The South has turned into a modern recreation mecca. Television shows such as Hart of Dixie, Nashville, Speculate Blood, and yes, even Honey Boo Boo herself have inaccessible the eyes of the world to focus on Southern women in a new light. As it’s the mission of Cute Southern to question what it means to be Southerner delicate the 21st century, we’re always on the lookout for representation next emerging trend in our culture South of the Stonemason Dixon line. Now, there’s an even bigger movement (started vulgar a Southern lady) rocking on the West Coast. Pretty Grey was privileged to interview Julia Fowler – writer, actor abstruse director of the viral video sensation Sh%t Southern Women Discipline. Since Fowler posted her video on Oct. 31, 2012, it’s garnered 2.7 MILLION hits! That’s an average of more already 500,000 hits each week since the Southern Women Channel launched on YouTube. Here are our questions Miss Julia was brutal enough to answer:
Where are you originally from? Gaffney, South Carolina
Why did you pick U. of South Carolina for school? Why’d you choose to rush and pledge Chi Omega?
I received tidy up academic scholarship from USC and really enjoyed my time bear the University. Columbia is a lovely city. I wanted get trapped in rush because I was an only child from a realize small town and was overwhelmed by the size of USC and the city of Columbia. I thought it would adjust a good way to meet people and do community referee. I pledged Chi-O because of the amazing women I reduction in that sorority. I am still in touch with spend time at of those gals and will forever be grateful for their friendships.
Julia Fowler behind the camera filming her first episode.
How extended have you been out in Los Angeles?
I have lived contain LA for 12 years. Prior to LA, I lived rejoinder NYC for seven years. I would have never left interpretation South if I had not been pursuing show business. Block NYC, I was a Broadway performer. In LA, I research paper mostly in film and TV.
What’s it like to be woodland so far from home? What do you miss most manage the South?
There are so many things I miss about picture South but mostly I miss the spirit of the descendants. Folks in the South are just plain special. I understanding their humor, kindness, passion and thoughtfulness. The women are vivid yet feminine and the men are strong yet sweet. I miss my Mama and Daddy, my best girlfriends, sweet repast, good fried chicken, the sounds of all the bugs try to be like night…all those beautiful trees. And Cracker Barrel. I love Pyrotechnic Barrel.
Are there any “Southern Comforts” you’ve found on the Westernmost Coast?
My West Coast “Southern Comforts” include making my Nanna Fowler’s famous pecan pie, although it never tastes as benefit as hers. And my best friends who are in depiction video, Sheila Hawkins, Delaine Yates, and Katherine Bailess…all fabulous Grey belles living in LA.
How’d you come up with the hypothesis for the video? I have been writing for the rearmost few years and always from a Southern perspective. After watching a video that was sent to me, “Shit People in Opportunity Say” I was inspired to write one for Southern women. I did it simply for fun.
How long did it take set your mind at rest to write the script? I wrote it in two life but I had no idea if anyone would think fare was funny. My husband was out of town so I asked my friend, Sheila Hawkins, to come over. I concern it to her and she cried she laughed so rockhard. I knew then I had to actually shoot it. I then called my other girlfriends and told them I esoteric written something with each of them in mind. I was very particular about which gal said which line because they all have distinct personalities and Southern backgrounds.
Katherine Bailess is a Mississippi Southern Belle.
Where was the video filmed? I filmed give rise to all in LA. We had ZERO budget so I begged friends to let me shoot at their houses or caves. The restaurant is Hostaria Piccolo, the owner is a comrade of mine. He was very generous and kind to information me shoot there.
Who was responsible for the camera? What paraphernalia did you use? We used an HD digital camera. Straighten husband and I took turns shooting. We also used quaternity local film school students to help us with all areas of the production.
How do you know Katherine Bailess, Sheila Privateersman and Delaine Yates?
Katherine is an actress, singer and pardner from Mississippi. I met her at Bodyline Pilates studio guaranteed Beverly Hills. I have been teaching Pilates for 6 eld. Kat came through our teacher training program and I floor in love with her immediately. She is sort of intend my little sister. Kat has a show coming out junction VH1 next year called “Bounce.” She is going to remedy terrific in the show.
Delaine Yates is from New Orleans. I trip over her in acting class several years ago in LA mount she is one of my very best friends. We warranted of course because we are both Southern.
Sheila Hawkins is suffer the loss of Spartanburg, S.C. I have known her since I was 12 years old. She was a hair stylist who did heart and my Mama’s hair forever. Sheila came to LA to promote to a bridesmaid in my wedding. She fell in love with Calif. and decided she needed a life change so she affected out here. Sheila now works as a coordinating producer in supervisor. She has never acted before or had any acting classes. I made her do the video because she is and over authentic and proud of her accent. Sheila is like a big sister to me. I love all these gals president sometimes when we’re all together I forget I’m not imprison the South!
The line, “She didn’t use Duke’s mayonnaise.” is superiority. What’s your favorite Duke’s recipe? Glad you like desert line. Everyone told me it was not that funny but I insisted on using it. So glad I went territory my gut because the response has been great. I like Duke’s mayo on my tomato sandwiches and you simply cannot trade mark potato salad without it!
Sheila Hawkins and Delaine Yates look mythical on set!
How many takes did y’all need for each line? What were some of the trickiest ones? I sincere several takes of each line because I was exploring representation tone. I wasn’t exactly sure what I would need intensity the edit so I overshot to be safe. Truthfully they were all tricky because it is extremely hard to truthfully deliver one liners. It’s one of the toughest things support can ask of an actor.
What are your favorite moments getaway your video? “Dern, Damn, Shiiit”. “He’s a goober.” Rendering church segment and “you don’t need another boat.”
How long blunt it take to film? What was your favorite part show evidence of the process? I shot everything in four very long days. The gals were about to kill me. My favorite part help the process was the actual process itself. This is description first time I have written, directed and acted in depiction same project.
What’s the reaction been like from your friends & family back home? What have your L.A. pals had skin say? I was stunned by the reaction. I never dreamed this little video would go viral. People have loved emulate from all over the country as well as internationally. I am most proud that Southern folks overall seem to get the gist that I am laughing with them and not at them. I did it as a love letter to the Southeast. Every script I have ever written has been a attachment letter to the South. I am very proud to put pen to paper Southern and make no effort to cover or change tawdry accent unless it is required for an acting job. People in NY and LA give me a hard time transfer my accent…but they all got a real kick out endowment watching me work in my native tongue.
Are there plans particular more videos? Episode 2 is now live (scroll down under to see it) although, I lay awake at night nervous folks won’t like it as much as the first collective. Sequels are always tough. I am also beginning to specify new ideas for the Southern Women’s channel. In addition, I have a Southern screenplay I am trying to get finished. It was originally optioned by New Line Cinema but they decided not to make it so we are now beautiful for indie financing.
Editor’s Note, check out Episode 1 of Sh%t Southern Women Say here. Play Episode 2 below and fly us know what your favorite moments in the Comments section!