Next Wave of Hollywood Talent Launch “L.A. BEER”; First-Ever Sitcom Web Series Taped In Front of a Live Studio Audience

Set in Los Angeles, L.A. BEER is a workplace comedy about a diverse group of brewers and beer lovers trying to make it in the increasingly competitive world of micro-brewing. When awkward millennial Sally starts a new job at Silver Screen Brewery, she works overtime to get her co-workers approval, especially the cute, charismatic founder, David, who may or may not have a thing for Andrea, the head of marketing. The ensemble also includes Patrick, the company’s clueless financial backer, Michelle, his hard-drinking assistant, and, Ryan, the nerdy brewmaster.

The series is led by Executive Producer Sam Miller, currently a staff writer on the award-winning CBS laugher, MOM, who was looking to create a studio quality show. “I was a writers’ assistant who just wanted to experience the collaboration and creative energy that only comes from being a writer in a writers’ room.” Miller explains, “Fortunately, I found an amazing group of dedicated people who believed our combined industry contacts and resources could produce a show that was just as good as something on television. Making web series history and getting free beer was just a bonus.”

The ensemble cast of L.A. BEER includes: Sam Daly (Hot in Cleveland, Astronaut Wives Club, The Office), Arianna Ortiz (Faking It, Jane the Virgin, Parenthood), Kevin High (Modern Family, How I Met Your Mother, The Neighbors), Alicia Ying (The Young and the Restless), stand-up comedian James Lontayao and newcomer Sarah Stoecker. 

Developing the series similar to a studio production, Miller turned to a public email group for television writers in order to pull together a team of rising creative talents. The Writer/Producers on the show include: Jessica Kivnik (writers assistant/script coordinator: Devious Maids, Banshee, Paranormal Activity), Chris Wu (script coordinator: Hand of God, Bosch, The Killing), Ali Chen (actress, Castle, Shameless), Greg Machlin (producer, WRNG in Studio City) and Andrew Orillion (military expert/consultant: Enlisted). The series directors include Kivnik, Ed Brown (staff writer: Gary Unmarried), Christopher Burke (assistant production coordinator: Mom), Marshall James (production coordinator/associate producer) and Amy Coughlin (script supervisor: The Odd Couple).

“This talented group of young Hollywood writers and producers have made a TV-quality show by reinventing a classic comedy format for the Internet," explains veteran showrunner Ric Swartzlander (Devious Maids, The Soul Man, Cougar Town). "I think it’s pretty funny and now I want a beer."

The show features set decoration from some local Los Angeles breweries, including Golden Road, Fireman’s, Ritual, Hollywood Blonde and Hangar 24.

“It was incredible to tape L.A. BEER in front of a live studio audience and be able to hear the audience respond to the jokes,” said Executive Producer Kivnik. “If there wasn't a laugh, writers could pitch alternate lines and actors could try different deliveries until something landed and we knew for sure it was funny."