Web Series Spotlight: Emma Approved

On October 7, the folks who brought the now Emmy-winning online series The Lizzie Bennet Diaries to computer screens everywhere, brought to life their new web series Emma Approved, which, like The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, is loosely based on characters created by legendary author Jane Austen.

In this version of the story, Emma Woodhouse (actress Joanna Sotomura, a Hawaii native who graduated from Loyola Marymount University) is very much like the literary version: she helps people. In fact, Emma runs the matchmaking and lifestyle division of Highbury Partner’s Lifestyle group and is what you could call a lifestyle coach. Emma is smart, determined and very sure of herself. Confidence is not something that Emma lacks and she strives to help people build self-assurance and achieve life goals they didn’t even realize they needed.

But let’s allow Emma to speak for herself (the following comes directly from the Emma Approved website):

“Hello world. It’s a pleasure to meet you, and the pleasure is mutual I’m sure. I am Emma Woodhouse, and I know we’re going to get along just fine. Who am I you ask? Well, I could give you some facts. For instance I am in my twenties and have lived in Southern California all my life, complete with happy childhood and the greatest father any girl could have. Or I could tell you some interesting tidbits, such as my long list of hobbies (photography, writing, dancing, fashion, travel, music and art) or share anecdotes about all the parties and events I attend. But truthfully, in the end, I am what I do. Because my job isn’t just a job. It’s a higher calling. So what do I do? I help people. I fix their problems, even ones they didn’t realize they had. I take lives with troubles and show them how to make it all better, and I take lives that seem alright on the surface and I teach them how to make it shine. I will help you find yourself, the job of your dreams, the love of your life, a way into the world you’ve always longed to belong to and look great doing it. Technically I run the matchmaking and lifestyle division of the developing Highbury Partner’s Lifestyle group. But really? I make your life better, and I never fail. So if anyone thinks they could use some life changing advice then you can find me here.”

Emma works at Highbury Partner’s Lifestyle with Alex Knightley (actor Brent Bailey, a Tucson native and DeVry University graduate), who runs the business side of the group and new office employee Harriet Smith (actress Dayeanne Hutton, a SoCal native and a graduate of Columba College Chicago), who is a recent college graduate working as Emma’s assistant.

The story of Emma Approved is very much like the literary version; and to see that for yourself you can visit here to see the 16 episodes that have aired to date. New episodes are released each Monday and Thursday.

The creative minds behind Emma Approved include Bernie Su (executive producer, writer and director), Tracy Bitterolf (writer and consulting producer), Hank Green (executive producer), Alexandra Edwards (transmedia producer), Jenni Powell (producer) and Kate Rorick (co-producer) [among others].

Another important component of Emma Approved is the fashion featured in the web series which is focused on here.

Fans of Emma Approved can not only see all the updates at the web series’ official website as well as following the web series on Twitter @EmmaApproved and on Facebook.