Xenia Leblanc creates female-empowerment comedy ‘Gritty & Pretty’
Just because corona is out and running nearly every aspect of our lives doesn’t mean creative figures are letting them get stumped by it. Xenia Leblanc is the latest filmmaker to drop her project, as the finished Gritty & Pretty will add a smile to your face. Gritty & Pretty will be premiering on September 5th at the Dances with Films Festival.
Gritty & Pretty tells the story of boxing gym owner Kira Waikovsky (played by Leblanc) and Lauren Barton (Kelly Russo), and packs a punch of laughs into all five episodes. The female-led comedy is intended to focus on female friendships and offer empowerment to other female filmmakers.
Women taking charge
A large inspiration for the show was that Leblanc wanted to show that female filmmakers can control their story and the stories they’re involved in. “I wanted to create a show that highlights female friendships and empowers up-and-coming female filmmakers to take charge and create the content they want to see on their screens,” Leblanc said in reference to Gritty & Pretty.
“Today, more than ever, actors must learn how to amplify their own unique voice and adapt all the tools available to tell their story. “ Leblanc managed to create Gritty & Pretty on a $11,000 budget and filmed in seven days, proving she knows how to do a lot with only a few tools.
Female empowerment in her blood
It’s no surprise Xenia Leblanc has stuck to her guns to help inspire other female filmmakers. Since her move to LA, Leblanc made a name for herself as Young Red in Orange is the New Black, and also got a role in Justice League. But she also helped produce and write the series Broken English, and has directed numerous short films.
Leblanc is also a member of WhoHaha, Elizabeth Banks’ platform for female comedians to get their voice out there. Using all her resources, Leblanc is trying to pave a path for her and fellow female filmmakers to get their voices heard and create the stories they want to write.
From independent films, to online sketches, to an entire web series, it’s clear that Leblanc is far from done with creating, and not even COVID-19 can stop her.
Showing female friendships tried and true
Even Leblanc’s stories prove that she’s trying to change the narrative for females in film and TV. Showing the good and the bad between Kira and Lauren, Gritty & Pretty takes on their friendship as they move past their high school days and into the rest of their lives.
But of course, it’s not the end for them either, as Gritty & Pretty also shows there’s plenty of punches left in their friendship. Between the laughs and the chemistry between the two, it’s clear that Leblanc has a winning combination with Gritty & Pretty.
