on the YouTube Red series, Sideswiped, as both actress and creator. Let’s first discuss the production side of things. What were some motivating factors that led to you creating this series?

I had just gotten out of a long relationship and started dating again, but so much had changed since I’d last been out there with all these dating apps. Dating was already crazy enough, so I thought this would be a fun world to explore. I wanted to write a strong female comedy about three different generations in this new digital era and make it about romantic and familial relationships. 

Why did you choose to showcase this content on YouTube Red as opposed to traditional viewing spaces?

As I mentioned earlier, there are so many more platforms allowing new and fresh voices to be heard. YouTube Red (now YouTube Premium) is one of those platforms. It was an amazing opportunity to get in on the ground floor with a company that has the means to make something of quality and a huge following to reach as many people as possible. It was a no-brainer. 

As an actress on the series, you play the role of Olivia. What can you tell us about her personality and why you enjoy playing her on screen?

Olivia’s a workaholic. She works in the insurance industry and LOVES it. She lives in Ann Taylor suits. That is so not me. So it was fun to play this buttoned up girl just starting to let loose in life and figure out who she is. And, her relationships with her mom and sister were loosely based on my own relationships with my family, so I really enjoyed playing that out on screen. 

You guys have quite the cameos coming up on this first season. Can you share some experiences of what it’s like to work with powerhouse actors on this project?

It was crazy. To get to work with people that I had looked up to for so long, was surreal. Jason Sudeikis was a friend from “Hall Pass” and was so fun to work with. He would have the whole crew cracking up and would always give 100%, even when he wasn’t on camera. He really is a dream to work with. 

Rick Springfield was awesome. He was playing guitar next to hair and makeup all casually, but we were all freaking out a little bit on the inside. Peter Gallagher, Tyler Posey, Tom Lennon (I’ve loved him since “The State”), Bryan Greenberg, Christopher McDonald, Charles Michael Davis. I still can’t believe it. And they’re all so good on the show! 

What do you hope the audience and viewers come away with after watching Sideswiped?

I hope they laugh their tails off. 🙂 That being said, this isn’t some schmaltzy romantic comedy. There are so many real, poignant moments. We tackle a lot of subjects that people are too embarrassed to talk about, but can’t help to laugh at, because we can all relate.  

Which travel destinations are at the top of your bucket list?

Italy is number one. My family is Italian on my mom’s side, so I’ve always wanted to go there. Greece is up there, too. They both look so beautiful. 

When it comes to fashion, which designers and styles fit your personality best?

My personality is definitely comfortable/stylish. I love my James Perse tees. I have a lot of clothes from The Row, and I live in my Celine cashmere sweater in the winter. Reformation has fun summer dresses. I also love a great pair of cool, comfy shoes. My favorite right now are a slip on flower pattern pair from Balenciaga. 

We look forward to seeing you and the rest of the cast on Sideswiped. What do you have coming up in the near future?

Thank you! I also am on an ABC show called “American Housewife”. I play Tara Summers, Katy Mixon’s arch nemesis. I am looking forward to working on season 3. I have a blast on that show playing the bad guy, something totally different from anything I’ve done before.

 

Instagram: @CarlyCCraig

Twitter: @Carly_Craig

Facebook: Carly Craig

Photos: Dean Foreman