Soft Boiled is a comedy web series that tells the story of GINA, a writer from New York who has recently moved to Los Angeles, and AL, a musician whose lack of ambition has landed him in a bit of a rut.

When Gina starts a new job at a cafe she meets fellow barista Al and they instantly hit it off. As Gina and Al become better friends, we meet the eccentric and demanding customers that frequent the busy cafe. Things start to spiral out of control when the creepy cafe manager Artie catches Gina and Al getting a little too familiar in the walk-in refrigerator. When, out of jealousy, Artie blackmails them into ending their budding relationship, they must decide whether they should risk putting their jobs in jeopardy or expose Artie as the sexist creep he is.

Soft Boiled has been in development for several years. Writer/actor James Roehl began writing the script as an escape from his stressful job making sandwiches at an organic deli in Hollywood. He began writing as an attempt to answer the question, “what would happen if two coworkers at a cafe hooked up in the walk-in refrigerator?”

Thematically, it’s also a story about the struggle of pursuing a career as an artist, and the difficulties of funding these ambitions by working in the not-so-glamorous world of food service.  

Selfie of James taken at work in June 2014

Tonally, the project shares similarities to other LA-based comedy series such as Netflix’s Love and Insecure on HBO, mixed with the vibe of a workplace comedy like Party Down or Silicon Valley.

HBO's Insecure

Showtime's Party Down

James drew inspiration for the character of Al not only from his experience working in food service, but also his many years recording music and playing shows in Los Angeles.  Soft Boiled taps into the struggles and disappointments inherent in “putting yourself out there” as an artist, in an age where it’s difficult to make a living selling your art. The stress of being a server when the customers are insanely entitled members of the showbiz community can tarnish one’s desire to pursue a career in that very business.

James playing bass in the band Tomemitsu

Gina’s character represents a different version of the aspiring-artist-with-a-side-job, that of the younger, more driven, recent LA-transplant who is looking for a fresh start. Whereas Al is easily distracted, Gina is serious about achieving her goals.

Soft Boiled  is a show about dreamers - people who can't quite give up on their lofty goals despite the cards being seemingly stacked against them.