( Danny the Manny cast and crew--photo by Denise Bundlie)
Gender and sexual diversity (GSD) is as much a part of real life as it's portrayed in an endearing and funny new web series titled Danny The Manny, directed by Mike Roma an starring Patrick Reilly, as are human beings.
I caught up with Roma via email recently and asked him to let us look under the hood of this pioneering and highly watchable series. My questions and Roma's answers will do more to tell you why Danny The Manny is mandatory binge fare for any self-respecting citizen of the 21st century than any intro that could be written. So, without further ado, read on...
Congratulations on a really watchable and provocative new Web series. What was the impetus for DTM?
Thank you! The idea behind Danny the Manny stemmed from my own childhood experiences as well as my current side job as a babysitter. Growing up, I was always attracted to typically "girly" things. I loved my sisters Barbies, my mom's heels, and I was mostly friends with girls in school. Even at a young age, I knew this was different. I was ashamed and confused.
Being a nanny brought me back to my childhood. I'm constantly comparing the way I was raised to the way kids are brought up today. While I think people are more aware about the ways we gender children, I think our society has a long way to go. Let boys cry. Let girls be tough. Let them explore. Why would we want to limit our children?
With babysitting as part of your career pedigree, is it fair to assume Danny is a version of you?
Yes, he's a heightened version of myself. But I'd say every every character I write has some version of me in them. That's how they become real, fully formed.
The character of Quinn's mom leans decidedly leftward on the progressive-o-meter. How conscience of social politics were you in writing the firing scene?
Whoa, spoiler alert!
I don't see Karen as progressive or conservative. I think she's just a mom trying to do what's best for her kid.
Because I knew Karen would hire Danny back in the end, I made sure the actual firing stemmed more from Danny's inappropriate (albeit well-meaning) actions than from anyone's identity. He does a horrible job explaining the situation, and she reacts accordingly.
I'd guess you kind of had to write her as fairly liberal, otherwise the firing scene wouldn't have been as believable. That said, how confident are you that the series will be as relatable in the country's heartland or the Bible Belt--or are you not even aiming at "the middle" audience, if you will?
In light of the recent tragedy in Orlando, I think it's more important than ever to aim for the country's heartland. There are so many kids out there who are afraid to come out of the closet, and I want to help them in any way I can. Positive representation gives people the courage to be themselves.
And I hope people who are unsure about this whole queer "thing" discover the series too. Regardless of your politics, I hope you can watch the show and laugh. I think the best way to affect change is through someone's funny bone.
Bradley Bundlie as Quinn is cute as a button and a really good actor. Judging by photos I've seen, he clearly resembles you at a slightly younger age--intentional?
I'm sure on some subconscious level, yes. But really, Bradley brought so much energy and spirit to the character. He was amazing to work with. A true professional.
(DTM director, Mike Roma "in drag" at age 3)
Why did you cast Tonatiuh as Mimi--a male actor in a female role?
I wrote the character that way, I don't know why exactly. When I write, I try not to think too much about the implications. I like it to be a kinetic experience. That said, I think the idea fits with the themes of the series. I mean, what is gender really?
What went into the decision-making process regarding showing Danny's flaws? He's rash. He smokes pot right before going to a job where he's responsible for a child. He's clearly still "finding his way" in life.
Just like everyone else in the world, gay people have flaws. It would be a disservice to my characters and my community if I painted with a broad brush. I wanted to show that Danny is still struggling with his own life and identity. Finding yourself is an ongoing process. And being 23 can be a real pain.
Can you tell us about how Patrick Reilly was chosen for the role of Danny and how he plays the part under your direction?
We first worked together in college at USC. Even when writing the series I had him in mind for Danny. I asked him to come in to audition for the part, and he just got the character. Plain and simple. Patrick has a big heart and a sharp tongue. My favorite combination in a performer.
Our process is pretty open. We try things in rehearsal, play around with the character and with intentions. He brings a lot of questions to rehearsal. Many that I haven't considered before. That's a good actor for you.
What do kids understand about "gender creativity" as you put it that adults miss?
It's funny, because kids don't see gender until we adults explain it to them. There is nothing inherently feminine about the color pink, and there's nothing inherently masculine about a football. Those are associations we bring.
I think the term gender creative is a great way to give children the freedom to explore without labeling them as LGBT. Let them decide for themselves when they feel ready. Not every boy who likes pink ends up being gay or trans. Sometimes it really is just a phase, and that's ok too.
What's the future for Danny The Manny?
I'm currently developing it into a half hour comedy series. It will focus more on the character of Danny and his group of queer friends as they flail around Los Angeles.
What's next for you?
Patrick and I are filming a feature later this summer in New Jersey. It's called Dating My Mother. It's very similar in tone to Danny the Manny too.
Anything to add?
I want people to consider the consequences of pinks and blues. Accepting differences goes beyond childhood. If someone doesn't feel comfortable in their own skin, they're more likely to harm themselves or others. Our community is still reeling from the horrors of Orlando, and I think the solution can start at home. Obviously we need to enact real change like gun control legislation, but we also need to realize our own biases and accept others so they can accept themselves. Americans claim to value individualism, so let's celebrate what makes us unique and different rather than tear each other down. We've seen what happens when people hate.
Check out Danny The Manny for yourself at dannythemannyseries.com A previous version of this interview appears at LGBTweekly.com