Meet Alice Dodd | Associate Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kittens in a Cage and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kittens, what do you attribute your success to?
“Kittens in a Cage” is an indie comedy series which has garnered attention for its unique blend of humor, camp, and satire, wrapped in a parody of women-in-prison exploitation films and TV shows from the 1950s and 1960s. The success of “Kittens in a Cage” can be attributed to several factors, but one of the most important is its distinctive and engaging storytelling approach.

Unique Blend of Genres: The series masterfully combines elements of comedy, drama, and musical into a cohesive narrative that both parodies and pays homage to the exploitation genre, setting it apart from other content available. This unique blend attracts a diverse audience looking for something different from mainstream offerings.

Talented Cast and Creative Direction: The success of the series can also be attributed to its talented cast of actors. The performances are over-the-top yet endearing, capturing the essence of the genre while ensuring the characters are relatable and memorable. Armenante’s creative direction ensures that the series maintains a balance between humor and narrative depth, making it engaging and entertaining.

Strong Writing and Character Development: The series shines in its writing, with clever dialogue, witty humor, and well-developed characters. Each character has a unique backstory and personality, making the audience invested in their journeys. The humor is both smart and absurd, appealing to viewers who appreciate nuanced comedy that goes beyond simple gags.

Cult Appeal and Nostalgia: “Kittens in a Cage” taps into the nostalgia for vintage exploitation films and classic prison dramas, while simultaneously subverting their tropes. This has helped it cultivate a cult following among fans of both genres, as well as viewers looking for feminist narratives that challenge traditional roles and stereotypes.

Independent Production Values: As an indie series, “Kittens in a Cage” demonstrates what can be achieved with creativity and passion, even without the budget of larger studio productions. The DIY aesthetic and production values resonate with audiences who are seeking authentic, grassroots content that stands apart from the polished offerings of major streaming platforms.

While many factors contribute to the success of “Kittens in a Cage,” the most important is likely its unique storytelling approach, which combines genre-blending, strong character development, and a distinctive creative vision. This has allowed the series to carve out a niche for itself and garner a dedicated fan base.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

Collective art making, is the process of creating artwork through the collective efforts of multiple individuals. In the case of Kittens in a Cage, the collaboration, cooperation, and shared creativity were assembled by some of the most talented and award winning creators in Hollywood- but all done on a shoestring budget.

Kittens artists came together to work on a fabulous theatre script written by Kelleen Conway Blanchard. The producers over at Stoic Entertainment assembled Emmy, Theatreworld winning actors and musicians resulting in a collective creation that reflects the combined vision of the group.

As well as using Kelleen’s very funny script, collective improvisation was encouraged: Collective improvisation involves musicians, actors, spontaneously creating together in real-time while he camera was rolling which allows for fluid exchanges of ideas, interactions, and responses between participants, resulting in dynamic and unpredictable outcomes. Aka FUNNY!

In Kittens in a Cage, the integration of diverse perspectives, experiences, and artistic styles, enriches the creative process, resulting in more dynamic and inclusive artworks. The storyline of Kittens is a world in which any and all notions are possible.

Working collaboratively challenges audiences to think outside the box, experiment with new ideas, and explore the unfamiliar, fostering collective growth on a societal level.

Collective filmmaking offers a powerful means of harnessing the collective imagination, promoting social interaction, and creating meaningful experiences that resonate with both participants and audiences alike.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well clearly, I would get a big bucket of popcorn and make them watch the musical comedy series Kittens in a Cage! You can check it out on Vimeo On Demand, Apple TV+, iTunes or Google Play.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The fabulous actors and crew made Kittens in a Cage possible. Basically made on a super low budget by a bunch of pals wanting to have fun- the series was executed by true artists who really wanted to make something outside the studio system by employing a “take no prisoners” approach. The main actors such as Rebecca Mozo, Erin Anderson, Gigi Bermingham, LaToya London, Jillian Armenante truly came together for very little compensation to put together this tongue and cheek critic’s darling. With amazing cameos from the likes of Michelle Monaghan, Misha Collins, Tyne Daly, Joel McHale and Felicia Day who came along for the very fun ride is a rarity in contemporary Hollywood. Pete Alton the Cinematographer of Alton films, a Sundance regular, shot this epic series with very few resources. The team assembled for the love of the art and it shows in the super fun hijinks which ensues in the series. Gorilla style filmmaking at it’s finest.

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Image Credits
All photos property of Stoic Entertainment.