How to Expert with Emma
Chicago, Illinois | Series
Comedy, Talk-Show
In a world where the internet is full of people telling you how to live your life, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by simple adult tasks. In this series, I play Emma, a self-proclaimed expert in “adulting” who checks in with other “experts” (also played by me) to answer life’s toughest questions.
How to Expert with Emma
Chicago, Illinois | Series
Comedy, Talk-Show
59 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$6,265
Goal: $13,000 for production
In a world where the internet is full of people telling you how to live your life, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by simple adult tasks. In this series, I play Emma, a self-proclaimed expert in “adulting” who checks in with other “experts” (also played by me) to answer life’s toughest questions.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
THE JIST
“How to Expert with Emma” is a zany love letter to all the adults out there who feel overwhelmed by how much we’re supposed to be good at. Think “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood” meets “At Home with Amy Sedaris” plus … "The Internet." You ready?
BTS footage of Emma being ready
THE CREATOR - Emma Pope
I love playing big, lovable, bizarre characters, and have really honed my craft creating videos on social media for a few years. After making a sketch pilot in 2022, I realized that a through line in many of my personalities is that they want to be helpful, but are slightly off the mark. Here's a clip from that project:
Emma acting as different "characters"
In real life, I spend my days stressing out about what a 401K is and where I can buy one, and my evenings getting shamed online for not cleaning my baseboards, or for wearing the wrong color for my skin tone, or not knowing how to polish my silverware with aluminum foil and baking soda (or baking powder- I’ve never known the difference).
THE SERIES
In the five-episode series, I offer myself to the audience as a guide. You know, the big sister you always wanted, who will show you how to tie your bra straps so they wouldn’t show in a racerback tank top.
In the pilot episode, I attempt to complete a task known to every Pinterest board across America: hang a perfect gallery wall. To fill in the gaps in my knowledge, I consult with a TikTok-famous repairman (also played by yours truly) who espouses the importance of “measuring twice and hanging once.” Unfortunately, that’s not really my style. We make our own rules around here.
The rest of the season introduces new roadblocks like: how to build a genuine friendship with the neighbor you casually greet every day (played by Nnamdi Ngwe) how to meal prep for the week, what to do if you’re sick but forgot to get a primary care physician, and lastly, how to handle a rodent infestation (in a cute way!). 
actual photo of Nnamdi Ngwe
Through each story, I (or, rather, “Expert Emma”) find a way around the more traditional method of getting things done, and end up at my own charming (albeit slightly off-center) destination.
THE SYNOPSIS
This project grew out of a desire to 1) destigmatize growing older and still feeling clueless about “adult” responsibilities. I think a lot more of us feel insecure about being older in age but not in wisdom than we realize, and there is power, community, and comedy in that. It also is a chance to 2) poke some loving fun at the often unqualified people we turn to for advice in an increasingly isolated and digital world.
I, Emma, am here to remind adults everywhere that there’s nothing we can’t handle with a confidence boost, a willingness to ask for help, and distilled vinegar.
And now please enjoy this clip of famed "community educator" Anna Ratchem getting nominated for a community service award:
Emma acting as different "characters"
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Camera + Gear
Costs $4,500
We have great relationships with camera and gear rental houses in Chicago, we ALSO want to make sure they get paid (so they can stay open).
Locations
Costs $2,500
The majority of this series happens at "Emma's House" which means we'll be spending about a week in a location that we need to control.
Crew (but the film/tv kind)
Costs $5,500
We believe in sustainability for film crews and actors - and so we want to pay them (so they can continue to work in film and TV).
Share this update!
About This Team
After meeting at The Second City in Chicago, Emma and Jack have worked together on a bunch of projects - so many really - most recently Bettendorf Talks which premiered at SXSW in 2024.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
THE JIST
“How to Expert with Emma” is a zany love letter to all the adults out there who feel overwhelmed by how much we’re supposed to be good at. Think “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood” meets “At Home with Amy Sedaris” plus … "The Internet." You ready?
BTS footage of Emma being ready
THE CREATOR - Emma Pope
I love playing big, lovable, bizarre characters, and have really honed my craft creating videos on social media for a few years. After making a sketch pilot in 2022, I realized that a through line in many of my personalities is that they want to be helpful, but are slightly off the mark. Here's a clip from that project:
Emma acting as different "characters"
In real life, I spend my days stressing out about what a 401K is and where I can buy one, and my evenings getting shamed online for not cleaning my baseboards, or for wearing the wrong color for my skin tone, or not knowing how to polish my silverware with aluminum foil and baking soda (or baking powder- I’ve never known the difference).
THE SERIES
In the five-episode series, I offer myself to the audience as a guide. You know, the big sister you always wanted, who will show you how to tie your bra straps so they wouldn’t show in a racerback tank top.
In the pilot episode, I attempt to complete a task known to every Pinterest board across America: hang a perfect gallery wall. To fill in the gaps in my knowledge, I consult with a TikTok-famous repairman (also played by yours truly) who espouses the importance of “measuring twice and hanging once.” Unfortunately, that’s not really my style. We make our own rules around here.
The rest of the season introduces new roadblocks like: how to build a genuine friendship with the neighbor you casually greet every day (played by Nnamdi Ngwe) how to meal prep for the week, what to do if you’re sick but forgot to get a primary care physician, and lastly, how to handle a rodent infestation (in a cute way!).
actual photo of Nnamdi Ngwe
Through each story, I (or, rather, “Expert Emma”) find a way around the more traditional method of getting things done, and end up at my own charming (albeit slightly off-center) destination.
THE SYNOPSIS
This project grew out of a desire to 1) destigmatize growing older and still feeling clueless about “adult” responsibilities. I think a lot more of us feel insecure about being older in age but not in wisdom than we realize, and there is power, community, and comedy in that. It also is a chance to 2) poke some loving fun at the often unqualified people we turn to for advice in an increasingly isolated and digital world.
I, Emma, am here to remind adults everywhere that there’s nothing we can’t handle with a confidence boost, a willingness to ask for help, and distilled vinegar.
And now please enjoy this clip of famed "community educator" Anna Ratchem getting nominated for a community service award:
Emma acting as different "characters"
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Camera + Gear
Costs $4,500
We have great relationships with camera and gear rental houses in Chicago, we ALSO want to make sure they get paid (so they can stay open).
Locations
Costs $2,500
The majority of this series happens at "Emma's House" which means we'll be spending about a week in a location that we need to control.
Crew (but the film/tv kind)
Costs $5,500
We believe in sustainability for film crews and actors - and so we want to pay them (so they can continue to work in film and TV).
Share this update!
About This Team
After meeting at The Second City in Chicago, Emma and Jack have worked together on a bunch of projects - so many really - most recently Bettendorf Talks which premiered at SXSW in 2024.