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Not only does Trinidadian-American comedian Kerry Coddett brilliantly play Jasmine on Showtime’s new comedy Flatbush Misdemeanors, she’s a staff writer on this hilarious show as well. Versatility matters. Coddett has written on Wyatt Cenac’s Problem Areas (HBO) and has worked on countless comedy shows, including Ramy (Hulu), The Funny Dance Show (E), and the upcoming Pause with Sam Jay (HBO). BGN spoke with Brooklyn native Kerry Coddett via Zoom.
How did training at Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) improv impact your career?
It was the first time I got to do improv, and I always like to joke that performing comedy with an ensemble, like a group, made me realize I wanted to do it by myself, so it really made stand up for me. [Laugh.] I’m gonna be honest. It taught me how to navigate predominantly white spaces. I never had to do that in my life, really. I grew up in Brooklyn, so all my schools were Black, mostly Black Caribbean, even in high school. I’ve never really had a traditional job, I’ve never done the corporate thing. Straight out of college, I started my own clothing company. Being at UCB, which was a predominantly white place, trying to climb to the top with people who had like-minded goals and finding myself like an “other” definitely helped thicken my skin and made me cut my teeth. And, I have friends I met at UCB in the industry and they’re still my friends, the people that I started with. I met really great people and collaboration is key.
What’s your “skin thickening” process?
I try not to take anything personally. So I’m not emotional when it comes to getting notes or feedback on my work, especially when you’re writing for someone else’s show. Ultimately, your job is just to make their job better and to give them what they want.
‘Flatbush Misdemeanors’ is fantastic. Were you hired as an actor then a writer or vice versa?
The show started as a web series in 2017. I played Kevin’s love interest in one episode, just a quick episode, one scene. I’ve always been a fan of the web series, so I was following it. When I saw that it got picked up, I just texted Kevin, “Congratulations,” and I was also like, “Don’t forget your Flatbush friends.” The quarantine was a blessing because it gave me time to work on my own original writing sample. If you are funny or you’re a stand up, that’s great, but if you’re going to be in a writers room, they need to know that you can write a script. When it came time to staff, they reached out and were like, “Do you have a sample?” and I happen to have my sample because, look at God! We stumbled into six months of free time and so I used it to work, sent him the sample, the rest is history. I ended up being in the room.
It was never clear that I would be on the show. I remember when I came to the writers room the first day, part of my “manifestation” was like, “I am Jasmine, I am Jasmine.” But as we started writing the show, I was just happy to be used however they want to use me. There’s so many people who make decisions that I was just like, “If it’s not for me, it’s not for me. What is for me, is for me.” But then they loved me so much in the writers room, word got back to Showtime and they basically were like, “We want her to audition for every part that is a Black adult female.” And I did it. I actually only auditioned for that one part, and they gave me that one part, and so it was kismet.
How does it feel to be writing diverse Caribbean American characters while including the nuances of so many cultures?
It feels great. I feel a great responsibility to make sure that I get things right. It’s opened my eyes to the ways in which being a Caribbean American is a distinct identity. Even when I’m writing for the Trinidadian characters in the roti shop, I have to double check. I literally call Trinidad. And I’m like, “Did I get this right?” And a lot of times it’s like, “No b*tch, you didn’t get it right!” And my family’s from Trinidad! So this has forced me to be honest. When we had Haitians in the script, I asked my Haitian friends. I wouldn’t dare to speak for the Haitian community or any Caribbean communities I don’t belong to.
As we are in this current “movement” of using art to come into people’s homes and show them the truth of who and what Blackness is, how does activism and philanthropy factor in?
I’ve always been motivated by a need to tell the truth since I was small. Whether it was spoken word at the Nuyorican, or rapping or doing stand up, I think ultimately, as an artist, my responsibility is only to tell the truth about the things that I care about. Not everybody’s gonna care about that. That’s fine if that’s not your truth; it just happens to be mine. So no matter what I do, my truth is going to leak out. It’s just what I care about. It’s what I’m driven to do no matter what.
I know you love dance. How important is dancing in your life and what is your favorite form of dance?
Oh I love this! I literally cried yesterday about bringing dance back into my life and realizing that once I stopped doing it for a living, that I forgot that it was my most favorite hobby. So today I literally put on my headphones and danced outside. My favorite genre, hands down, is dancehall. I love dancehall. I was a dancer, choreographer, toured with Mr. Vegas; dancehall makes me happy.
How are you connecting to joy?
Leaning into gratitude. Every single day I write down what I’m grateful for. I meditate, I smell the air, I make up my bed, I walk with my dog, every single moment brings me joy.
Don’t miss Showtime’s Flatbush Misdemeanors Sundays at 10:30pm EST.
Not only does Trinidadian-American comedian Kerry Coddett brilliantly play Jasmine on Showtime’s new comedy Flatbush Misdemeanors, she’s a staff writer on this hilarious show as well. Versatility matters. Coddett has written on Wyatt Cenac’s Problem Areas (HBO) and has worked on countless comedy shows, including Ramy (Hulu), The Funny Dance Show (E), and the upcoming Pause with Sam Jay (HBO). BGN spoke with Brooklyn native Kerry Coddett via Zoom.
How did training at Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) improv impact your career?
It was the first time I got to do improv, and I always like to joke that performing comedy with an ensemble, like a group, made me realize I wanted to do it by myself, so it really made stand up for me. [Laugh.] I’m gonna be honest. It taught me how to navigate predominantly white spaces. I never had to do that in my life, really. I grew up in Brooklyn, so all my schools were Black, mostly Black Caribbean, even in high school. I’ve never really had a traditional job, I’ve never done the corporate thing. Straight out of college, I started my own clothing company. Being at UCB, which was a predominantly white place, trying to climb to the top with people who had like-minded goals and finding myself like an “other” definitely helped thicken my skin and made me cut my teeth. And, I have friends I met at UCB in the industry and they’re still my friends, the people that I started with. I met really great people and collaboration is key.
What’s your “skin thickening” process?
I try not to take anything personally. So I’m not emotional when it comes to getting notes or feedback on my work, especially when you’re writing for someone else’s show. Ultimately, your job is just to make their job better and to give them what they want.
‘Flatbush Misdemeanors’ is fantastic. Were you hired as an actor then a writer or vice versa?
The show started as a web series in 2017. I played Kevin’s love interest in one episode, just a quick episode, one scene. I’ve always been a fan of the web series, so I was following it. When I saw that it got picked up, I just texted Kevin, “Congratulations,” and I was also like, “Don’t forget your Flatbush friends.” The quarantine was a blessing because it gave me time to work on my own original writing sample. If you are funny or you’re a stand up, that’s great, but if you’re going to be in a writers room, they need to know that you can write a script. When it came time to staff, they reached out and were like, “Do you have a sample?” and I happen to have my sample because, look at God! We stumbled into six months of free time and so I used it to work, sent him the sample, the rest is history. I ended up being in the room.
It was never clear that I would be on the show. I remember when I came to the writers room the first day, part of my “manifestation” was like, “I am Jasmine, I am Jasmine.” But as we started writing the show, I was just happy to be used however they want to use me. There’s so many people who make decisions that I was just like, “If it’s not for me, it’s not for me. What is for me, is for me.” But then they loved me so much in the writers room, word got back to Showtime and they basically were like, “We want her to audition for every part that is a Black adult female.” And I did it. I actually only auditioned for that one part, and they gave me that one part, and so it was kismet.
How does it feel to be writing diverse Caribbean American characters while including the nuances of so many cultures?
It feels great. I feel a great responsibility to make sure that I get things right. It’s opened my eyes to the ways in which being a Caribbean American is a distinct identity. Even when I’m writing for the Trinidadian characters in the roti shop, I have to double check. I literally call Trinidad. And I’m like, “Did I get this right?” And a lot of times it’s like, “No b*tch, you didn’t get it right!” And my family’s from Trinidad! So this has forced me to be honest. When we had Haitians in the script, I asked my Haitian friends. I wouldn’t dare to speak for the Haitian community or any Caribbean communities I don’t belong to.
As we are in this current “movement” of using art to come into people’s homes and show them the truth of who and what Blackness is, how does activism and philanthropy factor in?
I’ve always been motivated by a need to tell the truth since I was small. Whether it was spoken word at the Nuyorican, or rapping or doing stand up, I think ultimately, as an artist, my responsibility is only to tell the truth about the things that I care about. Not everybody’s gonna care about that. That’s fine if that’s not your truth; it just happens to be mine. So no matter what I do, my truth is going to leak out. It’s just what I care about. It’s what I’m driven to do no matter what.
I know you love dance. How important is dancing in your life and what is your favorite form of dance?
Oh I love this! I literally cried yesterday about bringing dance back into my life and realizing that once I stopped doing it for a living, that I forgot that it was my most favorite hobby. So today I literally put on my headphones and danced outside. My favorite genre, hands down, is dancehall. I love dancehall. I was a dancer, choreographer, toured with Mr. Vegas; dancehall makes me happy.
How are you connecting to joy?
Leaning into gratitude. Every single day I write down what I’m grateful for. I meditate, I smell the air, I make up my bed, I walk with my dog, every single moment brings me joy.
Don’t miss Showtime’s Flatbush Misdemeanors Sundays at 10:30pm EST.
Now you can dress your little one up for an epic adventure in these awesome Legend of Zelda baby clothes & onesies.
It’s time to smash random pots and collect some Rupees because we are going shopping for some Cool Legend of Zelda Baby Clothes! Reading this list of perfectly curated baby clothing and accessories will feel like you’re actually going on a magical and exciting adventure through unknown lands. Your newborn will be quite an adventurer and a legend in the making.
The Legend of Zelda is a Nintendo video game series that is filled with fantasy and action packed gameplay. With the main series, franchises, and spin offs there are 27 different Legend of Zelda games currently made since the first release in 1986. The Legend of Zelda has many types of merchandise, references, and has worldwide popularity. The symbol of the Triforce along with the Hylian Crest are very well known. It’s definitely no wonder that many families adorn their babies in such apparel. It’s surely amazing that parents have been bonding with their offsprings while gaming, and introducing them to the virtual world in such a positive light.
Geek Baby Clothes definitely has got you covered in all the popular, trendy, and totally awesome Legend of Zelda baby clothes and accessories for your heroic little one!
Whether for baby’s first cosplay or just casual wear, this onesie is perfect for a grand journey as the heroic protagonist we all know and love -Link. With the triforce emblem, and the belt perfectly designed, your little one will be traveling around unknown lands, catching spooky Poe spirits, and riding horses in no time.
Having your offspring wearing this fun and entertaining punny onesie that proudly states “I would make a Zelda Pun but I don’t wanna Tri and Force it” could be the missing link in your baby’s wardrobe. Whether your little one is adventuring around as the hero of thyme while you are browsing Linkedin, this onesie will be worn with cleverness and style!
The Legend of Zelda has countless memorable music within the series, and a lot of those songs are surely from the Ocarina tunes that are played throughout the games. Song of Storms is an extraordinary song that has many remixes and even memes for it. Your baby will be very stylish and cool while wearing their “Make It Rain” bodysuit that has an ocarina on it with the sheet music to the Song of Storms verse. Clever and nostalgic, it’s a win-win!
The Triforce is a very powerful symbol made out of three triangles that represent Power, Wisdom, and Courage. It also symbolizes a path towards growth and harmony. This onesie is perfect for your first newborn in the family as it reads “Mom and Dad and I The Triforce is Complete” This also could be a super cute baby shower idea too for first time families!
Your newborn can be adorned in this precious pink Zelda onesie. Courageous, brave, and strong, just like Zelda herself, your little one will not be a damsel in distress but a great sage, champion, and the reincarnation of the Goddess Hylia.
This granite heather-colored onesie has a precious bear ear hoodie and raglan sleeves. With a bold statement of words that shout “Legend in the Making”, this is definitely a wonderful piece of clothing that your little explorer must-have. This onesie is also perfect for baby showers, too! Check out some other awesome Legend of Zelda and nerdy Baby Shower Gift List ideas!
Train Like a Legend, Look Like a Princess is this onesie’s mantra. Your heroic tot will definitely need some training, but also some baby sleep to conquer the antagonists on their journeys. This onesie comes in 4 different colors in pink, black, charcoal, and heather grey.
Everyone loves a good nerdy crossover, so why not adorn your little one in this Legend of Zelda / Pokemon crossover onesie? With Pikachu dressed up in Link’s outfit, holding the Goddess Sword and Hylian Shield, this onesie is definitely electrifying! For more awesome Pokemon-themed baby clothing check out Pokemon Baby Clothes!
Navi the navigator fairy (Don’t you just love that play on words?) is a great companion that will protect and guide your tiny adventurer through the most incredible journeys. Let’s just hope your baby’s firsts words won’t be “Hey Listen!”
Legend of Zelda has some very beautiful and stunning artwork throughout the game. This onesie is a beautifully designed scenic print with Link staring off into the sunset. With the words “I did it for the adventure” this is definitely a must-have for every Legend of Zelda fan alike.
The Legend of Zelda undoubtedly has many incredible races, but some more well known than others. Koroks are mysterious but gentle forest spirits from the Great Hylian Forest that debuted in Windwaker and reappeared in Breath of the Wild. This lovely onesie features a Korok dancing with tree branches that is absolutely beautiful!
Sometimes, simple is best, and with this Legend of Zelda Hylian Crest onesie, your baby can be fashionable and make a great statement. This onesie comes in a few different colors like Grey, Black, White, and Navy, and a few other designs making 17 choices to choose from!
The classic version of games always brings a sweet sense of nostalgia that is always a necessity. This pretty awesome onesie has the retro Legend of Zelda design and the infamous quote “It’s Dangerous to Go Alone! Take This!” but in a slightly different twist that reads “Daddy, It’s Dangerous to Go Alone Take Me!”
Legend of Zelda Short Sleeve Bodysuit
With a Hylian Crest, and the 3 Links featured in the game Triforce Heroes, this onesie will be surely well-loved during casual nerdy family game nights. Without a doubt, this pretty cool onesie will protect your family from Lady Maud the Drablands Witch!
I don’t know about you, but Lon Lon Ranch was always my favorite part in the game and always brought a peaceful feeling learning Epona’s song on the ocarina. This onesie is a tribute to Lon Lon Ranch with the logo of a cow and even Hylian language symbols. Fortunately, Lon Lon Ranch is different than Romani’s ranch so no alien abductions will result in wearing this onesie!
Legend of Zelda Crochet Link Hat, Boots, and Diaper Cover
What a delightful way to show off your little legend in the making with this beautifully handcrafted crochet hat, boots, and diaper cover. Your baby can be dressed like Link and be ready for a world of adventures -or photoshoots!
Legend of Zelda Crochet Baby Hat
This Legend of Zelda crochet baby hat is beautifully handcrafted as well, with yellow yarn stitching to truly represent the Hylian hero Link in all their glory.
Mealtime will now be action-packed with this Legend of Zelda-inspired Superbib that even has a snap-on Hylian Shield cape included! This Superbib’s superpowers? Being waterproof, washable, stain and odor resistant, AND looking pretty darn cool!
Twilight Princess Gamer Onesie
This charming onesie is absolutely lovely with pink floral print surrounding the words of Twilight Princess and the Hylian Crest in pastel pink. But don’t worry, adorning this onesie will not turn your tiny adventurer into a wolf!
Legend of Zelda 8-Bit Baby Onesie
If you’re anything like me, retro-style games will always be a personal favorite of mine. The pixelated characters and the 8-bit music brings such a delightful feeling! This onesie may be simple, with a pixel Link from the earlier Legend of Zelda games, but it also represents that retro love of classic gaming.
Legend of Zelda Silicone Bumkins Teether
More intense than fighting a Final Boss at the end of any game, is when a baby is teething. Poor things will literally work up a fever from the treacherous and awful sensations from it. So why not try to make this phase in their life a little more bearable with this pretty awesome Legend of Zelda teether as retro Link? Textured, soft, and flexible to withstand any teething battles!
What could be more precious than decorating a nerdy gaming nursery? One that is Legend of Zelda-themed, of course! And if it’s educational too, then that is surely a plus for sure! This L is for Link Block Art is perfect to decorate! There are 3 different versions as well. Green Link, Red Link, and Dark Link to truly have more of a customized feel. Also, if you are looking for nursery items or ideas check out 13 Tips for Decorating a Nerdy Nursery. It may bring some fantastical action-packed inspiration!
The post Legend of Zelda Baby Clothes & Onesies appeared first on Geek Baby Clothes.
The ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe has expanded all the way beyond cinema entirely. As of early 2021, Marvel Studios began its conquest of the small screen, beginning with projects like WandaVision and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. The foray continues, enlisting MCU regulars (namely Loki and Hawkeye) and newcomers alike. And one such new direction will involve a beloved Marvel Comics miniseries: Secret Invasion.
Disney
Disney formally announced this project (among many others) during its Investor Day presentation in December 2020. Here’s some background on the source material and notes on the production as they hit the web.
What is Secret Invasion?
Marvel Comics published the eight-issue miniseries Secret Invasion between April and December 2008. Brian Michael Bendis, who wrote the series, developed its story as a direct follow-up to the 2006 storyline “Annihilation.” Beyond its eight issues, the series tied into numerous other concurrent Marvel Comics series, espousing a preemptive “The Infiltration” banner. Members of superhero teams including Mighty Avengers, New Avengers, Young Avengers, Fantastic Four, Secret Warriors, among others, were included in the story.
As mentioned, Disney has announced development on a television adaptation of the Secret Invasion arc. The project will span six episodes and will air (presumably weekly) on Disney+.
Marvel Comics
What is Secret Invasion about?
Bendis’ comic event tells the story of the Skrulls’ attempted invasion and conquest of the planet Earth. Using shapeshifting abilities, Skrulls take the form and identity of innumerous Earthlings, including top dollar Marvel figures. Skrull Empress-elect Veranke adopts the likeness of Spider-Woman, for instance, and sidles up to her superhero colleagues; over time, the Skrulls permeate additional groups like S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Fantastic Four.
That’s just the gist of the rising action. You can read a more in-depth discussion of Secret Invasion here.
What will the MCU’s Secret Invasion look like?
Captain Marvel sowed the seeds for a major Skrull-centric event in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The 2019 picture painted the shapeshifting alien race in a more empathetic light than the comics did; thus, Disney+’s Secret Invasion could well rework the premise of the arc significantly. As in the case of Captain Marvel, longtime MCU favorite Nick Fury will play an upsized role in Secret Invasion; likewise the film’s villain-turned-ally, the Skrull Talos.
Who will star in Secret Invasion?
Samuel L. Jackson will bring Fury to life onscreen for Secret Invasion. Incidentally, this will mark the twelfth MCU project in which he’s played the character (not counting video games). Ben Mendelsohn, who played Talos in Captain Marvel and (briefly) in Spider-Man: Far from Home, will return as the surprisingly kindly Skrull.
Right on the heels of Once Night in Miami’s Oscar nomination, Variety reported that the film’s star Kingsley Ben-Adir would join the Secret Invasion cast. His role is yet unknown, though reports suggest that he’ll play a villain. Meanwhile, another Oscar winner is joining the fray. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Olivia Colman is in talks to join the series in a role currently unspecified.
Game of Thrones alum Emilia Clarke and Dublin Murders star Killian Scott have also reportedly been cast, although their roles are also under wraps. Christopher McDonald has also joined the show, though we don’t know the role.
Disney
Who’s behind the scenes?
Kyle Bradstreet, writer and producer for Mr. Robot, is handling Secret Invasion‘s script. Thomas Bezucha (Let Him Go) and Ali Selim (The Looming Tower) will direct according to The Hollywood Reporter.
How will Secret Invasion connect to other MCU titles?
Given its reversal of traditional Kree-Skrull sympathies, Captain Marvel may be a wise place to look for hints about the forthcoming TV show. The conflict witnessed therein could likely bleed into the events of Secret Invasion; perhaps the Kree will serve as a villainous centerpiece.
We’ve already seen the fingerprints of the film on follow-up MCU venture Spider-Man: Far from Home. The end of the movie revealed Thalos using his lookalike powers to operate as an Earthbound Fury surrogate; meanwhile, Fury has apparently been kicking back up in space at S.W.O.R.D. headquarters. But that restful chapter has no doubt reached its end.
Given that the last sign of Skrullage we saw in the MCU came in the final moments of WandaVision, we may expect a narrative link between the two series; particularly, one that may involve S.W.O.R.D. Agent Monica Rambeau.
Originally published March 15, 2021. and updated on April 19, April 30, May 14, and May 26, 2021.
The post Everything We Know About Marvel’s SECRET INVASION TV Series appeared first on Nerdist.
As always, our mission to highlight new and interesting Black geek projects remains resolute....enter Into the Mother Lands, an Afrofuturism themed RPG that has garnered over 170K on the Kickstarter crowdfunding platform; with anticipation growing for the cinematic reboot of the Fantastic Four, many fans are looking for clues as to how Marvel's "first family" will be introduced into the MCU. Could the forthcoming release of the Fantastic Four: Life Story comic provide answers?; Dburt's thoughts on the recent highs and lows of cryptocurrency valuations and lastly, after checking out the latest trailer for Image's Home Sick Pilots graphic novel series, we continue to ponder how Milestone Media reemergence can level up against Image's multi-genre formatting.
One thing that Dburt is doing (finally) is investing in cryptocurrency, courtesy of Roundlyx. We would implore our followers to investigate, discern and then explore by using our referral code: afro-87A4BF
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