2 weeks Ago By Markos Papadatos
Actress Andrea Laing chatted about starring in “Adult Swim Yule Log 2: Branchin’ Out” on Max. How was your experience in “Yule Log 2: Branchin’ Out”? Imagine someone walking up to you and offering you an opportunity to do what you love and be surrounded by creatives..
.that was my experience. You forget the long days, the overnight shoots and tight turnarounds.
Being back was nothing short of stupendous. I was able to work with the production company Media Team yet again! They were carefully assigned to craft the sequel and performed above and beyond. From Clare Stuber 1st AD, Alex Allgood our DP, Tim Reis, Casper Kelly, Silver Scream FX Lab, Mazzy, wardrobe, PA’s, so many beautiful people I was blessed to collaborate with.
Asher Alexander (aka Butters), is our child actor and a magnificent human that brought exuberance to set each day. This production made it a safe place to show up day after day and create something incredibly special and I’m grateful. What did this role teach you about yourself? Adaptability.
Expect the unexpected. Acting, especially in surreal environments with the likes of Adult Swim, requires a mix of creativity, flexibility, and a willingness to take risks. I am constantly exploring, adapting, and reflecting.
Becoming Zoe was not just about embodying a character; it was about learning more deeply about human nature, personal resilience, and how to connect with others. What motivates you each day as an actress and performer? I love being the vessel to which stories are told. Storytelling is also a journey of personal discovery, creative growth, and cultural impact.
For the audience, it provides emotional connection, inspiration, and opportunities for reflection. It has the power to shape conversations, influence hearts and minds, and even change the course of history. It’s a role that carries with it the potential for both individual transformation and collective impact.
And if you’re ever so lucky, it never feels like work. What do your plans for the future include? A dose of the unexpected with more travel, more growth, expansion and more FUN! Creative exploration will always take the lead. I will continue working on my pilot, writing, creating more innovative pods for artists to connect internationally.
Being an advocate for self-expression, inclusivity, change and of course crossing off a few more countries off the bucket list while working internationally are ahead for 2025. How has your work in sketch comedy been? It’s been imperative! It has also laid the foundation that paved the way to the musical parody Vape the Musical where I portray the lead Sandy; based off of the classic film Grease (which is currently being adapted into an Off Broadway show.) I have been a member of the sketch comedy community in Atlanta, GA for quite a while.
Between Village Theater, Sketchworks and Dad’s Garage. Sketch comedy has a far-reaching influence on culture, society, and personal behavior. From political activism and language evolution to emotional resilience and creative expression, it extends far beyond just laughs.
Sketch comedy helps shape how we understand the world, relate to each other, and cope with life’s challenges. I think it’s both a reflection of our times and a catalyst for our change. How does it feel to be a part of the digital age? (at a time when streaming, technology and social media are so prevalent) The digital age offers a kind of immediacy that didn’t exist before.
Information spreads so quickly, trends come and go faster, and conversations happen in real time, often with a global audience. While technology empowers new forms of expression—whether through apps, gaming, art, or even virtual worlds—creating new opportunities for creativity and self-expression, at the same time this digital era has felt overwhelming with misinformation, and sometimes a sense of disconnection despite the constant connectivity. There’s also the issue of privacy and the impact technology can have on mental health and well-being.
Artists are so important-more than ever- as we hold the superglue to humanity that is essential and irreplaceable. What does the word success mean to you? (My favorite question) I think humans get tired of things that they can attain. We’re always searching for the next best thing, the next dopamine hit to fill some sort of void but usually ends in short term gain.
To me, success is something that is intangible. It’s more of a feeling than an actual material item. Success is doing better than yesterday’s version.
Success can vary from making your bed, crossing off one thing on your extended to-do list, keeping your word or even landing that major role. It’s the small pat on your back that you have permission to give to yourself for achievements warranted big or small, held in your hands or simply felt in your soul. What would you like to tell our readers about “Yule Log 2”? (What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it) Yule Log 2 is the kind of experience that’s more about going along for the ride than trying to understand every twist and turn.
It’s definitely for those who enjoy their holiday specials with a dose of the strange and the surreal . It’s the taste in your mouth that you weren’t expecting but have definitely come to welcome. To learn more about Andrea Laing, follow her on Instagram .
Markos Papadatos is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for Music News.Papadatos is a Greek-American journalist and educator that has authored over 22,000 original articles over the past 18 years. He has interviewed some of the biggest names in music, entertainment, lifestyle, magic, and sports.
He is a 16-time "Best of Long Island" winner, where for three consecutive years (2020, 2021, and 2022), he was honored as the "Best Long Island Personality" in Arts & Entertainment, an honor that has gone to Billy Joel six times..
