For the past few years, creators haven’t been waiting on networks to give them their shine. Instead, they have opted to get it out the mud by shooting projects themselves and taking it straight to their audience via Youtube and other sources. Projects run the full spectrum from grainy, gritty, raw film quality, to projects worthy of a Hollywood big-screen debut. The Ave series is late to the web-based series party but they definitely bought the best champagne. Set in Brownsville, Brooklyn, The Ave is not just another street tale. This series is full of heart, empathy, compassion, and realism. The Ave’s creator and director, Bobby Ashley is a young film grad that is on pace to do big things in the film industry. Check out what he had to say about his hot series, The Ave!
For those who are slow to catch on, tell the people who Bobby Ashley is and what you bring to the table?
“I love how this interview is starting off already, haha. And thank you again. Well, I’m a young 24-year-old, writer/director from Brownsville, Brooklyn, who brings nothing but authenticity to the table of content. No one else can fulfill the shoes of my voice, but me. Ever since the age of 12, I always knew that I wanted to go after this passion in the arts, and from there I just made it happen. Each step was difficult, but every goal was and still is accomplished. I dedicated long ago to walk at my own pace, and continue to be a student of life”.
Your series, The Ave is killing the scene and shining a light on the plight of the inner city. Tell us a little about your journey?
“Let me take you way back to the early days of my life. This craft was birth out of pain, but became a long-term passion. When I was seven years old, I lost my father to cancer, and as a child, I wasn’t comfortable expressing what was going on, internally, at the time. So thus, writing became therapeutic and characters started to unravel. Fast forward to today and The Ave, the series started during my junior year of college, Brooklyn College, and I wanted to show the real essence of Brownsville, Brooklyn. Not just the good and the bad, but the humanity of how my people are moving and striving in life, every day.”
What do you hope to convey in your series? Is there a message you hope to get across?
“I had to literally pick one from a long list of many. Lol. Everyone who’s watching the series, we hope they convey an interested within themselves to take that leap of faith, and go after whatever it is they want to pursue. Being able to live your life limitless is the greatest joy of all. We took a vision and made a reality, coming from an area where it is possible. The seed must be planted first, and the rest of the journey will prosper. “The Ave” shows how these characters are always facing an obstacle, but can overcome them and press forward. That’s our message. That’s part of life. For example, Nate, our protagonist, is unhappy with his marriage, but a devoted father to his son. Keith is dealing with the death of his brother, and trying to forgive his alcoholic mother. Stacy is a woman who’s scorned, but really wants to be loved. These stories are universal. It’s not where you’re at in life, it’s where you’re going and these characters have a long way to go. Watch them grow”
Your series production is high quality. Do you have any formal schooling, and is it [formal schooling] necessary to do a project like this?
Thank you for that compliment. I do have a formal schooling background. I’m a recent college graduate, Brooklyn College film school. I’ve met my production team there and learned so much in the field, that’ll be beneficial to me moving forward. And to answer your question about the quality being necessary, yes. It is very important to always raise the bar high every time because as African Americans, we are born with having quality traits, so to me and for the culture, we need to see that on screen. The Ave delivers every element of being different, real, and most of all not being afraid to push the envelope and addressing what’s going on around us.
What is the creative process that goes into preparing for this project?
I’m a big fan of 90’s music, especially R&B, and how music can be the backbone of a storyline or a story in general. Another creative process is the power of observing my community and listening to conversations in Brownsville. I’m studying human behavior so that my characters can become more three dimensional.
Are you the sole creator of this series, or is this a collaborative effort?
I am the creator of the series. I do take on different creative writers, [with] whom I went to school to help break story. Collaboration is key to sustain longevity in this business. Ava DuVernay said “a dream that consist of just you, is too small.” We are all big dreamers and doers over here on The Ave. Every actor, writer, director, producer, down to the production assistants, come with drive and energy to push the series even more.
What is next for Bobby Ashley?
More of “The Ave” is coming real soon. As well as my brand new series, which is a comedy, titled Single Man Problems coming in 2018. Lastly, I’m always developing new material, so expect feature films, documentaries and more shows coming your way.
Tell us where we can find more information on The Ave?
All episodes of The Ave are now streaming only on Amazon Prime. If folks want us to get picked up by Netflix or HBO, word of mouth is key to make it happen.
What are your social media handles?
Follow @TheAveSeries on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. You can follow me @IamBobbyAshley on Instagram, Twitter and “Bobby Ashley” on Facebook.