By BTL staff
So you've always wanted to be on camera? You tried out for American Idol, but Simon wasn't so hip on your singing voice? And Donald didn't think you could add and subtract fast enough to be his apprentice? Well now's your chance.
Two lesbian filmmakers want to put you – or someone you know – in a movie. Bobbie Birleffi and Beverly Kopf, who call themselves the TVgals, are making a documentary film, titled "Be Real," about LGBT people from all walks of life who are doing cool things. And what gay person isn't doing cool things?
These two women, who are also life partners, have made a slew of documentaries and just happen to have a couple of Emmys, a Peabody, and a GLAAD Media Award under their belts. The TVgals envision this film as profiling a handful of people "recognized not only for how they live their lives on a personal level, but also for obstacles they have overcome and contributions they have made to inspire others," they say. "For us, this film is an opportunity to represent gay people as they truly are. For the most part, television has used stereotypes to represent the LGBT community. We want to dig deeper – to show undiscovered differences and surprising similarities among gays and straights."
"Be Real" is traveling the country to find seven outstanding members of the gay and lesbian community and will bring them together for a series of challenges that "confront their authenticity and character."
The TVgals have just begun looking for people to be in the film and they want you and your friends to play a staring role. They are looking for creative, innovative, real LGBT people who have made a difference in the world – ordinary LGBT people who are doing extraordinary things in their communities. The TVgals are looking for a total mix of LGBT people from different backgrounds, ages, locations, and experiences. But, all potential cast members must be at least 25 years old.
Stolichnaya Vodka is sponsoring the production of the "Be Real" film. The folks at Stoli said they were looking for an interesting way to do something unique with gay people so they decided to fund a film about genuine gay people.
The film is scheduled to air on national television in the fall of this year. Where it will air is under wraps, but their people say it's going to be big. You can get more information about the film and about how to play a staring role at the website stoli.com. They'll put regular updates about the film on the website.
But most importantly, right now you can go to stoli.com to nominate yourself or someone you know to be in the film. The filmmakers are only accepting nominations until May 1, so hurry up and submit your awesome personal story. Or if you know some amazing queen who should be featured in this film, nominate her.
Currently, individuals can nominate themselves or others for consideration at: stoli.com. Nominators must provide his/her own name and contact information, as well as the name and contact information of the person being nominated, along with a brief profile of the candidate. Photos are welcome for all web nominations, but not necessary. All nominations must be received by May 1, 2005, at which point the producers will contact and interview select nominees.
