Black Cake: An Inside Look at the Show's Multilayered Storytelling across Time
Delve into the captivating world of Black Cake as showrunner Marissa Jo Cerar takes us through the intricacies of interweaving multiple narratives across different time periods Immerse yourself in this gripping series, now streaming on Hulu
Article Overview
Hulu premiered the first three episodes of Black Cake, a family drama and murder mystery, with new episodes released every Wednesday.
The series traces two separate storylines occurring in different time periods, skillfully intertwining the lives of a murder suspect and a pair of siblings in the present day. Marissa Jo Cerar, the show's creator and executive producer, skillfully retained several elements from the original book while also expanding and compressing certain aspects to vividly portray the story on screen.
The first three episodes of Black Cake premiered on Hulu on November 1, and the streaming service has been releasing a new episode every Wednesday until the season finale. The story takes place during two different time periods, following a murder suspect on the run in the 1960s and a brother and sister mourning their mother's death in the present day. As the season progresses, the two storylines begin to intertwine as the estranged siblings come together to uncover their family history.
Black Cake is based on the book by Charmaine Wilkerson and was adapted for television by Marissa Jo Cerar, who is also the showrunner. Cerar has previously worked on successful shows like The Handmaid's Tale, The Fosters, and 13 Reasons Why, and she also served as the creator and executive producer for Women of the Movement. Leading the cast is Mia Isaac as Covey, with Adrienne Warren, Chipo Chung, Ashley Thomas, Lashay Anderson, Faith Alabi, Glynn Turman, Ahmed Eljah, Simon Wan, and Sonita Henry rounding out the main cast.
Marissa Jo Cerar Talks Black Cake
We had the exclusive opportunity to interview Marissa Jo Cerar regarding the transformation of the popular novel into a Hulu series. She shared insights on the challenges of intertwining multiple storylines while avoiding obvious parallelism.
Our website: What first inspired you to get involved in the project and create a television adaption?
After reading the manuscript in the fall of 2020, I knew right away that it wasn't suitable for a feature adaptation. It was too profound, intricate, and extensive to be condensed into a two and a half-hour movie. Instead, I believed it would be better suited as a television show.
Eager to discuss my perspective, I reached out to Charmaine Wilkerson, the author, and we had a productive conversation. With the collaboration of Harpo and Capital Productions, we pitched the idea to various platforms, and luckily, Hulu immediately recognized its potential. I am immensely proud of the remarkable effort put in by everyone involved to bring this project to life, as it was a challenging endeavor.
Marissa Jo Cerar: We made some structural changes and revealed things differently, but we maintained so much of the original story. I believe people will notice that. The characters, the world, the timeline - I have a deep affection for all of it. Especially for this young woman's journey of survival. Acquiring a book with the intention of dismantling it is something I cannot comprehend. Preserving as much as possible was my goal.
I see the adaptation changes as a way of expanding when needed, such as summarizing, condensing, or combining elements. If characters are too disconnected in their narratives or exist in separate worlds, we try to bring them together, like Byron and Benny. These changes aim to create a closer bond between the characters, like placing them both in LA instead of New York. However, it remains essential for me to preserve Charmaine's original intentions and the true essence of the characters. That has always been a priority.
To what extent did the character descriptions in the novel influence our casting decisions?
Covey, the main character of the book, is an 18-year-old girl of mixed Chinese and Jamaican heritage. Mia, who portrays an older version of Covey, is a young actress with a mixed Chinese and black background. The casting of these characters was crucial, and we selected Chipo Chung to play the older Mia Isaac. While physical descriptions were important, we also prioritized finding the best actors for the roles. Benny and Mr. Mitch, played by actors from my previous show, were also carefully chosen. I had a conversation with Charmaine to ensure she was comfortable with any potential changes in casting. It is paramount to me that she loves and takes pride in this adaptation, as I have a deep affection for the book.
Could you provide some insight into your collaboration with director Natalia Leite? What was the most important aspect for both of you in transferring the content from page to screen in these first three episodes?
Marissa Jo Cerar: The first three episodes were truly spectacular. Natalia undertook a tremendous effort. I was just texting with her a few minutes ago and I didn't know her before. When I met her and saw her work, I was impressed by the edge she would bring to the show. Despite the abundance of heart, love, and romance, I wanted her to give it a cutting edge whenever it felt too sweet. I envisioned a cinematic feel and an element of edginess. I believe she successfully achieved that, particularly in episodes two and three. The collaboration was akin to any relationship; it's like dating in a way where you're trying to understand each other.
And then, after immersing yourself in it for some time, you become incredibly forthright with one another to ensure tasks are accomplished. Fortunately, our collaboration persisted throughout the subsequent stages. In terms of tone, we both strive for the same thing. Performance-wise, we share the same objective. Ultimately, it manifested as an exceptional partnership on an intricately involved project. I cherish those initial three hours immensely. They serve as an excellent introduction to the series, showcasing its vast scale and character-driven nature. We will transport you to various locations across the globe. At the start of each episode, you never know when or where you will find yourself. I believe her contributions flawlessly lay the foundation for the series.
I thoroughly enjoyed the multiple storylines in the content. Not only did it feature the characters in the present day, but it also delved into Covey's past. How did Covey's narrative influence her children's relationship with each other?
Marissa Jo Cerar: My aim was to present it in a surprising manner, avoiding overt parallel stories where Covey and Byron undergo racism simultaneously. While that approach is more traditional, I wanted to integrate it into a larger narrative. For example, in episode three, Covey faces discrimination at work, and in other episodes, Byron also experiences similar challenges. Everything is interconnected and thoughtfully planned. I wanted to weave it in a more subtle way so that it did not feel like a mere lesson or story. It all ties back to our ancestral connections and the generations that preceded us.
The impact of their experiences resonates in our present time. Instead of relying solely on dialogue, I aimed to convey this through the power of storytelling, establishing meaningful connections. By watching the entirety of it, you will observe how much of Covey's past reflects the current state of our children. Now equipped with this knowledge and having learned so much, they have the opportunity to rectify past mistakes, mend wounds, and grow closer together. Alternatively, they also have the choice to disrupt their lives. The decision rests in their hands now, given the wealth of incredible information and the tales of their origins.
Considering the setting in the 1960s, did you collaborate with the production designer and wardrobe department to capture that specific time period?
Marissa Jo Cerar: Our talented art department, including the costume, hair, and makeup teams, worked together to accurately depict various years, countries, and decades within the story. It was essential that the clothing accurately reflected the specific time and place. I specifically requested Covey and Bunny to have a cool and aspirational appearance. It was important that their outfits did not feel bland. Considering their middle-class background, it was crucial to convey this through the costumes that represented the particular country and time period.
Our exceptional costume designer, Hayley Nebauer, played a vital role in this process. Each world within the story had its own unique color palette, which our costumes department collaborated on with our production designer and director of photography. A specific palette was developed for each timeline and country. Upon closer inspection or a second viewing, one can notice the distinct difference in the appearance of present-day Los Angeles and 1971 Scotland. Immense thought, planning, and resources were invested to ensure the utmost accuracy. Furthermore, Covey's character exudes style, so it was important to maintain her stylish appearance in the majority of scenes where she is featured.
I noticed that you were heavily involved in The Fosters, a TV series centered around family and familial bonds. Does that experience transfer to your work on Black Cake?
Marissa Jo Cerar: The Fosters was actually my first job as a staff writer, which was about 10 years ago. Being adopted myself, and having foster parents, my personal life experiences played a significant role in landing the job on that show. I understand the perspective of an adoptee and what it's like to suddenly have new siblings and move into a new home. It also allowed me to be part of a truly unique family, where everyone came from different backgrounds to create one united family.
About Black Cake
The origins of my identity are rooted in my own life experiences and the environment in which I was raised. These qualities are an integral part of my being and influence every aspect of my actions. The underlying theme of discovering one's tribe, a serendipitous community comprised of individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a common goal, is deeply shaped by my personal history and familial background.
“Black Cake” is an enchanting blend of family drama and murder mystery, infused with a rich tapestry of characters from around the world. Based on Charmaine Wilkerson's best-selling novel, this captivating series is brought to life by Marissa Jo Cerar, the talented writer behind Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Films, and Aaron Kaplans’ Kapital Entertainment. Set in Jamaica, Rome, Scotland, England, and Southern California, the show takes viewers on a captivating journey spanning decades. Cerar, the show's brilliant writer and showrunner, has masterfully crafted a story that will leave audiences gripped and captivated from start to finish.
In the late 1960s, Covey, a bride who ran away, mysteriously vanishes into the waves off the Jamaican coast, leaving behind speculation of her drowning or her being a fugitive after supposedly murdering her husband. Fast forward fifty years to California, where Eleanor Bennett, a widow battling cancer, succumbs to the illness. Before her passing, Eleanor bequeaths her two estranged children, Byron and Benny, a flash drive containing previously undisclosed accounts of her journey from the Caribbean to America. The shocking narratives, narrated by Eleanor herself, upend her children's understanding of their family's heritage. Don't miss the exhilarating series Black Cake now streaming on Hulu! Be sure to also catch our intriguing interview with director Natalia Leite.
The first three episodes of Black Cake are currently available to stream on Hulu.
Source: Our website Plus
Editor's P/S
Black Cake is a captivating series that skillfully weaves together multiple narratives across different time periods. Showrunner Marissa Jo Cerar has done an incredible job of bringing the novel to life on screen, while also expanding and compressing certain aspects to make the story more visually compelling. The result is a rich and complex series that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.
One of the things that makes Black Cake so unique is the way it explores the interconnectedness of different lives and experiences. The series follows two separate storylines, one set in the 1960s and one in the present day, but they are constantly intersecting and informing each other. This structure allows viewers to see how the past shapes the present, and how the choices we make in life can have far-reaching consequences.
