Deadline
Gravitas Ventures Acquires NA Rights To ‘Studio One Forever,’ Doc About Legendary West Hollywood Disco Patronized By Major Stars, LGBTQ Hotties
By Matthew Carey
August 26, 2024

DEADLINE EXCLUSIVE: Everyone knows Studio 54, the iconic New York nightclub that flourished in the 1970s. But the West Coast claimed its magnetic hotspot in that era – a place that attracted celebrities and the gay community for a wild time of dancing, drinking, and debauchery.

Studio One Forever, directed by Marc Saltarelli, documents a discotheque and cabaret that welcomed the likes of Bette Davis, Cary Grant, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Elton John, and Chita Rivera, future notables like writer Bruce Vilanch, and hot young things in skimpy shorts. Gravitas Ventures today announced it has acquired North American distribution rights for the documentary, with plans to release it theatrically in Los Angeles on September 13 and VOD beginning October 8.

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The film includes new interviews with Melissa Rivers, Roslyn Kind, Lance Bass, Thelma Houston and more “as they recount their experiences at Studio One, and what the iconic club stood for as it faces demolition.” Chita Rivera, before her passing in January of this year, sat for an interview recalling her memories of performing at Studio One’s sister club, The Backlot.

“Studio One Forever shares the journey of Studio One, a beacon of dancing and freedom for gay men looking for identity in a world that saw them as outcasts, as it faces destruction,” notes a description of the documentary. “From merging the gay community and Hollywood elites like Bette Davis and Cary Grant to being at the forefront of the LGBTQ+ rights movement and the fight against the AIDS crisis, the venue was more than a vibrant disco haven and blossoming center of nightlife in West Hollywood; it was a movement.”

Bruce Vilanch and David Del Valle narrate the “dive into the history of the historic venue, offering a testament to an era and immortalizing the club’s legacy for future generations.” The film’s soundtrack features Donna Summer, Sylvester, Thelma Houston, Village People, Bronski Beat, and more.

“I’m excited to bring Studio One Forever to audiences through our partner Gravitas Ventures,” Saltarelli said in a statement. “Their enthusiasm to share the journey and cultural importance of Studio One, especially during a time when LGBTQ+ and human rights are being challenged, makes them the ideal partner to bring the inspirational story of this iconic venue to the next generation.”

Bill Guentzler, SVP of acquisitions and operations at Gravitas Ventures, commented, “Gravitas is proud to be bringing the story of Studio One Forever to North American audiences. Through entertaining and revealing narration, interviews, and footage, director Marc Saltarelli expertly captures the importance of not only the space itself, but the essence of the community that was created by its existence.”

The Factory, the nearly century-old building that housed Studio One and The Backlot, was torn down in 2020 to make way for a hotel and retail complex. But the pioneering disco won’t only live on through the documentary. Former West Hollywood City Councilman John Duran, who appears in the film and serves as a producer of the documentary, said the building was carefully dismantled.

“It was disassembled piece by piece by piece and put in crates and stored,” Duran told the audience after the film’s world premiere at the Outfest LA Film Festival last summer. “One of the promises we secured out of the developer… is that there be a permanent display and recognition of the history of Studio One with photos and items and video.” He added somewhat wistfully, “I really wanted to preserve the disco, but the sad thing is a lot of our young LGBTQ+ people, they don’t really dance anymore; they Grindr… they Tinder.”

Vilanch, never one to miss the opportunity for a joke, said at the Q&A, “John, by the way, did all his own stunts in the film.”

A sense of the importance of Studio One to the LGBTQ community emerges on the Studio One Forever Facebook page. David M. Rodriguez wrote, “Studio One was my place to go to every Friday and Saturday nights. What awesome memories.” Roger Briggs wrote, “Went there whenever I could. I was free to be me.”

Studio One Forever is directed and produced by Marc Saltarelli and produced by Stephen Israel, Alan Eichler and Michael Alden along with Lloyd Coleman, Gary Steinberg, Steve Masterson, Michael Roth, Chris Isaacson, Loree Gold, John Duran, and Steve Saltarelli. Executive producers include Gary A. Carnow, M.J. Humenuik, Matt Zarley, and Drew Sklar. The documentary is a co-production between Studio One Productions and School Pictures with support from Alan Eichler Productions, Observatory Media, Pauleytics Productions, Violet Horizon and a grant from the Mario and Mary Saltarelli Foundation.

Gravitas Ventures, an Anthem Sports and Entertainment Company, is a “leading all rights distributor of independent feature films and documentaries… Gravitas Ventures has distributed thousands of films into over a hundred million homes in North America – over one billion homes worldwide.”

The post Gravitas Gets NA Rights 2 ‘Studio One Forever,’ Ft. Bruce Vilanch first appeared on We Got Bruce!.

Yahoo
‘Candis Cayne’s Secret Garden’ blooms on Hulu this Pride Month
By Nic Austin
JUNE 25 2024

Experience inspiration and entertainment this Pride Month with Candis Cayne’s groundbreaking new series, Candis Cayne’s Secret Garden, from the Advocate Channel, now available on Hulu!

Candis Cayne, renowned as the first transgender actress to portray a recurring transgender character in a primetime series (Dirty Sexy Money), is a pioneering actress, fashion icon, classically trained dancer, and now an expert gardener. In this captivating series, Cayne welcomes viewers into her private backyard haven, presenting a unique blend of beauty, healing, camp, and compassion. Candis Cayne’s Secret Garden transcends traditional gardening shows, celebrating resilience, creativity, and personal expression.

Kristen Carroll, CEO of SpoPro (Spotlight Productions), recognizes the importance of Hulu platforming Secret Garden. “We are delighted that Candis Cayne’s Secret Garden is now on Hulu, which has shown a tremendous commitment to the LGBTQ community,” Carroll remarks. “This show is a testament to SpoPro’s belief in the power of amplifying marginalized voices, and we believe it will resonate with audiences of all backgrounds. As Candis always reminds us, ‘Good things happen when you get a little dirty!’”

For Cayne, the opportunity to create this new series was a healing experience, one in which she hopes to share with viewers, in light of all the increased strife that the LGBTQ+ community has faced in recent years. “All you have to do is turn on the news to get a glimpse of the negativity our community has been facing. It reminds us that it’s more important than ever to live our most authentic, beautiful, multi-faceted, messy, joyous lives,” Cayne comments. “That’s why I created my show. It’s sort of [like] Pee-wee’s Playhouse meets [Martha Stewart’s] Martha Gardens—it’s full of camp and glamor, kindness and cocktails, and just a dash of shade.”

Candis Cayne’s Secret Garden’s debut is one of two original series from the Advocate Channel launching on Hulu this Pride Month. Along with Candis Cayne’s show, the Out100 Specials 2021-2023 are now part of the Hulu Has Pride celebration and are available in the Hulu Has Pride hub, serving you with your next streaming obsession, timed perfectly with Pride Month.

Celebrate Pride Month with Candis Cayne and her Secret Garden, now streaming on Hulu!

The post See Bruce Vilanch Guest On Candis Cayne’s Secret Garden first appeared on We Got Bruce!.

Los Angeles Blade
Abbey launches new era with star-studded party
By Rob Salerno
June 21, 2024

It was a star-studded affair at the Abbey Nightclub Thursday night, as a veritable who’s who of West Hollywood showed up to kick off the gay club’s new era, including icons Cher, Ricky Martin, Jean Smart and Bianca Del Rio.

The Abbey was bought last year by Tristan Schukraft, the “CEO of Everything Gay” who’s behind the Mistr pharmacy, the Tryst Hotels and Circo nightclub in Puerto Rico, and who claims to own 75% of the commercial strip on Fire Island.

Schukraft says he plans to maintain the Abbey’s reputation as a home and flagship nightclub for the LGBTQ community in Los Angeles and beyond.

“I’m going to add my own personal touches to it. I’m going to bring in some new DJs, mix in some new talent, keep it fresh,” Schukraft says. “We’re going to do some new once-monthly events, a new night on Thursday nights at the chapel, expand the dance floor, but at its core, we’re going to keep the Abbey what it is, and that’s the most popular gay bar in the world.”

Revelers were treated to a surprise appearance by Cher, who told the crowd about her lifelong appreciation of the gay community, while servers passed out bowls of her Cher-lato gelato.

“The first gay guys I ever met, I was 9 years old … and I remember saying to my mom, ‘Where have you been hiding these guys? Who are these guys, and why aren’t the other guys as fun as these guys?’” Cher said. “I’ve had ups and downs in my career and you guys have never left me.”

The Abbey has been an important home for people across the LGBTQ spectrum, says actress and singer Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, best known as the star of the FX series “Pose.”

“I’ve always felt safe and comfortable here. That’s the reason it’s always felt special to me,” she says. “What would a world be if there wasn’t a place for us to congregate and have communal togetherness?”

Lance Bass, the former NSYNC popstar who now owns Rocco’s nightclub across the street from the Abbey, was also among the revelers Thursday night. Though the clubs are competitors, he says the Abbey is a special place to him and describes former owner David Cooley as one of his best friends.

“This is the place I came to when I wanted to come out. This has always been my safe space,” Bass says. “My favorite memory was years ago meeting Liz Taylor right there in front of the fireplace, and it was amazing.”

Other stars spotted at the party included recording artist and actor Ricky Martin, star of HBO’s “Hacks” Jean Smart, drag icons Bianca Del Rio and Manila Luzon, musician Saweetie, comedian Bruce Vilanch and “Glamorous” star Graham Parkhurst.

For Abbey founder David Cooley, the party was an opportunity to celebrate his 33 years of running the club and a handoff to a successor who will continue his legacy.

He had a few words of advice for Schukraft as he launches the Abbey’s new era.

“When people say no or you can’t make money, push forward. Follow your dreams,” Cooley says.

Schukraft, still in awe of his recent acquisition, reflects on the responsibility and opportunity ahead.

“I never thought in a million years I was going to own the Abbey. When you’re here, it’s still so surreal,” Schukraft says. “The Abbey is iconic and so important to the gay community, and Fire Island is deeply as such. These opportunities come about and you have to take advantage of them when they’re there.”

The post Bruce Vilanch Attends Star-Studded Abbey Relaunch Party first appeared on We Got Bruce!.

The Hollywood Reporter
Leslie Jordan 2 Get Posthumous Life Achievement Award at Hollywood Museum
BY CHRIS GARDNER
JUNE 20, 2024

Leslie Jordan to Receive Posthumous Life Achievement Award at Hollywood Museum
The honor, accepted by longtime Jordan pal Del Shores, will be presented during an event to mark the debut of the museum’s Real to Reel: Portrayals and Perceptions of LGBTQs in Hollywood exhibit.

Leslie Jordan will soon have an award named after him.

The late actor, who died at age 67 on Oct. 24, 2022, will be honored with an inaugural Leslie Jordan Lifetime Achievement Award at the Hollywood Museum on June 25. The posthumous prize, which will be accepted by producer and longtime Jordan pal Del Shores of the Del Shores Foundation, will be presented during a special event to mark the debut of the museum’s queer tribute exhibit, the 11th annual Real to Reel: Portrayals and Perceptions of LGBTQ+ in Hollywood. Also on the bill that night will be a special comedy performance by gay icon Bruce Vilanch, along with speakers including Shores, Ann Walker, and Emerson Collins.

Leslie Jordan and Terrence McNally Among National LGBTQ Wall of Honor 2023 Inductees
Expected attendees also include Hollywood Museum founder and president Donelle Dadigan, Young & the Restless star Kate Linder, Lee Purcell, Jeremy Miller, Alice Amter, Kathy Kolla, Rico E. Anderson, Tyrone DuBose, Eve Richards, Melissa Niece Smith, Gary Lane, Larry Lane, Geoffrey Mark, Paul L. Hart, Peter Szeliga, Brooke St. John, Darren Deng, Guillermo Diaz, Bobby Trendy, Jason Stuart, Shawn Pelofsky, John Tucker, Megan Davis, Jackette Knightley, Alan Rich, Sherry Vine, Ingenue, Glen Alen and others.

The Real to Reel exhibit is designed to spotlight 100+ years of content, costumes, props, and memorabilia from films, TV shows, and digital offerings. It will also feature special costumes worn by Jordan during his long career.

“The museum welcomes the opportunity to create and showcase this important exhibition, sharing with the public the artistic expression and extraordinary significance of the LGBTQ+ culture and its effect and impact on the world through the medium of entertainment,” Dadigan said of the works, houses in the Hollywood Museum that is located in the historic Max Factor Building.

It’s not the first honor Jordan has received after his death. He was previously honored with a Leslie Jordan Award for Excellence in the Arts at the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s gala on April 22, 2023.

The post Leslie Jordan 2 Get Posthumous Life Achievement Award first appeared on We Got Bruce!.

The Wrap
‘Outstanding’ Trailer Reveals Netflix Doc About the History of LGBTQ+ Standup Comedy | Video
By Kayla Cobb
June 3, 2024

The June special will feature Sandra Bernhard, Bruce Vilanch, Wanda Sykes, Hannah Gadsby, Tig Notaro, Bob The Drag Queen, and more.

Timed to Pride, Netflix has dropped the trailer for its first-of-its-kind documentary about the history of standup comedy in the LGBT+ community. “Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution” will premiere on the Streamer on June 18, following its Spotlight Premiere at the Tribeca Festival on Friday.

“All kinds of comedy are accepted now, which I never thought would be accepted in my lifetime,” Rosie O’Donnell says in this first trailer. “When I was a young comic, you had to be careful what you did, who you talked to, and who knew.”

“It wasn’t accepted to say you were gay onstage,” Lily Tomlin says in the video. Watch the full trailer above.

The documentary will follow how LGBT+ standup has driven social change over the past five decades. To do this, “Outstanding” will combine interviews, memorable standup performances, archival materials, and verité footage. “Ultimately, the film reveals that queer comedians — whether they intended to or not — helped change the world, one joke at a time,” a logline for the project reads.

In addition to O’Donnell and Tomlin, the documentary will spotlight Billy Eichner, Bob The Drag Queen, Bruce Vilanch, Fortune Feimster, Gina Yashere, Guy Branum, Hannah Gadsby, James Adomian, Jim David, Joel Kim Booster, Judy Gold, KJ Whitehead, Mae Martin, Margaret Cho, Marsha Warfield, Matteo Lane, Patti Harrison, River Butcher, Robin Tran, Robin Tyler, Roz Hernandez, Sandra Bernhard, Scott Thompson, Solomon Georgio, Suzanne Westenhoefer, Suzy Izzard, Tig Notaro, Todd Glass, Trixie Mattel and Wanda Sykes.

The post Vilanch, Bernhard, & More To Be Ft In Comedy Doc first appeared on We Got Bruce!.