Neighbor Ted Schaefer On His New Comedy Web Series, Filming In Ditmas Park, What He Loves About Our Neighborhood & More
Neighbor and filmmaker Ted Schaefer let us know that his web series, “Nik & Ted,” which he shot in the area over the past year (including all along Cortelyou, at the Farm on Adderley and in front of the firehouse), was released this week, and we’re excited to watch the sketches that follow the misadventures of two broke 20-somethings and their 10-year-old roommate!
Ted, a filmmaker who’s been living in our area for a little more than three years and who makes a living working as an assistant director on Indie films, collaborated with a troupe of talented comedians for his first-ever web series, including his co-stars Nik Damants and Olivia Remusat, who plays the 10-year-old roommate, Madison. (Ted tells us that they “sent a casting call out for 8-12 year old girls, and Olivia was the most precocious of the bunch.”)
Other members of the cast include Hallie Cantor, who writes for “Inside Amy Schumer;” Jamie Brew, a writer and editor for The Onion and Click Hole; and members of the Garlic Jackson comedy group Adam Wagner, Adam Weinrib and Zack Bornstein.
“And then my girlfriend Doree is played by my girlfriend Doree, although I promise she’s nothing like that in real life,” Ted wrote to us.
We wanted to find out more about our neighborhood filmmaker, and he was kind enough to answer our questions, telling us about what it was like to film in the area – and why he wanted to do so, what he loves about living in Ditmas Park, and more:
How would you describe the series?
I would describe the series as a slightly surreal look at the struggles of living in New York City. Nik always likes it when Madison teaches one of, or both of, us a lesson like a wise old mother or our therapist.
Why did you decide to film much of the series in the neighborhood? What was it like filming here?
We decided to film here because I live here and I love it. It was also very convenient to have so many great locations near by. Everyone was so nice and easy to work with. It was a true pleasure filming here, especially the people at the Farm – they were so nice and easy to work with.
Was there anything totally unexpected that happened during filming? Or just really weird or funny?
Thankfully nothing too unexpected or crazy happened, but we did have to battle some pretty intense heat. We shot this last summer and it was a real scorcher; you can even see me sweating in a few shots. In fact, in the Russian scene there was a loose lightbulb swinging above the table taped to the ceiling. It was so hot though the tape kept peeling off – no matter how much we used, the light would keep falling!
Are you planning on doing more episodes of Nik & Ted? Any hints as to where in Ditmas Park they may be?
We would love to do more episodes! It all depends on the response to the series and whether or not someone decides to help foot the bill on it. Who knows where we’ll be next, but there are so many great local shops and restaurants we’d love to showcase if they’d allow us!
What’s your favorite part about living in Ditmas Park? What are your favorite things to do here?
Cortelyou Road – I just love the whole street. I love shopping for groceries at the Co-op, eating at the Farm or Lea or Café Tibet. I love getting all, or at least most, of my Christmas shopping done at Collyer’s Mansion and Brooklyn Artery. I just love how much there is to do here and yet how compact it is.
Many congratulations to Ted and everyone in the web series!