Emily Meade on Adventures in the Sin Bin, Playing Teen Roles and Why She s Not on Social Media

The endearing teen comedy, Adventures in the Sin Bin,' is out now on VOD and in select theaters. We had the opportunity to speak with one of its stars, Emily Meade, who very soon could give gals like Jennifer Lawrence and Brie Larson a run for their money.

The Adventures in the Sin Bin, directed by Billy Federighi, is not your average teen comedy. Loosely based on Billy Wilder's The Apartment, the film follows Brian (Michael Seater), an awkward teen on scholarship at an exclusive prep school, who enjoys unexpected popularity because he owns a van. Desperate for a place to hook up with girls, head boy Tony (Bo Burham) befriends Brian for the sole purpose of using his van, although he also offers to teach him techniques for wooing women. However, when both boys set their sights on the same girl, things get complicated.

Known for her roles in Bluebird (TFF2013), Thanks for Sharing and Boardwalk Empire, Emily Meade has already made quite a name for herself. In this candid interview, we ask the budding starlet about her latest film, the pressures of a wide theatrical release and her upcoming play, Domesticated, with Laurie Metcalf and Jeff Goldblum.Tribeca: While Adventures in the Sin Bin is being described as a teen sex comedy, it has a surprising amount of heart. Given that it is loosely based on Billy Wilder's The Apartment, maybe that is not so surprising after all. What were your initial reactions to the script?

Emily Meade: I definitely didn't see it as a teen sex comedy. Sure, the sexual aspect is a large part of the story, but it's not technically all about sex. In the simplest terms, it's about growing up. I thought the script was really funny and clever when I first read it. It's so cute and heartfelt. While the script took some chances, it's not exploitative and obnoxious. It's definitely inspired by The Apartment, which made the film really stand out to me. It's rare to have a teen comedy that's fun but that also has such great characters. I liked the flawed female love interest as opposed to the super clever teen girl that often appears in teen comedies.

Tribeca: Though you have a versatile tv/filmography, this is your first major role in a comedy. What drew you to the role of Suzie in Adventures in the Sin Bin?

EM: I was always drawn to comedy as a kid. I grew up with I Love Lucy and SNL. It wasn't until I was older and got into acting that I started being pulled towards drama. The first few things that got me started in my career were pretty dark. Even during the times when Suzie serves as the straight man, I was pleased that she was surrounded by all these wildly, funny characters.

Tribeca: The majority of your scenes are with Michael Seater and the hilarious Bo Burnham. Can you talk about working with them?

EM: They're both really fun and charming in their own ways. Bo has this physical and intellectual understanding of comedy that's just amazing. He was a comedian first before he really started acting. We were all holding back laughter watching his scenes. He demands your attention while he's on screen because he has such presence and a perfect sense of comedic timing.

Michael also has to play a bit of the straight man in the movie, but he too has a lot of heart and understands comedy. He captured the feel of that earnest, awkward period of your life without being too goofy. It's really easy to relate to him.

I haven't graduated from Hollywood high school, but that's okay. The only thing that really matters to me is the role and the story.

Tribeca: You've worked with established filmmakers like Joel Schumacher and Wes Craven, but you often work with first time directors like Billy Federighi. Is there something that draws you to projects with first timers?

EM: It's often the script itself that draws me. It's really two different things. Working with someone that is experienced can be exciting because it's like you're entering their world, especially if you like the director. Working with a new or first time filmmaker can feel more like collaboration you're finding your way together, which can be really exciting. As they form their own distinctive style, you can find the voice of the character together.

Tribeca: The Adventures in the Sin Bin hits VOD and limited theaters this Friday. Do you think actors have been reluctant to take roles in movies that might be going straight to VOD with limited theatrical releases?

EM: I will admit that I am one of them. I can be really old school and old fashioned and it has been hard for me to accept the concept of the Internet and Netflix series. All these things are very now and I'm not quite used to it. I am still attached to the idea of a movie theater.

Also, when you first start on a movie, unless it's a studio movie, you don't know where it's going to end up. You kind of just have to have blind faith. I hope that I and other actors can learn to go with it. As much as I am reluctant about it, that's the direction of that the world of distribution is going in. [laughs] People made the transition from silent to talking pictures, right?

I like to have the separation of church and state between my own life and the characters I play.

Tribeca: Is having a big theatrical opening still as important as it used to be?

EM: I think a big theatrical release, if it's done well, can be really exciting. People love that theatrical experience. However, there is a lot more of a chance of the film being a failure. On the other hand with a VOD release, more people have access to it. The film becomes widespread without increasing the risk of losing more money. It takes the pressure off of needing to deliver. A big theatrical release can be really nerve wracking for an actor.

Tribeca: As an actress working between i

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