New Original Comedy Series "RILEY" explores life after teen pop star fame

LOS ANGELES - June 23, 2016 - PRLog -- What's left for a thirty-something washed up pop star struggling to overcome a publicly humiliating downfall? That's the question at the center of the quirky new comedy series "RILEY" premiering this fall. The series stars actress and Executive Producer Jennifer Cetrone as Riley and Emmy® Award Winner Joe Hernandez-Kolski as Riley's boss at her new job, an online and telephone psychic hotline. Written by award winning screenwriter Tracey Maye, the first 3 episodes of the series will go into production in late July. Visit www.rileytheseries.com for additional information.

The initial 3 episodes of the series have already been awarded several screenwriting honors including: Winner of Best Short Comedy Screenplay (Houston Comedy Film Festival), Official Selection (Hollywood Comedy Shorts Film Festival), Finalist (Downbeach Film Festival, Marqui Lights Screenwriting Awards, Aura Screenwriting Awards) and Honorable Mention (California International Shorts Festival).

The series is being independently produced by the boutique company From The Ground Up Productions, Inc. headquartered in Malibu, CA. Following the initial online release of the first 3 episodes, From The Ground Up will seek a distribution or brand partner to assist in producing the remaining 9 episodes of season 1, which are already written.

"As a creative team, we're all very intrigued and committed to the concept and story," says Cetrone. "Examining the life of a former teen pop sensation, after she's endured a publicly humiliating downfall and subsequent nervous breakdown, is dynamic and interesting. As one can imagine, Riley finds herself downtrodden, closed off and cynical. But the series begs the question … can the power of friendship and the inherent comedy that stems from adversity help open her heart to new possibilities?"

Casting of the remaining series regular roles has just recently been announced, and joining Cetrone and Hernandez-Kolski are the following: Hilary Barraford ("United States of Tara"), Scott Speiser ("NCIS"), Nick Apostolides ("The Suffering"), Liz McGeever ("Crazy Bitches"), Justin Sorvillo ("Grease Live!") and Joe Forgione ("Criminal Minds"). Visit the "RILEY" IMDb listing at: https://pro-labs.imdb.com/title/tt5574380?s=2caa9eaf-3f8a-e27f-a4cc-3bb46c350309 to learn more about the cast, crew and creative team.

"RILEY" has built a sizeable following on all @RileyTheSeries social networks, and continues to grow their audience with the recent release of funny BTS videos. Viewers can catch clever interviews with cast members, watch the callbacks that landed the actors their roles, get sneak peeks of outtakes and blooper footage, etc. To view these videos, visit the "RILEY" YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/latVHcxXeqA



"From The Ground Up Productions has also remained open to series appropriate sponsorships," says Cetrone. "Since the two lead female characters in 'RILEY' are fashion-forward and still influenced by their days as pop stars, we feel fashion sponsors in particular are perfectly aligned for cross-promotional opportunities." The series has already obtained the sponsorship of salty kisses, a Malibu-based fashion lifestyle brand, and hopes to add more to the list over the coming months. Visit www.saltykissesstyle.com for more information on the brand.

Some cast and production team members are available for interviews re: "RILEY". Selected script material from the series is available upon request.

Connect with RILEY:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rileytheseries/

Twitter: @RileyTheSeries

Instagram: @RileyTheSeries