Acclaimed Short Film 'Trophy Boy' Heading To Television

Emrhys Cooper in 'Trophy Boy' (photo: Robin Isherwood)

Trophy Boy, the critically-acclaimed short film about the fall of an egotistical gay Instagram ‘influencer’ after being dumped by his sugar daddy, has been picked up for series development.

Emrhys Cooper (Mamma Mia, Vanity) directed and starred in the short film which has been acquired by production, financing and distribution company Dynamic Television.

Gerald McCullouch, of the Bear City movie trilogy and the award-winning web series, Hustling, is also featured in the film.

Anthony Johnston, Emrhys Cooper, Gerald McCullouch in 'Trophy Boy'

In the short, Cooper plays 'James,' who after living as a social media 'celebrity' finds out the hard way what real life is like.

The official synopsis:

Trophy Boy is your classic “riches-to-rags” story. It depicts the downward spiral of James - a spoiled, influencer and narcissist, who, based on his social media accounts, appears to have it all.

But, just before his 30th birthday, his much older boyfriend, on whom he was financially dependent, breaks up with him. James now must face reality with no work experience and no idea where to start.

With his sex-addicted best buddy by his side, James takes a crash course in living and sets out to prove that he doesn’t need anyone to take care of him.

He ultimately ends up alienating himself further from reality and comes face-to-face with the bitter fact that if he doesn’t learn to live as an adult in the real world, he’ll never be more than a washed-up, unwanted accessory.

Emhrys Cooper in 'Trophy Boy' (photo: Andrey Kopylov)

Speaking to Towleroad last year, Emhrys explained his inspiration for making the film: “Social media has created a generation of self-obsessed narcissists obsessed with self-obsessed narcissists. My goal for Trophy Boy is to say look up from your phone, breathe, observe, and think about what really matters; honesty, integrity and deep sense of responsibility."

Critics have raved about the film:

“With impeccable dialogue delivery, amazing body language and performance, he (Cooper) consumes the screen every time he faces the camera…The climax is a pure masterpiece in terms of both, acting and story. The dark, haunting depth attained in performance and narration makes ‘Trophy Boy’ worth a watch!"” – Indie Shorts Mag, September 14, 2018

Cooper and Trophy Boy co-star Donal Brophy will executive produce the new series along with Dynamic Television’s Holly Hines.

Dynamic’s list of series include SYFY's Trapped, Van Helsing, Wynona Earp and Z Nation, East Los High for Hulu, and Madiba on BET.

You can watch the entire 12 minute short film, Trophy Boy, below.

Short Film: 'The Real Thing'

What a lovely, thoughtful short film.

The Real Thing, written and directed by Brandon Kelley, captures important moments - big and small - in a quick 7 minute journey.

With very little dialogue Kelley guides his lead actors, Sophie Giannamore and Michael Torpey, up to and through one of the most crucial, life-altering moments a transgender child will have.

From the official description:

When a soldier returns home, things have often changed. For Staff Sergeant Michael Waltze, the ultimate change is in his child. While on his tour of duty, his daughter has transitioned and started living her truth. Today he is coming home to surprise her.
Parental love is unconditional. It transcends a person's memory of their child. The Real Thing is an infinitely stronger bond.

The short was honored as 'Outstanding Narrative Short Film' at Outfest 2017, 'Programmers Choice Award' for Narrative Short at the Virginia Film Festival, Best Director and Best Drama Jury Award at the New England Film Festival, Grand Jury Prize and People's Choice Award at the James River Short Film fest and many others.

Kelley released the film earlier this week in observance of Transgender Awareness Week (Nov 12-19).

Kudos to Kelley, his cast and crew for a capturing such a poignant, 'real' chapter in so many lives.

I really encourage you to sit back for just 7 minutes and watch The Real Thing below.

Out Film: 'Mario'

(scene from 'Mario')

After successfully making the rounds of the international film festival circuit, Mario, a gay-themed movie steeped in the world of professional European soccer will finally be available in the U.S. via Video On Demand October 30.

The film follows Swiss-German soccer hopeful Mario (Max Hubacher) who is assigned housing with a new-teammate, dark and swarthy Leon (Aaron Altaras), a striker from Hanover, Germany.

Chemistry (or biology) is what it is, and one night during a video game session, a bout of tickling leads to a kiss.

Passions now ignited, the real story of Mario begins as the two young athletes face many obstacles, both personal and professional, as their dreams of becoming soccer stars loom in the distance.

There are swirling rumors among team mates, tamping down concerns by veteran sports agents, a threat of blackmail, and personal demons to address that have been long-buried in the pursuit of athletic achievement.

Credit director Marcel Gisler for developing the palpable chemistry between Altaras and Hubacher throughout the film.

The film had its premiere at BFI Flare London LGBTQ Film Festival in early April this year, and premiered in North America at Miami’s Outshine Film Festival later in spring.

The Swiss film was so well-received it managed to take home trophies in the ‘Best Actor’ and ‘Best Supporting Actress’ categories at the most recent Swiss Film Awards.

The Guardian called the film “a heartfelt and human drama with the texture of truth and characters to care about.”

The Independent wrote, “Every gay man will instantly connect with either Mario or Leon and their relatable worries of life and love.”

And The Hollywood Reporter hailed “the small, very human moments” of the movie that ensures Mario “feels authentic and is, finally, moving.”

This heart-warming rollercoaster of a film, set on and off the field, offers a dynamic and realistic picture of how gay professional athletes are still struggling to live their authentic lives in the 21st century.

Short Film: 'Trophy Boy'

Emrhys Cooper in 'Trophy Boy'

Emrhys Cooper directs and stars in the short film, Trophy Boy, set for release later this month.

The film also features Gerald McCullouch of the Bear City movie trilogy and the award-winning web series, Hustling.

In the film, Cooper plays 'James,' who after living as a social media 'celebrity' finds out the hard way what real life is like.

The official synopsis:

TROPHY BOY is your classic “riches-to-rags” story. It depicts the downward spiral of James - a spoiled, influencer and narcissist, who, based on his social media accounts, appears to have it all.

But, just before his 30th birthday, his much older boyfriend, on whom he was financially dependent, breaks up with him. James now must face reality with no work experience and no idea where to start.

With his sex-addicted best buddy by his side, James takes a crash course in living and sets out to prove that he doesn’t need anyone to take care of him.

He ultimately ends up alienating himself further from reality and comes face-to-face with the bitter fact that if he doesn’t learn to live as an adult in the real world, he’ll never be more than a washed-up, unwanted accessory.

Critics have raved about the classic riches-to-rags story about a young social media “influencer” and self-proclaimed ‘trophy boy’ who gets dumped by his wealthy, older boyfriend/benefactor.

“With impeccable dialogue delivery, amazing body language and performance, he (Cooper) consumes the screen every time he faces the camera…The climax is a pure masterpiece in terms of both, acting and story. The dark, haunting depth attained in performance and narration makes ‘Trophy Boy’ worth a watch!"”  – Indie Shorts Mag, September 14, 2018

Anthony Johnston, Emrhys Cooper, Gerald McCullouch

After making the rounds on the film festival circuit (Cannes Film Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival, California Independent Film Festival), the 13-minute short is scheduled to have screenings and a premiere event in New York City this month.

The short will be available on Vimeo on October 22. Watch the teaser below.

Trailer: Cannes Film Festival Winner 'Sauvage'

(all images via Strand Releasing)

 Director Camille Vidal-Naquet’s feature film debut, Sauvage, which chronicles the journey of a 22-year-old gay street hustler, garnered praise and accolades when the film premiered at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

Strand Releasing has now acquired the North American rights to the provocative film which Vulture called “the most sexually frank film at Cannes.”

The film’s star, Felix Maritaud, was honored with the best actor prize during the Cannes Film Festival’s Critics’ Week. You may recall Maritaud’s previous star turn in Robin Campillo’s (BPM) Beats Per Minute which won the Grand Jury prize at Cannes in 2017.

Vidal-Naquet describes the lead character as a “solitary young man who hits the road and wanders from one encounter to the next, longing for love, driven by an unquenchable capacity for love that keeps him going, regardless of the violent world around him.”

Although the movie received acclaim at the famed film festival, the debut did not go without some controversy.

One scene, in particular, was graphic to the point that some audience members got up and left the screening.

Vulture describes the scene:

At one point, Léo goes home with a city-dwelling couple who treat him like an unthinking animal, making cruel cracks about his appearance and inspecting his teeth as though they were checking the quality of a product. It’s hard to watch this happen to someone as open-hearted as Léo, and that’s even before one of the men orders Léo to get on all fours, then begins to lube up a gigantic, intimidating butt plug which he will wield almost like a weapon.

But the director defended the graphic approach to the material, saying, “It wouldn’t be honest to make a movie about prostitution without talking about these kinds of things."

In addition to the gritty, coarse world of male prostitution, Sauvage also finds vulnerability and balance by touching on Maritaud’s unrequited love for a fellow hustler.

The film is set for a late 2018 release and recently dropped the first trailer. Watch below.

Documentary: 'Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood'

From the official synopsis:

Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood is the deliciously scandalous story of Scotty Bowers, a handsome ex-Marine who landed in Hollywood after World War II and became confidante, aide-de-camp and lover to many of Hollywood’s greatest male—and female—stars.

In the 1940s and ‘50s, Scotty ran a gas station in the shadow of the studio lots where he would connect his friends with actors and actresses who had to hide their true sexual identities for fear of police raids at gay bars, societal shunning and career suicide. An unsung Hollywood legend, Bowers would cater to the sexual appetites of celebrities—straight and gay–for decades.

The list of A-list celebrities Bowers attended to reads like a who's who of golden age Hollywood. Rock Hudson, Cole Porter, Cary Grant, and Katharine Hepburn were among the stars Bowers reportedly catered to.

The documentary is based on the New York Times best-selling memoir Full Service: My Adventures in Hollywood and the Secret Sex Lives of the Stars.

After having a successful run on the film festival circuit, the film opens in Los Angeles on July 27 and on August 3 in NYC.

Watch the trailer below.

Movie Review: "Love, Simon"

With opening day finally upon us, hubby Michael and I ventured out last night to catch the new gay-themed romantic comedy, Love, Simon.

Directed by gay power-producer Greg Berlanti - who's the driving force behind Flash, Riverdale, Brothers & Sisters, Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow - the film is based on the novel Simon vs. The Homo-Sapiens Agenda.

I found Berlanti's groundbreaking film - it IS the first mainstream film to feature a teen gay front and center - to be an exuberant cross between a 1980s John Hughes teen angst film (without the overwrought angst) and a thoughtful exploration of what it's like to come out in high school today.

The film is filled with humor - in its dialogue, characters, and situations - but never sacrifices actual emotional depth.

The first half of the movie takes its time, but that's necessary to lay the groundwork for where we're headed.

As a mainstream high school romantic comedy, there are some cliches here - the "parents are away, we have to throw a house party," the vice-principal who "relates" to his students, clever voiceover from our hero, all backed by a soundtrack of catchy pop tunes.

Simon (charmingly played by Jurassic World’s Nick Robinson) tells us upfront his “huge-ass secret” - that he's gay and he doesn't really know how to come out. And, fearing how life could change, he's not sure he wants to.

He also resents having to "come out" at all (which leads to a clever sequence imagining kids having to come out as heterosexual to their shocked parents). Why is "straight the default?" he asks.

His life becomes complicated when he falls in love via email with an anonymous classmate who calls himself “Blue." His identity is the cliffhanger of the film and Berlanti keeps the suspense going in clever fashion.

To make things even more complicated, an obnoxious classmate named Martin (Logan Miller) discovers Simon's secret and threatens to out him unless Simon helps him date one of his friends.

Eventually, the secret comes out (no, that's not really a spoiler) and Simon copes with his new world.

As a gay man myself, I definitely felt I was reliving some of my own coming out journey.

Touching moments with his parents - played by Jennifer Garner and Josh Duhamel - are handled with thought and care.

In a one-on-one scene with Simon, Garner lovingly tells him, "You can exhale now, Simon." And that moment felt authentic for the whole film - one big exhale for young LGBTs.

It was refreshing to see Robinson's "Simon" delivered as a clever "every teen." And you could definitely see hints of 1980s Matthew Broderick witticisms in our hero.

At the screening I attended, I saw practically no checking of cell phones during the film. Folks were paying attention: talking back to the screen, laughing at an over-the-top queer dance sequence, and gasping in sympathy. When Simon's anonymous crush was finally revealed, the audience broke into euphoric applause.

Love, Simon is a warm-hearted, crowd-pleasing mainstream movie about a gay kid, and how many of those do we get?

The film appears to be doing well at the box office. According to Deadline, the flick is on track to open in 4th place at the box office to the tune of $11.7 million - more than the $10 million cost of the film.

I don't recommend movies just because they have gay content. I have to like them. And I like Love, Simon.

I encourage you to get out and see the film. If we want to see ourselves in the art around us - TV, movies, music - we have to show up and support.

Go see Love, Simon. You'll smile, you'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll cheer.

Berlanti and company don't necessarily reinvent the teen romantic comedy, but they do throw enough rainbow glitter around that you'll definitely walk out with the feels.

Here's the trailer:

Upcoming Gay Rom-Com "Love, Simon" Goes The Billboard Route

Check out these awesome billboards by 20th Century Fox for their upcoming mainstream gay-themed rom-com Love, Simon.

Fun messages completely in tune with the cities they reside in.

Can't wait for the film - due out March 16.

Here's the latest trailer and more of those fab billboards.

(h/t Boy Culture)

New Trailer For Upcoming Coming-Out-Coming-Of-Age Film, "Love, Simon"

There's a new UK trailer for the upcoming coming-of-age gay-themed film, Love, Simon, and it makes me want to see the film that much more.

The new film, directed by out director/producer Greg Berlanti (Dawson’s Creek, Brothers & Sisters, Green Lantern, Everwood, Political Animals, Arrow, The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow) has gotten a lot of ink as one of the first major feature film with a teen LGBT-centric story.

This new trailer has more insight into teenager Simon's burgeoning same-sex attraction.

From the film's synopsis:

Everyone deserves a great love story. But for seventeen-year old Simon Spier it’s a little more complicated: he’s yet to tell his family or friends he’s gay and he doesn’t actually know the identity of the anonymous classmate he’s fallen for online. Resolving both issues proves hilarious, terrifying and life-changing.

New Trailer For Gay-Themed Teen Romance "Love, Simon"

I'm definitely looking forward to the upcoming Love, Simon in theaters March 16.

The official synopsis goes like this:

Everyone deserves a great love story. But for Simon (Nick Robinson) it's complicated: no-one knows he's gay and he doesn't know who the anonymous classmate is that he's fallen for online. Resolving both issues proves hilarious, scary and life-changing.

This would be the first gay-themed teen romance flick with a nation-wide release.

From the folks who brought you This Is Us, Brothers & Sisters and Dawson's Creek.

Watch the new trailer below.

Plus, we get the first track from the film's soundtrack - Bleachers "Alfie's Song (Not So Typical Love Song)."

Take a listen below.

Trailer: "Love, Simon"

A new coming-of-age film from director/producer Greg Berlanti - Love, Simon.

The film looks to be reminiscent of those 1980s big studio, John Hughes romantic dramedies about teenagers in love.

Except for this time - the lead is gay.

Via press release:

Everyone deserves a great love story. But for seventeen-year-old Simon Spier it's a little more complicated: he's yet to tell his family or friends he's gay and he doesn't actually know the identity of the anonymous classmate he's fallen for online.

Resolving both issues proves hilarious, terrifying and life-changing. Directed by Greg Berlanti (Dawson's Creek, Brothers & Sisters), written by Isaac Aptaker & Elizabeth Berger (This is Us), and based on Becky Albertalli's acclaimed novel, Love, Simon is a funny and heartfelt coming-of-age story about the thrilling ride of finding yourself and falling in love.

"No matter what, announcing to the world is pretty terrifying, cause ... what if the world doesn't like you?"

I know a few folks who might relate to this (as I raise my hand "Me! Me!").

The film's production team has an awesome pedigree across the board. Looking forward to seeing this.

Love, Simon arrives in theaters everywhere March 16, 2018.

Queer Cinema: "Call Me By Your Name" Wins At Gotham Independent Film Awards

Timothée Chalamet (L) and Armie Hammer (R) in Call Me By Your Name

Acclaimed gay coming-of-age film Call Me By Your Name had a great start on the awards season last night at the Gotham Independent Film Awards picking up "Best Feature" and "Breakthrough Actor."

I predict it's going to be a fun couple of months for Timothée Chalamet, who plays the young male lead in the highly anticipated film.

Click over to The Hollywood Reporter for a full list of winners.

Sony Pictures UK Attempts To Straight-Wash Upcoming Gay Romance "Call Me By Your Name"

The Twitter feed for Sony Pictures UK was shamed into deleting a tweet that appeared to "straight-wash" the upcoming gay-themed indie film, Call Me By Your Name.

Pairing an image of two of the film's young actors with the quote, “It’s a romance overwhelming in its intensity, a heart that swells until it has to burst,” you would have thought this was a movie about budding young heterosexual romance.

Of course, being one of the most highly anticipated films of the year, movie fans know it's actually a coming of age story centered on a burgeoning gay romance between a young college professor and a male teenager.

Boo, Sony Pictures UK...

Call Me By Your Name is in theaters November 24.

Trailer: "Call Me By Your Name"

When the film adaptation of André Aciman’s acclaimed book, Call Me by Your Name, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, the response was immediate rapturous, critical approval.

The flick was a strong presence at several other major film festivals including the Berlin International Film Festival and the Sydney Film Festival.

Vulture declared the film "feels like a landmark."

Directed by Luca Guadagnino (A Bigger Splash, I Am Love) and set in the Italian region of Lombardy during the early 1980s, Call Me by Your Name follows young Elio (breakout Timothée Chalamet), on the cusp of college and the child of two brainy aesthetes. During the summer we meet Elio, he finds himself bewitched by Oliver (Armie Hammer), a strapping American student who has come to assist Elio’s professor father (Michael Stuhlbarg) for several weeks.

At first, Elio doesn’t quite know what to make of Oliver: Though Elio offers to show the older man around, he lightly mocks Oliver’s casual brashness behind his back. Book-smart and steeped in culture, Elio thinks he knows just about everything already, but as he finds himself increasingly drawn to Oliver — culminating in a romance that’s teased in this trailer — he soon finds out how much there is to learn about love, sex, and the life he’s going to lead.

In addition to the top-shelf work of the two leads, the film's romantic cinematography by Sayombhu Mukdeeprom has been hailed by many as a sure Oscar contender.

Due in theaters November 24.

Out Short Film: "No Place Like Home"

I encourage you to stop for just a few minutes and watch the captivating 7 minute short film, No Place Like Home by David Velduque, starring Marius Praniauskas.

The official synopsis:

No Place Like Home is the story of Niko, a guy who enjoys his life and his sexuality at it's full potential.

Suddenly he will have to go back home to his country in eastern Europe to take care of his ill mother.

Nothing is what it seems and soon he will realize what is really going on.

A breathtaking roadtrip about the discrimination and violence against the LGTBIQ community around the world.

As World Pride begins in Madrid, Spain, it's important to remember LGBTs around the world face terrible violence and discrimination.

Trailer: "Something Like Summer"

Check out the trailer to Something Like Summer, the film adaptation of Jay Bell's Lambda Literary Award-winning novel of the same title.

Official synopsis:

Benjamin Bentley is the only guy at his Texas high school with the courage to come out of the closet, dooming himself, he believes, to a life of loneliness. Putting up with the bullies and his classmates’ whispered condemnations keeps him from pursuing his dream of being a singer, despite the encouragement of his best friend, Allison. Instead, Ben spends his summer vacation stalking the handsome athlete who just moved to town, Tim Wyman.

Something Like Summer follows the course of true love over the span of a dozen years, from awkward adolescence through challenging adulthood, featuring seven original musical numbers and the artwork of a talented young artist.

The movie features both classic and original songs performed by the stars of the film.

Check the official website for upcoming screenings. Watch the trailer below:

Documentary Trailer: "The Freedom To Marry"

The award winning LGBT documentary, The Freedom To Marry, gets a limited release in theaters with screenings in New York (March 3rd at the Village East) and in Los Angeles March 10th (at the Laemmle Monica).

The film follows the decades long work of true LGBT heroes Evan Wolfson (Founder/President, Freedom to Marry), Mary Bonauto (Civil Rights Attorney, GLAD) and Marc Solomon (National Campaign Director, Freedom to Marry).

Via press release:

One of the most surprising things about the same sex marriage movement is that it was carefully planned and orchestrated over decades. THE FREEDOM TO MARRY is an intimate and epic documentary that goes behind-the-scenes to reveal the inner workings and key players of this historic civil rights battle. This is a riveting ride alongside Evan Wolfson, the man known as architect of the movement, civil rights attorney Mary Bonauto, and their colleagues as they wage their climactic battle before the United States Supreme Court.

THE FREEDOM TO MARRY offers perspective not just on one movement's history - but on how regular people can only fight back, even against incredible odds. This is a unique and timely story of how beleaguered underdogs actually can win.

More info about the film at the official website here, and you can watch the trailer below:

Radio Show: The Best Of LGBT Entertainment In 2016

Tune in as I share our "Top 5" lists of the best in LGBT music, film, theater and more from the year that was 2016.

• Top 5 songs from out musicians Ty Herndon, David Hernandez, Jeb Havens, Halsey and Tegan & Sara

• Top 5 LGBT themed movies: Moonlight, Retake, Other People, First Girl I Loved and King Kobra

• Highlights from Broadway including The Color Purple, Falsettos and Dear Evan Hansen

...and more

Short Film: "Understanding"

Beautiful short film, Understanding, from director Terry Rayment, shot by cinematographer Kate Arizmendi, on the power of communication and acceptance.

From the YouTube description:

Director Terry Rayment's 35mm film "Understanding" poignantly depicts the transformational power of love and happiness. Cinematographer Kate Arizmendi captured all of the emotions beautifully on KODAK VISION3 500T 5219.

(h/t JoeMyGod)

Queer Film: Award-Winning "Kiss Me, Kill Me"

The award-winning queer film noir Kiss Me, Kill Me is now available on DVD and VOD.

Synopsis:

Starring as Dusty, four-time Emmy nominee Van Hansis ("As the World Turns" and "EastSiders") blacks out while confronting his cheating boyfriend, Stephen, played by gay icon Gale Harold (“Queer as Folk”). When Dusty comes to, Stephen was murdered and he’s the prime suspect.

With plot twists and turns to keep you guessing, the film also stars a colorful collection of characters, many of whom might have their own reasons for wanting Stephen dead.

Director Casper Andreas had this to say about working on the slick flick:

"I have always enjoyed a good who-done-it. Growing up, I was a huge fan of both Agatha Christie novels and suspense thrillers, so when screenwriter David Michael Barrett sent me the script for KISS ME, KILL ME, I got very excited. Not only was this a bona-fide murder mystery, it was centered in a world I am very familiar with – gay West Hollywood.

"One of the things I loved most about the script was that it wasn’t a spoof of a thriller; it was the real thing. It also didn’t take itself too seriously, and even had characters commenting on the outrageous events, often balancing them with humor."

I enjoy when a movie comes at you from a very specific point of view and style, and Andreas brings the "noir," albeit with a light touch. It's not until the last ten minutes of the film that the suspense and sense of danger gets you on the edge of your seat.

It's great to see Gale Harold in a gay project again, this being his first since his work on "Queer As Folk." He's a strong anchor to the film. And Kit Williamson ("Eastsiders") turns in a strong performance as Dusty's bestie.

Kudos to composer Jonathan Dinerstein for his evocative original score, which lands right in the sweet spot for the film.