Indie Web Series: PinkSlipped
Stories of finding success outside the workplace seem to appeal to a broader audience in this day and age. Most scenarios we learn about end with victorious triumph, but a vast connection in terms of empathetic experiences. PinkSlipped is a series that accomplishes to go above and beyond its redeeming qualities with its narrative.
Created by Jacqueline Priego, PinkSlipped chronicles the story of three Latina women who are stuck with dead end jobs. They share a dream of creating a venture in order to make it into the business world on their own. The series also tackles various topics in showcasing the characters' experiences as Latina women in a workplace.
The title of the show comes from a phrase that symbolizes when an employee gets fired from their job. For a century, many workers feared receiving a “pink slip”, which notified them that their services were no longer required. It is an interesting concept to bring back with the release of the series, as it may very well symbolize in this era a lack of opportunities due to discrimination in the workplace.
With a script that succeeds in communicating its main idea, the show is very well performed by all of the cast involved. Priego, who also co-directed various episodes, delivers a truthful performance as Jacqueline. Ana Ayora and Samantha Ramirez Herrera also shine in their portrayals of Rosie and Elena, as the three juggle different situations in their professional careers and personal lives.
A reflection of Priego’s own realities with these situations keeps the audience engaged, as most of the written material derives from her experiences after moving to Chicago at a young age . It also serves as a starting point for conversations on seeing Latina’s depicted in a new narrative in series and films, unlike the various stereotypes audiences are accustomed to seeing.
All three characters become important vessels for the main topics that unfold as the series progresses. Jacqueline deals with tokenism while working at a non-profit company. Elena struggles with unequal pay at the magazine publishing house she works for. Rosie battles with her corporate job while keeping her immigration circumstance a secret.
JACQUELINE PRIEGO, SAMANTHA RAMIREZ HERRERA AND ANA AYORA
An interesting image that Priego brings into play is how we see Jacqueline’s situations and conversations visualized in her head. Whenever we see Jacqueline, Rosie and Elena try to reach one another in an online chat the show cuts to the characters having the conversation while sitting on chairs on a rotating platform with a pink background and flowers. This image balances a great contrast against Jacqueline’s dark moments during the course of the show.
Whether it’s a difficult situation in her workplace or her estranged relationship with her on-and-off boyfriend, the show cuts to our main character dealing with these circumstances in a deserted forest. This helps us understand how helpless our main character feels underneath it all. It is here where Priego’s work and vision for the series truly shine.
This comes as no surprise as one of the great strengths of the show relies on Priego being mindful of how much time each character’s situation needs on screen. It helps the narrative be carefully depicted without adding or leaving much out. This proves to be the case in episode 4, which only lasts 4 minutes and succeeds in showcasing its main idea.
As the true standout of the season, episode five proves to be a satisfying conclusion to this relatable tale. It accomplishes to tie beautifully together all of the struggles building up since our main characters first grace the screen. It also leaves room for interpretation of what happens with our trio of friends, in hopes of a second season that will continue the conversation.
The series first premiered in a sold-out screening in Chicago. It also made successful rounds in Los Angeles, New York City, and San Antonio before premiering on YouTube on September 20, 2018. It comprises five episodes which can last from 4 to 12 minutes, with the first episode gaining 2.2k views. The show also had a recent premiere at the Google offices in Atlanta, who serves as one of the show’s patrons.
Priego had been working on developing the web series for four years before deciding to start shooting between Chicago and Los Angeles for eight days. Upon her research, many of the topics discussed in the web series were the most recurrent issues to cause an impact on most Latina women she interviewed. This, with no doubts, eases the show to be keyed into the national dialogue.
Her own realities with the situations depicted on the show resulted in Priego leaving engineering school at the University of Illinois. She decided to change her career path and enter the area of communications. In using different social media platforms, her examination of these universal experiences has blossomed into her creating a social impact and becoming a voice for Latino creators with currently 1,800 followers on her Instagram page.
PinkSlipped proves to be an innovative force in the digital platform community. More than just a series that exposes discrimination for women in the workplace, the show proves to be an education on the reality that most Latinos face upon searching for better opportunities. If you are seeking a different perspective and representation of the Latino community in the media, Priego’s world might prove to be an exhilarating exposition for you.
