Author: ChilltownTV

I'm primarily a writer. Sold a few series to tv networks and production companies but never had anything get on the air. So I taught myself how to animate and completed 3 digital series, launching two. The first, Chilltown has been named one of "Five Web Series That Should Be on Your Radar" by ABCNews/Univision and a "Show to Watch" by Tubefilter. The second, Lele's Ratchet Advice Show, garnered a fanatic cult following. As a result, I now do Lele's 60 Second Wrap Up, a weekly comedic entertainment report (which I write & perform) that airs on urban radio stations Rhythm 105.9fm and the Just Wake Up Morning Show on WWRNfm.

Leesa Dean: Adventures of a Web Series Newbie

Adventures of a Web Series Newbie - Chapter 23: Missives From The Trenches

Chapter 23: Missives From The Trenches
by Leesa Dean

I’m officially on hiatus with both Chilltown and the Lele Show but it seems like I’m busier than ever.

Been working on the TOP SECRET PROJECT and the relaunch. Had a great shoot Monday. Really killer and a lot of fun. Then Tuesday had a long edit session that was also fun and wildly productive. Also, exciting to see some of Monday’s footage up on the screen and how it even exceeded my expectations.

Before the session, I met with Kai Alexandre. I’ve mentioned him here before. He’s definitely one of the players in the web series game. A former MTV producer (and actor), he had a fairly popular series on youtube a few years ago called Potty Mouth TV. He’s resurrecting it as part of 3Senso, a brand new network he’s starting and seems to know everybody. He’s been a huge fan of ChilltownTV from the start. read article

Leesa Dean: Adventures of a Web Series Newbie

Chapter 22: Something That Never Happens to Me
by Leesa Dean

beforeAnother incredibly busy week. Did a few interviews. It’s interesting that Season One ofChilltown is over, the Lele Show is on hiatus, I’m not planning on releasing new stuff till the Fall and people are still contacting me for interviews. Really speaks to what the web is like. Somebody who never heard of you can find your series and become a fan at any time.

Met KL Thomas from SketchBlock podcast. They have a really cool podcast and interview comedians, comedy writers and people doing improv. KL’s also a producer and involved in some very cool projects–like producing Jenn Dodd’s new show. We grabbed some ice cappuccino and sat in the garden of the church of St. John the Divine. She pulled out her tape recorder and mic and we just had a blast. It really was a lot of fun. You can check it out here.

Then did an long phone interview with Rodimus Prime. He’s the very cool guy who has a wildly successful podcast with his wife called The Black Guy Who Tips. I’m a fan of their podcast and they’re having me on the show as well. The interview I did is for their premium channel (you have to subscribe to listen.) We got pretty deep. He’s a great interviewer. It felt like I was talking to an old friend. Here’s the link. When I’m on The Black Guy Who Tips, I’ll also post. read article

Leesa Dean: The Secret of Success

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Adventures of a Web Series Newbie – Chapter 21
by Leesa Dean

So, I took a long weekend, chilled out and came back swinging. Did a shoot on Monday for the TOP SECRET PROJECT. And Dante Nero was in the scene we shot. I’ve worked with Dante a number of times. He did a pilot for a project I wrote/produced and stars as Marv on Chilltown. He’s REALLY funny and a great guy. He worked on Chappelle’s Show and co-hosted The Black Phillip Show with the late, great comedian Patrice O’Neal that was featured on the Opie and Anthony Show. He’s got a really successful podcast out now called The Beige Phillip Show that’s hilarious. I wrote the part with him in mind and, as usual, he did not disappoint. Afterwards, we all kicked back and Dante regaled us with insider tales of Patrice. It was incredible. I’ve been buzzed all week because everything went so well.

Then on Tuesday, went to a Big Screen Little Screen Meetup. BSLS is the premier screening meetup for web content. Chilltown screened there. Most of the big series (and even smaller ones) are seen there. It’s held every month in NYC and LA. I can’t stress enough: if you’re planning on doing a web series or just a fan, BSLS is the place to be. read article

Leesa Dean: Adventures of a Web Series Newbie

Adventures of a Web Series Newbie - Chapter 20: Balls in the Air (It's Not What You Think)

Chapter 20: Balls in the Air (It’s Not What You Think)
by Leesa Dean

Two days ago I launched the Season Finale of Chilltown. At first, I was mega excited. It’s (mostly) been a thrilling ride and I’m proud of the work I did. But then something happened I really didn’t expect: I started feeling a bit sad.

I have no idea if I’ll be able to finance Season 2. And mostly, I just don’t want it to end. Even with the ridiculous amount of work and some of the ups and downs, it really is so. much. fun. And exciting. Animation involves a HUGE amount of work; way more than live action. It’s not like picking up a camera and going for it. It takes a long time to execute. If I did it all myself again, it would probably take about a year and half, if I did it full-time, which I can’t do. I need a crew, even if it’s a mini one. And I need financing for that to happen. read article