“I think the wit of it struck me first, the way that it manages to be so funny and insightful and at the same time not fall into using any easy clichés about the people in it,” Cumming says of his initial fondness for the show. “Most of all, I think I loved the heart of it — how tender it was about getting to know yourself and just existing in this big tough world. That is especially where it is head and shoulders above so many other shows that tell stories of young urban types.”

Of working with Goldman, Cumming continues: “I think he is such a funny, clever, and kind boy — and one of the most talented writer-directors I have worked with. On set he is always concerned and caring of everyone, but also always able to spout a pithy bon mot.”

This skill is made particularly clear while inside the piano bar. Goldman is juggling extras, cast mates, crew, and Cumming, but he keeps his cool, saying he’s confident the hours on set are paying off. “Visually, it’s going to really knock people’s socks off,” he assures, nodding to director of photography Gillespie and crediting the newfound production value to Vimeo.

With any luck, scenes of this magnitude will become old hat for Goldman after The Outs’ Vimeo On Demand premiere. Remember: it was just earlier this year that Vimeo’s first original web series, High Maintenance, was picked up by HBO. At the very least, the move to the streaming service ensures greater visibility and a wider audience. By all counts, Goldman is up for the prospect.

“However you date now in a major city or elsewhere, your ex is still in your phone, and you’re still friends with them on Facebook, and you’re still following them on Twitter—the show is really about how people don’t fully leave your life the way that we want them to or the way that they used to be able to,” he says. “As a writer, I hope that it emotionally resonates with people on that level, and [I’m] also just happy to provide another source of queer-centric entertainment for people. I feel like we need it. I wish the show had been around before — and I wish the show was done so I could just fucking watch it now. But unfortunately, we’ve got to finish making it.”

The Outs Season 2 premieres exclusively on Vimeo On Demand in early 2016.