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Dear Stella

Bridesmaids & 30 Rock meet Extras- DEAR STELLA is a videoletter from an actress mum to her daughter

Halifax, NS
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Week #3 The Differentiator Dear Stella

The difference is in the WRITING!!! Dear Stella is not unlike other shows…but like other shows you like!!! Scenes flash from the Greek restaurant where Mary Jo works, to the junior high that her daughter attends, to Mary Jo’s agent’s office, to humiliating auditions, commercials and intense film sets. As well the show flashes back to theatre school where MJ met Stella's dad, Jim.

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Joanne's Photo
Joanne M. 7  posted 10 years ago

Can somebody tell me WHERE you have seen this concept before??? Anyone? Anyone??? And also "I don't give a shit what you like!" (not an original comment but stolen from Amy Poehler who also has a show about a woman…oh I guess that concept has been done before) Steal well people…steal well.

Comments (73)

  • Nadine's Photo
    Nadine D. 0  posted 10 years ago

    Well done, way to differentiate ;) Great to see a strong female comedic role in this competition! Really funny and distinct!

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  • Daniel's Photo
    Daniel F. 0  posted 10 years ago

    Great loved it from start to finish, everything was exceptional about this. I love videos, I love comedy and I love this sooooo much. All the best and best of luck in this glorious competition!!!!!!

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  • Megan's Photo
    Megan M. 0  posted 10 years ago

    As a fellow 'starving/been asked to take off my clothes/been asked to lose 10 pounds/been asked to change my hair/skin colour" actress, I respect the angle! Although I always value a little more collaboration to tighten scripts and storylines. Good luck!

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  • Bryan's Photo
    Bryan G. 0  posted 10 years ago

    Well the final hours of the vote to get to the next level are approaching now so it is up to the voters now to get you there. Best wishes to you for success and nice work on getting through to the top 55 for all those able who were able to get that far.

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  • Jessica's Photo
    Jessica J. 0  posted 10 years ago

    Like the feminist truths here. Not sure the monologues were quite as funny as supposed to be, but concept was nice.

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  • Cail's Photo
    Cail S. 0  posted 10 years ago

    Would have liked to see a little more interactions and less monologue. Liked the jokes!

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  • Rob's Photo
    Rob S. 0  posted 10 years ago

    Hey Stella's mom - I like your concept. Would love to see more of the interaction between mom and daughter, as it seems to be where the heart of the comedy and conflict arise. Good luck in the race to the Final Fifteen!

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  • Sherman's Photo
    Sherman D. 0  posted 10 years ago

    Yes I agree with Ryan. This lady is funny and I am hoping this project makes it to the next round, Stella is a likable lady and there is something about the project that is appealing.

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  • Jimmy's Photo
    Jimmy P. 0  posted 10 years ago

    i like this project and the feminine angle but i think maybe it is a bit too niche for my taste. but that said you seem very likeable and there is something about this character that i really want to root for

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  • Andrew's Photo
    Andrew L. 0  posted 10 years ago

    The representation of women in the media is pretty atrocious with few exceptions. I hope that this project goes far, even if not though this contest, though you can count on my support. Thank you for touching this subject matter, may it reach it's target audience!

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  • Dani's Photo
    Dani M. 0  posted 10 years ago

    I like the concept, this could be something that turns out to be quite funny. I hope to see more of this.

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  • Katherine's Photo
    Katherine G. 0  posted 10 years ago

    Seems very likeable and interesting. The difference is in the writing... I like that. Interesting approach. I think you could be a little bit funnier but I like what I see so far!

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  • Pete's Photo
    Pete M. 0  posted 10 years ago

    Definitely a likeable character and as an east coaster you have my support! I hope the writing continues to be strong as this type of series relies heavily on it. All the best to you and your project moving forward!

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  • Katherine's Photo
    Katherine B. 0  posted 10 years ago

    SSSSSTELLA! There. I said it. I got it out of my system. The key here now is to try to put myself into your shoes, which I can imagine being rather nice ones, and shoot for the moon, which you're totally doing. Good luck!

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  • chris's Photo
    chris O. 0  posted 10 years ago

    go jo,go!

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  • Rebecca's Photo
    Rebecca H. 0  posted 10 years ago

    Not bad.

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  • Marilyn's Photo
    Marilyn C. 0  posted 10 years ago

    I like the concept, but a lot of that comes from reading the descriptions posted with the videos rather than the videos themselves, although you are very engaging in the videos!

    The thing is, so far the videos are really coming from the video diary angle, but the text explaining that the show will cut from Mary Jo's workplace and agent's office, to acting auditions and jobs, to theatre school flashbacks, to - I think most importantly - Stella's school, is what has me interested. I know this is a pitch contest, but it would be amazing if you could find a way to give a sense of what an actual episode would be like before the contest ends.

    Still, nice work so far! Interested in seeing more.

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  • Tavia's Photo
    Tavia M. 0  posted 10 years ago

    good one. Let's see moe of Stella though.

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  • Kara's Photo
    Kara G. 0  posted 10 years ago

    I like your show idea, I like the relationships they are raw and easy to relate! Best of luck with the Top 50!

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  • Kim's Photo
    Kim P. 1  posted 10 years ago

    GREAT ENERGY and the lead is really likeable. Not sure how relevant the "working actor" schtick is, but I see potential for some funny stuff. Hope you move on. Will be interesting to see how you develop the character.

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  • Sheldon's Photo
    Sheldon O. 1  posted 10 years ago

    I'm a fan of East Coasters, keep on bringing the funny,

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  • Laurie's Photo
    Laurie H. 2  posted 10 years ago

    Good luck - talent is there!.................Keep up the good work - energy is so evident - can tell that you love, love, love what you do! Canadian female talent rocks!

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  • matt's Photo
    matt e. 2  posted 10 years ago

    i think you are very funny and this is a great concept, we need more people like you doing what you love (and you can see it in your production)

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  • Natasha's Photo
    Natasha M. 2  posted 10 years ago

    Yer some funny

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  • Lane's Photo
    Lane B. 2  posted 10 years ago

    Stella is the real selling point here. A talented actress who can be both subtle and broad in her comedy, depending on the requirements of the scene... That's a great hook, and I really want to see this one move on to the next round!

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  • Dianne's Photo
    Dianne V. 1  posted 10 years ago

    Though your presentation of Stella almost hooked me into wanting more but then not. Just seemed a little weak in the concept but hope you can turn it around.

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  • Susan's Photo
    Susan H. 1  posted 10 years ago

    I love Stella!

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  • Justine's Photo
    Justine W. 1  posted 10 years ago

    yes, Woman!

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  • Scott's Photo
    Scott B. 1  posted 10 years ago

    I like the concept, and you're definitely right about sexism in acting. I think it just needs a little zippier timing.

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  • Alice's Photo
    Alice E. 1  posted 10 years ago

    hahahah - made me laugh anyway

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  • Dylan's Photo
    Dylan M. 0  posted 10 years ago

    Although I am growing tired of mockumentary style this still has me interested and laughing. The premise and characters are so strong that they show how a lot of promise for the future of the show

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  • Ariel's Photo
    Ariel P. 0  posted 10 years ago

    The agent's accent was horrible in this but Stella as the straight person in the bits was good (in a comedic, not sexual sense). Also - good music choices.

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    Joanne's Photo
    Joanne M. 0  posted 10 years ago

    Thanks Ariel P. I though your comment was good in a sexual not comedic way. Keep up the clarifying posts!

  • Alex's Photo
    Alex B. 1  posted 10 years ago

    Hello fellow Nova Scotia project! Loving the writing, the comedy, and the Burton Cummings. Good luck from Scratch Tracks.

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  • Daniel's Photo
    Daniel S. 1  posted 10 years ago

    I love the mocumentary style of comedy writing. It's very difficult to pull off and can be a lot of fun when done right. Keep up the good work!

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  • Jo-Anne's Photo
    Jo-Anne J. 1  posted 10 years ago

    Concept sounds great

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  • Ciel's Photo
    Ciel C. 0  posted 10 years ago

    This type of show has been copied? What kind of show, one that has WOMEN in it? This show is nothing like 30 rock or Parks and Recreation. And please don't refer to the writer and producers as girls. They are grown women. How would you feel if people called you a boy? Offensive and patronizing. You don't have to like the show, but please be respectful. Good luck, Dear Stella team.

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    Len's Photo
    Len M. 0  posted 10 years ago

    Yes please don't refer to them as girls.

  • Dan's Photo
    Dan N. 1  posted 10 years ago

    Good job. Thumbs up for Dear Stella!

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  • Wally's Photo
    Wally F. 0  posted 10 years ago

    This type of show has been copied multiple times: 30 rock, parks and recreation, girls. I wish the writing was a little bit more solid. I would have backed this up. But its just not quite there...yet

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    Len's Photo
    Len M. 0  posted 10 years ago

    30 Rock's lead was about television show runner with no children; no struggling for success as is the main theme in Dear Stella. Parks and Recreation is about a woman running a government department; no teenage daughter but plenty of awkward office politics, unlike Dear Stella.

    Girls is about a single girl (with no children), which focuses on her life and friends as they struggle to figure out their place in the world. Nothing about the world of acting or being a single parent. None of the shows you mentioned are mockumentary style like Dear Stella.

    Nancy's Photo
    Nancy R. 0  posted 10 years ago

    Dear Wally. You clearly need to go back to the days of Brady Bunch when comedy was unique... ;)
    Clearly, you're supporting another competitor and scrambling for any criticism you can muster. I think "Dear Stella" is funny, fresh, and fabulous !

    Joanne's Photo
    Joanne M. 2  posted 10 years ago

    Yes…there are other shows with women in them…thanks for pointing that out! Just because they're more than half the population doesn't mean they should have more than one show on TV! radddiculllas!

  • Jennifer's Photo
    Jennifer W. 1  posted 10 years ago

    I enjoy your inspirations, I see potential, plus I just love Halifax. Good Luck

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  • Nikki's Photo
    Nikki U. 0  posted 10 years ago

    I've never been a fan of the mockumentary style, but it seems interesting. Will you ever bring your daughter on set?

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  • Chelsea's Photo
    Chelsea M. 1  posted 10 years ago

    Looking forward to more!

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  • Sarah's Photo
    Sarah L. 1  posted 10 years ago

    I thought this was funny. Was laughing multiple times watching the video. Concept seems different, and I would definitely watch more. Love mockumentaries!

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  • Colin's Photo
    Colin S. 1  posted 10 years ago

    Go Stella!

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  • Jackie's Photo
    Jackie B. 1  posted 10 years ago

    I love it! It's like real life on steroids.

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  • Vince's Photo
    Vince T. 1  posted 10 years ago

    I love this idea! I've watched the first three weeks of clips, and unlike some other posters, I don't see Stella's "attitude" as a negative. Those are the kinds of things we exaggerate for comedy's sake! Just think of all the successful sitcoms that featured teenagers with attitude as characters. Anyhow, I think there is plenty of originality here, and I'm looking forward to seeing more!

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  • Krista's Photo
    Krista T. 0  posted 10 years ago

    There's no show here!

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    Jeremy's Photo
    Jeremy W. 0  posted 10 years ago

    Can Krista T. let the rest of us voters know how she knows this?

    Joanne's Photo
    Joanne M. 0  posted 10 years ago

    I usually like people to put on a top before they comment….but well, the giant hat makes up for it. Keep rockin' the beach Krista T

  • Robbie's Photo
    Robbie C. 2  posted 10 years ago

    Stick to your guns love the angle and from an angler (Wharf Rat) that should mean a lot or not much at all, since Dad won't even let us on his stupid boat. Anyway see you on the Halifax peer ! Great work !

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  • Geoff's Photo
    Geoff M. 3  posted 10 years ago

    Always remember: A good artist borrows, a GREAT artist steals! You are wickedly funny Joanne.

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  • Joanne's Photo
    Joanne M. 7  posted 10 years ago

    Can somebody tell me WHERE you have seen this concept before??? Anyone? Anyone??? And also "I don't give a shit what you like!" (not an original comment but stolen from Amy Poehler who also has a show about a woman…oh I guess that concept has been done before) Steal well people…steal well.

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    Vince's Photo
    Vince T. 1  posted 10 years ago

    Hahahaha, "What could be happier than a cheering, stripping model?" Indeed!!!

  • Paula's Photo
    Paula B. 1  posted 10 years ago

    I think you are very likeable. I love that you are creating a show aimed towards women but I would love to see some footage rather than just hear about it. I think it would help us to have a further understanding of what your show would be.

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    Joanne's Photo
    Joanne M. 3  posted 10 years ago

    I'm not actually likeable at all! but thanks anyway!

  • Paul's Photo
    Paul S. 0  posted 10 years ago

    STELLA!!! Sorry I had to. I kind of agree with Angusina's comment about how this has been before, but, I like your take on it and your overall character. You understand the headaches and roll with it like Tina Fey's character more than Ricky Gervais' Extras character. Fight fire with fire I suppose. Well good luck

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    Joanne's Photo
    Joanne M. 6  posted 10 years ago

    I actually look way more like Ricky Gervais in person than Tina Fey…. and also why don't you and Angusina get married!!!
    And just so you know before you marry her. I don't think it's her real name or her real picture …but she is very very cute!

  • Angusina's Photo
    Angusina O. 0  posted 10 years ago

    This concept has been done so many times already it would be difficult to be original and successful at the same time. Good luck, I hope you can do it!

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    Joanne's Photo
    Joanne M. 4  posted 10 years ago

    Oh great….can you tell me where I can watch it? I'd love to see it.

  • Dale's Photo
    Dale W. 2  posted 10 years ago

    Week 3 is the best one yet! Keep it up!

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  • Sharon's Photo
    Sharon H. 2  posted 10 years ago

    Dear Stella, I like your writing too. You tell it like it is. I look forward to seeing you develop this project. It's great to see some female input in this competition. Good luck. I'll keep checking on this one.

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  • Alvin's Photo
    Alvin A. 1  posted 10 years ago

    I enjoyed your clips and it gives you a look into the real life of a mother dealing with her 15 yr. old daughter following in her footsteps. I found it to be amusing and was interested in seeing how you will take it from her ,I couldn't help but wonder if or how you would be as A standup comedian.Good luck.

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  • Elaine's Photo
    Elaine S. 1  posted 10 years ago

    Go Dear Stella....yes we need strong funny women in TV and you are just the gal for the ...job, whatever that job may entail

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  • Ed's Photo
    Ed C. 2  posted 10 years ago

    Writing is strong! Can hardly wait to see what additional characters you introduce and what you do with them.

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  • Fiona's Photo
    Fiona H. 1  posted 10 years ago

    I really enjoyed the short introduction, I think it is relevant and although not totally unique it was entertaining enough that I would like to see more. There seems to have lots of opportunities to spin a different angle in lots of different ways.

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  • Bonnie's Photo
    Bonnie C. 2  posted 10 years ago

    Looks very funny. I like Mary Jo, she is easy to relate to. It's tough being a working mom and to be working in the film business must be very hard. I can see there would be a lot to write about. There would be may funny episodes I'm sure. I hope you make the to 50. Good luck.

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  • Karen's Photo
    Karen b. 2  posted 10 years ago

    Joanne, you are a nut bar. With funny nuts. I love a comment that suggests you need to produce a show in order to be eligible for development money, that is, the money needed to produce a show. The expression "cart before the horse" comes to mind.

    Let's remember SCTV-- their "production values" were shit-- they did all right.

    Keep writing, and using the word "sperm" liberally. Funny.

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  • Jenn's Photo
    Jenn P. 1  posted 10 years ago

    I think your reasoning and the ideas behind your project are great, however I think if you need to up your games in terms of production value if you're hoping that CBC is going to give you $500k to develop your project. It's a lot of money and I think it would be wise to prove that your project will be both interesting and broadcast quality.

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    Joanne's Photo
    Joanne M. 1  posted 10 years ago

    Thanks for volunteering your crew! We start shooting tomorrow at 6am. They're good with not being paid till next year, right? just joshing ya…we start at 8!

  • Alina's Photo
    Alina M. 1  posted 10 years ago

    Interesting.... looking forward to what's to come! Curious to see if what it would be like if the production quality was better. Keep it up!!

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    Joanne's Photo
    Joanne M. 0  posted 10 years ago

    Mee too!

  • Donal's Photo
    Donal O. 2  posted 10 years ago

    I missed this production in my first review of the shows and I'm glad I caught it now. This is hilarious and so true to how so much of acting is. Keep it up.

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  • Katie's Photo
    Katie J. 2  posted 10 years ago

    too funny!

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  • Chris's Photo
    Chris S. 1  posted 10 years ago

    good one!

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  • Joanne's Photo
    Joanne M. 5  posted 10 years ago

    Well Christina O…clearly you have an excellent sense of humour and nothing gets by you….and to think I was afraid that the sperm sucking alien line might not be taken seriously. Keep up the great work!

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  • Christina's Photo
    Christina O. 0  posted 10 years ago

    I think you're a good actress, but it would be great to throw in more jokes for all of your videos. Maybe it's just not my type of humour but I'm really not getting it. Good luck with the competition!

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  • Megan's Photo
    Megan M. 2  posted 10 years ago

    I absolutely love this concept. Can't wait to see more!

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  • Peggy's Photo
    Peggy L. 3  posted 10 years ago

    I want to see this go to series! It is funny, clever and fun. Can't beat that!

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  • Ella's Photo
    Ella M. 3  posted 10 years ago

    The best show!

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  • Eileen's Photo
    Eileen S. 5  posted 10 years ago

    MJ, you can kick Ricky Gervais' a##!

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    Peggy's Photo
    Peggy L. 3  posted 10 years ago

    The writing is strong! AND FUNNY! that's a winning combination. Love it.

  • Sharon's Photo
    Sharon A. 5  posted 10 years ago

    I love your energy and belief in your writing. The life of an actor is not easy and it is even more difficult for female actors, until the day they get a great role and make it all look easy.

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  • Janis's Photo
    Janis S. 4  posted 10 years ago

    I love what I have seen of this show so far! As the mother of an actress and a writer I can relate. I think this concept has real promise and can't wait to see more.

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