Meet Atheana Ritchie of Keeping It 100 the series in hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Atheana Ritchie.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
So a little over three years ago, I came up with this crazy idea for an all-female cast comedy web series while working in an all-female staff restaurant. The conversations these girls at my work had been insanely raw, unfiltered, and real.

A lot of shows today are written with women really only being shown with certain colors. With each episode, the more comfortable my writing became so I really pushed the envelope. Whenever I felt like ”oh, this might be crossing the line”, that’s when I pushed at full steam ahead because shock value is my specialty. None of the episodes are fabricated. They, in fact, are very real and very authentic. I wanted a project that represented diversity and inclusion and forced My mission which was to present the whole damn paint box. I spent a year really working on the script and showing it around and getting notes.

Finally, one day I just woke up and said its time. I searched for the right production team to build who thankfully shared my vision and supported having a female-centered project from all aspects, front and behind the camera. Me, being the shy person that I am at times came out of my shell and networked my project to anyone who would listen. I had one of the most successful showrunners in Hollywood, Lee Arhonson (Big Bang Theory & Two and a Half Men) mentoring me through the process and teaching me how to pitch the show successfully.

After months and months of back and forth, my show is finally on Amazon Prime and Youtube and is doing exceptionally well for a first time series. We have really cool people in our series from the entertainment world including Ryan Carnes of General Hospital, Bianca Santos of The Duff and ABC’s The Fosters, Perez Hilton,  the world famous blogger of Perezhilton.com, Art Napiontek of Pineapple Express, and Mikalah Gorden of American Idol and Channel Q radio station.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Smooth? Oh no. This was a lot of hard work, tears, and dedication. This project was 99 percent self-funded which meant I working five jobs and losing sleep. I paid all of my actors as I wanted everyone to feel appreciated for their craft and their time on my dream project.

I’ve had to fire a director who just didn’t see my vision and really become that “boss” lady in a male-dominated industry. I had to fight tooth and nail on certain scripts with my own production team just to make sure my vision was being respected, yet also open to their invaluable input. When you are dealing with a passion project emotions, run high and sometimes you have to learn to put your pride aside and say, “okay, I’m listening.”

This project has taught me patience and to mute the impulsive need to have instant gratification. Our last two episodes, (because of special insurance) cost 10,000. Again 99 percent self-funded. We had no backers or investors with the exception of ep 1. For this episode, we had a go fund me that raised 2000 dollars. The other ten episodes cost roughly 2500 each. I also need to stress that this project would never be what it is without the help of my amazing wonder woman production team that really pulled together and showed that woman can, in fact, work together and get shit done.  The saying there is no I in team is 100 percent true. Many times I thought I was going to lose my, excuse my language, shit but my production team, Katie Oliver, Bianca Santos, and Heather Brawley kept me grounded, focused, and more determined to push forward and not give up.  So, if you are working on a passion project go on and get you a superstar team. Just not mine, they’re already taken. 

Please tell us about Keeping It 100 the series.
Keeping It 100 the series is an all female-driven comedy that focuses on women who keep it 100 percent real about love, sex, and the everyday struggles of dating in LA. They are 5-minute episodes that follow a girl named Tina (who I play) who is a soap opera actress and a reality star who after getting fired off the soap uses her reality show to get her job back. Each episode digs into real life dating drama and the crazy things men do to women on a daily. You might cry, you’ll definitely laugh, but it will be awesome either way.

I am most proud about the diversity of the show in general, female writer, female creator, female producers, female director, female Dp, female sound, female lighting, female assistant director, female PA. LGBTQ storyline, and true diversity (Asian lead, Black lead, Gay lead, Latina lead.) I believe in a town that makes it difficult to find all these strong, talented women for all aspects of the show is what sets us apart.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would def have a writing partner. I’m creative as hell but having structure was never my strong point. Come on, I’m an Aries, need I say more? I would definitely listen more and put my foot down instead of focusing on being polite. I would make the episodes longer and definitely have more fun, crazy guest stars.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.keepingit100theseries.com
• Email: [email protected]

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