Katja Blichfeld is the brains behind Vimeo’s popular new web series “High Maintenance," which features New Yorkers in all their strange glory. Katja and her husband write, direct and produce the show and they recently were awarded a 2015 Writers Guild Award for their episode "Rachel." But Katja's first love was casting. In 2014, she won an Emmy for her casting on 30 Rock. But success didn't happen overnight for Katja. In this interview, she shares the ups and downs--and all the delightful moments in between--of her journey. UPDATE: High Maintenance has been picked up by HBO!

Me following my intuition and me following my instincts has never not paid off. I feel like I’ve lived four complete lives in my 35 years. It’s been a lot of my major life decisions, but they’ve always been very driven from what’s in my heart, and they’ve always paid off.

— Katja Blichfeld, creator of High Maintenance





















RELATED LINKSHM on Vimeo HM WebsiteHM Episode "Rachel" featuring KatjaKatja’s blogFilmmaker Magazine 25 New Faces of 2013Current City: Brooklyn, NYDOB: 1978What are you listening to right now? Marc Maron's WTF podcast - the Jenny Slate episodeWhat piece of media opened your eyes? Thomas Vinterberg's 1998 film "Festen"Who is your career role model? I'm still kind of looking for one!What is a tool you can't live without? My Vitamix blenderHow do you take your coffee? BlackWho is your spirit animal? RuPaul CharlesCREDITSPRODUCED by Elaine Sheldon and Sarah GinsburgSOUND DESIGN by Billy WirasnikCLIPS FEATURED IN SHOW:“Just Say No” 1985 Anti-Drug PSANancy Reagan/Clint Eastwood Just Say No PSASex in the City Opening Theme Song30 Rock Opening Theme SongHigh Maintenance TrailerHigh Maintenance clip #1 from episode “Heidi”High Maintenance clip #2 from episode “Rachel”High Maintenance clip #3 from episode “Matilda”MUSIC FEATURED IN SHOW:“Only Knows” by Broke For Free“Theme from Pedal Demonstration” by George Manson“Criddicks” by The Custodian of Records“Lazy Sumday” by Sahy Uhns“Way Back” by Willbe