TV Jots

If you’re not familiar with Coastal Dreams, it’s a scripted soap opera in a similar vein as MTV’s hugely popular unscripted series The Hills. The story, which unfolds in two-to-three minute webisodes that premiere twice a week, opens with twenty-something Zoe (Danica Stewart) moving into her rich cousin April’s (Kam Heskin) gorgeous beachside home, accompanied by her best friend Stacey (McCall). Zoe’s stalker ex-boyfriend Sebastian tried to kill her during her senior year in college, prompting the summer-long respite from her hometown in Texas with Stacey, who provides emotional support while also working to earn money for law school.

Both friends have the run of the house most of the time as businesswoman April travels around the world, giving them nearly unlimited freedom to tangle with April’s handyman sort-of boyfriend Christian (Charlie Koznick) and local lawman Will (Ken Luckey). Suspense comes in the form of frequent hints that Zoe’s past may eventually interrupt her summer sojourn, and interactive elements allow fans to receive messages on their cell phones related to the show.

Coastal Dreams is now up to Episode 22, which leaves two more installments before the season comes to an end. Continue reading for the Q&A with Tanee McCall, who was gracious enough to participate during the busiest holiday season of the year, and learn more about her background and how the series has caught on with its many fans.

Question: When you accepted the role as Stacey on Coastal Dreams, were you aware that the show was a completely online series? What was your first reaction when you learned about the unique format?

Tanee: I did know that it was going to be an online series, and my first reaction was intrigue. I had never heard of anything like an online soap opera, so I was really interested to see how everything was going to turn out.

Question: You’ve already experienced what it’s like to film a traditional TV show during your appearances on such series as The Shield. What are some of the differences between working in that type of environment and performing on an online series like Coastal Dreams?

Tanee: Compared to movie sets, TV films much faster in my experience so far. But Coastal Dreams was lighting fast. We had such a short amount of time to film a lot of material. It kept everyone on their A game, though, so I didn’t mind it. You really had to stay focused all day because there was not a lot of room for error.

Question: What’s it like to play Stacey, a smart young woman who lucks out with this dream residence during the last summer before she’s about to go to law school?

Tanee: I love Stacey personally. She is driven, but likes to have fun. She is smart, but not dorky. And she is in this really interesting time in her life where she wants to explore the world and where she fits in it. She loves this beach house that she is living in, but I know she is much happier about the fact that she gets to be with her best friend, Zoe.

Question: What would fans of Stacey be surprised to learn about the character? Are there any hidden motivations or personality traits that haven’t come across yet in the episodes that have already aired?

Tanee: Right now Stacey is an open book. If we come back for a second season, then I am sure that she will blossom, and there are some things that happen to her this season that have definitely reshaped her views on certain things in life, therefore, making her a lot less naïve and green to certain situations. So yea, she could have some tricks up her sleeve!

Question: Can you reveal anything about what’s ahead for fans of “Coastal Dreams”? Are there plans for a second season or is there a huge surprise in store down the road?

Tanee: There are a few more plot twists in this season that the audience still has to enjoy. As for another season, the cast and everyone involved are keeping their fingers crosses on that one. The viewers have spoken and they seem to want more. The biggest complaint is that the episodes just aren’t long enough, so maybe if we come back they can extend the length to keep our audience happy.

Question: Would you participate in another completely online series again? What were some of the pluses and minuses of the format that you would take into consideration when deciding?

Tanee: I would consider doing another one again. I loved working on this one so I don’t really have any minuses about the experience.

Question: How does Stacey compare to some of the characters you’ve played in the past? Is there anything in particular that you’ll take away from the experience long after Coastal Dreams has ended?

Tanee: I seem to play the wholesome girl a lot. The innocent, open book type, so Stacey wasn’t a stretch for me. And I always take away new things from every job that I do. As an actor you would be silly not to be a sponge on every single set you are on. Life is a learning experience, so I try and take something away from everything I do, and every experience I have. Life is too short!!!!

I agree 100 percent. If you’re not already following the series, you can watch every episode of Coastal Dreams that has aired thus far on the NBC website.

Tags: Coastal Dreams, Internet television, interviews, NBC, Tanee McCall, television, tv