With the great steps forward being taken for gay rights in the US such as the Supreme Court gay marriage victory, there is little doubt that there has been vocieferous and nastily spiteful backlash from those who still don’t like the gays. Unfortunately, as many of those whose opinions are at the more extreme right-wing end of the spectrum like to go into State politics, that’s led to a raft of anti-gay laws being proposed and passed in various states.

That includes so-called Religious Freedom laws, which have generally been thinly disguised attempts to still be allowed to treat gay people as second class citizens, by presenting it as preventing religious persecution.

The mockumentary Pride Of Indiana hopes to poke fun at Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which caused huge controversy earlier this year and massively harmed the image of the state in many people’s eyes, and resulted in protests from other States, individuals and many large businesses. The law was eventually watered down to a certain extent.

However, in order for Pride Of Indiana to take a look at that law and its divisive nature, it needs a bit of funding. As has become popular, it’s launched a Kickstarter campaign, which is hoping to raise $5,000 to get the movie in the can.

In the movie ‘Tensions flare, church choirs sing, and gays gallivant as Samuel Hicks, a recently out Hollywood star, returns to his hometown of Brooks, Indiana with a documentary film crew in hopes of bringing attention to recently passed legislation. His homecoming is anything but what he expects; however, as he faces unexpected opposition from a diverse cast of deeply spirited characters.’

Pride Of Indiana will be improvised by the actors, the script being ‘a very detailed 20-page outline structuring the story, character arcs, and emotional beats; however, all of the dialogue will be created by the actors on the spot. An extensive rehearsal process leading up to principle photography will be used to discover the best material, which will be transferred to cue-cards to guide the actors through their scenes.’

It’s hoped that filming will take place this autumn.

You can take a look at some character introductions and the concept trailer below and then head over to Kickstarter to help out. [Read more…]

While the straight folks generally stick to monogamy (or at least that’s what they tell one another), in the gay world it’s a bit of a more complex issue, with many couples agreeing that they can have a bit of fun with someone else if they want to, or that they will play with someone else together.

It’s a subject the gay indie film Open is hoping to take a look at – as long as it can raise the funds to do so. In the hope of getting the cash it need, it’s launched an Indiegogo campaign in the hope of raising an ambitious $100,000.

Here’s the synopsis: ‘On the heels of the recent Marriage Equality ruling this racy new bedroom comedy will explore both monogamous and open relationships.

‘Celebrating their ten year anniversary and in the throes of remodeling their home, suburban couple David and Kyle suddenly find themselves wondering if monogamy is still right for them. The grass seems much greener on the other side of the fence where their best friends Marc and Richard seem deliriously happy with their open relationship. Giving in to temptation they decide to draft the “rules for an open relationship” and proceed to dive right in to mostly hilarious, often disastrous and sometimes poignant results.

‘Open will feature notable indie actors including Rebekah Kochan, Dante the Comic, Leon Acord (creator of the popular web series Old Dogs & New Tricks), Brian Nolan, Bruce L. Hart, Peter Szeliga and many more.’ Paul Hart (Homewrecker) is set to direct the movie.

If it sounds like a film you’d like to see, take a look at the fundraising video below, and then head over to IndieGoGo. [Read more…]