News Round-Up: April 5, 2017

Click pic to enlarge

Some news items you may have missed:

• If you ever needed a reason to love rugby: the above pic of the Canterbury Bulldogs/Brisbane Broncos match last week has gone viral, and I'm sure you see why :)

• Eighteen Senate Republicans have penned a letter to President Trump asking him to legalize anti-LGBT discrimination.

• Even though North Carolina got past the NCAA with the fake repeal of anti-LGBT law HB2, several cities - New York City, Oakland, Seattle, San Francisco, Santa Fe, Salt Lake City and Cincinnati - have not lifted their travel bans to the Tar Heel state.

• There are reports that SCOTUS nominee Judge Neil Gorsuch plagiarized parts of his 2006 book from a 1984 law review article. #RuhRoh

• President Trump says the latest use of chemical weapons by Syria's president on his own people "crossed a lot of lines" for Trump. While that sounds like he may get involved in Syria it would be a reversal for the man who encouraged President Obama to stay out of Syria during his presidency.

• Gerald McCullouch (CSI, Bear City, Daddy) recently premiered his new documentary All Male, All Nude about the backstage doings at Atlanta’s Swinging Richards, nicknamed “the only gay strip club in the heart of the The Bible Belt.” Check out the official website for more info, and you can watch the trailer below:

Out Documentary: "All Male All Nude" From Gerald McCullouch

Check out the next big project from my longtime buddy and uber-talented filmmaker, Gerald McCullouch (CSI, Bear City and Daddy).

All Male All Nude (I've already got your attention, yes?) is an upcoming documentary set in one of America’s only all-nude, all-male gay strip clubs, Swinging Richard's in Atlanta.

From Gerald's IndieGoGo crowd funding project:

Hop on board and get ready for a night you won't forget where we'll celebrate a big ole' Bday together as you help bring my next project to the finish line.

All Male All Nude is an unforgettably original cutting-edge documentary: a journey into the taboo world of male stripping set in the heart of the Bible belt. From the VIP room, to all nude table dances, to the mainstage and backstage - journey into this arousing environment that has engendered a compellingly original family unit.

This is a project I have been working on for four years as a solo venture. As it moves closer to completion, I need assistance in getting the project to the finish line.

Atlanta, Georgia is a Mecca for mega churches and religious followers. It is also a Mecca for adult entertainment: it has one of the densest populations of strip bars in America. Consequently, only one of those offers an all male, all nude staff and is geared towards a gay clientele. Welcome to Swinging Richards - the setting for All Male All Nude.

From color correction, sound design and music licensing to web site design, PR, advertising, legal fees and so much more, I need your support and in return, a night celebrating in Atlanta is sure to be one for the memory books.

Any amount is appreciated and nothing is too small (or too big). Although I have set the fundraising goal as low as possible, if funds are raised exceeding the goal, it only leads to a stronger film and it is my intention to deliver the strongest, sexiest documentary possible. ​

As regular readers of The Randy Report know, I'm way big into promoting music, film and other creative projects by the LGBT community. Hey - if we want to see more of us out there in entertainment, let's support it!

Gerald is an absolute pro at getting quality indie films like the Bear City films, and more recently Daddy, made and featured at film festivals all over the world.

Plus, it's fun to pitch in a few bucks and be a part of the creative process. For supporting the project, Gerald promises updates of all kinds as All Male All Nude gets made. What's not to like?

Watch the pitch video below.

Gerald McCullouch Talks "Daddy" & "Bear City 3"

Director/actor Gerald McCullouch chats on his new indie film, DADDY, and the upcoming BEAR CITY 3 in this episode of my online radio show, The Randy Report.

I know so many of you read my posts here on the blog, I really encourage you to hit the player below and hear what I actually sound like when I'm interviewing folks.

As an actor, Gerald ("Bones," "NCIS," "House") is recognized around the world for his 10 seasons as Bobby Dawson on “CSI," as well as his critically praised portrayal of "Roger" in the Bear City movies.

Thanks to the global and diverse fan bases of “CSI” and the Bear City movies, he was honored as one of the 100 most compelling people in OUT Magazine’s “OUT 100," and featured in The New York Daily News, LA Daily News, The New York Post, US Weekly and The Advocate, among others.

Gerald originated the role of "Colin" in the NYC world premiere stage production of DADDY and produced the critically acclaimed West Coast premiere, in which he also starred, receiving rave reviews.

DADDY The Movie fared equally as well with the critics. Here are a few quotes from critics:

CIFF: “Funny, erotic, and heart-tugging DADDY explores what a hot, beautiful mess friendship and loyalty are and how to age gracefully while kicking and screaming.”

The Film Reel: “It’s hard to say that the film is anything but wonderful…outstanding.. very powerful and filled with emotion…a fantastic film.”

Zone Culture: "Nothing short of miraculous… credit must be given to the talent of the Via-McCullouch team for making one of the most touching, heartwarming and believable friendships in the history of gay movies.”

Progressive Pulse: “Wonderful and beautiful performances…an impressive directorial debut”

More info on Gerald at www.gerald.biz

Listen to my interview below. And if you like, I really ask that you share :)

This Week In LGBT News - Will & Grace, Aston, & Daddy The Movie

Kick back and listen in as I recap several of the top LGBT stories of the week including:

• Pansexual music artist Aston dropped her new dance single "Circles" this week

• Update to the tragic story of Tyler Clementi, the Rutgers University freshman who committed suicide after cyber bullying by his college roommate.

• HIV history gets a rewrite as the myth of "Patient Zero" is debunked

• The U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear an important transgender rights case

• Rumors swirl about a possible Will & Grace reboot, plus Sean Hayes apologizes to LGBT community for not coming out sooner

• Randy's interview with hunky Bear City / DADDY film star Gerald McCullouch

And much more!

Radio Show: Director/Actor Gerald McCullouch Chats On His Acclaimed Film DADDY

Had a great time interviewing director/actor Gerald McCullouch last night on my BlogTalkRadio show.  You have checked out some of my recent episodes, yes? :)

As I mention during the radio chat, having Gerald on the show is like Christmas for a me cause he's just a great guest.

As an actor, Gerald ("Bones," "NCIS," "House") is recognized around the world for his 10 seasons as Bobby Dawson on “CSI," as well as his critically praised portrayal of "Roger" in the Bear City movies.

Thanks to the global and diverse fan bases of “CSI” and the Bear City movies, he was honored as one of the 100 most compelling people in OUT Magazine’s “OUT 100," and featured in The New York Daily News, LA Daily News, The New York Post, US Weekly and The Advocate, among others.

Gerald dropped by to chat on his new indie film, DADDY, and the upcoming BEAR CITY 3.

The DVD of DADDY was recently released, and is packed with lots of fun extras, which we talk about at length. Interesting to see scenes Gerald cut or which songs he swapped out for the right tone of a scene. You can get the DVD from Amazon by clicking here. 
Gerald originated the role of "Colin" in the NYC world premiere stage production of DADDY and produced the critically acclaimed West Coast premiere, in which he also starred, receiving rave reviews.

Critics raved about DADDY The Movie. Here are a few quotes from critics:

CIFF: “Funny, erotic, and heart-tugging DADDY explores what a hot, beautiful mess friendship and loyalty are and how to age gracefully while kicking and screaming.”

The Film Reel: “It’s hard to say that the film is anything but wonderful…outstanding.. very powerful and filled with emotion…a fantastic film.”

Zone Culture: "Nothing short of miraculous… credit must be given to the talent of the Via-McCullouch team for making one of the most touching, heartwarming and believable friendships in the history of gay movies.”

Progressive Pulse: “Wonderful and beautiful performances…an impressive directorial debut.”

More info on Gerald at www.gerald.biz

Listen to my fun chat with the hunky, handsome Gerald below.

Out Films: "DADDY" Now Available For Streaming & Download

Award-winning actor Gerald McCullouch directs/stars in DADDY

I'm excited to share that the award-winning film DADDY is now available on iTunes, Video On Demand, and most cable systems - plus, if you're in Los Angeles April 8th you can see the movie on the big screen at Arena Cinema Hollywood.

Making his directorial debut, Gerald McCullouch (the BEAR CITY trilogy, CBS's "CSI") stars alongside DADDY screenwriter Dan Via, with Smash’s Jaime Cepero, Tamlyn Tomita, Tony Award winner John Rubenstein, Jay Jackson and Mackenzie Astin.

McCullouch was named Best Actor at the 2015 California Independent Film Festival, where DADDY made its U.S. debut, and was honored as one of the 100 most compelling people by OUT.

The film was lauded by critics like The Film Reel, which wrote, “It’s hard to say that the film is anything but wonderful... very powerful and filled with emotion.”

Progressive Pulse calls the movie "an impressive directorial debut" with "beautiful performances."

The flick is based on Via’s stage play which had a critically acclaimed world premiere in New York City, followed by subsequent success in a Los Angeles run.

I saw the play in LA and found the artistry of the writing and the performances compelling and provacative. The story doesn't exactly take you where you think you're headed, and that's all I'll say about that. I was happily surprised at the issues explored - best friends, boy friends, family relations - and how skillfully they were interwoven without being heavy handed.

The film premiered at the Montreal World Film Festival in fall 2015, where Progressive Pulse raved DADDY features “wonderful and beautiful performances." DADDY went on to win awards at the California Independent Film Festival and Atlanta’s Out on Film International LGBT Film Festival.

Official Synopsis:

Colin McCormack thinks he has it all — a great job, a steady stream of hot younger guys, and a best friend whose devotion he takes for granted. But when a charming and mercurial intern sweeps him off his feet, Colin sees a chance for something more: A family of his own. What he discovers instead is a shattering secret that may cost Colin everything — and everyone — he holds dear.

Watch the trailer below. Congrats Gerald!

Film: DADDY Starring Gerald McCullouch Will See April 1st Release

Very excited to see my longtime friend Gerald McCullouch's award-winning film DADDY will have a Los Angeles release April 1st, followed by DVD and Video-On-Demand availability on April 5th.

Making his directorial debut, Gerald McCullouch (the BEAR CITY trilogy, CBS's "CSI") stars alongside DADDY screenwriter Dan Via, with Smash’s Jaime Cepero, Tamlyn Tomita, Tony Award winner John Rubenstein, Jay Jackson and Mackenzie Astin.

McCullouch was named Best Actor at the 2015 California Independent Film Festival, where DADDY made its U.S. debut, and was honored as one of the 100 most compelling people by OUT.

The film was lauded by critics like The Film Reel, which wrote, “It’s hard to say that the film is anything but wonderful... very powerful and filled with emotion.”

Progressive Pulse calls the movie "an impressive directorial debut" with "beautiful performances."

The flick is based on Via’s stage play which had a critically acclaimed world premiere in New York City, followed by subsequent success in a Los Angeles run.

I saw the play in LA and found the artistry of the writing and the performances compelling and provacative. The story doesn't exactly take you where you think you're headed, and that's all I'll say about that. I was happily surprised at the issues explored - best friends, boy friends, family relations - and how skillfully they were interwoven without being heavy handed.

The film premiered at the Montreal World Film Festival in fall 2015, where Progressive Pulse raved DADDY features “wonderful and beautiful performances." DADDY went on to win awards at the California Independent Film Festival and Atlanta’s Out on Film International LGBT Film Festival.

Official Synopsis:

Colin McCormack thinks he has it all — a great job, a steady stream of hot younger guys, and a best friend whose devotion he takes for granted. But when a charming and mercurial intern sweeps him off his feet, Colin sees a chance for something more: A family of his own. What he discovers instead is a shattering secret that may cost Colin everything — and everyone — he holds dear.

DADDY will be available on iTunes, Amazon Instant, Google Play, and cable VOD starting April 5, 2016.

Watch the trailer below. Congrats Gerald!

DADDY The Movie World Premieres At Montreal World Film Festival

Gay themed play-turned-feature-film DADDY, starring BearCity star (hottie) Gerald McCullouch, will world premiere today at prestigious Montreal World Film Festival.

DADDY chronicles the intergenerational tale of an older gay male (played by McCullouch) falling for a younger man played by Jaime Cepero, from the NBC show Smash. McCullouch not only stars in the flick but also directed.

Montreal Gazette talked with the handsome McCullouch about whether being out has affected his acting career:

I get asked that question a lot. And I really don’t know how it’s affected my career. I only have the career I have.

I’ve never been one to hide who I am or what I think. And I’ve never understood people’s belief that my eye color, or shoe size, or sexual orientation limits my imaginative capacity to pretend to be someone different.

Mind you, I’ve also appeared in many non-gay-themed shows like Bones and House and Law & Order and many others where I have a wife and kids and no affinity for dudes at all.

And I think the terrain is changing daily of opportunities for out actors and artists. But I’ve been “out” since before it was in fashion. Never really considered being “in.” Not sure what my life would have been. Or my career. Only know the life I have.

DADDY screens at Cinema Quartier Latin at the Montreal World Film Festival:
Aug. 30 at 4:10 p.m.
Aug. 31 at 9 p.m.

Click here for more info and tickets.

Trailer: DADDY Starring Gerald McCullouch

Very excited to share the official trailer for the upcoming film DADDY starring Gerald McCullouch (who is also making his feature film directorial debut).

Audiences know hunky/handsome Gerald from a multitude of roles including the Bear City films, years on the original CSI TV series, the award-winning Hustling web series and more.

Synopsis:

Colin McCormack thinks he has it all — a great job, a steady stream of hot younger guys, and a best friend whose devotion he takes for granted. But when a charming and mercurial intern sweeps him off his feet, Colin sees a chance for something more: A family of his own. What he discovers instead is a shattering secret that may cost Colin everything — and everyone — he holds dear.

The film will have it's world premiere as at the UBER-prestigious Montreal World Film Festival on August 30th.

The film will see it's US premiere at the California Independent Film Festival in San Francisco this September at The Castro Theater.

I saw the play that the film is based on in Los Angeles with McCullouch, and I can attest to not only the humor but the power of the play. Can't wait to see the movie.

Congrats to Gerald and company!

Bear City star Gerald McCullouch dating out NCAA basketball player Derrick Gordon

Gerald McCullouch (L) and Derrick Gordon (R)

E! News reports that Derrick Gordon, the first openly gay NCAA Division One male basketball player, is now dating former CSI / Bear City / Hustling actor Gerald McCullouch.

The two were seen as a couple on the GLAAD Media Awards red carpet this past weekend.

McCullouch, 47, tells E! News that they first connected via Twitter a few years ago after Gordon saw McCullouch in the indie film BearCity, about a tight-knit pack of gay friends navigating life and love in New York.

"Through the years I've encouraged him to lead an authentic life and tried my best to offer as much objective support as possible," says the former CSI actor, who recently wrapped production on Daddy, his feature directorial debut, which he also stars in. The film just so happens to be about a forty-something man who falls for a much younger guy.

"It was a scary time for him," McCullouch recalls, "and I tried my best to assure him that self-acceptance wasn't anything to be ashamed of and I strongly suggested he find a support team at UMass."

I should add that Gerald is a long-time friend of mine.  He's a smart and talented guy who was recently awarded "Best Supporting Actor" at the Indie Series Awards for his work on the terrific web-series Hustling.

Gerald's film Daddy is slated for a 2015 release.

HUSTLING - Season Three preview

Great web-series. If you haven't been following, catch up on all three seasons here.

First look into the third season of the award winning series HUSTLING.

2013 Webby Award Honoree - Drama
Indie Series Award winning
BEST ACTOR - Sebastian La Cause
BEST ENSEMBLE

Starring
Sebastian La Cause, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Gerald McCullouch, Jessica Press, Andrew Glaszek, Kevin Spirtas, Sharon Washington, Facundo Rodriguez, Monica Lawson, Robert Montano, Mara Davi, Marc Sinoway, Jamie Clayton, James Martinez, Jim Newman, Julies Carter

Web-series: HUSTLING - The Final Season

Hustling, the popular web series by Sebastian La Cause (Chicago, The Rocky Horror Show) about a male escort who undergoes a life overhaul, is preparing to unveil its third and final season.

The series' creator, director and star took it all off for this teaser poster (shot by Kevin Thomas Garcia) and invited his co-stars to join in on the fun. 

Find out more about the show at Hustling.tv.

Sexy, furry, funny Gerald McCullouch on The Candi & Randy Show

Listen to internet radio with CandiXRandy on BlogTalkRadio

Fun and sexy Gerald McCullouch ("CSI," "BearCity," "Hustling") joins Candi & Randy from NYC where he is appearing in a new play, "Moonlight and Love Songs."

Also on the docket is Gerald's work on the award-winning web series "Hustling" and his movies in the "Bear City" series.

Smart, funny and unpredictable - we love Gerald McCullouch. Tune in for the chat.

For ticket info for "Moonlight and Love Songs" - click here. Last five chances to see Gerald this weekend in his new play written by Scott Sickles and directed by Steven Petrillo.

"A Very Bear-y Christmas" - The Candi & Randy Holiday Show

Join us and our 'bear-y' special guests for a fun, furry holiday episode of The Candi & Randy Show:

Mike Enders from AccidentalBear.com

Ian Parks from the web series Where The Bears Are

Travis & Chris from ModernBear.net

Gerald McCullouch from the film BearCity 2

Listen in as our guests share their holiday memories and stories - sure to be a lot of fun, so let the fur fly!

Plus we play their favorite Christmas songs along with some of our own.

Gerald McCullouch of "BearCity 2" on The Candi & Randy Show

 

Sexy and talented Gerald McCullouch joined us on The Candi & Randy Show last night to talk about his new movie "BearCity 2" - the sequel to the hit movie "BearCity."

 The Francisco Examiner had this to say about the new film: "BearCity 2" is the sequel that "Sex and the City 2" wished it was."

And Andrew Sullivan of The Daily Beast blog said: "It's not gay-funny; it's just funny. And oddly moving. It has characters you actually come to care about a bit; and it's one of the first movies to explore what marriage equality is doing to gay culture."

The movie plays at The Castro in San Francisco on Sunday at 11:30, 2:00, 4:30, 7:00 and 9:25. And it will also screen on September 15 in Oslo, Norway in the Oslo LGBT International Film Festival, where the first film, BearCity, won the Audience Award for best feature film.

Gerald is well-known to TV audiences, especially for his long-running role in the hit TV show CSI as "Bobby Dawson" (the gun expert). Last year, he starred in the Los Angeles premiere of the hit play DADDY which is now being developed as a feature film.

For more info on the film, visit www.bearcity2.com