TLA stands for Theatre of the Living Arts, which was an experimental theatre group in Philadelphia founded by André Gregory in the early 1960s. Upon the group's demise in the late '60s, its theatre was turned into an art film house, which was run by TLA Entertainment Group, founded by Raymond Murray, film historian and author of "Images in the Dark: An Encyclopedia of Gay and Lesbian Film and Video." In 1985, the company opened a video store next door to the theatre. Today it owns and operates six stores in Philadelphia and New York City, selling videos of all persuasions on-site, through direct mail, and over the Internet at www.tlavideo.com. But it wasn't until 2001 that TLA Releasing was formed and the company began releasing films theatrically and on DVD, with a primary focus on LGBT-themed work. Just recently it moved into producing as well, with three properties currently in production: Todd Stephens' "Porky's"-style comedy "Another Gay Movie," Christian Calson's romance "Flirting With Anthony," and Richard Bell's street-kid drama "Eighteen," starring Alan Cumming, "Queer as Folk" 's Thea Gill, and the voice of Sir Ian McKellen.
With more than 200 employees and about 80 DVD releases and 12 theatrical releases per year, TLA Releasing is one of the bigger fish in the pond. Director of acquisitions Richard Wolff characterizes a TLA film as "a larger movie. We tend to be a little more aggressive, proactive in the scope of the projects we take on. Edgy is not a problem for us. And star power is a criterion: an actor or a director." A current example is "Mysterious Skin," Gregg Araki's highly acclaimed film of Scott Heim's novel about two teenage boys, one gay and one unspecified, dealing with the aftereffects of sexual abuse and possible alien abduction in their childhoods. A grown-up Joseph Gordon-Levitt, of "3rd Rock From the Sun" fame, provides the star power, along with director Araki, whose film "The Living End" (1992), about two HIV-positive men on a nihilistic and hedonistic road trip intending to "**** the world," remains a seminal title in edgy, provocative gay cinema.
Why not release all films theatrically? "All filmmakers would like to see their films released theatrically," says Wolff. "Unfortunately, we can't always accommodate them. We try to educate them. We say, 'This movie has a smaller capacity. If we spend a lot of money on print and advertising, you're never going to recoup your investment.' " DVD sales increasingly represent the bulk of a movie's profits, and a theatrical release -- and the reviews that accompany it -- can help add to those profits substantially. But a direct-to-video release, still considered a sign of inferior quality in mainstream cinema, is not at all unusual for a niche market like the LGBT community. Even Marcus Hu of Strand Releasing, the only company we spoke with that always releases its movies theatrically, admits, "There are some real great entries in the straight-to-video market."
Like its competitors, TLA has good relationships with all the major chains: Blockbuster, Tower, Virgin, Netflix. It has even begun selling movies to Wal-Mart. "The retailers are savvy," says Wolff. "If it's a good movie and a gay movie, it doesn't really matter. The marketplace has changed so dramatically in the gay film arena." The company has sold around 25 titles to the Q Television Network, one of the new gay cable channels, and is also distributing some titles to Here! TV, which also offers LGBT content exclusively.
Wolff considers $100,000 to be the "rock bottom" budget for a movie, which is higher than some of his competitors, who will go as low as $5,000. Why? "The bar's been raised. There is a lot of product that's readily accessible. These small gay films that aren't really that good don't have the market that they used to. That little film is competing against all the other product that satisfies the niche better."
TLA is open to unsolicited submissions. "We're easy to reach," says Wolff. "Send us a script, or let us see what you're doing. Get us excited. Tell us why your project differentiates itself from the other 50 pictures we get a month. But call first and let us know something's coming."
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THE TELLY NELLY ˜Kill Reality' with Reichen Q TELEVISION
Hello my snowy little pinecones up in Maine - I've got some great news for you! As of right this minute, you can get Q Television if you're a subscriber to Time Warner. (I think that's most of you, right?) Lord knows you're likely unable to get LOGO so you might as well sit back and enjoy the deliciously decadent TV that is Q Television, a premium channel available 24/7 with a complementary video on demand (VOD) offering for those who sign up to receive the channel. What can you expect on Q Television in July? Well, you can see for yourself at www.qtelevision.com if you get it, you lucky ducks you. Boston, if you have RCN, you can Q too! (Hey Q Television, if you use that in an ad, I want royalties and I mean it.)
Out.com Exclusive: Janet Jackson Likes Us! She Really Likes Us!… And More! Monday, June 20, 2005 Politics, Religion, and Celebrity Collide
The Human Rights Campaign dinner in Los Angeles on Saturday night was impressive all around. Honoree Janet Jackson looked luminous as she sipped red wine at her table in front of the stage. And celebs like Judith Light, Wilson Cruz, Betty DeGeneres, Robert Gant, Chad Allen, and Alan Cumming were all in attendance to support the HRC. Queer Eye for the Straight Girl’s Robbie Laughlin and Honey Labrador told us about their new show, Xcess/Access, which they are working on for Q Television. “It gives you extreme access into the world of Los Angeles fashion,” explained Labrador, a former fashion model. “L.A. is so frowned upon as second- or third-tier fashion.” “But so much originated here,” noted Laughlin. The night was an interesting blend of cultures: political, religious, and celebrity. “I think Jesus has had it with religious extremists who use his name in preaching hate,” said HRC’s new director, Joe Solmonese. HRC board member Bruce Bastian pined, “Don’t you long for the day when queens ruled instead of presidents?” Even Miss Jackson applauded for that statement. The openly gay Bishop Gene Robinson gave the night’s keynote address, quipping, “I can’t believe I’m opening for Janet Jackson tonight. Can you imagine how good that’s going to look on my résumé?” And Jackson herself looked humbled before the power gay crowd. “I feel a deep and abiding kinship with your cause,” she told the audience. “I was advised I should speak at length, and I was advised I should be humorous. I’m afraid I’m going to disappoint on both counts… I’m going to speak from my heart… What we learned in the recent months is there’s a light at the end of the tunnel… Acceptance is right… Right now we’re moving to a kinder light.” Later, producer Neil Meron (who was honored last year by HRC) told us, “Janet is all about love and all about equality, and therefore giving her this award is a no-brainer because Janet Jackson equals human rights.” We couldn’t have said it better.
Lad Mag Snit?
Each month Details includes a chart that sardonically delineates the overlap between a gay stereotype and another segment of society (including an installment called “Gay or Asian Man?” which incited picketing). Their latest issue includes “Gay or Men’s Magazine Editor?” which takes aim at attire including, “Tapered Black Laceup Shoes: ‘Did they come untied again? Looks like the intern is going back under the desk.’ ” Apparently a number of media outlets are reporting that many in the know believe that the chart/article is a not-so-subtle jab at GQ’s openly gay editor, Jim Nelson. Details’ straight editor, Dan Peres, insists it’s not so. Through a spokesperson, Peres claims that “it’s a composite of the front row at the men’s shows in Milan, based on a number of editors, myself included.” NYMetro.com says staffers at both mags say, “Oh, it’s Jim.” Meow! We’re just dying to see how GQ retaliates.
Overheard
While at a party for Hollywould’s new fashion line at the Maurice Villency store last Tuesday in New York, Maggie Gyllenhaal (“By far the biggest star there,” reports NYMetro.com) found herself fending off overexcited fans, including one who confessed, “I just saw Secretary on HBO on Demand. Great ****ing tits.” Her muttered response? “He’d better be a homo.”
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I didn't find the above, but Killbid did. Not sure if any of the above has been posted here, so I brought it over. All the above is credit to Killbid, I take none.
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yes!!! to me the charts have officially turned positive.im not just saying this i really thought we would jump about a week and a half ago but now the technicals are really lined up for a good twenty to thirty percent rise over the next session or two.i can admit i was wrong i hope i didnt hurt anyone hehe.the possibility of one or two or three or four more shakes are always their but i will truly be surprised if we dont at least touch .0019 this week sometime.anyways its late im a cooked fish and its time for a walk in the land of zzzzzzzzzzzz's
11.5 on lockdown.
the fact of the matter is what will happen is gonna be what happens.we shall see wont we. if im a clarvoyant then im seeing myself and many of my favorite qbidians throwing $$$$ around the tables in vegas being most certainly very merry.or the other possibility is franky is diluting this to 1000000 bazillion and im the biggest fool/qbidiot ever to walk the face of the earth, the right wing christian fundamentalists will take over qtv turning it into a born again sing along station.please those that are of a religious nature i didnt meen to affend anyone im just being silly.it can be a muslim fundamentalist group taking over qtv or maybe an neo nazi group trying to save the world from those horrible people who care to be with another soul of the same sex.anyways i dotn know what the heck im yapping about best of luck to you all.i didnt buy in this morning at .0014 as i was foolish and thought i might be able to get in lower for a change.hehehe.
-------------------- gotta know when to hold em and when to ..........
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WOW-- I was crank yesterday! AC in the building broke, and I spent the whole weekend in 92-ish degree house. Probably slept a total of five hours since early Saturday morning, and really didn't realize how impacted I was until I got some sleep (in COOL air thank goodness)!
Thank goodness my bad additude yesterday di not impact Q's run!
Guys -- it is REALLY GOOD NEWS to see that we got confirmed on American Bulls. I mean, spec buying is spec buying, but if we can break through the current levels of resistence, then we can maybe get a bit of the jump we should have gotten on our billion share day a while back!
I am excited about what the day holds -- not looking for $0.01 or anything, but think we can do better than a single uptick by close.
quote:Originally posted by noah129: PATIENCE , PATIENCE, PATIENCE.
noah Just catching up on some of the many, many posts yesterday. I always read every word, so it takes a while.
Your advice is the best anyone can offer to shareholders. PATIENCE is the answer to all our concerns. There is nothing any of us can do about Q's PPS but wait for all parts of Frank's plan to come together as a network. I plan to hold my shares and wait as long as it takes. And I plan to do it quietly.
Although I understand that everyone handles stress differently, I am disappointed with some posters I once considered intelligent and logical who have started "bashing" Q and Frank with unproven and unfair accusations of fraud and/or incompetence. The only advice I can offer to those who CANNOT wait quietly is: Sell your shares and move on. Whining won't help.
-------------------- Everything I say is only my opinion ... right or wrong.
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quote:Originally posted by buckwheatbob: G-invest, No offense, but you’re the one reliving the past as you say Frank stole your money. Frank stole nothing from you or anyone else. In the game of trading where there is a winner, there is a loser and where there is a loser there is a winner. It’s all about timing and I am sure we have all lost money on a stock before. I know I have and many others on this board. We learn from our mistakes and move on. If you learn from the mistake you made then you will be a better trader in the future. If you dwell on your mistakes you will lose again for the exact same reason and just put you further behind. Saying all that, I believe I asked you for proof of Frank’s dilution. I want credible proof and not conspiracy theory. If you can not give me more than just a theory then I am afraid my friend that you have been sucked in by the bashers and have not learned anything from your mistakes. Now I am sure you might come back with a shot at me that you learned Frank is a dirt bag or something like that. That is not learning from your mistakes but just creating another one. I am not trying to insult you so I want to make that point clear. Just take a breather and think about it. I did and it has paid off well.
buck Well said. Everyone handles stress differently, so I try to understand WHY people act the way they do. Some are obvious, some are not.
-------------------- Everything I say is only my opinion ... right or wrong.
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Guys you need to remember something. We were just at a low of .0013 the other day and now we are back at .0017. If we hold here thats great but I don't think we will. To many day traders bought at the .0013/14 level and now they see a 23% raise in price they are gonna bail and we are going to end up trying to absorb their shares pushing us down again. This is how it is going to work until we get financials, r/s onto a better board. Just my opinion.
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PALM SPRINGS, Calif., Aug 9, 2005 (PRIMEZONE via COMTEX) -- Q Television Network (Pink Sheets:QBID) has announced the premiere of "Xcess/Access," produced by SIREN Multimedia. This weekly show -- which stars "Queer Eye for the Straight Girl's" Honey Labrador and Robbie Laughlin -- promises to deliver the gay and lesbian community its own virtual all-access pass to all things fashion. From the runway right into the living room, QTN's "Xcess/Access" will treat viewers to the world's hottest designers, supermodels and celebrities, as the latest in fashion is revealed with a finesse and poise only possible from two of television's famous "Gal Pals."
Labrador -- the first lesbian in the "Queer Eye" franchise -- is also a former model, fashion editor, actress and award-winning producer. Her credits include "Offside," "The Bug in My Ear," and the soon to be released feature film "April's Shower," which took multiple honors in the film festival circuit.
Known most recently for his transformations as "The Look" specialist on "Queer Eye for the Straight Girl," Laughlin has enjoyed a prolific film and television career, with credits that include guest-starring roles on "Six Feet Under," "The Big Easy," and The Style Network's "How Do I Look?"
"We are very pleased to have secured such talented and fitting hosts for 'Xcess/Access'," said Frank Olsen, President, CEO and Founder of Q Television Network. "Honey Labrador and Robbie Laughlin both have an eye for fashion, and their fingers are pressed tightly on the pulse of the gay and lesbian community. It's an unbeatable combination and the fuel for an absolute must-see show."
"It is great to be working with Frank Olsen again," said Honey Labrador. "I am thrilled to not only co-host Xcess/Access but to be producing it as well for my company, SIREN Multimedia, with my partners C. Fitz and Debra Schneider. Fashion and QTN -- A perfect marriage!"
"Xcess/Access" joins QTN's returning favorites, as well as a packed lineup of new series, including "Brunch," "Queer Edge," "Gay Court," "Flesh and Threads," "It's a Drag," "Q On Broadway," and "On the Road to the Gay Games" -- each debuting in September, just as the network celebrates its first anniversary.
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Not sure about you guys, but this is starting to look like the big one. Lot's of big trades. I hope it's not another false one, that's for sure.
-------------------- Still holding, Still waiting, ...
Don't forget to send your letter to Echostar/DISH Network. 20 letters a day gets Q some play :)
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quote:Originally posted by polo1110: Not sure about you guys, but this is starting to look like the big one. Lot's of big trades. I hope it's not another false one, that's for sure.
polo Welcome back. You sound like the polo I remember again.
-------------------- Everything I say is only my opinion ... right or wrong.
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HAHA, sorry BL. Anyone will get that way when they continue to see sells @ .0014 and .0013. Big block buys are much nicer.
quote:Originally posted by Bottomliner:
quote:Originally posted by polo1110: Not sure about you guys, but this is starting to look like the big one. Lot's of big trades. I hope it's not another false one, that's for sure.
polo Welcome back. You sound like the polo I remember again.
-------------------- Still holding, Still waiting, ...
Don't forget to send your letter to Echostar/DISH Network. 20 letters a day gets Q some play :)
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quote:Originally posted by njs300zx: I believe we will not see the big one until after the audit and until we get a definite about switching exchanges.
njs Agreed. But it's still nice to see a little green "in the garden" occasionally, even if it's tinged with a little brown (I realized a long time ago that my "green thumb" was caused by gangrene ).
-------------------- Everything I say is only my opinion ... right or wrong.
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quote:Originally posted by polo1110: HAHA, sorry BL. Anyone will get that way when they continue to see sells @ .0014 and .0013. Big block buys are much nicer.
polo I understand totally. The only difference between us is that I "act like I don't care" when the PPS dips . . . but the whole time I'm beating the crap out of my dog.
(JUST KIDDING ABOUT THE DOG, GUYS, SO DON'T GET NASTY WITH ME.)
-------------------- Everything I say is only my opinion ... right or wrong.
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I always like green. I've been in this stock for about 2 years now. I was in on the ride to almost .03 and it was a good one. waiting to see that again.
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I always like green. I've been in this stock for about 2 years now. I was in on the ride to almost .03 and it was a good one. waiting to see that again.
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I can't believe this!!! I went to buy 2,000,000 shares yesterday, but I guess I chose sell instead of buy -- I was so happy this morning until I went to see how much I was up, and almost fell over. What a wanker. MAN yesterday was a bad day!
Well, I am still in, so I am still happy! RUN RUN RUN!!!
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