Client Spotlight: Desire Lines
Our sexiest project of 2023, what it was like for us, and a reminder of why prioritizing pleasure is a radical act <3
Lydz here, we’re gonna get real Carrie Bradshaw with it - and going FULL narrative style. This isn’t your average search engine optimization post, I’m here to tell you a STORY. If it inspires you to reach out and consider working with us, GOOD, but if not, I hope you get something out of it anyways.
I got the call from a friend of a former client (shout out to referrals, we love a “through-the-grapevine” moment). They needed sensitivity reading on a script. These vary based on client and budget, but for the most part they come with some mix of an assessment on what risks to anticipate during promotion, and often a few edits with updated language. They usually are very matter of fact - they’re notably different from creative consulting because they’re on a finished product. One of my favorites we’ve done was Disabled character development for a comic book, but that’s a story for another time. I got the script, and had a first experience in the field:
This was the first script that’s come across my desk that on first assessment, I wouldn’t change a single word.
I think further down the line we changed the names of three extras to be more clear for the background actors, but that’s it. As far as assessment, I mentioned that it was hot. I thought maybe there were such smart jokes referencing queer history that the audience may need more scaffolding (they did not! in talented directors we trust), and it may be a little ahead of its time. Overall, it was a genius script, it made me cry. It made me feel seen and included as a non-binary gay that struggles with masculinity and my own sense of not enough faggotry. I told this angel (who would turn into a multi-project client) that it was almost a waste of money because all I had to say is how perfect it is and how lucky the studio was to produce it… but I guess that’s also good information for her to have.
I had the absolute privilege of being brought on as an associate producer. Full Spectrum had curated a gorgeous team of mostly qtbipoc on both sides of the line. We had a big challege ahead of us to cast gay bathhouse scenes throughout the decades. With proper care and communication, the community showed up and showed out! We had such gorgeous gays at every corner (omg side note, if you’re casting for gorgeous gays in LA and Chicago, we still have a list of amazing people you should consider).
Our intimacy coordinator named that this was the biggest scene they ever choreographed, and we did it in a way where we worked to accommodate as many conflicting access needs as possible, while COVID restrictions were being “lifted”, but our communities are still vulnerable - needing protecting where we can, and communication where we couldn’t (because consent for risk is key).
I have so much to say about how overall well this small nonprofit studio handled making sure people were paid equitably, and it was such a powerful experience to see Jules (our incredible director) bring this to life. Now, this beautiful hybrid narrative documentary is touring around the world.
I hope you get a chance to see it.
This film brilliantly acknowledges the AIDs epidemic, contains archival footage from Lou Sullivan (HIV+ trans man activist from the 80s), and contemporary queer and trans interviews that feel like you’re sitting in the living room talking about sexy encounters with dear friends.
During the premier at Sundance, Jules brilliantly referenced the hybrid style of the piece with the note that “trans stories require queer storytelling”.
I’m proud to also have been part of a team where the director called for a ceasefire, and our team participated in everything FilmworkersForPalestine planned to disrupt business as usual during a genocide (and the work continues while in the film festival circuit).
Dreaming our liberation is a key factor to achieving it, and this project is part of this work without bypassing queer pain. It’s been a privilege to be a part of it, please see this when the opportunity comes to a screen near you.