A new discussion with the stars of the show that’s putting Portland on the map
The IFC comedy show “Portlandia” has taken Portland and several pockets of America – including Wichita, Kan.; Biloxi, Miss.; and greater metropolitan Spread Eagle, Wis. – by storm. Street Roots has unleashed our ace entertainment reporter, Valeria Peacock, to interview the show’s creators, Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein, about how they’re reinventing the way Portlanders look at Portland.
Hello Street Rooters! Valeria Peacock here. I recently had the choice opportunity of sitting down with the creators of “Portlandia,” Fred Armstein and Carrie Braunschweiger, to chat about their hilariously over-the-top depiction of our fair city. You probably know Fred as that guy from “Friday Night Lights” and Carrie as the female from that band L-7. Here’s what they had to say:
Valeria: In your first season you’ve mentioned every important newspaper in Portland minus Street Roots. WTF?
Fred Armenian: Homeless people actually freak me out, so I never even thought about picking up your paper. What is it again?
Carrie Blankstein: It’s a little too Portland for “Portlandia.” You know there are some things that only Portlanders get.
Valeria: Isn’t that the point of the show?
Fred Armistad The point of “Portlandia” is to poke fun at Portlanders, and other urban dwellers.
Valeria: Like homeless people?
Frank Armedandangerous: Exactly
Valeria: And minorities?
Carly Bronksi.: Yes, although Portland is so white, we figured we would only have a small percentage of the show dedicated to people of color. We do have this African-American woman on set that brings me coffee, though.
S.R.: Isn’t that a little racist?
Carol Brownstain: No, in Portlandia we believe that all people are equal and that the environment we create through community and learning from one another, and understanding the struggles of minority people and the Earth is something that we value very much. We have equity in our show, and it shows. Look at the numbers.
Valeria: There are already rumors, Carrie, that you will be posing for Playboy in the coming year — any truth to this?
Caraoke Blunderberg.: Absolutely not. That’s not the image that I want to send about myself, or “Portlandia.” It’s about respecting your body and image, and making fun of people. Not being a total slut and having people making fun of me.
Valeria: Are you uncomfortable with this interview?
Cathy Browbeater: A little.
Floyd Armybase: I don’t even know what you’re talking about, or saying. Who are you with again?
Valeria: Where does the show go from here?
Fred Armeydick: The ideas are really endless, but honestly I wouldn’t tell you even if I did like homeless people, or your stupid cause. Let’s just say it will be funny, and your readers will really get kicked out of it.
Carol Brownnserve: I want to sing more.
Ferris Armisinner.: You sing all the time, Carrie.
Carles Bronson: But I want to sing more — about Portland.
Fez Armnhammer.: Jesus Christ.
Valeria: Will we see more cameos by local Portlanders?
Frank Armband: No, we’re going to continue to bring others in from New York and L.A. to beef up the skits. Really, I don’t care about Portland. The mayor was a good cameo for obvious reasons (laugh). I mean we could have done the show in Seattle and gotten Courtney Love to play a part. But honestly, at my age I can’t handle being tied up for that long off set and doing that much coke.
In the end, I just want New York and L.A. to be a bit more like Portland, so I don’t have to dress up and play the role of a comedian all of the time.
Carol Breadmaker: Fred, can I sing about this?
Flip Armapirate.: Sigh.
Valeria:: Any parting words?
Carley Brow: I do care about homeless people, you know. You never really asked me.
Fred Armisen.: Live from Portland. It’s Friday night. Wait, wait, that doesn’t work. Tina, Amy, Courtney, help. I’ve done it again.