Ragesh Dipu
HBO has ordered an all-new scripted original series, ‘Betty’. The network has ordered six episodes of what was previously an untitled skateboarding comedy. The upcoming show is inspired by ‘Skate Kitchen‘, the 2018 indie feature. The series will be co-created by Crystal Moselle and Lesley Arfin who also serve as the writers and executive producers. Igor Srubshchik and Jason Weinberg are on board as the executive producers along with Matthew Perniciaro and Michael Sherman of Bow & Arrow Entertainment. Also on-board is Rodrigo Teixeira of RT Features. Izabella Tzenkova and Lizzie Nastro of Kotva Films are producing the series which comes from Untitled Entertainment and Arfin Material. Production for the show is already underway in New York.
‘Betty’ is set against the backdrop of New York City. The story follows a diverse group of female skaters. These young women have to navigate their lives through the world of skateboarding, which is primarily male-oriented. The cast that appears in ‘Skate Kitchen’, the movie, is starring in the show, including Rachelle Vinberg, Nina Moran, Moonbear, Dede Lovelace and Ajani Russell.
Vinberg reprises her role from ‘Skate Kitchen’ as Camille, who wants to hang out with the boys. Camille is shown to have fought hard to carve out a small space for herself among them. Although the character is not too big on flashy displays of love and loyalty, she happens to be perceptive as well as intelligent. In fact, Camille is someone who is bound to notice the tiny details, besides being someone who forgives but does not forget. Ultimately, Camille comes across as someone who would be happier if she realized that her points for being cool do not amount to much else.
Moran reprises her role in ‘Betty’ as Kirt, who is perhaps the funniest person alive. Kirt comes across as a lover to the ladies and a fighter to the rest of the world. The character is like a little kid in a woman’s body. Kirt is helpful to the extent of going above and beyond without being asked. Moonbear plays Ruby in the film but appears as Honeybear here. The character is like a dark horse. Honeybear is wiser and smarter than she appears. Although she tries to make a statement with her outlandish clothes, underneath the bold exterior, Honeybear struggles to keep her emotions in check.
Lovelace steps back into the role of Janay, who happens to be opinionated, loyal and intelligent. Janay is a big-hearted, warm girl with enough determination and strong will to help and harm herself. Russell rounds out the cast reappearing as Indigo, who is flirty, fun, and always ready for an adventure. Indigo avoids conflict and drama naturally. The savvy hustler leans a little closer to shadier side than the others.
