How to Make It in America Information

How to Make It in America is an American comedy-drama television series that ran on HBO from February 14, 2010 to November 20, 2011. The series follows the lives of Ben Epstein (Bryan Greenberg) and his friend Cam Calderon (Victor Rasuk) as they try to succeed in New York City's fashion scene. The show's second season premiered on October 2, 2011.

On December 20, 2011, HBO announced the cancellation of the show. Executive producer Mark Wahlberg said in an interview for GQ magazine in January 2012 that the show may return on another network.

Plot

See List of How to Make It in America episodes for more information How to Make It in America followed two enterprising twenty-somethings hustling their way through New York City's fashion scene, determined to achieve their vision of the American Dream. Trying to make a name for themselves in the city's competitive fashion scene, Ben Epstein and his friend and business partner Cam Calderon use their street knowledge and connections to make their way up. With the help of their well-connected friend Domingo and Cam's cousin Rene, who has ambitions of his own"?a new energy drink called Rasta-Monsta"?the burgeoning entrepreneurs set out to make it big. They experience success and challenges.

Cast and characters

Main cast

• Bryan Greenberg as Ben Epstein
• Victor Rasuk as Cameron "Cam" Calderon
• Scott 'Kid' Mescudi as Domingo Dean
• Lake Bell as Rachel Chapman
• Shannyn Sossamon as Gingy Wu (Season 1)
• Eddie Kaye Thomas as David "Kappo" Kaplan
• Luis Guzmán as Rene Calderon

• Julie Claire as Robin (season 2)
• Joe Pantoliano as Felix De Florio (season 2)
• Eriq La Salle as Everton Thompson (season 2)

Production

Ian Edelman wrote the pilot, which the Entourage crew of Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson, Rob Weiss and Julian Farino are executive producing. Edelman and Jada Miranda are also executive producers. "This show is a fun ride through the downtown scene, examining the cross section of people and how they relate to the relevant subcultures in NYC," Weiss, who was executive producing the pilot, told the Hollywood Reporter.

HBO made a free early online-only premiere available on various video sites including iTunes and YouTube. Season 2 premiered on HBO on October 2, 2011.

HBO canceled 'How to Make it in America' on December 20, 2011 after a two season run. However, executive producer Mark Wahlberg has discussed the possibility of the show returning on a new network.

Title sequence

The opening title sequence was created by directing duo Josh & Xander and produced by @radical.media. The theme song, "I Need a Dollar," was performed by Aloe Blacc of Stones Throw Records. Shot in New York City, the sequence comprises a video and photography montage, bringing together the show's underlying themes of "grit, hunger, ambition, the multicultural whirl of New York and the culture-transcending pursuit of the almighty dollar."

Reception

The first season received mixed reviews. It currently has a score of 59/100 on review aggregator Metacritic. David Hinkley of the New York Daily News gave the show a positive review, giving the show 4/5 stars, and calling it a "winner". Brian Lowry of Variety was doubtful of the series, stating "barring a dramatic leap in quality" it probably wouldn't last on pay cable. Mark Perigard of the Boston Herald wrote critically, saying "this sad sack of a show plays like an East Coast, economically challenged version of his HBO hit "Entourage." Randee Dawn of The Hollywood Reporter said the show "isn't as textured and riveting as it thinks it is". Other reviews, however, favored the show in comparison to Entourage.