The creators behind the new reality tv series, The Getaway Los Angeles are looking to enhance their vision for the upcoming season, as its freshman season grows in popularity on Brandon TV.
The premiere episode is 35 minutes long, jam-packed with spicy introductions from a sizable cast and drama that puts us all on the edges of our seats. The main 6 that were given full-time cast positions included: Matt Sarafa, Monique Martin, Brandon Stewart, Marlene Ortiz, Justin Byrd and Alitalia Adams. After leaving fans on a cliff-hanger for almost 6 months, unsure if the series would continue, co-creator and senior producer Joel Parent confirmed the series "would be returning this Summer to round out the first season." The Brandon Studios social media accounts have confirmed the same in a variety of posts since last week. And if the Las Vegas trip was anything like what we can expect for the rest of the season, it's going to be a juicy one.
Heading into the new season, additions to the producing team include: Quentin T. Harris, Lisa McGilvray, and Michelle Blosser.
Harris will also step in as the show-runner for the newest season, and agreed to give us the scoop on all things TGLA in an exclusive interview.
When asked why he wanted to join Brandon Studios, he talked about his interest in partnering with Stewart "prior to the now household name" he added.
"We were always searching for the perfect project to produce and the right timing. Now that (Stewart's) network has been created, I wanted to join forces and help produce content to take BTV to the number one streaming app in reality TV."
He told us the network feels like a family. "BTV and XRM Media are major pioneers in the entertainment industry, and I’m honored to be a part of the team."
He reminded us this wasn't his first rodeo either.
Harris moved to Los Angeles in 2019 from Atlanta, Georgia. He told me right away that "most (people) call me Q."
"I've been in the entertainment business for the last 10 years, acted in a plethora of on-screen acting jobs and honored to have taken part of several stage plays."
Before the world of podcasts really took way during Covid-19's pandemic, he produced his own internet radio show titled Q in the Streets from 2015-2018. The radio show aired in Atlanta, Georgia. He interviewed an impressive roster of celebrities, reality stars and even popular social media influencers.
"I’ve executive produced one successful web based reality show titled Chasing LA which Im extremely proud of."
Then he turned back to TGLA again. With a smile, "I'm most excited about producing the incredible talent and personalities up close and personal on (TGLA). And that includes new and old cast members."
He told us he was excited to see the old storylines play out and see how some of the new storylines unfold. He said "I love some new fashions and new reads."
Then we asked him the ultimate question. What is going to make season two really come in hot, especially now that the freshman season is garnering more popularity on the Brandon TV streaming app. Harris took a deep breath and without holding back, admitted that "last season was paced slower when getting to know about the personal side of each individual."
Though Harris is aware all of the episodes for the first season haven't dropped, he mentioned "a great reality tv star has to have a story that is relatable to the audience." He added that it is all about being memorable.
"Not all of the cast was memorable, I'll be honest," he admitted to us.
Although the first season was shot in 2019, during a pilot for MTV at the time, the show hit the shelf over the Covid-19 Pandemic, until earning a spot on the launch slate of the Brandon TV app in October of last year. When asked if that had something to do with his disconnected feeling surronding the cast, Harris admitted it did. But now it's full throttle. The team has a much different set up, with studios, a larger team, and a focus on "personal stories told from the perspective of each cast member." He told me, "nobody gets to clock out in the next season."
When we started talking in more specifics about the cast, Harris was honest about having favorites.
"My standout is Justin Byrd, actually." He smiled and shook his head.
"He is up against so much pressure first half of the season. When it comes to defending his relationship against a rumor started by a friend, his relationship was left in a rocky space half way through the first season."
He explained that he is always for a good underdog story.
"He and (Stewart) work out the kinks of their relationship on camera in the second half of the season, but it doesn't come without a massive shock."
Harris continue to brag about Byrd as "an amazing digital creator," and referenced him as a breakout star of the season.
"He seems shy but I can tell he is very witty, which is why I’m rooting for him. I see him as a young underdog, but I believe he is a boss himself and it will soon shine through," Harris told us, encouraging us to stay tuned for the back half of the season. He was all smiles, so we have to expect some turbulance incoming.
Harris continued in reference to season two.
"Looking at season two, we can expect a major cast shake up with some of LA’s finest. This doesn't mean some of your favorite OGs are off the hook though. We have a reunion on the way, alongside the back half of season one," he told us, "which is the most explosive part."
Then he continued, "The new cast we're looking at adding, however, have moved to Los Angeles, and hit major success in their respective fields, adding a level of luxury, relatability and plenty of fashions. They are ready to work."
This certainly started getting us excited. This shows that the sky is the limit for what is coming down the pipeline.
"The cast shake-up isn't designed to remove the nostalgia from the roots of the series," referencing its start in 2019, but he said it's designed to "make things a bit more spicy."
As reality tv fans, we all know a good mix of OGs and big new personalities creates an exciting formula for moments on television you can't predict. Harris said, "the fans should be excited about seeing more lavish trips being taken by the cast as well."
The series was created and Executive Produced by Parent and Stewart. The first season was produced by Justice Bowens. The second season adds Harris, McGilvray, and Blosser. Harris is also named the new show-runner. The series is in association with XRM Media.