Tag: short film

Posted on

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.

Posted on

Out Short Film: “Straight A”

Zach Cramblit & Todd Lien in ‘Straight A’

Check out this sweet short film, Straight A, from actor/writer Todd Lien.

Lien wrote, produced and starred in the short as his thesis film for the New York Film Academy’s MFA program.

The handsome actor says the movie is based on the true story of his own coming out to his father.

In the eight minute movie, Lien plays a version of himself struggling to maintain a long-term relationship with his boyfriend Kyle (Zach Cramblit) while keeping up the image of the perfect son to his father (Nathan Chen).

In the film, it appears being an over-achiever who gets straight A’s in school and is elected president of the student body isn’t enough for the father.

Or is it?

Todd shares this note on the YouTube page:

I am grateful for the supporting father I have, but I want to be clear that I know this is not how many people’s experiences are like. I just want to share some happy ending story like mine out there for more positivity and hope! The message is that sometimes we need to give our parents a little more credit for acceptance. Hope this video does that for as many people out there as possible!

Lien’s film credits include The Choice (2017), Alpha Delta Zatan (2017) and the TV miniseries Bob’s New Roommates (2017).

But wait – there’s more!

He’s also a part of the Asian Magic Mike troupe! Whoo-hoo!

The hottie is not only talented but way photogenic, as his 20K Instagram followers have discovered.

(h/t Towleroad)

Posted on

Podcast: NFL Player Celebrates Same-Sex Marriage, Gay Widower Denied Benefits, Short Film ‘The Real Thing’

In this week’s podcast:

• A former Dallas Cowboys linebacker becomes first NFLer to celebrate same-sex marriage

• Michelle Obama snuck out of the White House to celebrate marriage equality

• Hate crime suspect in Brooklyn faces 15 years in prison after violent gay-bashing

• A gay widower is being denied benefits by the Social Security Administration

• Acclaimed short film ‘The Real Thing’ really is the real thing

All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report

 If you enjoy The Randy Report podcast, please share it on your social media 🙂

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

Queer Short Film: “Bad Boy On Probation”

Artie O’Daly (L) and Tony Harth (R)

‘Bad Boy On Probation’ is the third installment of the comedy web series that has almost a million views on YouTube.

“Mack (Tony Harth) gets his “Daddy Scott” (Artie O’Daly) to pretend to be his real dad when a probation officer (Alina Bock) comes for a check in. But Scott gets more than he bargained for.”

I’ve previously shared the earlier “Bad Boy” videos here.

Take a break and check it out below.

Posted on

Award-Winning Queer Short Film “SIGN”

Make sure you take a few minutes to enjoy this super-sweet short film depicting the romance of two young guys in NYC – one hearing, one deaf.

Directed by Broadway’s Andrew Keenan-Bolger (Newsies) and composer Adam Wachter, their award-winning new film Sign which spent a year being honored on the film festival circuit.

Along the way, the short picked up awards like Best Short at the Sidewalk Film Festival, the Youth Jury Award at the Iris Prize Festival, and Best Men’s Short at OUT on Film Atlanta.

From Andrew and Adam:

Using only silent vignettes, a musical score and American Sign Language, SIGN tells the story of the relationship between Ben, a hearing man, and Aaron, who is deaf.

We were inspired to portray an under-explored human experience with the help and collaboration of our talented Deaf friends in the New York theatre community, combining Andrew’s passion for visual imagery with Adam’s love of musical storytelling.

The film was shot in a four-day marathon session in multiple locations across New York City, on a set staffed by actors, ASL interpreters, Deaf consultants and many passionate hearing and Deaf volunteers.

Sensitive and artful, the short film (starring John McGinty and Preston Sadleir) plays out effortlessly with no dialogue needed.

Bravo to the creators. This made me smile.

I missed the initial release of the film, so kudos to TheOUTFront for bringing the short to my attention 🙂

Watch below.

Posted on

Short Film: “Call Your Father”

The new short film Call Your Father is quite the deep dive into the world of intergenerational dating.

Written, directed and starring Jordan Firstman, the dark comedy follows the baneful first date between a 50-year-old “daddy” (played with great nuance by Craig Chester) and a 24-year-old impetuous “poet” (played by Firstman).

Poet “Josh” demonstrates just about every bad behavior you could imagine in a millennial including texting while daddy “Greg” tries to have a conversation as well as accusing “Greg” of being sad, all while sticking “Greg” with the bill wherever they go.

It would seem the only thing “Josh” is good at is sex. Well, at least there’s that.

Kudos to Firstman for bringing a quixotic sense of charm to “Josh” if only through briefly glimpsed vulnerability. And I think most viewers will relate to Chester’s thoughtful, sensitive performance although I can admit I’d have been outta there much sooner than his “Greg.”

Watch the award-winning 18-minute short below.

Posted on

Short Film: “The Weigh In”

NewNowNext points up this quickie short film, The Weigh In, by the Perez brothers.

Dramatic music, hyper masculine imagery, muscles and skin – what more do you want in a one minute flick?

Hart and Devon Perez’s work spans a range of platforms from commercials to short films, appearing on ESPN and MTV to around the world at international film festivals.

Find more from the talented duo here on Vimeo.

The Weigh In from Perez Bros on Vimeo.