Brooklyn Boro

Bi-coastal actor, filmmaker calls Brooklyn home

Amy Seimetz covers all bases in hit 'The Girlfriend Experience'

November 16, 2017 By Peter Stamelman Special to the Brooklyn Daily Eagle
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Although a Floridian by birth, Amy Seimetz, the multitalented writer, director and producer of STARZ’s hit series “The Girlfriend Experience,” is a Brooklynite by choice.

Initially attracted to the borough by its cheaper rents, she has lived all over Brooklyn: Bushwick, Gowanus and Williamsburg. Now she’s happily settled in a comfortable Cobble Hill apartment. And she’s a total Brooklyn convert. She loves all the different, distinct neighborhoods, the views from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, the abundance of good, affordable restaurants. She even likes the subway; she’s close to the Bergen Street station and the subway is her preferred means of getting around. In fact, she’s told her mother back in Florida that “The world would be a better place if everybody had to take the subway. “They’d learn about diversity, a grudging courtesy and the necessity of patience.” Although she lives out of a suitcase — “The Girlfriend Experience” is shot in Los Angeles — she’s always pleased to return to Brooklyn.

Recently I spoke by phone with Seimetz, who was busily preparing for the start of the second season of the show. (“The Girlfriend Experience” began its new season on Nov. 5.) She had a bad cold and sounded a bit tired, but she was very pleased with and excited about the new season’s series of alternating story arcs.

These are edited excerpts of that conversation:

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Brooklyn Eagle: Growing up in central Florida, when did you know you were destined for a career in the business?

Amy Seimetz: Although I don’t come from a family of artists, I always knew I wanted to do something creative. However, because I also knew I had to make a living, I was pre-med in college and thought I’d become an orthopedic surgeon. And I was on that path. But at the same time I was seeing and loving lots of films, mostly independent. So I struck a compromise: I moved to San Francisco to be closer to the scene, but I also worked as a seamstress to cover the rent.

 

Eagle: You made an independent film that was very well-received at the American Film Institute Festival and South by Southwest, correct?

AS: Yes, it was called “Sun Don’t Shine” and I made it in 2012.  It was about a mother and her boyfriend on the run. Since I had begun my career as an actor, when “Sun” was shown at the festivals I was always referred to as “the actor-filmmaker.” I still am.

Eagle: You’re also a producer and writer. When do you come up for air?

AS: [Laughing] I have lots of stamina! And it’s not just the work on the series itself but all the traveling. There’s always a packed suitcase in my apartment! My mom sent me a text telling me I need to slow down. But I know — because she’s told me often — she’s very proud of what I’m doing. Growing up she always encouraged me to try everything.

 

Eagle: What was the genesis of your involvement with “The Girlfriend Experience?”

AS: Steven [Soderbergh, the director of the 2009 feature film on which “The Girlfriend Experience” series is based] had seen “Sun Don’t Shine” and he approached me about doing “The Girlfriend Experience.”

Eagle: That must have been exciting.

AS: Exciting and terrifying at the same time. I said to Steven, “You know I’ve never done television — I’m not sure I know how to do it.”

Eagle: What was his response?

AS: [Laughing] He said, “Great.” And he paired me with Lodge [Kerrigan, co-creator with Seimetz of the series] who had done a lot of TV. I knew him by his work on the Amazon series “The Killing,” which I had acted in. He’d also directed episodes of “The Americans,” “Bates Motel” and “Homeland.” So that that was a big relief and made me feel I could pull this off.

Eagle: How many hats do you wear on “The Girlfriend Experience?”

AS: Co-creator, co-director, co-writer, executive producer. And occasional actress!  

Eagle: I need to lie down. How do you do it?

Seimetz: Stamina and clean living!

Eagle: You’re also a working actor. Among other roles, you’ve played “Becky Ives” in one of my favorite binge-watching series “Stranger Things.” Plus you’ve had roles in “Alien Covenant,” the aforementioned “The Killing” and you’ve even have acted in a few “Girlfriend” episodes. Do you ever wish you could clone yourself?

Seimetz: [Laughing] Yes, absolutely! But I love what I’m doing so, somehow, the energy is there. Another factor of working on this series that energizes me is that, although he’s super supportive, Steven essentially leaves Lodge and me alone. I mean he’s there if we need him, but that fact that he trusts us is very empowering. Also, I’m so grateful to Steven for taking a chance on me and I so appreciate that he’s never made me feel less than an equal.

Eagle: That must make for a great working environment.

AS: It absolutely does. You know I’d never want to get stuck doing the same thing. I always want to be inspired. And “Girlfriend” provides that with every episode. I’m very proud of the series and the work that Lodge and I have done on it. And, as I said, I am very appreciative of Steven’s unwavering support.

Eagle: So you’re in a good place.

AS: Yes, I am — a very good place. And I’m very excited about the new season!


For more information on “The Girlfriend Experience,” go to www.starz.com.


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