🎙️ Today we sit down with Aziz Ansari’s ex-assistant who rose her way up to become his co-producer. LOVE TO SEE IT.
Kelsey Comeau has one of my favorite stories we’ve ever profiled. I won’t ruin it.. so read on and get inspired.
AvA: What was your first job in Entertainment and how did you get your foot in the door?
Comeau: My first job was as an Office PA on Billions Season 3 in New York. I was offered the position from my fellow UMich alum and friend, Kelsey Fox, who mentioned an Office PA didn't show up for the first day. And I remember saying in the interview, "I'll literally do anything you say and I have no ego".. then I got the job. It was a really hard gig but I had some really kind and steady mentorship in my production office coordinator, Todd Judson.
AvA: Can you share how the opportunity to co-produce this film came about?
Comeau: I was initially signed on as associate producer but through the writers strike, Keanu breaking his kneecap and navigating making the film with the time and budget we had, I took on a lot more responsibility. So when my formal agreement came up while in production, I took the opportunity to ask for a credit I thought I had earned. Aziz has always been supportive of career so I knew he wouldn't have any opposition to me asking for a bigger credit and I am happy that our partners at Lionsgate agreed.
AvA: Everyone throws around the word Producer, but what does it actually mean? What does your role really entail day-to-day?
Comeau: I have no idea what the word means either. I think there's a lot of different versions of a producer (entirely creative, entirely logistical or financial, etc etc) but from where I sat next to our producer, Anthony Katagas, it's the mitochondria of the production. And with that, you accept full responsibility for what you're in charge of which in many cases is the well-being of the crew, the artistic vision and integrity of the project. My day to day is one sidequest after another (a lot like an assistant) but at its core it's making Aziz's day to day of wearing so many hats possible.
AvA: Every assistant dreams of “the jump.” What’s something you learned during your assistant days that no film class or producing course could have ever taught you?
Comeau: I had a production secretary on Billions, Olivia Reed, who very much led with kindness. She brilliantly cut through any instinct I had with being "competitive" as a PA by reminding me that when one of us bumps up we all bump up. Which is pretty true, because suddenly you have friends in high places. A year or so after we worked together, Olivia passed my PA resume onto her new boss and producer Igor Srubshchik (Master of None, Mrs. Fletcher, Crashing) who in turn, passed it onto Aziz. I don't think film school could've taught me to value friendship over opportunity, so thank you Olivia.
AvA: Who do you admire most in the industry and why?
Comeau: I admire anyone who is able to make a film nowadays. It's a miracle in itself. Paul Thomas Anderson comes to mind, only because he makes movies that really are unique and really are for everyone. And though I've never met him, I have heard is a Grade-A nice guy, which is always a treat.
AvA: What is one piece of advice you have for someone early in their career?
Comeau: Don't get too good at making coffee. Seriously. And think outside of the box but only share a solution when you feel like they've hit a wall or are out of ideas or have outright asked.. and listen... for the love of god, just listen to everyone around you. Soak it all in.
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