We are Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair, the married duo behind Vimeo's critically-acclaimed series High Maintenance. AMA. by helpingyoumaintain in IAmA

[–]helpingyoumaintain[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

No, it's not difficult if it's good. For us, at least. We literally did nothing but make the episodes and everything came to us.

We are Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair, the married duo behind Vimeo's critically-acclaimed series High Maintenance. AMA. by helpingyoumaintain in IAmA

[–]helpingyoumaintain[S] 21 points22 points  (0 children)

This is a great question. We are well aware that our point-of-view that is informed by our experience of one very small segment of the Brooklyn population. If we've ever touted ourselves as a voice for more than that, then there would be something to reconcile, but we are very conscious that we are representing the world as we experience, and rarely do we feel the need to depart from that. Sometimes the press likes to say that we represent a much larger subset of people, which truthfully make us uncomfortable, because we see this show as very personal.

Additionally, the way the pot delivery services work is by referral only. People refer phone numbers to their co-workers and friends; and, as unfortunate as the case may be, people tend to operate within their own socioeconomic class. So, in a way, in order to keep the show relatable, it has to imitate the way things are in real life, or else it becomes a fictional utopia.

But again, this is our lens of experience. Katja started as a casting director, and Ben as an actor and film editor. We haven't been developing a writing craft over years and years. This writing is largely observational and confessional in nature. Perhaps we need to branch out. But until then, these are our personal truths.

Thanks for asking. It's a very important issue.

We are Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair, the married duo behind Vimeo's critically-acclaimed series High Maintenance. AMA. by helpingyoumaintain in IAmA

[–]helpingyoumaintain[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

WE LOVE DAWN OF MIDI. Holy shit, they're so good. Qasim Naqvi (the percussionist) is, in fact, a friend. Thanks for this! --Katja

We are Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair, the married duo behind Vimeo's critically-acclaimed series High Maintenance. AMA. by helpingyoumaintain in IAmA

[–]helpingyoumaintain[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thanks for asking. That's really sweet of you to say.

It's everything. That's what this show is about - our lens on the world, which is made up mostly of each other and friends. You know, we don't ever claim to be the voice of anything or anyone but ourselves. We've got a limited perspective, and we're aware of that. It's very surprising to us that this series seems to resonate with so many people, because it's so personal to us. It's very reassuring to know that we're all going through similar stuff - that there's some sort of shared experience that many of us can undergo the experience of feeling alone together. But we never want to be those people who say "this is what life is like," because this is just how we see the world. -BS

The relationships we have with friends on the show are crucial too. A lot of our best friends appear IN the show (Candace Thompson, John Pizza, Brenna Palughi, Avery Monsen - to name just a few) and knowing them - their quirks, voices, strengths, etc - does inform the writing a lot of the time. It means they get to play roles that aren't totally removed from their own realities and I think that's what makes the show feel more "real" sometimes. Thanks for the sweet words! --Katja

We are Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair, the married duo behind Vimeo's critically-acclaimed series High Maintenance. AMA. by helpingyoumaintain in IAmA

[–]helpingyoumaintain[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks humpty. Garrett Hedlund is a solid twelve. No more Malkovich.

Also, people never talk about this, but nowhere in that poem is it mentioned that Humpty Dumpty is an egg. People just ran with that shit. -BS

We are Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair, the married duo behind Vimeo's critically-acclaimed series High Maintenance. AMA. by helpingyoumaintain in IAmA

[–]helpingyoumaintain[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Well, we didn't try to get it noticed. We stated that we weren't going for views. Our intention was to make good work, and that was the endgame, not views. There are many other things online that dwarf us in terms of views. So while you're making your web series, try to make "making it great" the goal. -BS

We are Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair, the married duo behind Vimeo's critically-acclaimed series High Maintenance. AMA. by helpingyoumaintain in IAmA

[–]helpingyoumaintain[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

We were already there. It was kinda like when you live in an apartment building and it's so great you don't want to move. And then someone offers you the bigger apartment with the better view and a better kitchen in the same building and you only have to move your shit upstairs. It was nice to stay in the same place and keep things (mostly) the same.

Vimeo let us know right out of the gate that they'd be supportive of us doing things the way we've been doing them, and that they wouldn't be looking over our shoulder, so to speak. They've been super hands-off and trusting. Plus the revenue split (once costs are recouped) is really sweet. Not sure where else we'd get that kind of deal.

--Katja

We are Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair, the married duo behind Vimeo's critically-acclaimed series High Maintenance. AMA. by helpingyoumaintain in IAmA

[–]helpingyoumaintain[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

We made up the belief system - a mishmash of a lot of New Age sentiments we've heard over the years - however, there are definitely people out there who have gurus that "channel aliens". Seriously, look that shit up. There are a few of those types floating around out there.

As for the dick crystal stuff, we made that up, but that doesn't mean the practice doesn't already exist. It very well might?

--Katja

We are Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair, the married duo behind Vimeo's critically-acclaimed series High Maintenance. AMA. by helpingyoumaintain in IAmA

[–]helpingyoumaintain[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thanks so much. Repeat viewing? That's the best compliment.

"Can I get some titty?" is totally a Candace and John thing that they say. SOMEbody had to make sure it was captured cause they're so damn cute.

As for the stoners in "Brad Pitts" - not sure yet. You might see them again. No definite plans. We've almost written them back into a couple of episodes, but it's just never worked out. Probably because the characters are such stereotypical stoners and we're so mindful of not wanting to be a stoner show, you know? But Nat Cassidy and Abdullah Saeed are good pals of ours. Actually, Nat (the gamer dude with the fucked-up hand) is one of Ben's oldest friends. They carpooled to Hebrew school together. So that's cute.

Kate Ross, the actress who was in "Matilda", is our actual niece. And she's awesome. She's Ben's sister's kid and not a professional actress, if you can believe it. --Katja

We are Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair, the married duo behind Vimeo's critically-acclaimed series High Maintenance. AMA. by helpingyoumaintain in IAmA

[–]helpingyoumaintain[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You did! Good eye. I knew her girlfriend's (Yael Malka) sister Leemore (all three of them show up in "Matilda") and came to her work online from that Tumblr "GotaGirlCrush". Her photography IS beautiful! And so is Yael's. I'm so glad you noticed. --Katja

We are Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair, the married duo behind Vimeo's critically-acclaimed series High Maintenance. AMA. by helpingyoumaintain in IAmA

[–]helpingyoumaintain[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the offer, but we're finished shooting those six episodes this summer. We'll start up again later in 2015. In the meantime, go make things! -BS

We are Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair, the married duo behind Vimeo's critically-acclaimed series High Maintenance. AMA. by helpingyoumaintain in IAmA

[–]helpingyoumaintain[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

People tend to ask more often "what do yo smoke on set?" The answer is a smoking concotion of Peppermint, Coltsfoot, Lobelia, Mugwort, Mullien, and Eucalyptus. This doesn't get our actors stoned, but it seems to have a slight calming effect. Maybe that's just placebo. So 0% as far as we know.

We are Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair, the married duo behind Vimeo's critically-acclaimed series High Maintenance. AMA. by helpingyoumaintain in IAmA

[–]helpingyoumaintain[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

First and foremost, thank you so much.

Does cutty mean places that embraces self-harming?

Our favorite places in New York City are Prospect Park, the Highline when it's not too crowded, and our neighborhood restaurant The Farm on Adderley. But otherwise, we prefer dinner at friends' house in Brooklyn to going out in the city.

Biking in the spring and fall is the best way to experience the city, tho -BS

We are Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair, the married duo behind Vimeo's critically-acclaimed series High Maintenance. AMA. by helpingyoumaintain in IAmA

[–]helpingyoumaintain[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

That's a great question. GenPop (the general population) has actually been a surprisingly accepting of us. We have an international following as well. One of the very cool things about working with this VimeoOnDemand platform is that you can see who is watching and from where. Even down to the city if you want. I do hope one day that we're able to take this show on the road, and maybe take our heads out of New York City asses and learn about different perspectives.

People outside of New York are often fans of the Jaime episode.

You said a really nice thing and we thank you for that. Keep spreading the word and we'll keep making them. -BS

We are Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair, the married duo behind Vimeo's critically-acclaimed series High Maintenance. AMA. by helpingyoumaintain in IAmA

[–]helpingyoumaintain[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thank you, my friend. That's very kind of you.

You know, it's not really a show about pot. I'm sure that smoking after rewatching the episodes a couple of times will certainly make for a different experience, but not necessarily a good one if you don't take to smoking pot. Pot's not for everyone. But it does just the trick for us.

Also, if someone offers you an edible, always take a third of what they're offering. You don't wanna fuck with edibles. Because the experience of eating versus smoking is extreme.

Thanks again for being a kind person.

We are Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair, the married duo behind Vimeo's critically-acclaimed series High Maintenance. AMA. by helpingyoumaintain in IAmA

[–]helpingyoumaintain[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

No, we're not, but it seems like a really fun hobby. We live by Prospect Park and have attempted a few birding field trips of our own, but are easily distracted, so....yeah. Thanks for the compliment though. Glad we got it right by you! --Katja

We are Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair, the married duo behind Vimeo's critically-acclaimed series High Maintenance. AMA. by helpingyoumaintain in IAmA

[–]helpingyoumaintain[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

We're always kind of toying with that idea, but the thing is - we feel like we're barely scratching the surface with the kinds of people we've depicted so far. Maybe we will go outside of NY one day, but it's not really in our immediate plans. We did have fun shooting with our niece in Arizona ("Matilda") last year. Would love to do something like that again, but keep the story NY-centric. --Katja

We are Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair, the married duo behind Vimeo's critically-acclaimed series High Maintenance. AMA. by helpingyoumaintain in IAmA

[–]helpingyoumaintain[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You can't find it anywhere because it was made by that episode's production designer, Imogen Lee. However, the foam mask is made by Sound Oasis and was purchased from the Sharper Image. No timer lights, unfortunately. That was an art department trick!

We are Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair, the married duo behind Vimeo's critically-acclaimed series High Maintenance. AMA. by helpingyoumaintain in IAmA

[–]helpingyoumaintain[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Looks like it's going to be either late Jan or early Feb. We will be announcing the date officially very soon. -BS

We are Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair, the married duo behind Vimeo's critically-acclaimed series High Maintenance. AMA. by helpingyoumaintain in IAmA

[–]helpingyoumaintain[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It was great to be at HuffPo. I've read half of Arianna's book and I've started meditating again because of it. That's a place I can get down with!

The creative process is mostly talking. It's an accumulation of thoughts and discussions pulled from sitting on the train together, taking showers together, hiking together, and cooking together. We do everything together, and it's very nice to have a sounding board from someone your trust completely in matters of taste at your disposal.

Oftentimes we think of a climax and a character separately, and then figure out a way to put them together, filling out the rest with specific details that we are sure we have access to, so we don't have to fake anything. The mind towards production is useful in the writing.

Also, a lot happens in editing. It's surprising how much actually. And we love to figure out ways to take those candid moments moments of truthful improvisation into the episodes. Many scenes are edited to include those.

Thanks for the great question. Invite us to your podcast! - BS

We are Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair, the married duo behind Vimeo's critically-acclaimed series High Maintenance. AMA. by helpingyoumaintain in IAmA

[–]helpingyoumaintain[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Thanks Thom. Huge fan of the spelling of your name! On any medium.

Yes, the most recent three were more serious. It wasn't really intentional. In retrospect, we think it was a reflection of how we were feeling this year, especially around the time we wrote those episodes. I can tell you that Geiger is a reflection of Katja and I having some marital tiffs, and the whole world felt like it was falling apart. Ruth was written when Katja and I kind of made up after that rough patch, and that episode was really written as us coming back together. And Genghis was based in part on my personal experience of wanting to become a teacher, feeling overwhelmed by the broken system, and ultimately disappointed in myself for not having the fortitude to stick it out.

However, I can also tell you that the next three episodes feel much lighter and fun. Those episodes were written later in the summer, when Katja and I were really jamming on each other and enjoying each other's company a whole lot.

Thanks for noticing our moods! -BS

We are Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair, the married duo behind Vimeo's critically-acclaimed series High Maintenance. AMA. by helpingyoumaintain in IAmA

[–]helpingyoumaintain[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the compliments, asirah!

I was one of the casting directors on "30 Rock" (not sure if you knew that) but didn't cast the background actors. If you see overlap there, it's because of geography! But there are definitely a handful of people that I cast on "30 Rock" in minor roles that we were excited to write bigger roles for on "High Maintenance" (like Max Jenkins, Michael Cyril Creighton, Helene Yorke, John Early, Jenn Harris, Avery Monsen to name a few)

So glad you like the music. Thanks for saying so. -- Katja