SKINNY the movie Premieres in NYC this weekend

FILMMAKER PATRIK-IAN POLK OF

“PUNKS” AND “NOAH’S ARC”

NEW YORK CITY OPENING OF NEW INDIE FILM

“THE SKINNY” AT THE FAISON FIREHOUSE THEATER ON FRIDAY, JUNE 8TH

The highly anticipated NYC premiere of THE SKINNY, the third feature film from Patrik-Ian Polk (PUNKS, NOAH’S ARC) will be presented during the First Annual Pride Cultural Series at the Faison Firehouse Theater, 6 Hancock Place, Harlem, NY 10027 opening Friday, June 8th with proceeds benefiting GMAD’s (Gay Men of African Decent) Charles Angel Youth Leadership Academy's 'Stop the BS' campaign- an anti gay-bullying and suicide initiative.

A sharply scripted comedy, THE SKINNY tells the story of four young, black, gay men (Magnus, Sebastian, Kyle, Joey) and their lesbian best friend (Langston), who meet up in New York City one year after their graduation from Brown University. Their plans for a weekend of fun start off well, relaxed in each other’s company as only old friends can be. But old tensions quickly resurface.

Drinking, drugs, hidden desire and the demands of promiscuity put friendship, trust and even lives at risk. In between sharp one-liners and a great soundtrack there’s a few important lessons that these pleasure-seekers must learn for themselves. Written with a real sense of the demands of urban living, these bright and believable characters will remind you of someone you know. Remaining true to his past work, Polk addresses issues in THE SKINNY that face the LGBT community such as date-rape, infidelity, and HIV/AIDS awareness.

The film stars Jussie Smollett (the former child actor of “Mighty Ducks” & “North”, and older brother of well-known actress Jurnee Smollett), Blake Young-Fountain, Anthony Burrell, Shanika Warren-Markland and Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman. Supporting cast includes alumnus of Polk’s past features such as Darryl Stephens (“Noah’s Arc”), Jennia Fredrique (“Noah’s Arc”), Wilson Cruz (“Noah’s Arc”) and Seth Gilliam (“Punks”, “The Wire”, “Oz”, “Teen Wolf”). The cast also includes newcomers Dustin Ross and internet sensation B. Scott.

THE SKINNY’s open-ended NYC run begins Friday, June 8th at the Faison Firehouse Theatre in Harlem (6 Hancock Place, New York, NY 10027) as the featured film of the Firehouse's First Annual Pride Cultural Series.

OPENING WEEKEND's Showtime: 3:30pm | 5:30pm | 7:30pm & 9:30pm

Tickets $15.00 purchased in advance online at Smarttix.com.

For additional details & showtimes go to Skinnythemovie.com.

Patrick Ian Polks new film The Skinny premieres in Washington, DC & Atlanta

"The Skinny" Exclusive
One Week Engagement Begins April 6th in Washington, DC & Atlanta, GA

THE SKINNY opens Friday, April 6th for an exclusive one-week engagement in Atlanta at the Midtown Art Cinema (931 Monroe Drive, Atlanta, GA 30308) and Washington D.C. at the E Street Cinema (555 11th Street NW, Washington DC 20004) with more cities to follow. We will be having a "Meet and Greet" with the director and the cast on Friday, April 6th at E Street Cinema at 7:30pm and 9:45pm. In Atlanta, we will be having a "Meet and Greet" with Polk and the cast at the Midtown Art Cinema on April 7th at 7:30 and 9:45pm.

From the director of cult classics PUNKS and NOAH'S ARC, comes the much-anticipated third feature film from Patrik-Ian Polk THE SKINNY, a sharply scripted comedy about a group of four young, black, gay men Magnus, Sebastian, Kyle, Joey and their lesbian best friend, Langston. They arrange to meet up in New York City one year after their graduation from Brown University. Their plans for a weekend of fun start off well, relaxed in each other's company as only old friends can be. But old tensions quickly resurface.

Drinking, drugs, hidden desire and the demands of promiscuity put friendship, trust and even lives at risk. In between sharp one-liners and a great soundtrack there's a few important lessons that these pleasure-seekers must learn for themselves. Written with a real sense of the demands of urban living, these bright and believable characters will remind you of someone you know. Remaining true to his past work, Polk addresses issues in THE SKINNY that face the LGBT community such as date-rape, infidelity, and HIV/AIDS awareness.
The film stars Jussie Smolett, Blake Young-Fountain, Anthony Burrell, Shanika Warren-Markland and Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman. Supporting cast includes alumnus of Polk's past features such as Darryl Stephens ("Noah's Arc"), Jennia Fredrique ("Noah's Arc"), Wilson Cruz ("Noah's Arc") and Seth Gilliam ("Punks"). Also, the film introduces new actors Dustin Ross and internet sensation B. Scott.

In an exciting partnership, the film has teamed up with the Black AIDS Institute to promote the importance of health in the LGBT Community, especially in the Black and Latino communities. The Institute will sponsor appearances, receptions and panel discussions in Washington D.C. and Atlanta featuring producer/director Polk and cast members Jussie Smollett, Blake Young-Fountain and Jennia Fredrique (who all appear in the Black AIDS Institute's latest PSA campaign "Greater Than AIDS"). The Skinny director and cast will be on hand to discuss the HIV awareness story-lines in the movie and other sexual health issues of importance to the LGBT population.

"I've been involved with the Black AIDS Institute since the early days of my NOAH'S ARC television series, and I've been addressing issues of HIV and AIDS in my work since my first film PUNKS," Polk explains. "So it makes perfect sense to partner with them to promote their great cause and highlight the HIV awareness issues raised in my new film THE SKINNY."

The film also features music written and performed by Patrik-Ian Polk. With tunes that illustrate the highs and lows of the film, Polk sings with his heart and soul to capture the essence of it all. Polk was inspired by artists such as Grammy-Award winning Adele to "who had created a very personal album based on her romantic experiences," he says. Polk continues to share coyly that, "...most of the songs I wrote, although they fit very nicely in THE SKINNY, are actually about some very personal experiences with...someone very specific."

For more information, see http://www.skinnythemovie.com.
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Advance Movie Ticket Information

Atlanta, GA - Purchase Tickets HERE

Washington, DC - Purchase Tickets HERE

LEAVE IT ON THE FLOOR - What do you think?

"Glee" meets "Paris Is Burning" in this groundbreaking film directed by Sheldon Larry ("Noah's Arc") and written by Glenn Gaylord ("Eating Out: All You Can Eat"). Jaw-dropping dance numbers are courtesy of Beyonce's choreographer Frank Gatson Jr. When Brad's mother kicks him out, he steals her car and heads to L.A. in search of shelter. There he meets Queen Latina and her House of Eminence. Brad falls for the fierce ball scene "and a cute new boy" but can he ever really escape his past?

Patrik-Ian Polk's THE SKINNY- Official Teaser Trailer

THE SKINNY, the new feature film from writer/director Patrik-Ian Polk, tells the story of five Brown University classmates reuniting in the Big Apple for a weekend of sin and fun.

An Evening with Rodney Chester: This Ain't A Game! on June 22nd

On Wednesday, June 22^nd at 7:30pm, Actor, Producer & Entrepreneur Rodney Chester comes to The Big Apple from Hollywood and shares an intimate night with fans and supporters of his work on both television & the silver screen. There are so many unanswered questions from the last season of the Noah’s Arc TV series and fans want to know what Rodney has been up to for the last four years. Rodney and his friend & television host, Lloyd Boston come together during NYC Pride week this June to interact and share Rodney’s untold stories at the Faison Fire House Theater, 6 Hancock Place (at 124^th Street & St. Nicholas Blvd), Harlem, NY 10027.

His latest project entitled An Evening with Rodney Chester: This Ain’t A Game! Produced and directed by Nathan Hale Williams, co-written by Craig Rose and managed by Richard E. Pelzer II, & Chrissy Dorey promises to be a SMASH hit and the talk of the town. Through anecdotes, vignettes, never before seen clips and behind the scene stories, Rodney will entertain you all the while giving you the inside "T! “ In this in your face one man show, Rodney strips down all of the layers and is more transparent than ever about his life, career and his experiences as a star on the hit show Noah's Arc. And, you know a Rodney Chester performance won't be complete without a two step - he loves to dance. So, join us for a fun filled, irreverent night with your favorite character from the groundbreaking series.

For every ticket purchased on RodneyChester.com, you will receive access to our VIP Belvedere RED pre-reception from 6:30pm -7:15pm at The Faison Firehouse Theater (please note: you must be 21 or older and ID’s are required to enter). Seating is limited for this special performance with Rodney so get your ticket in advance. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to The Black AIDS Institute.

The Skinny - A New Film From Patrik-Ian Polk

What's The Skinny?!

Patrik-Ian Polk, the award-winning filmmaker behind the hit LOGO television series "Noah's Arc", is now working on a brand-new project- THE SKINNY. And it's gonna be great, but we need your help to make it happen.

THE SKINNY has been in development for two years, and the project is on the verge of being fully funded. Some amazing people have already put their support behind this movie, and now we're bringing it to the Kickstarter community to help us cross the finish line.

What's it About?

THE SKINNY tells the story of five Brown University classmates who reunite one year after graduation for Gay Pride weekend in New York City. Magnus has just completed his first year of medical school and is excited to see his friends & introduce them to his new man, Ryan. Angelic Sebastian has recently returned from a year in Paris and looks forward to finally losing his virginity. Devilish trustafarian playboy Kyle is up to his old tricks, bagging as many hot bodied men as possible. Atlanta native Joey is hiding a few secrets, not including the obvious pounds he's packed on since graduating. And acid-tongued black British lesbian Langston tries to hold her own with the boys in the Big Apple. Through three action-packed days of sex, drama, secrets, lies & laughter- these five college pals discover just how much can change in one short year. And you won't believe what goes down at the Gay Pride Parade!

Special Screening on May 26th of the film "Children of God"

CHILDREN OF GOD Makes Its Theatrical Premiere in New York City

GLO TV Network & GMAD will host a special screening

on Thursday, May 26^th at 7:10pm & 9:35pm

Have you seen one of the most controversial, yet refreshing films from this year? GLO TV and GMAD are proud to present and host special screenings on Thursday, May 26^th at 7:10pm and 9:30pm at the Quad Cinema Theater. We are asking the community to enjoy this powerful and beautiful story with us.

In Children of God, writer and director Kareem Mortimer tackles the subject of gay rights and human behavior in the Bahamas. Amid the sunny background of this Caribbean paradise lies a boiling cauldron of social and religious unrest. Mortimer carefully weaves the stories of four people all headed towards a fate none would expect.

What starts out as a casual trip from the city of Nassau to the tranquil island of Eleuthera, suddenly becomes a life-altering journey. For Johnny, a painfully shy art student who struggles to deal with his own sexuality and lack of inspiration decides to take some time off to find himself artistically and personally. Along the way, he meets Romeo, a handsome, young musician, whose double life as a straight man leads him to escape the suspicions of his family, ultimately finding a kindred spirit in Johnny. In the case of Lena, a wife, mother, and devout Christian campaigning against gay rights in the Bahamas, she also discovers the tiny island, all while learning some disturbing truths about her husband, the fanatical Reverend Ralph. His shocking infidelity does more physical and emotional harm than anyone could ever imagine.

Children of God's ending is nothing short of jaw-dropping and yet, there is something oddly cathartic and reassuring about each character’s fate. Overall, Children of God is an emotionally charged film with stellar performances and beautiful location shots. Mortimer has skillfully crafted a tale that is both touching and painfully realistic in its portrayal of relationship dynamics and the impact of fanatical religious hatred. Children of God is a culturally relevant and thought provoking movie that shouldn’t be missed.

“Finds moments of grace in it¹s believable central relationship
...Ferro and Williams keep their attraction and their doubts natural.”
- Variety

“A landmark feature film by directed by Kareem Mortimer...a powerful and
beautiful story about love, fear and religious intolerance” - Man about town

"Children of God is sumptuous and daring" – Extra

Film is scheduled to play at the Quad Cinemas from May 20th-May 26th. Opening Weekend filled with parties, Q&A and panels. Showtimes are 1:00 pm, 3:00pm, 5:05pm, 7:10pm and 9:35pm.

Quad Cinema, 34 West 13th Street, New York, NY 10011-7911, (212) 255-8800

RODNEY CHESTER SHARES AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH FANS AT THE GEORGE FAISON FIREHOUSE THEATER IN HARLEM DURING NY PRIDE WEEK THIS JUNE

On Wednesday, June 22^nd at 7:30pm, Actor, Producer & Entrepreneur Rodney Chester comes to The Big Apple from Hollywood and shares an intimate night with fans and supporters of his work on both Television & the Silver Screen. There are so many unanswered questions from the last season of the Noah’s Arc TV series and fans want to know what Rodney has been up to for the last four years. Rodney and his friend & television host, Lloyd Boston come together during NY Pride week this June to interact and share untold stories at the Faison Fire House Theater, 6 Hancock Place (at 124^th Street & St. Nicholas Blvd), Harlem, NY 10027.

Rodney Chester best known as Alex from the hit Logo Network original series; “Noah’s Arc” has been a working professional in the field of dance and choreography for the past 15 years. He worked with Patrik-Ian Polk on his independent film Punks, which led to his starring role in Polk’s series “Noah’s Arc.” In the fall of 2008, Noah's Arc the movie “Jumping The Broom” surprised the entertainment industry by opening at Number 1 on the independent film box office report, according to IndieWire.com . Since the success of the movie, Rodney hosted the 2009 Out Music Awards, will appear in HBO’s original series "PLAYERS" and travels the U.S. hosting events.

A native of Cocoa Beach, Florida, Chester graduated with honors from Bethune Cookman College. He began his career as a dancer, which took him all over the world. His talents led him to a dancing role in “Cinderella,” starring Whitney Houston and other production work for Prince, Chaka Khan, Diana Ross, Toni Braxton, TLC and Deborah Cox to name a few. In addition, Chester has acted in a variety of Off-Broadway productions and television commercials.

Chester attributes (the) performances in television, film and music video to his success as owner and director of Trio Talent Agency (www.triotalentagency.com) in Los Angeles. He enjoys working with some of the world’s top musical and dance artists, continuing to be at the top of his dance game on all levels. As he continues to create new entertainment ventures, Chester still makes himself available to host events around the world.

His latest project entitled An Evening with Rodney Chester: This Ain’t No Game! produced by Nathan Hale Williams, co-written by Craig Rose and managed by Richard E. Pelzer II, & Chrissy Dorey promises to be a SMASH hit and the talk of the year. Seating is limited for this special performance. Tickets are available at RodneyChester.com. Purchase TODAY and don’t Da GAG-GAG! A portion of proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to The Black AIDS Institute.

“Through hard work and perseverance success is imminent”

- Rodney Chester

Another "Jumping the Broom" Movie in theaters May 6th

TriStar Pictures film JUMPING THE BROOM, which features an all-star cast of Angela Bassett, Paula Patton, Laz Alonso, Loretta Devine and so many more in theatres May 6, 2011.

Produced by T.D. Jakes and Tracey Edmonds, JUMPING THE BROOM is a romantic comedy depicting the love and laughs that result when two families from different socioeconomic backgrounds meet for a weekend wedding in Martha’s Vineyard.

Actor Darryl Stephens Gets "RAW"

Who wants to get Raw with Darryl Stephens?

Televisions Most Recognized Gay Characters

Aside from what I've been hearing about there aren't a lot of gay characters on television, I am watching television series, movies, and online shows, and I am so happy seeing all these amazing characters. The only thing that needs to change is the storyline around the characters. We are not all about drama. We all don't wear female clothing. We all don't raise our voices. We all don't demand an attention. For those that still picture all gay people like that, I think you might some new contact lenses.

I love television series more than movies. I love writing screenplays. But I have a habit of not letting the characters go away. I'm sure a lot of us agree that we love watching gay characters on a television series than a movie. If we watch a movie, we will always wonder what happens next.

Throughout my teenage years, there have been so many gay characters/couples that I immediately had a crush on. Even though the shows are canceled, I will buy the shows on DVD, and watch it nonstop. My favorite characters turn out to be couples too. Noah Nicholson and Wade Robinson from Noah's Arc, Brian Kinney and Justin Taylor from Queer as Folk, and Justin and Andrew Van de Kamp from Desperate Housewives.

Even though these shows are gone (except Desperate Housewives), we buy them on DVD, and watch it non-stop. However, there are still some gay characters that I watch on a daily basis. Some I am addicted to, and some I am just getting interested in.

The one gay couple I am watching constantly is Luke Snyder and Noah Mayer in the soap opera As The World Turns. This is the first gay male soap opera supercouple. Despite the storyline, it feels great seeing them on television on a daily basis. I'm not that much of a fan of soap operas, but this couple is starting to make me change my mind.


And of course, there are the two characters in the iconic sitcom that doesn't appear to be going away anytime soon. Even though the show is canceled, you can see the reruns every night on Lifetime. Our funny men: Will Truman and Jack Farland from Will and Grace.

I just love the fact that we have these amazing characters on television. Every time I see them, it feels great to have characters that we can relate too. These characters opened the door to a lot of us. We must show these television studios that the characters we created are some that can inspire a large number of viewers. You gotta love television!

Feel free to comment. I love your opinions.

A Future Gay Soap Opera?

This is something that has been in my head for a very long time.

Two days ago, I watched a full one hour episode of The Young and the Restless. I wanted to watch this phenomenon that most women, lesbians, and gay men are into. In the beginning, I really wasn't a fan of soap operas. I began asking people "How can you keep up with over a thousand episodes?"

Soap operas are daily shows. It's not like waiting next week to watch the new episode of Law and Order. If you want to watch a new episode, wake up the next day and it's on. I remember running into a woman who is a fan of this show. This woman knew what happened in episode seven thousand to the present episode. I'm sure it will reach episode ten thousand before the next decade.

After watching this show, I immediately became addicted to it. I just became part of that group of gay men who love soap operas. This show will give me an excuse to wake up every day at 9:00 AM. It's suspenseful, romantic, comedic, the perfect ingredients for a good show. I might add another soap opera to my list, but I just want to get used to this show first.

While watching this show, I began to think about our community back on television. Right now, the only couple I see on a soap opera is Luke and Noah from As The World Turns.

Their stories are amazing, but it's time to branch out. It's been more than a year now with these two, and As The World Turns is about to be canceled in just a few months. After watching these soap operas along with characters like them, it got me thinking. There should be a future soap opera just surrounding gay characters.

Out of all the shows people are dieing to watch, the gay community contains a large percentage of it. Whenever I walk past a group of people who just watched an old episode of Noah's Arc, Queer As Folk, and The L Word, they continue to talk about it, and even express their own ideas for new episodes. It's like a clock froze in their head and they can never forget. That's how much of a fan they are.

Which is why I suggest they should create a gay soap opera on television or online. We'll need to call Dwight Allen O' Neal (Christopher's Street), Maurice Jamal (The Ski Trip), Patrick Ian Polk (Noah's Arc), Ron Cowen (Queer As Folk), Ilene Chaiken (The L Word), or some newcomer and make this happen. We have to show a body of work that Showtime, Logo, SoapNet, NBC, and many more to make this happen.

All these ideas just gets me thinking.

Should there be a gay soap opera?

Zolra's Corner: The Addiction to Romantic Comedies

Months ago, I began to ask this question in my head. It was right after watching the romantic comedy Along Came Polly, starring Ben Stiller and Jennifer Aniston. I have been dieing to see this movie and once I saw it, my love for romantic comedies have returned.

For me, I am not a huge person when it comes to romance. If you come by my house, there will be no Danielle Steel on the bookshelf unless the stories were completely funny. However, growing up, I have been a huge fan of comedies ranging from sitcoms like The Golden Girls, The Big Bang Theory, The Nanny, Will and Grace, Two and a Half Men, and the runaway new show on TV Land Hot in Cleveland. Then there are shows like Sex and the City that is not only a comedy, but it centers around the romance. For most of us, that's considered a romantic comedy.

Once I realized I love romantic comedies, it has become a major addiction. Every time there is a movie in the theater, I automatically run to see it. The recent romantic comedies I've seen were Just Wright and Sex and the City 2. Now I got my eyes aimed at Valentine's Day right now.

Then I went to the library, looking for novels that could satisfy me. After searching through the books, I finally saw a novel that fully interested me. It was a novel called Angels by Marian Keyes. The moment I read it, I felt romantic comedies flowing through my veins. Ever since then, Marian Keyes has become one of my favorite authors.

Last year, we were both overwhelmed watching the runaway hit film Noah's Arc: Jumping The Broom, the movie based on the hit series on Logo. There are a few differences I see between Noah's Arc the tv series, and the movie. The tv show is considered a dramedy. It centered around the character's relationships and everyday life. Then there was the drama surrounding the issues around the gay and lesbian community. So when I went to see the movie, I considered it to be the same as the tv show. Then I when I saw it, I said to myself "This is a romantic comedy".

There were no issues surrounding the community at all (unless you include the problem surrounding Wade's side of the family). This was mostly about how the characters fixing their relationships, and it also centered around a wedding. If you been to a gay wedding like this in the movie, you will believe me by saying it's a romantic comedy. The press agrees too.

After watching the gay community react in their everyday life, and seeing them completely interested in these kinds of films most of the time, it got me thinking.

Do gays love romantic comedy or does every single individual on the planet want to make their life exactly like a romantic comedy.

We might never know what types of movies we love. As long as the relationship between two individuals captures us, we will hooked on it no matter what the genre is.

Zolra's Corner: A Gay Reality Series and Documentary

This is something I talked about on my blog. But I felt like I should bring it here for my LGBT family.

I had this weird idea while I was at work. Everyone knows I'm a fan of reality tv. I love Keeping Up With The Kardashions, The Real Housewives, Jersey Shore, and the list continues on. But I am also a fan of scripted shows too like 30 Rock, Sex and the City, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, and Melrose Place.

The only thing that I wish can happen is something that Noah's Arc inspired me to think of. Not only that show, but also something that Sex and the City and Jackass did with their tv series and movie sequels.

What would happen if there was a gay reality series surrounding the lives of four best friends. The show becomes a success and then it's canceled. Years later, the idea to bring the four of them back has been brought up. So they decided to make a documentary, which picks up the friends where they left off. You see where I'm going here?

I would love to see that happen one day. A reality show that spawned documentary sequels. I have had this in my head for a long time. I guess all we have to do is look for those four gay friends and someone might pick up this idea and history will be made.

"We Can Do It" - Open Artist Movement

The Open Artist Movement and photographer John Ganun have begun "We Can Do It", a new photo campaign inspired by the iconic World War II graphic artist J. Howard Miller. The campaign goal is to bring to life modern iconic individuals, by depicting them as powerful and not victims in support of the global LGBT movement worldwide.

The first round of models to bare their biceps and strike pose include Darryl Stephens and Wilson Cruz.