Archived Q&A with Kelen Coleman

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  HBO

  Thanks to Kelen Coleman for joining us for today’s Q&A. Welcome Kelen! What’s it like working on an Aaron Sorkin show?

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  Kelen Coleman says:

  It sounds corny but it's a dream come true. This is the type of show and the people I have dreamt of working with since I was a little girl. The level and quality of work are astounding. The words are like music and the information it covers is written with such depth. Everyone from the actors to the crew are so enjoyable to be around. I know people say this a lot, but we all do really enjoy each other and still hang out.

• Q

  

  MetropoLois

  What is the biggest difference between working on "The Office" and working on "The Newsroom"?

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  Kelen Coleman says:

  The Office is a comedy and The Newsroom, although it has comedic elements, is based in drama. We also don't do any improv on The Newsroom. Even though there's very little on The Office, I did get to do a little every now and then with Rainn Wilson. It's just a different tone.

• Q

  

  addsername

  What is it about Jim that your character is attracted to?

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  Kelen Coleman says:

  Oh! Who doesn't think John Gallagher Jr. is cute? I think Lisa sees that he's a smart, sweet and successful guy who has a sense of humor. He takes things seriously while also being able to, in turn, have a good time and be carefree. He's the cute dork that makes her feel special. That's hilarious too because in real life John is such a rock star!

• Q

  

  Brandon Henderson

  In episode 9, "Mock Debate," Lisa was central to illustrating the absurdity surrounding the Casey Anthony trial. But before that, Lisa wasn't really involved in any of the political issues discussed on the show. In Season 2, would you like Lisa to be more involved in the political issues?

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  Kelen Coleman says:

  It's an honor for me to even be on the show and if Aaron has an idea to add that to my character I'd be happy to do that. I don't know if Lisa needs that as a character, but I'm up to the challenge!

• Q

  

  darthspencer

  Also how do you feel about the expectations of your character not being as everyone would think!

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  Kelen Coleman says:

  I like that the character has exceeded expectations. You see Lisa in the beginning as a stereotype and you see during the season that she's much more than that. It's great to see a character unfold in that way.

• Q

  

  thundy08

  What do you think Lisa's relationship will be like with Jim in season 2?

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  Kelen Coleman says:

  Oh gosh, I wish I knew! I can't wait to see what Aaron has in store. As a person who plays Lisa, I would love for them to be together, but as a viewer, I feel like Jim and Maggie could end up together. This could get really interesting, I guess we'll see.

• Q

  

  Óscar Fernández

  Does your new role in Brothers-in-Law mean that we're going to see Lisa even less?

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  Kelen Coleman says:

  I've been very fortunate to end up as a regular on a show that has given me freedom to do as many Newsrooms as are possible. I'd be happy to be on any number that Sorkin and HBO asks me to!

• Q

  

  iBrockely

  What other TV shows do you watch?

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  Kelen Coleman says:

  Wow. I love TV. True Blood is definitely one of my favorites. I like The Office, Modern Family, and then I go to Shameless and Californication. I also have a secret passion for Glee because I used to be in show choir in high school. Next on my list to watch are Breaking Bad, Mad Men, Boardwalk Empire and Game of Thrones. I basically just need to turn on HBO and leave it there for days!

• Q

  

  samsencheng

  Will Lisa catch a break in her job? like, becoming a personal shopper for Will next season?

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  Kelen Coleman says:

  That's a great idea. Aaron, are you reading this?

• Q

  

  Christine Boulware

  What is the basis for the friendship between Maggie and Lisa?

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  Kelen Coleman says:

  I think both are very genuine people who care deeply for each other. They're two very sweet girls who are very real with each other. I think they also have differences in that Maggie's the "newsgirl," Lisa is in fashion... one is a bit more party, one is more "book smart." At the same time, they have similarities in being grounded people. They get what they don't have from the other person and fill each other's holes.

• Q

  

  FreyaHDub

  Lots of people see The Newsroom as how the media should act. What is it like to work on a show that influential?

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  Kelen Coleman says:

  I particularly like working on a show so influential, although I know it has its up and downs. I know there's people that love the show, people who are the opposite, and people who can be in the middle. I think the show makes great points from each side of the political spectrum and any art that takes a stance one way or another deserves to be heard, no matter what side it leans.

• Q

  

  SadeAllix

  Do you prefer working for cinema or television ?

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  Kelen Coleman says:

  That's a hard choice and I love so much, so much. They're different mediums, but so similar. With TV, it's more immediate and you see everyone's hard work a lot sooner. I always look forward to doing both.

• Q

  

  HannahGibbler

  What was your favorite scene to shoot?

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  Kelen Coleman says:

  It's hard for me to choose a favorite. The scene in the dress store in episode 9 is a favorite because there was so much to do. I got to be two very distinct characters, the saleswoman and then just regular Lisa. the scene itself was about 8 & 3/4 page so it was a challenge...especially because we kept doing it all the way through and still somehow shot it out before lunch! I have so much fun playing with JGJ (what we call John Gallagher Jr. most of the time) and Alison, so its great when we all have one together. The scene has funny moments but the underlying tone is very serious and that's always a ride I like taking, to play both at once. I also have a special place in my heart for my first scene on new years eve. that started it all. and the valentines scene where i come in screaming for Jim. that is a funny one too. I mean...how can you forget a scene that ends with the words edible underwear? HA.

• Q

  

  YoriEric

  Do you think Lisa and Jim should be together?

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  Kelen Coleman says:

  As a person and actor who is very fond of my character, yes! but I have to say, after watching the finale... as a viewer at home, I want Jim and Maggie together. I go back and forth when i watch the show but this past episode had me wanting to scream at them for being so daft. I even clapped and maybe said "awww" when they kissed. I do think Jim and Lisa would be great together too but how can you deny soul mates (Jim and Maggie). For Lisa to deny them that is not something i believe she would do. she loves Maggie way to much and thinks the world of Jim. But who knows what can happen.....things change all the time. we shall see.

• Q

  

  babybearjustin

  Whats your favorite part about playing Lisa?

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  Kelen Coleman says:

  There is a lot to love about the character. I for one LOVE the great clothes I get to wear. If only i owned them in real life too. hahah. on a more serious note, I like that Lisa is a character in the fashion world but that Aaron has not made her the stereotypical version of that. He has written her as a smart and sensitive woman. I love the dialogue and the actors i get to play with. The character is fun, kind, funny, ballsy, and sensitive all at once. some cool things have come up in her and i hope to see what else shes got.

• Q

  

  ValentinaMonte

  Is Sorkin dialogue hard to master?

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  Kelen Coleman says:

  Well, anyone who knows me in real life could argue this is how i speak anyway. I tend to speak very fast and have a lot to say... haha... sorry to my friends out there. when you go in for an Aaron Sorkin project, you know what is expected of you in terms of dialogue. i was super into that style. it has a rhythm about it, and as a musician I love that aspect. The hardest part for me is when we have to interrupt each other and possibly have nothing but a word to do it. that can be tough and takes a few times to get it right and the rhythm correct. you want to keep the flow of the scene and make it seem natural at the same time.

• Q

  

  _thisismyhandle

  Your bio said that you're a singer. Do you jam with John in between takes?

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  Kelen Coleman says:

  Hahaha! John and I talk music all the time. We actually bonded in the very beginning over Bluegrass and Folk. My dad is a Bluegrass musician and we know a lot of similar musicians because he grew up with parents who play folk and because John plays out himself. I would love to have a chance to sing together. We're always talking about music.

• Q

  

  iamDawnDavis

  Will you talk about your process as an actor - how you prepare for your episodes?

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  Kelen Coleman says:

  I start by reading the script, getting a good feel for the tone of the episode and where my character is at in the scene. A lot of actors make notes and write things down, I used to do that when I was starting out but now all the stuff happens in my head. After that I start to get off book, I can try to be free from the page so I can concentrate on acting the scene and not worrying the words. I over-think everything which can be both a blessing and a curse, but great for getting deep into the work.

• Q

  

  MetropoLois

  What is your take on the Jim/Maggie/Lisa/Don love "square"?

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  Kelen Coleman says:

  Oh my. I think the "love square" adds a great element to the show for people. I especially think girls love watching a love story unfold. It can be frustrating as an audience member to want some of the characters to get together and not see that happen right away, but it also keeps it exciting as a viewer. Maggie and Jim are soul mates and it's pretty clear even from the first episode that they are. I love the new Don and Sloan connection in the last episode, their chemistry was unreal. At the same time I love Lisa, and at the end I want her to find love so, we'll see what happens.

• Q

  

  thundy08

  LOVE Jim & Lisa! What's your relationship like w/ John Gallagher Jr & Allison Pill off-set w/ the crazy love triangle going on the show?

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  Kelen Coleman says:

  I genuinely really like both of them in real life. As a cast we often hang out. The first thing that Alison and I did outside of work was go to John's concert at the Hotel Cafe together. They're both really great artists and cool people, and I'm fortunate to know them in and out of work.

• Q

  

  Brandon Henderson

  Any funny behind-the-scenes moments?

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  Kelen Coleman says:

  Oh my gosh! With this cast there's always something funny going on. We're always trying to make each other laugh, telling stories and jokes. When you're doing a drama, sometimes it's nice to keep it light when you're not on stage doing a scene.

• Q

  

  Calmacil20

  What other story arc are you really interested in seeing develop?

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  Kelen Coleman says:

  As a hopeless romantic, I always love the romance stories. I can't wait to see MacKenzie and Will get back together. The Don and Sloan relationship was surprising and very interesting to me, I thought they had great chemistry. As far as news stories, there's been a lot of great things happening in the years to come that would make for interesting episode. I'm also interested in what will happen with Will's death threats involving Lonny and Neal. In the show there's a bit of murder mystery, romance and politics. There's a lot of unfolding to be excited about.

• Q

  

  iBrockely

  What's on your iPod right now?

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  Kelen Coleman says:

  That's hard! I just download the Lumineers new album, The Punch Brothers (I grew up with some of them and John Gallagher Jr. knows some of them too... and I think he talked about it in his Connect Q&A!), this new guy named Michael Kiwanuka and going back to Solomon Burke. I like to listen to a little bit of everything... any suggestions?

• Q

  

  HBO

  That's all the time we have for today's Q&A. A huge thank you to Kelen Coleman for joining us. Anything else you'd like to say, Kelen?

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  Kelen Coleman says:

  Thank you so much for coming to the live chat and submitting questions. I love working on this show and can’t wait for Season 2! Hi Mom and Dad! Haha!!