BEVERLY HILLS—When Americans hear the name Bell, the creative team of TV producers, directors, writers and actors comes to mind. This week we speak with Lauralee Bell, who has returned to her father’s number one rated daytime drama “The Young and the Restless.” However, it’s not “Y&R” that is in the news this week, it’s Lauralee’s web series.
“Just Off Rodeo” is a hip, stylish and must-see new comedy series on the Web that Bell has had in the back of her mind since 1999. Lauralee Bell and her creative partner Scott Martin have done it again. After creating the popular award nominated web series “Family Dinner” which also stars Phyllis Diller, Aaron Lustig, Shirley Jones and Bell herself, “Just Off Rodeo” is her second web-based comedy, but perhaps not her last. “I still have so many ideas in my mind, Tommy. I listen to people like Oprah and Paula Dean talk about getting off your butt and making your dreams come true. That’s what this series means to me. But there are a lot of other ideas, so you haven’t heard the last of me, that’s for sure,” said Lauralee.
The concept for “Just Off Rodeo” is something that is original and never done before. Bell’s series will offer viewers an opportunity to get the look they love and that is all the rage, while offering a limited number of items per webisode. “How many times has your mom or aunts, Tommy, been watching the Oscars or any red carpet event, only to say, what is she wearing? I wonder where I can get that? Well, ask no more. If you see it on ”˜Just Off Rodeo,’ then you have an opportunity to purchase it and create the unique look that is most important to you,” Bell said.
The idea of being able to pick out something on the TV’s red carpet events is not just a dream for ladies in middle America. Hollywood’s own golden princess Lauralee Bell felt the same way that TV viewers have for years. Perhaps this ability is what makes the Bell family tell such great stories while entertaining the masses. “I first pitched the idea of a show featuring a clothing boutique as the main set in 1999. I’d always envisioned fans being able to instantly purchase whatever they liked from the lead female’s wardrobe. Probably because whenever I saw something I wanted to own, I wanted it to be really easy to track it down since I’d rather spend my time living my life than doing shopping research. After a number of positive pitch meetings, the network executives always thought it was a great concept but did not know how to make it a reality,” said Bell. “After having two beautiful kids, being married to the most amazing man and owning two fashion stores, I’ve finally decided to make the most out of my dream. Welcome to ”˜Just Off Rodeo,’” lamented the star.
Bell raved about the writing of Matt Martin for her series. “Tommy, Matt is a major writer in the Chicago market, and when he did an initial script, it was priceless. I gave him some pointers and a few typos later, he managed to hammer out one of the funniest scripts you have ever seen. He’s able to get inside the character Rodrigo’s head and what you see coming up is hilarious,” stated the executive producer Bell.
Lauralee Bell’s excitement is inspiring. “I’d run into friends who would say to me, when are you going to do that show ”˜Just Off Rodeo?’ Tommy, I owe this dream happening to so many people who are part of my team and of course we already had the greatest production team in place. Scott said, why don’t we utilize the creative geniuses we have on board already with ”˜Family Dinner?’ That was how it finally culminated to being online. I’m fine with this show being on the Internet. And yes, I am open to it possibly becoming a sitcom on TV if it gets to that point. My brother Bill [Bell, Jr.] told me that the market place is perfect for this concept right now. A show like this is conducive to being able to help market other people’s products while also producing the show for ourselves. It’s going to be fun, and I hope everyone will enjoy it. So far after the debut webisode aired, we’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback,” said Lauralee. “Look for me in a cameo in the second webisode.” Look closely. I’ve seen a sneak peek, and you may not recognize the beauty.
The series stars Jennifer Birmingham, Zoe Taylor, Mike Rose, Gloria Coco, and Jordyn Napthal. The show’s behind the scene players include executive producer/co-writer/director, Lauralee Bell; co-executive producer, Scott Martin; co-writer, Matt Martin; producer, Tatiana Kelly; director of photography and editor, David Gil; director’s assistant, Nadine Zanotti; unit production manager, Jean Huang; director of production, Lynette Myers; second assistant director, Dyllan Matlock; music, Jack Allocco; sound, Justin Lpock; sound editing and mixing, Brian Mendelsohn; production designer, Gabor Norman; casting director, Jason Wood; hair and makeup, Karen Faye; and graphic and web design, Aaron Moreno and Nate Carson.
To watch webisodes go to JustOffRodeo.com.
Photograph is Courtesy: Lauralee Bell by CharlesBush.com for Martin Bell Productions and Kate Linder, Tommy Garrett and grand dame Lauralee Bell by ICONS PR.
