But dont count on it being easy after that shocking ending!
COLLIDER: Congrats onAnimal Control!
I love that its getting funnier and funnier, and this last episode had me laughing out loud.
Image via Jefferson Chacon, Fox
Whats it feel like to be on one of the seasons funniest new shows?
VELLA LOVELL: Oh my gosh, I mean, thank you for those compliments.
But youre just hoping that the thing that you make translates, and you dont really know.
Image via Fox
So thats great that its translating, but I dont know whats it like?
Or, They used that take.
Were experiencing it alongside everyone too.
Image via Fox
And youve done so many comedies over the years Mr. Mayorwas one of my favorites.
Both of them are workplace comedies though and stem from this commonality of connecting with others.
Because I feel like youre somebody who likes a challenge and you like comforting, but also different.
Image via Fox
How did Emily stand out?
LOVELL: Thank you so much for saying that.
I really love, well, I just very much respond to writing.
Image via Fox
or something speaks to me.
So I get that feeling from it.
Im drawn to it if its a good vibe.
I liked how Emily was so different from the other characters Ive played.
And truthfully, I think Emilys closer to me than any character Ive played.
Just because Heather [inMy Crazy Ex-Girlfriend] was so over it.
And then Mikaela, fromMr.
Youre like, These things dont go together.
And so that just felt really attractive to me, I guess.
I just love ensembles in general; I also loved the script… Everyones pulling their weight.
Its not resting on one person.
It really is an ensemble show and so that was really attractive to me too.
And I think thats what makes her so relatable to audiences.
People love that character because theyre like, Oh, I can see myself in Emily.
And then even the choices you make are like, Thats what I would do!
Like, accidentally looking up a co-worker youreallylike whatever, it happens!
LOVELL: It happens!
Tragically, it does!
But I think that is just something that we dont really talk about, especially the imposter syndrome thing.
Thats really empowering, I think, for your character.
LOVELL: Yeah, no, its so true.
Because its like, Oh, well, hopefully, she can get to a different place.
We have a really fun journey ahead of us.
Yeah, that makes a lot of sense.
What has been the wildest thing that has happened with maybe these furry co-stars?
LOVELL: The puppets really crack me up.
It was I felt high [laughs].
It was just such an insane feeling to have seven kittens crawling on you.
I highly recommend it.
And actually, our script supervisor adopted one of the kittens.
So a lot of the animals are up for adoption or are coming from the Humane Society.
So thats really sweet to just be able to see.
You get little updates, hows the kitten doing?
Pretty much everyone who works on our show, hopefully, is obsessed with animals.
So its just a really fun set to be on.
I have to just shout out, Joel is really good with animals.
He really connects with [the animals], hes like his character in that way.
And I have these videos of Joel saying, Its going to be okay.
And the pig just really calmed down, and you watched it happen.
And yeah, its an awesome set to be on if youre an animal lover.
Lets talk about the episode, Peacocks and Pumas.
I love that theres so much happening already this season.
Were getting close to a relationship maybe, or a situation-ship.
But then his ex-girlfriend Camilla knocks on the door and my dreams are dashed.
and then finally Camillas coming in?
And it doesnt help that Maria Gabriela, who plays Camilla, is charming.
I mean, she is just stunning and charming and so sweet.
Theyre just buddy-buddy right now.
Theyre really good buds, which I think is so fun because it could go so many different ways.
But theyre drawn toward each other.
I think you see them contemplate it for the first time.
I was so sad.
LOVELL: I know.
Is going to work going to be awkward?
Youre thinking about all those things.
Its not just someone youre meeting online.
Youre affecting the work dynamic.
Oh, I get that.
So its like, What have I done?
This is wrong,' I get it.
No, I get it, 100%.
Because now theres a triangle happening versus just the two of them before being able to communicate.
I think her feelings are becoming increasingly harder to deny.
I mean, hes her employee it would affect the workplace.
He has an ex thats there.
So, what can you tease us about the three of them, especially coming up?
What can we expect?
LOVELL: Just that on this show, which I love, they dont shy away from conflict.
Theres definitely conflict coming up.
Im going to tease that the feelings arent going anywhere for Shred.
Theyre definitely there, but the conflicts are real.
Its just getting more complicated… and the feelings are probably increasing.
Will that bring out maybe a competitive side in her, do you think?
I mean, it is a competitive workplace.
LOVELL: I feel like Emily is less competitive and more just frazzled [laughs].
Shes more just a frazzled Muppet than competitive because she wears her heart on her sleeve.
I feel like theres a lot of tension between them.
And then Frank and Victoria are a little more jaded, a little more denying of feelings…
I feel like that is a slower burn to me.
I think its definitely there.
I think we have pumas and puppies.
What have you enjoyed about developing the relationship between your characters?
LOVELL: I have to say, Joel is such an amazing example of a number one on set.
But I am so gullible, I didnt grow up with siblings, so I dont get comebacks.
So sometimes with Joel, Im like, Oh God, really?
And hes like, No, Im kidding.
I think I say something like, I dont know when youre joking and when youre not joking.
It weirdly mirrors our friendship.
You guys seem to have the most fun on set and there are a lot of jokesters around you.
Is there a lot of room for improv?
But thats really fun because all these unexpected things happen when you get to improv.
Its exciting when those things make it in because its the dynamic thats popping up at the moment.
But a lot of improv has made it into the show.
So it has been a new dynamic for my acting in a comedy.
I dont know if thats translating.
Thats just from my experience as an actor.
Im coming at it from a more grounded approach, and thats been a cool tone to play with.
In addition to some amazing comedy chops, I know that youve got some great singing chops, too!
LOVELL: Oh my gosh, that would be so fun.
Someone sings a song.
There are some musical elements coming up.
Animal Controlairs Thursdays at 9 p.m. EST on Fox andstreams on Hulu.
