Lemarze Smith, creator of the series RELATIONSHIPS, says the idea for the drama came from a discarded idea for another series.
What a captivating series, sir – where did the idea come from?
Thank you, my idea for Relationships came when a friend asked me to help him write a show, which I won’t mention right now. I created the character Charlie, and he didn’t think the character fit with his show, so I took Charlie and started building a world around him and I also used some other ideas from things I wrote in the past like for example. The scene where Charlie first meets his therapist, I wrote that in 2012 while I was deployed in Afghanistan. That was the first scene I wrote but at the time it wasn’t meant for Relationships.
And is this something you managed to shoot during the pandemic?
Yes, and it wasn’t difficult once we got everything in place and had a routine, we had people get tested for safety measure.
Was it always envisioned to be a series?
No, I originally wrote it as a movie, Clyde was a completely different character and Angel was dating him and Mr. Porter or Jamie was not in it. I felt like it had more story to tell so I redeveloped it and added a few more character’s
Did you start with the characters or the storylines?
I started with storylines and as the story developed, I created the character. I felt like Lindsey needed more of an outlet besides her parents and friend and that encouraged me to create Mr. Porter. I also created Lindsey and Peter to interact with Lindsey’s character, they were not in the original script. The actress Jordan Kroser originally auditioned for either Lindsey or Laura. I thought she didn’t fit those parts, but I did feel she did such a good job that I created Jamie for her after I saw audition, it was the same with Patrick he auditioned for Clyde, but I created Peter to fit him.
Are any of the situations or characters In the series based on personal experiences?
No none of these characters relate to who I am in real life.
Tell us about the distribution process – did you always intend on releasing it independently?
We did have some help pitching to Netflix and other streaming sites, but we end up finding film hub and the distribution has been great. We would still love to be on Netflix or get an original series deal but we are ok with being on Tubi and Amazon.
Have you started scripting a second season yet?
I’m six episodes deep into season two I’m thinking of going twelve episodes.
Any surprises in store for the next season?
In, season we learn a lot more about Romania and why she was in therapy. We see Lindsey go through a traumatic life changing experience. We dig a bit deeper into Angel’s past and what causing her issue’s. It’s a lot more expanded on the Wilks family in general. We are doing more character development and taking these guys and gals on a wild crazier ride in season two.