January 31, 2005
From ProudParenting.com: SunServe, Fort Lauderdale's gay and lesbian social services agency, joins forces with the Washington, DC-based Family Pride Coalition to present the second annual "Valuing Our Families" conference April 8-10, 2005. This gathering of families and allies will include more than 20 workshops and panels on a range of family issues, and will include activities for children, educational panels on marriage and parenting laws in Florida and a family picnic. In addition, participants are invited to a special evening gala event to honor LGBT family advocates. Actress Sharon Gless (Queer as Folk) was the recipient of the inaugural "Valuing Our Families" award, and this year will present that honor to Rosie and Kelli O'Donnell. Kelli O'Donnell is a former Nickelodeon marketing executive, and is a co-founder of R Family Vacations, a travel company serving the LGBT family community. Rosie O'Donnell is an award-winning entertainer, and the founder of the For All Kids Foundation, Inc. Both have been outspoken advocates for LGBT equality, particularly around issues of parenting and marriage. They are the parents of four children. [As we know, Rosie will appear on Queer As Folk this year as someone who develops an interest in Debbie.]
From Bill Maher's interview with Adam Vary for the Advocate:
Adam: Moving on a little bit: Your colleague and compatriot Arianna Huffington is due to guest-star on The L Word. I know it’s a rival network, but any chance you’ll be popping up on Queer as Folk?
Maher: [Laughs] Adam...you’re bad. Well, you know what? I would consider it. It depends on the part. I must say, I would have a hard time if there was a scene that involved me kissing another man.
January 29, 2005
Matt Battaglia, who played Drew Boyd (Emmett's football fling in season 4) tells me he will be back for five episodes in season 5, starting mid-season. He's in Toronto filming them right now, and is definitely feeling the chill (freezing temperatures! brrr). I wonder if his return bodes well for a possible Drew/Emmett reunion? Guess we'll have to wait and see.
From PRNewswire: Viacom Inc. and the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation have announced the year-three launch of the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning public education initiative KNOW HIV/AIDS, which includes targeted public service announcements (PSAs), HIV-themed programming, and free print and online information resources. Building on the momentum of the campaign's first two years, which delivered HIV awareness, testing, and prevention messages to millions of people across the United States, Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean, KNOW HIV/AIDS today began premiering six new PSAs across Viacom's television, radio and outdoor properties. [...] This year, CBS's top new drama "CSI: NY," UPN's comedy "Eve," CBS's long-running drama "Judging Amy," and Showtime's hit series "Queer As Folk" are incorporating HIV/AIDS themes in upcoming episodes. These storylines were developed as a result of briefing sessions on HIV/AIDS conducted by Kaiser for the shows' creative teams. MTV, MTV International, BET, VH1 and Infinity Broadcasting also have special HIV/AIDS-related programming planned throughout the year.
The Futon Critic reports on the latest development news in the television industry, and has this to say about QAF (Showtime): The pay channel is hoping to offer repeats of the show's expected 86-episode run into off-network syndication. Showtime, who apparently has the domestic off-network rights to the series, plans to follow in the footsteps of HBO, which has found success in the syndicated sales of "Sex and the City" and "The Sopranos." No timetable however has been set. "So we're looking to place the first couple of seasons and get someone to license that," Matthew Duda, Showtime's executive vice president of acquisitions, planning and distribution, said in an interview with Multichannel News. "We've had a lot of conversations already. It looks like we're very close to getting that placed."
In An interview with Robert Gant by Jenny Stewart from PlanetOut.com, the journalist describes the impact Bobby has had at the Sundance film festival: "Strolling casually through the star-studded lobby of the Park City Marriott, the TV star turns heads wherever he goes -- pretty impressive, considering Park City is currently filled to capacity with major celebrities." She talks to the actor about his film, his production company, and his work on QAF, and tries to get him to spill the beans about the final season of the show. Bobby very diplomatically says, "I think it's really going to be a mixed bag. I have to say, we're midway through filming right now, and I'm really pleased with what the writers are doing in that they aren't tying it up into a neat little bow, because that's not how our lives are. From a relationship standpoint, I think fans will be happy, and I think they'll be sad."[read more]
Bobby also has another mention in this article, about the premiere party for "Rize." Held at the always-hoppin' Queer Lounge, the jam-packed party was the place to be on the second official night of the Sundance Film Festival. Robert Gant, of "Queer as Folk," was the first celeb to walk the press-crammed red carpet, and the always-friendly queer star chatted happily to the press, as well as to the crowd of phenomenally great-looking, non-VIP party goers trying to gain access to the event. Check out the video clip from heretv.com, which is included in the article, showing video footage of the stars on the red carpet. In this segment, there is a clip of Bobby talking about "Billy's Dad is a Fudge-Packer", and his own business partner, Chad Allen. While he is optimistic about the film's reception, he says the proof will be in the pudding. Bobby feels that things are changing for gay cinema; "it was a scary time," he says, but it's "starting to get exciting; I think things are going to be good."
In a reprint of an article about this project, PrideSource.com reports: Made through the POWER UP film production grant program, "Billy's Dad is a Fudge-Packer" was written and directed by first-timer Jamie Donahue and stars Robert Gant of "Queer as Folk," as well as Cady Huffman and Alex Borstein. The stylized comedy is set in 1950's America as Billy's essay assignment causes him to take a look at the world around him. What will he be when he grows up? Does he want to be a policeman or a fireman? Or will Billy turn out to be a fudge-packer like his father? "Fudge-Packer" was produced by Steak House and Emmy-winning editor Juli Vizza.
January 24, 2005
The Unseen website has been updated with photos of the cast and crew. Lots of gory Gale Harold pics (fake blood and caked dirt) and a couple of Michelle Clunie as well. The summary is intriguing: "When Roy Clemens returns to his rural hometown of Haralson, Georgia (population 83) for his father’s funeral, he inherits the family store and a mess of skeletons in the closet. Delivering a package, he discovers Sammy, an old acquaintance who has been locked-up at home by his older brother Harold for twenty years. Imminently trusting and yet naïve of even the difference between baked beans and mashed potatoes (due to Harold’s cruel sense of humor), Sammy spends most of his time alone, listening to soap operas, vocally destroying “Goody Gum Drops” and stuffing envelopes in the dark at Harold’s behest. Meanwhile, Harold has cornered the market for homebrew with his girlfriend Kathleen and his redneck friend Earl, who remain loyal to him in spite of their distaste for his treatment of Sammy. Sammy and Roy form a bond around a desire to leave Harralson for the city lights of Atlanta and the elusive comfort they hope it holds, but to get there they must both come to terms with Harold and the secret he shares."
New photos are up at wireimage.com of Hal Sparks at the 2005 GLAAD Media Awards Nominations, and the Silver Spoon Pre-Golden Globe Hollywood Buffet. There are also new photos of Bobby Gant in Park City, Utah at Sundance this past weekend, including outdoor portraits and shots of Bobby having fun at the "Rize" After Party.
Writer-director-actor Don McKellar spoke with The Commentary's Joseph Planta about his new film, Childstar, which opens across the States on Friday, January 28, 2005. McKellar also stars in the film along with Jennifer Jason Leigh, Mark Rendall, Brendan Fehr, Kristin Adams, Dave Foley, Peter Paige, Gil Bellows, and Alan Thicke. You can read an introduction written by Planta and listen to the interview at The Commentary. You will need Real Player to listen to the interview. If you don't have it, you can download it at www.real.com.
January 22, 2005
The new version of ScottLowell.com is scheduled to be launched this coming Monday, January 24. Dean Armstrong's website has also been redesigned. The current projects page informs us that Dean will be back to play Blake in the fifth and final season of QAF. "From meth addict to addiction councilor, Blake’s journey comes full circle in this exciting last chapter." Be sure to visit some of the QAF photos if you haven't already seen them. There are photos of QAF Events and photos from the QAF set.
QAF is mentioned in Entertainment Weekly's mid-season television preview... "Republicans, beware: As W heads into a second term, the unapologetic series' fifth and final season will have an even more unapologetic political agenda. Both Ben and Michael's Canadian marriage and recently split Melanie and Lindsay's custody battle take center stage."
Thea Gill tells MelanieLovesLindsay.com that this season will be very dark and that her character is taking a new direction, in keeping with the "all bets are off" slogan.
From PatrickAntosh.com: Through youcanhelp.ca a tsunami fundraiser was held at Mod club with all proceeds going to Doctors without Borders. Simone Denny was the star attraction along with celeb DJs. Patrick Antosh (who will be participating in a fashion show for the fans at the Queer As Fans convention this weekend in Toronto) grooved to Simone and his favourite Dj Deko-ze with fellow Scenester contributor Erin K.
I've mentioned Robert Gant's new movie, "Billy's Dad is a Fudge-Packer" a few times in this column; it's screening at the Sundance Film Festival this weekend. There is a new article about the film, titled "Powering Up For Sundance" at 365Gay.com Entertainment. Here's a brief excerpt:
For the fourth year in a row, POWER UP, the non profit organization to promote the visibility and integration of lesbians in entertainment has a film in competition at the Sundance Film Festival. Made through the POWER UP film production grant program, "Billy's Dad Is A Fudge-Packer" was written and directed by first timer Jamie Donahue, stars Robert Gant (Queer as Folk), Cady Huffman (The Producers) and Alex Borstein (MAD TV). The stylized comedy is set in 1950's America as Billy's essay assignment causes him to take a look at the world around him. What will he be when he grows up? Does he want to be a policeman or a fireman? Or will Billy turn out to be a fudge-packer like his father? Fudge-Packer was produced by Steak House (By Hook or By Crook) and Juli Vizza (Emmy Winning editor).
Speaking of Mr. Gant, Robert will be the keynote speaker at the 2005 Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Carolinas Dinner on February 26, 2005 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The event will be held at the Westin Charlotte. For more information on the event, and to obtain tickets, visit the HRC Carolinas page.
Fabrizio Filippo will be on ESPN's new show TILT next Thursday, January 27th. The premise of the series (which is filmed in Toronto) is intriguing: In the month before the World Poker Championship, three professional gamblers have teamed up to take down the reigning king of the table - Don "The Matador" Everest. Wrapped in the shadowy nighttime embrace of the Las Vegas underworld, each episode will take them through casinos, to card tables and into the seedy back rooms known only to the most dedicated gamblers. "I'm a rich guy one of the main characters owes money to," Fab tells Rita Zekas of The Toronto Star. "I go in and humiliate him."
Fab is also doing a guest spot on Puppets Who Kill, which airs Fridays at 10pm on the Comedy Network (the new season starts January 30th). It's a live-action half hour comedy series about a halfway house for very bad puppets. Puppets who lie, puppets who cheat, puppets who have no respect for human life or dignity -- Puppets Who Kill. "I taunt one of the puppets," Fab says. The actor is appearing at a screening of his latest film at the 2005 Queer As Fans convention in Toronto this Sunday (January 23rd). He has also donated an original painting for the charity auction. As for his stint on QAF, he says, "I grew up outside of the Italian culture and when I started being an actor, homosexuality and loose women — which freaks out Italians — didn't faze me a bit. Queer came along and started the snowball," he conceded. "I was on for 10 episodes and it opened huge doors. That show was shocking but all people are not in the mainstream culture. There was nothing on TV that women could get hot over. Women would buy me drinks." To read more of Fab's interview with Rita Zekas, visit The Toronto Star.
January 19, 2005
Logan and Keegan Hoover, the twin boys who play Gus Peterson on QAF, are in the new Vin Diesel film, "The Pacifier," which we first heard about last year (I posted about a photo of Vin and Logan in People magazine). The trailer is now playing in theaters. The boys' role is Peter Plummer, one of five children that the ex-Navy S.E.A.L. Shane Wolf (Diesel) must protect from the enemies of their recently deceased father. Also in the film is Chris Potter, who played Dr. David Cameron on QAF, as Captain Bill Fawcett; and Lauren Graham, who worked on "Fathers and Sons" with Gale Harold, as Principal Claire.
This year's GLAAD nominations are in, and Queer as Folk is in the running for Outstanding Drama Series. Harris Allan (Hunter) stars in the movie A Home at the End of the World (Warner Independent Pictures), which is up for for Outstanding Film.
The other day I featured an article on Robert Gant from POPrepublic.tv. More questions and answers from that interview session with Robert will be appearing on guidetogay.com and in Australia's reFRESH magazine in the coming weeks. The editor of POPrepublic.tv says of Robert, "He is indeed one interesting person, and a great interview!"
Robert will attend the Sundance Film Festival this Friday and Saturday in Park City, Utah, for the screening of his movie, "Billy's Dad Is A Fudge-Packer." Screening times and ticket information are available at the Sundance website.
January 15, 2005
POPrepublic.tv caught up with Robert Gant during filming this season, and he is one of the featured articles in the January 2005 editon of the magazine. Robert says it has been invigorating to get to play Ben, and that it's freeing and fun to get to immerse himself in a gay character and use his own life experiences to inform him. Visit poprepublic.tv to read the article.
"The Uninhibited Kingdom also flies a rainbow" is an article written by Ryan Levitt for IOL: World (South Africa). Encouraging folks to visit the UK, he writes, "If you ever wondered how gay Britain is, you just have to remember that one queen rules them all. Britain's rainbow nation is more diverse than ever, thanks to the combination of a tolerant populace, a vocal gay community and a forward-thinking government." Levitt goes on to describe the north-west city of Manchester, host to Britain's first cultural festival celebrating homosexuality - Queer Up North. "Formerly known as an industrial city, Manchester has transformed itself over the past decade into a magical metropolis. The hit TV series Queer As Folk was originally set in the city's Gay Village along Canal Street, and the place has experienced a boom in gay culture ever since." [read more]
Viacom's new gay and lesbian basic-cable channel, Logo, is set to launch on June 30th of this year. President Brian Grayden spoke with the Advocate about the network, and in "Logo’s good to go," an article published this week, he is quoted as saying, “One of the things we felt was really important was to come with a whole, complete channel and to have really deep, viable offerings on every front. So on the [film] acquisitions front, for example, pretty much any primary gay title that you can think of from the last 20 years, we’ve managed to close deals on with every major studio. Most recently, we just closed on Angels in America as part of the opening-window launch package of Logo, which we’re very proud of, and I think that really speaks to the kind of quality we’re going for. We’ve just added new titles like Far From Heaven to the arsenal that includes Philadelphia, The Birdcage--a long, long list.” The network has also scored the television debuts of such acclaimed queer features as A Home at the End of the World [featuring Harris Allan (Hunter, QAF)], Girl Play, and Testosterone.
An extended synopsis and screen capture from Thea Gill's appearance on the television series Andromeda last October (episode 506, "When Goes Around...") is available on the official website.
Here's an amusing article about the future of Showtime, focusing on the new Kirstie Alley vehicle, " Fat Actress." Talk about taking the proverbial lemons life hands you, and making whisky sours! Author Melanie McFarland writes, "In case you haven't done a milk run lately, the Veronica's Closet star's swollen rump has been the centerpiece of supermarket checkout rags. The barrage commenced the moment Showtime announced last summer it was developing an unscripted comedy based on her life called Fat Actress. 'I couldn't have been attacked any more than I was being attacked,' she told TV critics. 'I was under siege 24/7. So, it has actually been very liberating to just decide, you know, there's got to be humor in this. I'm not the only person in the world who's gotten fat.' In response, she's attempting to transform the stigmatic combination of being obese and a has-been into showbiz victory, and gossip rag slander into free publicity. Now comes the hardest sell: getting audiences to believe the hype.
Showtime has spent most of its existence living on the verge as opposed to the edge. On one hand, it had cult hits in "Soul Food" and "Queer as Folk." But then, it also gave us loads of punch lines about its soft-core porn. Over the past year or two, however, Showtime's been losing the silicone, bulking up on fat, THC, lesbians and unbalanced therapists. On the skin, it's looking a lot healthier for it." [full story]
Lenny Z, a long-time QAF follower, has launched a new interactive web site that he's dedicated to the much missed Michael Mele (a friend to many in the online fandom). It is a resource for GLBT and a gay/straight alliance. It is an age-restricted site, but if you are of age, head on over and get BENT!
January 13, 2005
Although we've known that the proverbial end was near for some time now, several sources confirmed today that Season 5 will definitely be the last for Queer As Folk. Robert Greenblatt, president of Entertainment at Showtime, announced that while the network has approved a third season of "The L Word," the current season of QAF will be its last. "It aired for five years, which is a successful run," Blank said. He also told Variety, "We're saying its going out with a bang. The executive producers feel like they've brought it to a certain place and told their stories. I'm sorry to see it go, but it also allows me to get new things on the air."
"Gay is in, acceptable on any level," writes Patrick Antosh in his new Scenester magazine column titled "Clubs will keep us together," in which he examines the club scene's ability to blend harmoniously the gay and straight communities (scan available at patrickantosh.com). "Ellen was the first to say it and unfortunately it was promptly cancelled. Will and Grace made gay mainstream, though sexless. Finally Queer as Folk made sure anyone who dared watch it would understand every detail of gay sex. That's television where one can watch securely from the safety of their couch, arms length veiwing doesn't mean we will be getting invitations to same sex marriages any time soon."
On January 22, Hal Sparks will host a GLAAD event at The Wyndham Anatole in Dallas, where the nominees for the 16th Annual GLAAD Media Awards will be announced. "And the Nominees are..," will feature celebrity guests, honor local and national media outlets and offer entertainment. The GLAAD Media Awards will take place in New York March 28, Los Angeles April 30 and San Francisco June 11.
I've revamped a couple of the Gale movie pages... Social Grace and Fathers and Sons.
January 12, 2005
Photographer Jim Cox has some beautiful photos of the cast of Social Grace (starring Gale Harold and Fay Ann Lee) on his website. Look under "portfolio," "recent work," and "showbiz" in the menu.
The Sarasota Film Festival is getting ready to roll out its 7th annual slate of films, Janury 28 - February 6 in the Gulf Coast resort city of Sarasota, Florida. ... Fathers And Sons (USA, East Coast Premiere) revolves around the intertwined tales of three families who grow up on the same street, focusing on the relationship of fathers and sons. The first section, directed by Rob Spera, features Bradley Whitford and Samantha Mathis, the second story, helmed by Rodrigo Garcia, features John Mahoney, Kathy Baker, Clea DuVall and Ron Eldard, The final chapter, with Jared Rappaport at the helm, features Gale Harold, Barbara Barrie, Vinessa Shaw, Joe Bologna and Lisa Edelstein. The filmfest page features showtimes and a photo of Gale in a scene from the movie.
January 11, 2005
The new QAF newsletter from Showtime heralds some of the
exciting extras we'll find on the Season 4 DVDs, available for purchase at the beginning of April (see the production information page for more info on ordering). Be the first to see a "Sneak Peek" of Peter Paige's new film and directorial debut,
SAY UNCLE. Watch the premiere trailer of Gale Harold and Michelle Clunie's new film
THE UNSEEN. Look into the wardrobe closet of the cast and take a trip behind the scenes at the Los Angeles "Babylon Tour."
From Patrick Antosh's official website: "As mentioned last month Patrick is now writing a regular feature for the quarterly magazine Scenester
and his first issue is now available everywhere downtown Toronto." Visit the news page on his site to see a scan of the cover.
I mentioned here a few weeks ago that
Scott Lowell's official website was being revamped; however, you can still access the Official Forum and the Unofficial LJ community to chat with other fans and get updates from Annie.
G4, the only 24/7 television network dedicated to video games presented the Television Critics Association with "Girls Gone Wired," a digital beauty pageant featuring the hottest 2D and 3D women on the planet, which is set to premiere in May.
Hal Sparks is slated to host. Sparks, along with a panel of celebrity and industry commentators, will guide viewers in G4's quest to crown the hottest video game vixen. Finalists will be announced online and G4 viewers will vote for the pageant's top beauties. [read more]. Hal has confirmed that he will attend the
QAFans convention next weekend in Toronto.
January 9, 2005
The South Beach, Florida Winter Party™ Festival, which runs from March 2-7, 2005, is a world-class beach dance party and cultural festival in benefiting the Miami-Dade gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Events include everything from a gallery walk and wine tasting to live DJs. On Saturday, March 5, from 9:30 pm – 11:30 pm, there is a
VIP Cocktail Reception featuring the cast of Queer as Folk
at Barton G’s 1501. Tickets are $125 and include admission to Unity, featuring DJ Lydia Prim with special guest performance. For more information about admission to the events, visit the passes & tickets page at the official website.
January 5, 2005
News from Film Imaging: On Sunday, December 5th at the Tribeca Grand Screen Theatre in New York City, the winners of the
2004 HDFEST Deffie Awards were announced to cheering crowds of festival-goers. The award for
best HD feature film of 2004
went to "
Particles of Truth
" written, produced and directed by Jennifer Elster, and starring
Gale Harold. This feature recently was released theatrically in New York City, and it also premiered last month on the Sundance Channel. "Particles of Truth" also received runner-up placement for "The HDFEST Deffie for
Best Directing in an High-Definition Feature" and honorable mention placement for "The HDFEST Deffie for Best Cinematography
in an HD Feature."
Tickets are on sale for the Canadian premiere of tick, tick...BOOM!, at the Poor Alex Theatre (296 Brunswick Avenue) in Toronto, starring Dean Armstrong (Blake on QAF) as Jonathan, Michael Dufays as Michael and Daphne Moens as Susan. The play is directed by Mario D'Alimonte, and runs February 10th to 26th, 2005
. Read more about the play at the official website, and in this article by Broadway World.
January 3, 2005
Robert Gant's latest film project, "Billy's Dad is A Fudge-Packer," directed by Jamie Donahue, is being shown at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival in a group with six other shorts. For more information and specific screening times, you can visit the film guide and search for SHORTS PROGRAM VI. "A spoof of the '1950's high school educational film' Billy's Dad is A Fudge-Packer helps to guide young Billy toward the 'right path' for him."
Hal Sparks has posted a New Year's message to fans over at Hal's Lair.
January 1, 2005
There are a slew of 2004 entertainment wrap-up articles floating around the 'net, and Queer As Folk is mentioned in many of them. Brian Moylan writes about the increasing number of gay cast members in reality television on both cable and the networks in "Bravo for cable," an article published in the Washington Blade. "The big news in gay television in 2004 wasn’t who was gay on the small screen," Moylan writes, "but where to find them."
The Dallas Voice, a community newspaper for gay and lesbian Dallas, lists their 2004 Top Ten, including The 22nd annual Black Tie Dinner held at the Adam’s Mark in October, with special guests Robert Gant and Peter Paige.
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