“Roomhates”: Laughing Through Life’s Challenges

We’re thrilled to introduce Michael Deo and Mersiha Musovic, a seasoned filmmaking duo, in the film industry! Their latest project, “Roomhates” has earned them a spot as a finalist for the Best Comedy Series Episode Award at the Houston Comedy Film Festival. Roomhates is a half-hour, single-camera comedy that delves into the struggles of a once-in-love couple grappling with the harsh realities of modern life. The show follows Mersiha and Michael, two ex-lovers stuck living together in their low-rent apartment despite their breakup. Mersiha dreams of becoming an actor, while Michael longs for a traditional family and suburban life. Though their goals clash, they’re forced to navigate their broken relationship in a world where the cost of living makes moving out impossible.

The Inspiration Behind “Roomhates”
The idea for Roomhates was sparked by a desire to explore the comedic potential of modern relationships and the unique challenges they face today. Co-creators Mersiha and Michael, who coincidentally share the names of their characters, drew from their personal experiences and those of their peers. “Michael was going through a divorce but still living with his ex,” they shared. This reality, combined with the current housing crisis and rising costs, gave them the perfect backdrop to create a sitcom full of both humor and heart.

“We wanted to explore how relationships look now compared to previous generations, but with some levity,” they said. Roomhates touches on the struggles of millennials facing economic uncertainty, yet does so with a comedic twist that keeps audiences laughing while reflecting on real-life issues.

Overcoming Challenges on Set
As with any independent production, Roomhates faced its share of challenges—chiefly time and money. “We did what we could with the resources available,” the team explained, but one of the biggest hurdles was filming with a crew of 15 in a small, two-bedroom apartment crammed with equipment. Despite the tight space, the team managed to capture the essence of their story, bringing the characters’ conflicts to life in a way that feels both intimate and humorous.

From Sketches to Sitcoms
Mersiha and Michael have been a writing and producing team since 2019, with a history of working on a variety of projects, from sketch comedy and web series to short films. Roomhates marks their first foray into sitcom territory, and the duo is eager to bring the pilot to as many eyes as possible.

“We’ve worked on a range of projects, but this sitcom pilot is something we’re really passionate about,” they said. Their goal now is to secure a series order from a network or streaming service, turning their proof-of-concept episode into a full-blown series.

What’s Next?
Right now, the team is laser-focused on building buzz for Roomhates. They are aggressively submitting the pilot to film festivals that spotlight TV pilots and episodic content, hoping to generate enough recognition and feedback to attract potential distributors and collaborators.

Their dream is to land a series order, but they’re also excited about future projects, with more ideas in the pipeline. For those looking to collaborate or learn more about their work, they’re easy to reach via email at mersihamichaelprod@gmail.com or on Instagram at @mersihamichaelproductions, @mersiha.musovic, and @michaeldeo_.

On the Horizon
As Roomhates embarks on its festival run, Mersiha and Michael are optimistic that the series will resonate with audiences and open doors for their next big project. “We’re hoping that positive feedback from festivals will help us secure the right collaboration to bring a full season to life,” they said.

Their journey is just beginning, and with their unique comedic take on modern relationships, it’s clear that Roomhates is a show to watch.

For behind-the-scenes content and updates, check out their Facebook page at facebook.com/mersihamichaelprod and follow their work on Instagram at @mersihamichaelproductions.

Roomhates offers a hilarious yet heartfelt look at love, life, and the struggle to survive in the modern world, one awkward roommate interaction at a time.

From the Film Festival Circuit Founder, Mikal Fair:

Author: Bolanle Media Staff