Celeste Thorson is the creator, writer, producer, and director of the independent comedy web series Yogaphiles. The series explores pop culture, ethnicity, love, gay and lesbian lifestyles, and the fitness aspects of yoga. Each week a new student is thrown into the class who’s personality clashes with the rest of the main students.

Celeste also does cameos in the show and others as well. She is the definition of a multi-talented person. I recently was able to ask her a few questions about the show, which job she likes more, and what she likes to do when she is not busy.

Where did the idea for Yogaphiles come from?

Obviously it is pretty yoga centric. It is based off the culture in LA from the fitness perspective. I wanted to focus more on the LA yoga culture than yoga itself.

Can you elaborate more on the web series?

It is about a class of beginner yoga students who take it too seriously. They come to class every week and each week a new student, a guest star, joins them. The chemistry between the guest stars and regulars is fun to watch as we bring in models or fitness gurus and it was a lot of fun to showcase the different personalities in the yoga atmosphere.

You are a writer, producer, and director of the show. Which is your favorite?

Writing is so much fun as you get to let your imagination run wild and be as creative as you can. When you are producing and directing, reality sets in. You don’t get to be creative because you have to bring that creativity to life. I enjoy the creativity of writing the most.

Which is the most challenging?

Directing is definitely more challenging. There are more things to think about with the whole spectacle of the cast. I have to identity with the cast. The logistics can be pretty daunting as well. When writers get to run wild with creativity, the director has to bring it to life. It is definitely a challenge especially with an assembled cast like this. I have to keep everyone on same page.

Do you have any upcoming projects or a second season coming soon?

I am going to release the rest of the last six episodes of season one over the fall and I am really excited about that. I also did a cameo on the show The Exes on TV Land. I am excited about that coming out as well. It was a lot of fun.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I live in LA so I love the Beach. I also have a dog named Mr.Gibs. He was named after the video game terminology when body parts splatter from a rocket. When I brought him home, and as he ate, his food would splatter everywhere so I started calling him Mr. Gibs. I also have a Kitten named Pingu. That name comes from a stop motion Claymation cartoon. I love to play with them and help them get along with each other.

Do you watch that show?

I do watch that show (laughs).

Do you have any tips or words of wisdom for people who want to be in this business?

I think it is really about working my own personal past. Before waiting for the opportunity to come knocking, take your destiny by the reigns and go for it. It has been a great experience for me and I have learned a lot.

You can view episodes of Yogphiles here or visit the show’s Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube.

You can also check out Celeste at her website, blog, or Facebook.

Nicolas Mirabelli is a college graduate from the University of Washington with a degree in English. His passions are creative writing, movies, music, comedy, and adventures. He connects his passion for movies and writing and writes screenplays in his spare time and hopes to become a successful screenwriter. You can follow him on Twitter here, or Facebook here.

Tags: Celeste Thorson, interview, web series, Yopaphilies