Last June, it was reported that Apple had picked up the Oscar-nominated Big Sick screenwriting duo Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon anthology series Little America. Now, we have some production updates on the project to share with you.
We have learned that production on the half-hour series is set to begin this April and will shoot through the end of May, in New Jersey. With each episode shooting for about 7 days. We also were able to get a hold of some character breakdowns for an episode tentatively titled “Farhad.”
ARHAD: Character portrayed is early to mid 50s, Male, MENA (Middle Eastern North African). An immigrant from Iran with high entrepreneurial aspirations, driven to provide for his wife and son. An optimist in the face of ridiculous obstacles. Primarily speaks English but Farsi is his first language. Must be great with comedy. LEAD.
NINA: Character portrayed in his 40s to early 50s, female, MENA (Middle Eastern, North African). An immigrant from Iran, she is Farhad’s wife. Steely sunshine. Farsi (Persian) is her first language, and her English is not as strong as the rest of the family’s. LEAD.
BENHAM: Character portrayed in his 20s, male, MENA (Middle Eastern, North African). An immigrant from Iran, he is Farhad and Nina’s son. Primarily speaks English but Farsi is his first language. The hipster family cynic, he is an aspiring musician, and plays in a band. Vocal and instrumental experience a plus. LEAD.
KUNAL AGE 8: Character portrayed is age 8 (but can be between 7 and 10), Male, South Asian. A precocious and carefree young immigrant from India living in Utah. When his parents are deported, Kunal is left to run his family’s motel. Speaks English and Hindi.
KUNAL AGE 12: Character portrayed is age 12 (but can be between 10 and 14), Male, South Asian. A resourceful young immigrant from India living in Utah. He is successfully running his family’s motel when he runs into trouble. Speaks English and Hindi.
REYNA: Character portrayed is age 14-16, Female, Latina. Short, Athletic. A burgeoning squash star and undocumented immigrant from Mexico living in California. Not very interested in school but dedicated and passionate about squash. Speaks English and Spanish.
RONNI: Character portrayed in her 40s, female, Caucasian. A Real Estate agent in Yonkers with pouffy hair who speaks a mile a minute.
TROY: Character portrayed in his 20s, male, any ethnicity. A ridiculous looking hipster in Benham’s band. A few lines over a couple scenes.
JASON: Character portrayed is 20s, male, any ethnicity. A ridiculous looking hipster in Benham’s band.
SUPER MANNY: Character portrayed in his 50’s, male, a Greek immigrant. The superintendent of Farhad’s building. Speaks English but Greek is his first language.
LIANNA: Character portrayed is female, 30s, any ethnicity. A county records clerk.
Written by Lee Eisenberg (SMILF), who will also serve as showrunner, Little America is based on true stories from Epic Magazine and is described as “a small, collective portrait of America’s immigrants and thereby a portrait of America itself which will go beyond the headlines to look at the funny, romantic, heartfelt, inspiring and unexpected lives of immigrants in America, at a time when their stories are more relevant than ever.”
Alan Yang (Parks and Recreation), Joshuah Bearman (Argo), and Joshua Davis (West Coast) are all on board to produce alongside Nanjiani and Gordon.
Apple has not given the series a premiere date as of yet.
Source: HN Entertainment
