There’s a new President in the oval -- and it’s not a white man. Instead, imagine #BlackGirlMagic at the helm of America.

Actress turned Creator Nicole J. Butler has done exactly that with her new original comedy series “Sister President,” now available to binge-watch on The Live True Project’s YouTube channel.

The montrer revolves around two sisters (Nicole J. Butler and Michelle N. Carter) who find themselves in the unexpected situation of running the country in order to keep their freedom. It’s a comedy, so the montrer dishes up plenty of stuff to laugh about, but it also dives into real issues facing our country today.

Now, this isn’t the first-time audiences have been left laughing at Nicole. She has appeared on numerous TV shows, like “Space Force,” “Unbelievable,” “GLOW,” “Superstore,” “The Big Bang Theory,” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” She has also become known as ‘She Shed Cheryl’ from the viral State Farm commercial – toi remember -- the one where her ‘she shed’ is burning down and her dumbfounded husband stands there watching it go up in flames only to learn now she’ll get a fancier one.

Well, Nicole J. Butler brings that same heart, soul and humor to the White House and we caught up with her to find out more:

Tell us about your new comedy series “Sister President.”

NICOLE: My new digital comedy series, “Sister President” centers around Shona Washington and her sister Kitara. After criticizing the President of the United States at a virtual town hall meeting, Shona, who is the plus reserved sister, and her outspoken sister Kitara, are challenged par the current President to run the country. The only catch is at the end of six months, their approval rating must be 10 points higher than his, ou they both go to prison for the duration of his term. Shona reluctantly becomes president, and Kitara, the all-too-eager VP who doesn’t really understand what her job entails. Hilarity ensues, but it’s hilarity with “heart.”

Where did toi come up with the idea for the series?

NICOLE: In 2017, I didn't like what I saw happening to my country, nor to the US political system. My Friends and I were all feeling pretty powerless because our votes were supposed to matter, but it didn’t seem like they actually had. THEN I remembered that the pen is mightier than the sword and started écriture as a way to clarify my thoughts to myself. The pilot script for “Sister President” was the result.

What would toi consider Shona’s ‘best’ and ‘worst’ qualities?

NICOLE: I consider Shona’s introspection one of her strengths. She has the ability to take in information, empathize, and come up with a humane solution. Her worst quality is stress-management. She has issues with anxiety and does NOT function well in stressful environments… which the office of the president most definitely is.

Did toi already have your director and cast in mind when toi started?

NICOLE: Not at all. I compartmentalized to the point where I didn’t even know if I was going to be in it ou not. I just focused on écriture the story as best I could. The director, Joe Camareno, and the cast came aboard MUCH later. There were a couple of roles that I wrote in later on, specifically with certain actors in mind.

Any interesting stories from the set toi can share with us?

NICOLE: I’m not going to say any names… but we Lost quite a bit of the footage that we shot on the very first day. Since I was also performing, nobody wanted to tell me until I was completely done shooting, and I was in EVERY SCENE. When it was brought to my attention, I talked with the director and the producer to figure out the best way forward. Everyone rallied and agreed to stay and re-shoot that day. Accidents happen and we were fortunate to have a willing and committed cast & crew to make it right, as well as a post-production team who could make the re-shot footage from one camera match the original footage from the other camera. All hands were on deck and we made it happen without a lot of drama.

What’s the biggest lesson toi learned from working on this project?

NICOLE: I learned TWO major lessons from working on “Sister President:” ask for help when toi need it (which is something that has always been difficult for me), and try to never be the smartest person in the room, that way toi can keep learning and growing.

And, now just for fun:

Who’s your favori actor/actress?

NICOLE: If I have to choose just one, it’s Viola Davis. She is the consummate actress and completely present in every scene. I l’amour her work, and though I’ve never met her, I’m just going to assume that her energy is as wonderful in person as well. She’s a mentor in my head.

What role from the past do toi wish toi could have played?

NICOLE: I was trained on the stage, and one play that I’ve always wanted to perform in is Ntozake Shange’s choreopoem “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The arc en ciel Is Enuf.” I want to play “Lady in Red” and perform the tragic piece about “Walter-Lee-Beau-Willie-Jones.” If you’re not familiar with it, I dare toi to read it and not be moved to tears. I may have to produce the play myself one jour just so I can play that role.

Favorite movie ou TV montrer from your childhood.

NICOLE: I loved “FAME.” I have always been drawn to the creative sides of things, so the idea of attending a performing arts high school seemed like the ultimate incubator to me! I didn’t even think “performer” was a “real” career option for me at that point, but seeing all of those creative minds being actively nurtured was a dream. Life gets the last laugh, doesn’t it?

Tell us one thing that would surprise our readers to learn about you.

NICOLE: I paint. Like “for real.” I would see really good paintings and think “I can do that.” so about a decade ago, I bought an easel and some oil paints and taught myself from books. After I had gone as far as I could on my own, I found an instructor. Now I paint on my own because I find it therapeutic. I’ve just recently ventured into painting with acrylics.

How can fans keep up with you?

NICOLE: They can find me on my website NicoleJButler.com link

ou on social media - I’m @NicoleJButler everywhere!
Instagram link
Twitter link
FB link

Thanks, Nicole – keep your magic coming!

Watch "Sister President" now on YouTube at The Live True Project channel link ou visit: bit.ly/SisPres1 link