TasPride VP Chrystal Dean caught up with creators of the hottest new web series, Venice the Series. Below is a transcript of her interview with this talented and dedicated duo (pictured right, Kim Turrisi and Crystal Chappell). To read the TasPride feature article on Venice, click here.

TasPride: Crystal, What inspired you to create this series?
Crystal Chappell: It was Otalia and all the joy that people got from that storyline that motivated me to create Venice.

TP: Why start it online?
CC: Because I have the freedom to tell the story the way I want to tell it without interference from outside parties. I can tell it the way I want to tell it.

TP: How has the queer community embraced the project?
CC: They have embraced in it a very lovely and supportive way. It is only because of how much they support it that we can move forward.

TP: You’ve talked in the press about how you feel compelled to do this project. Tell us about a moment when you thought, ‘yep, this is exactly what I’m meant to be doing right now.’
CC: Well, I think Venice was pretty much created when I was on Guiding Light and that whole experience because I saw that people were ready for a story like this to be told and ready to watch, so I basically knew early on.

TP: Before the Otalia storyline on Guiding Light, did you ever imagine you would become a gay icon?
CC: No. I am just a person and I embrace all roles and I feel very privileged to be able to do what I am doing right now with Venice.

TP: But it’s a pretty sweet job, you have to admit – playing opposite some of the most talented and beautiful soap actors/actresses in America. In particular, being reunited with your Otalia cohort, Jessica Leccia. Tell us honestly, Crystal – don’t you have just a little girl crush on Jessica?
CC: Hey it’s not even little. It’s a huge girl crush!

TasPride: Kimmy, as a gay woman yourself, what does it feel like to write gay characters for a worldwide audience?
Kim Turrisi: Fantastic!! But honestly, I try to write all my characters the same regardless of their sexual orientation, but to have this forum with this fan base and write the characters from the heart with complete honesty is a blessing.

TP: There are some people in the gay community who see the inclusion of gay characters onscreen, particularly women, as a gimmick for ratings or an audience – how is Venice different?
KT: There is no gimmick here. It evolved organically from the desire Crystal had to embrace the community that had embraced her. Together we wanted to tell a story that included many walks of life. Plain and simple. I know it's different than what's been done before, perhaps because our story comes from a place of acceptance and loving, not fear – and the fact that we can be creatively free and open.

TP: The online following for this series is huge (Twitter, facebook, the V Community). How much does this interaction with the fans feed into the show?
KT: Oh, they are the reason for the show. I love the interactions. My favorite thing about VComm and Twitter is the friendships and connections that are being made. There are groups that have get-togethers across the country and abroad. We love love the twitpics they send. They are fiercely loyal and force to be reckoned with. I love them!!

TP: Why do you think it’s so hard for network television to tell honest
stories about gay characters?
KT: I really have no idea. I’ve never understood that. They seem ok with telling stories of serial killers; I think it comes from a place of fear, which I don't get. Maybe a fear of losing viewers or advertisers. It's disappointing at best but that's why we're doing Venice...

TP: Can we expect any coming-of-age or discovering-my-sexuality stories on Venice?
KT: Not in season one but you never know. Its one of my favorite stories to tell.

TP: You have a group of very talented and very gorgeous actresses/actors on standby to play out any scene you write. Is this every gay girl’s fantasy [clears throat]…I mean a dream job?
KT: Yeah I suppose it is but the truth is it’s a writer's dream and fantasy. The thing I want everyone to know is how invested each of these actors are and how much they brought to the table. As a writer, you can write the best script in the world but it doesn't matter if the actors don’t feel it or bring it and I can honestly say, this group of talented actors truly invested in Venice and it shows. It was an experience I would wish for every writer.

TP: You both interact with fans on Twitter on a daily basis. How important is that to you? Should you be winning some kind of award for the most innovative, cost effective market research ever used?

CC: I don’t need an award, but I do think Twitter is an extraordinarily useful marketing tool and it is a great way for people to reach a lot of people very quickly. It has helped Venice a lot.

KT: These fans that came from the Otalia and Crystal Chappell fan base are like no other and I sincerely believe that. They are the most loyal, vocal and loving group I have ever seen. They are so much fun to interact with...smart and thoughtful. Award? Not so much...we simply are paying attention to the audience. If there's an award for that...ok. [Laughs]

TP: You’ve said one of the best things about doing this project online is that you have complete control and freedom with your storytelling. Has that posed any challenges? How do you decide what’s right?
CC: Kim Turrisi is a wonderful writer and gay woman and I also believe in listening to what the fans have been telling me in the past year and a half. I am a pretty good listener and I can’t please everyone at the same time, but my goal is just to be truthful with who these characters are.

KT: I think Crystal pretty much summed it up!

To those who haven’t heard about Venice yet, give us three reasons why they should tune in.
CC: We are uncensored. It’s beautiful and a good story.

KT:
1. Its honest, a real slice of life.
2. There's romance, comedy, diversity
3. The acting is really, really good.

Venice the Series can be seen at www.venicetheseries.com. The first episode is free. The remaining 11 episodes and behind-the-scenes footage can be accessed via a USD $9.99 subscription.

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*Photo courtesy of JPI Photography.