Not long ago, I had the delight of interviewing an amazing actress and creator named Brittney Coleman. According to her bio, Coleman is also a bartender and someone who is passionate, driven, and chasing their dreams. She is one half of Dope Ego TV(along with Duane Sequira) and created an amazing web series named Coming Home. For those who do not know, Coming Home is a web series about a woman who waits for her man to come home from prison. Although the first season only consisted of six episodes, it became an instant hit and garnered critical acclaim. Due to this, Coming Home is returning for a second season and as a fan, I cannot wait.
Check out my interview with Coleman below where she discusses what fans can expect from season two of Coming Home, how she first got into acting, and more.
1-How did you first get into acting?
I started acting with my sister at a library in a tiny town called Lumberton, NC to keep us from dying of boredom. Yes boredom! My Grandmother would make my sister and I go to the library for hours on Saturday. I would take all the plays that I could read and split the parts up between my sister and me. When I got to middle school, as an elective I had an option to choose between Theatrical Chorus and Band. Of course I choose the fun option—Theatrical Chorus! Since middle school, I went on to graduate with high honors from Lehman College in the Bronx with my Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Arts. I also have an Associate’s Degree in Microcomputer Applications, but SHH—do not tell anyone I’m a nerd! Just like a true Gemini, I love opposite things like Theater & Computer Sciences!
2-You are half of Dope Ego TV(with Duane Sequira) and the name is very interesting. How did you both come up with the name Dope Ego TV?
I came up with name from a past business that never came about and brought it up to him and he loved it. I am Dope, he is Ego.
3-How did you create Coming Home?
Coming Home came about after personal experience in my life. I love web series and as actress, I wanted to create my own vehicle. I started writing Coming Home after I heard my mentor Roz Coleman-Williams say “Start writing the beginning of a difficult conversation.” At the time, my difficult conversation was “I have a boyfriend and he is in prison.”
4-Since you created the show, are you and your character, Mahogany, similar in personality?
We have similar characteristics but we are not the same.
5-Coming Home is very popular with viewers who comment under the episodes basically wanting more. Why do you think the show has resonated so well with viewers?
I think that the relatability in the story line is why viewers want more. Many women and men have been in similar relationship situations—whether it is long distance relationships or love ones serving in the military, as well as the realness in the characters.
6-What can fans expect for season two?
Fans can expect more drama and more of Zoe’s brutally honest commentary, as well as finding out what’s up with those two date scenes and more shocking surprises.
7-Do you have any plans to work on films?
Yes. I have plans to write, film and star in my own film with Duane later this year.
8-Who would be your dream actor and/or actress to work with? Why?
My love for web series and independent work came about because of Issa Rae and Lena Dunham. Even though they are fairly new on the scene, I would love to work with them. They are beyond creative and innovative, I would enjoy the opportunity to sit down and brainstorm a film or show to create for our respective online channels or pitch to networks.
9-What advice would you give to someone who wants to go into acting?
Pick up your cell phone or any camera you have and press record. Create characters and write the characters you want to play. In a nutshell, don’t wait for anyone to say yes. Create your own vehicle and GO!
10-What is NEXT for Brittney Coleman?
More web series and a couple of films more content. Also, God’s willing, collaborations with Issa Rae and Lena Dunham, as well as others in that wheel house.
VISIT Brittney Coleman’s official website, FOLLOW her on Twitter, FOLLOW her on Instagram, FOLLOW DopeEgo(also known as DopeEgoTV) on Instagram, LIKE DopeEgo on Twitter, and FOLLOW Coming Home on Twitter.
Photo Credit: Brittney Coleman/DopeEgoTV/Coming Home
