June 5, 2026 • 14 mins
Bonus time with Hayley means a deep dive into the masterclass in tenacity that was the making of "Girls Like Girls" - the movie!
Hear why Hayley insists this love story is as mainstream as it gets! Plus, what she promises to focus on as soon as the film hits theaters on June 19th.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hi everyone, It's Sophia. Welcome to work in progress. Hello friends,
we are back on work in progress with our girl,
Hailey Kyoko. Her new movie Girls Like Girls is in
(00:22):
theaters June nineteenth. Okay, I want to do like a
little bonus deep dive on the movie itself, because we've
gotten the sort of lay of the land and how
hard it was to raise and get it produced and
get all of it. But being on the precipice of
it being available to the world, I'm really curious. What
(00:44):
do you think if you were a teenager getting to
sit your butt in a seat on the nineteenth and
watch this movie start on the big screen? Like, what
would be different for you?
Speaker 2 (00:57):
Like, how would that impact me? I think so yeah,
it'd be I mean a I would. I would just
I mean, just even fathom being able to buy a
ticket and seeing a love story between two girls that
look like me. Yeah, does did not exist at that
time when I was eighteen or I didn't have access
(01:20):
to that. And so to know that so many people
are going to be able to buy tickets and sit
in a theater eating popcorn with their friends and get
to see themselves represented on the big screen is everything
is why I did this, which is why I never
gave up for ten years of nose Like that is
(01:44):
the moment that I've I've worked really hard for everyone
to be able to experience that. So I'm just I
just am so pinching myself that this is a reality
and that they get to see themselves because it changes
your life getting to you know, if I was eighteen
and I got to see that, I'd be like, oh
(02:04):
my gosh, I can't find love, and like I'm beautiful,
and like I can yep big screener. I could become
an actress or I could be like it just opens
up this can of like possibilities and yes, and so
for people to get to see themselves represented, you know,
it can be life changing for a lot of people.
(02:27):
And also too, like this film is not just for
the youth, it's for everyone, like people who you know.
I think what's so universal about this story is it's
not only just bold and unapologetically itself, but it's also
every single person, whether you're queer or straight, or wherever
you come from. We've all had that moment where you've
(02:49):
had to confront your crush to be like, do you
like me? Or not. Are we sick or not? Are
we getting married or not or not? Always like what
do you want from me? You know, we've all and
it's so terrifying to confront someone and to know you're
either going to be happy or you're going to be
crushed or going to be disappointed. And I think that's
(03:12):
what's so special about this film is as we all
can see ourselves in this film and how scary that
can be when you're navigating being a teen and trying
to just not only feel loved, but loved from yourself
but you're not aware of that yet.
Speaker 1 (03:31):
Yeah. Yeah, Oh, I'm just so excited for people. I'm
so excited for you. I'm curious a little bit about
some of the technical aspects because I know we have
some great creatives and would be directors in the midst
of our listenership. And for you not only to have
(03:52):
gotten this made after ten years, but to have co
written it, to have directed it, I would wager there's
some folks at home being like, well, then how did
you keep going? Like five years in when you'd heard
knows how long was the break? Did you wait three
months and then go back to new people?
Speaker 2 (04:10):
Like?
Speaker 1 (04:10):
How did you put the financing together. Eventually, you know,
some of the sort of technical guidance that we can
give the youth these days from our positions, like how
did you get over the hurdles to get it done?
Speaker 2 (04:27):
I think what I've learned is you need the right
combination of people. You might have a combination of people,
like in the beginning of my journey, I had a
certain combination of people and it wasn't working. It was
the movie was not moving forward. We were constantly just
it was just not going. And so that relationship kind
(04:49):
of ended and I had to kind of start all
over again, and I was really scared about starting over again.
But it also created space for new creatives to come in,
where this is when Mark Platt came in and focused
features and you know, you do it. I mean, we
could do a whole other podcast, but you you know,
(05:10):
you do a deck, you do a huge pitch. You're
constantly pitching yourself and it's just finding the right combination.
And as a first time film maker, you know there's
potential risk whether you're going to be you know, succeed
in the journey or not. And so you know, having
(05:33):
Mark Platt support and co sign really helped, and he
was so supportive and saw the vision and is an
amazing ally and Focus Features, as you know, believed in
the film since twenty twenty and has been trying to
figure it out with us, and so it was just
the right combination. I think the book also really helped
kind of conversation forward and and the fans just showing
(05:58):
the support of the kind of proving to Hollywood that like,
this story hasn't been told, which is orderline silly, because
we should have millions of girls like girls at this
horse and just proving to Hollywood that people will show up.
And so yeah, you know, my hope is that we
(06:18):
do and we can prove to our industry that we
should have so many more films in theaters and to
stop canceling our TV shows and like, you know, it's
not seeing queer like beer is mainstream, being Asian is mainstream,
and like you know, there's so many people will be like, oh,
(06:41):
this is such nichee. If you have Asian, you have queer,
you're women. I'm like, those are three mainstream categories millions
and millions of people that need to feel seen and
heard and represented, Like what are you talking about?
Speaker 1 (06:57):
Yeah, It's also so crazy to me when they talk
about women like we're a niche and I'm like, we
are literally fifty one percent of the volation, Like we're.
Speaker 2 (07:05):
The majority show up to theaters, We're the ones who
show up to concerts, and it's like, give us what
we want, you know, like the story that we want.
Speaker 1 (07:15):
Yeah, we're not niche. And to be clear, like by
the most conservative estimates, one in five people is queer.
So I'm like, you don't want twenty percent of the
dollars that someone could be spending in the world, Like
what are we talking about? This is so stupid, And
I think it's really important, Like you said it, you know,
(07:35):
this isn't just for young people this this movie isn't
just for queer people. No, Like this movie is for
any person who's ever been in love with, someone, who's
ever been friends with, someone who's ever been trying to
figure out their place in the world. Like and that's
something I find really important. A young filmmaker that I
(07:59):
have been watching for a while, who I think is
so talented, is currently trying to sell a movie and
was like, I'm you know, I'm a young black female director.
I need people to watch the Oh my god, what's
it called Happily in Tuscany, The in Tuscany movie.
Speaker 2 (08:18):
That re gave you Me and Tuscany.
Speaker 1 (08:20):
Yes, you Me and Tuscany. Anyway, that's a terrible sales
pitch on my part. But regardless, they've made an adorable
rom com. But it happens to be a rom com
with two young black leads. And this other filmmaker is like,
I have nothing to do with that movie, but I
am literally being told that my movie selling depends on
how that movie does. So, like literally this weekend. I
(08:42):
got in the house last night and I was like,
turn it on this TV, turn it on this TV,
turn it on the leave it on the computer, and yeah,
I streamed the movie on four devices, just because I
think we need to remember that whether it's our story
or our best friend's story or our neighbor's story, like
(09:03):
we have to show up for each other's stories. So
everyone at home is going to go watch this movie, obviously.
I'm just I'm just reiterating to you that that's what
your plan is this weekend. Thank you.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
Yeah, well it is. It's the truth, and it's original.
IP is so rare. You know, so many films that
we've seen done over and over and over again. So
just even supporting original IP and original and filmmakers like,
you know, women filmmakers are five percents of the industry
(09:36):
five percent. So if we want our stories told from
our perspective, yes, the male gays, then we have to
show up for one another and support our stories and
use our voice because our voice is super powerful, and
showing up is can change, you know, my hope and goals.
(09:58):
Girls like Girls is a six us and that a
young filmmaker who's trying to get their story made is
doesn't have to go through the ten years of treachery
that I went through. Yes, and therefore we're able to
get more representation on the screen. It's just a revolving door.
Speaker 1 (10:15):
I love it. And it's also so good. I'm like
really trying to be careful and not do spoilers because.
Speaker 2 (10:22):
You saw the movie. Yes, babe, I.
Speaker 1 (10:24):
Have a really screener. Give me up for break.
Speaker 2 (10:27):
Oh my gosh, we'll have to debrieve.
Speaker 1 (10:30):
It's so good. We'll be back in just a minute
after a few words from our favorite sponsors.
Speaker 2 (10:43):
There's like the moment, well a moment, Yeah, how do
I there's a little money.
Speaker 1 (10:49):
There's a moment of like the conflict, and I just
went and I'm like, no, please let it be okay,
it's it's Oh, it's so good. It's so so good.
Speaker 2 (10:58):
Thank you. I'm so proud of it. And and I've
put literally my blood, sweat and tears and heart and
my everything into this film. And so many people have
worked so hard to make this film exist.
Speaker 1 (11:13):
So yeah, I appreciate.
Speaker 2 (11:16):
That. You know, we get to have this conversation, and
we too read the word. So make sure to go
see Girls Like Girls this weekend.
Speaker 1 (11:24):
Everyone nineteenth in theaters.
Speaker 2 (11:27):
Nineteenth everyone, y'all gotta go. Bring your friends.
Speaker 1 (11:31):
Yeah, bring your whole crew, bring your friends, bring your parents.
I also, she'll be like, I can't believe you told her.
Ash got so mad at me that I watched it
without her, granted, like I had to watch it in
the middle of the day because you know, work, and
so I literally was like, Okay, tonight, I promise I'm
going to cook you dinner and we're going to watch
this movie together.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
So that's that's what.
Speaker 1 (11:54):
We're doing tonight on the day that we are recording this.
It's so sweet. Okay, my dear, I am so excited
for the movie. Like we said, friends, Girls Like Girls
is out June nineteenth in theaters. Tickets are on sale now,
and the gift that keeps on giving your movie gave
you back your music. The official Girls Like Girls inspired
(12:16):
by soundtrack comes out June twelfth. Go get it, enjoy it,
love it. Before I let you go, I have to
ask you. You know, you're in this moment where all
of these incredible seeds you've sown are blooming right now.
What feels like you're working progress the whole garden, all
(12:44):
all those fucking flowers.
Speaker 2 (12:46):
Yeah, I mean, my hope is to continue to direct
and to write music for my projects, and I really
see that so vividly for my future, and I just
want to continue to create hopeful career content for the mainstream,
you know world, and for people to be able to
(13:08):
have easy access to it. And so I'm just excited
for Girls Like Girls to find the person that needs
to watch it and needs needs it most, and my
hope is to tell many more stories afterwards.
Speaker 1 (13:23):
Yeah, it's beautiful. Well, congratulations, I'm so happy for you.
Not to sound like a parent, but I'm so proud
of you like artists, artists, this stuff is so hard,
and you really you've given everyone a masterclass on tenacity.
So thank you, hats off to you, Paul. I'm really excited.
Speaker 2 (13:45):
It was so good to see you.
Speaker 1 (13:46):
Thank you, so good to see you too. Becca also
submitted an answer to what is your work in progress?
And she said, focusing on our wedding. I was like, okay, girl, touche.
I love that.
Speaker 2 (13:59):
And we've been very much like she was, you know,
this is the movie here and then we'll yeah on
figuring out our wedding plans afterwards.
Speaker 1 (14:08):
My god, I love it. I will volunteer to like
lick stamps whatever you need. Thank you.
Speaker 2 (14:14):
Yeah, it's it'll be really fun, fun times
Hi everyone, It's Sophia. Welcome to work in progress. Hello friends,
we are back on work in progress with our girl,
Hailey Kyoko. Her new movie Girls Like Girls is in
(00:22):
theaters June nineteenth. Okay, I want to do like a
little bonus deep dive on the movie itself, because we've
gotten the sort of lay of the land and how
hard it was to raise and get it produced and
get all of it. But being on the precipice of
it being available to the world, I'm really curious. What
(00:44):
do you think if you were a teenager getting to
sit your butt in a seat on the nineteenth and
watch this movie start on the big screen? Like, what
would be different for you?
Speaker 2 (00:57):
Like, how would that impact me? I think so yeah,
it'd be I mean a I would. I would just
I mean, just even fathom being able to buy a
ticket and seeing a love story between two girls that
look like me. Yeah, does did not exist at that
time when I was eighteen or I didn't have access
(01:20):
to that. And so to know that so many people
are going to be able to buy tickets and sit
in a theater eating popcorn with their friends and get
to see themselves represented on the big screen is everything
is why I did this, which is why I never
gave up for ten years of nose Like that is
(01:44):
the moment that I've I've worked really hard for everyone
to be able to experience that. So I'm just I
just am so pinching myself that this is a reality
and that they get to see themselves because it changes
your life getting to you know, if I was eighteen
and I got to see that, I'd be like, oh
(02:04):
my gosh, I can't find love, and like I'm beautiful,
and like I can yep big screener. I could become
an actress or I could be like it just opens
up this can of like possibilities and yes, and so
for people to get to see themselves represented, you know,
it can be life changing for a lot of people.
(02:27):
And also too, like this film is not just for
the youth, it's for everyone, like people who you know.
I think what's so universal about this story is it's
not only just bold and unapologetically itself, but it's also
every single person, whether you're queer or straight, or wherever
you come from. We've all had that moment where you've
(02:49):
had to confront your crush to be like, do you
like me? Or not. Are we sick or not? Are
we getting married or not or not? Always like what
do you want from me? You know, we've all and
it's so terrifying to confront someone and to know you're
either going to be happy or you're going to be
crushed or going to be disappointed. And I think that's
(03:12):
what's so special about this film is as we all
can see ourselves in this film and how scary that
can be when you're navigating being a teen and trying
to just not only feel loved, but loved from yourself
but you're not aware of that yet.
Speaker 1 (03:31):
Yeah. Yeah, Oh, I'm just so excited for people. I'm
so excited for you. I'm curious a little bit about
some of the technical aspects because I know we have
some great creatives and would be directors in the midst
of our listenership. And for you not only to have
(03:52):
gotten this made after ten years, but to have co
written it, to have directed it, I would wager there's
some folks at home being like, well, then how did
you keep going? Like five years in when you'd heard
knows how long was the break? Did you wait three
months and then go back to new people?
Speaker 2 (04:10):
Like?
Speaker 1 (04:10):
How did you put the financing together. Eventually, you know,
some of the sort of technical guidance that we can
give the youth these days from our positions, like how
did you get over the hurdles to get it done?
Speaker 2 (04:27):
I think what I've learned is you need the right
combination of people. You might have a combination of people,
like in the beginning of my journey, I had a
certain combination of people and it wasn't working. It was
the movie was not moving forward. We were constantly just
it was just not going. And so that relationship kind
(04:49):
of ended and I had to kind of start all
over again, and I was really scared about starting over again.
But it also created space for new creatives to come in,
where this is when Mark Platt came in and focused
features and you know, you do it. I mean, we
could do a whole other podcast, but you you know,
(05:10):
you do a deck, you do a huge pitch. You're
constantly pitching yourself and it's just finding the right combination.
And as a first time film maker, you know there's
potential risk whether you're going to be you know, succeed
in the journey or not. And so you know, having
(05:33):
Mark Platt support and co sign really helped, and he
was so supportive and saw the vision and is an
amazing ally and Focus Features, as you know, believed in
the film since twenty twenty and has been trying to
figure it out with us, and so it was just
the right combination. I think the book also really helped
kind of conversation forward and and the fans just showing
(05:58):
the support of the kind of proving to Hollywood that like,
this story hasn't been told, which is orderline silly, because
we should have millions of girls like girls at this
horse and just proving to Hollywood that people will show up.
And so yeah, you know, my hope is that we
(06:18):
do and we can prove to our industry that we
should have so many more films in theaters and to
stop canceling our TV shows and like, you know, it's
not seeing queer like beer is mainstream, being Asian is mainstream,
and like you know, there's so many people will be like, oh,
(06:41):
this is such nichee. If you have Asian, you have queer,
you're women. I'm like, those are three mainstream categories millions
and millions of people that need to feel seen and
heard and represented, Like what are you talking about?
Speaker 1 (06:57):
Yeah, It's also so crazy to me when they talk
about women like we're a niche and I'm like, we
are literally fifty one percent of the volation, Like we're.
Speaker 2 (07:05):
The majority show up to theaters, We're the ones who
show up to concerts, and it's like, give us what
we want, you know, like the story that we want.
Speaker 1 (07:15):
Yeah, we're not niche. And to be clear, like by
the most conservative estimates, one in five people is queer.
So I'm like, you don't want twenty percent of the
dollars that someone could be spending in the world, Like
what are we talking about? This is so stupid, And
I think it's really important, Like you said it, you know,
(07:35):
this isn't just for young people this this movie isn't
just for queer people. No, Like this movie is for
any person who's ever been in love with, someone, who's
ever been friends with, someone who's ever been trying to
figure out their place in the world. Like and that's
something I find really important. A young filmmaker that I
(07:59):
have been watching for a while, who I think is
so talented, is currently trying to sell a movie and
was like, I'm you know, I'm a young black female director.
I need people to watch the Oh my god, what's
it called Happily in Tuscany, The in Tuscany movie.
Speaker 2 (08:18):
That re gave you Me and Tuscany.
Speaker 1 (08:20):
Yes, you Me and Tuscany. Anyway, that's a terrible sales
pitch on my part. But regardless, they've made an adorable
rom com. But it happens to be a rom com
with two young black leads. And this other filmmaker is like,
I have nothing to do with that movie, but I
am literally being told that my movie selling depends on
how that movie does. So, like literally this weekend. I
(08:42):
got in the house last night and I was like,
turn it on this TV, turn it on this TV,
turn it on the leave it on the computer, and yeah,
I streamed the movie on four devices, just because I
think we need to remember that whether it's our story
or our best friend's story or our neighbor's story, like
(09:03):
we have to show up for each other's stories. So
everyone at home is going to go watch this movie, obviously.
I'm just I'm just reiterating to you that that's what
your plan is this weekend. Thank you.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
Yeah, well it is. It's the truth, and it's original.
IP is so rare. You know, so many films that
we've seen done over and over and over again. So
just even supporting original IP and original and filmmakers like,
you know, women filmmakers are five percents of the industry
(09:36):
five percent. So if we want our stories told from
our perspective, yes, the male gays, then we have to
show up for one another and support our stories and
use our voice because our voice is super powerful, and
showing up is can change, you know, my hope and goals.
(09:58):
Girls like Girls is a six us and that a
young filmmaker who's trying to get their story made is
doesn't have to go through the ten years of treachery
that I went through. Yes, and therefore we're able to
get more representation on the screen. It's just a revolving door.
Speaker 1 (10:15):
I love it. And it's also so good. I'm like
really trying to be careful and not do spoilers because.
Speaker 2 (10:22):
You saw the movie. Yes, babe, I.
Speaker 1 (10:24):
Have a really screener. Give me up for break.
Speaker 2 (10:27):
Oh my gosh, we'll have to debrieve.
Speaker 1 (10:30):
It's so good. We'll be back in just a minute
after a few words from our favorite sponsors.
Speaker 2 (10:43):
There's like the moment, well a moment, Yeah, how do
I there's a little money.
Speaker 1 (10:49):
There's a moment of like the conflict, and I just
went and I'm like, no, please let it be okay,
it's it's Oh, it's so good. It's so so good.
Speaker 2 (10:58):
Thank you. I'm so proud of it. And and I've
put literally my blood, sweat and tears and heart and
my everything into this film. And so many people have
worked so hard to make this film exist.
Speaker 1 (11:13):
So yeah, I appreciate.
Speaker 2 (11:16):
That. You know, we get to have this conversation, and
we too read the word. So make sure to go
see Girls Like Girls this weekend.
Speaker 1 (11:24):
Everyone nineteenth in theaters.
Speaker 2 (11:27):
Nineteenth everyone, y'all gotta go. Bring your friends.
Speaker 1 (11:31):
Yeah, bring your whole crew, bring your friends, bring your parents.
I also, she'll be like, I can't believe you told her.
Ash got so mad at me that I watched it
without her, granted, like I had to watch it in
the middle of the day because you know, work, and
so I literally was like, Okay, tonight, I promise I'm
going to cook you dinner and we're going to watch
this movie together.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
So that's that's what.
Speaker 1 (11:54):
We're doing tonight on the day that we are recording this.
It's so sweet. Okay, my dear, I am so excited
for the movie. Like we said, friends, Girls Like Girls
is out June nineteenth in theaters. Tickets are on sale now,
and the gift that keeps on giving your movie gave
you back your music. The official Girls Like Girls inspired
(12:16):
by soundtrack comes out June twelfth. Go get it, enjoy it,
love it. Before I let you go, I have to
ask you. You know, you're in this moment where all
of these incredible seeds you've sown are blooming right now.
What feels like you're working progress the whole garden, all
(12:44):
all those fucking flowers.
Speaker 2 (12:46):
Yeah, I mean, my hope is to continue to direct
and to write music for my projects, and I really
see that so vividly for my future, and I just
want to continue to create hopeful career content for the mainstream,
you know world, and for people to be able to
(13:08):
have easy access to it. And so I'm just excited
for Girls Like Girls to find the person that needs
to watch it and needs needs it most, and my
hope is to tell many more stories afterwards.
Speaker 1 (13:23):
Yeah, it's beautiful. Well, congratulations, I'm so happy for you.
Not to sound like a parent, but I'm so proud
of you like artists, artists, this stuff is so hard,
and you really you've given everyone a masterclass on tenacity.
So thank you, hats off to you, Paul. I'm really excited.
Speaker 2 (13:45):
It was so good to see you.
Speaker 1 (13:46):
Thank you, so good to see you too. Becca also
submitted an answer to what is your work in progress?
And she said, focusing on our wedding. I was like, okay, girl, touche.
I love that.
Speaker 2 (13:59):
And we've been very much like she was, you know,
this is the movie here and then we'll yeah on
figuring out our wedding plans afterwards.
Speaker 1 (14:08):
My god, I love it. I will volunteer to like
lick stamps whatever you need. Thank you.
Speaker 2 (14:14):
Yeah, it's it'll be really fun, fun times
Host
Sophia Bush
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