Writer and Director Lou Peterson thinks producing a show like Born Stars has never been more important.
Peterson says, “In a time of at-risk legal protections and the erosion of civil rights, now is a crucial moment to increase trans awareness. Any kind of visibility in the broader culture is important right now.”
But what I’m really excited about is for people to get to see how incredibly entertaining and engaging these guys are–don’t get me wrong—we’re aware of the cultural impact this show could have–but if we’re doing it right you’ll be entertained and wanting to come back.
Peterson’s material has always been razor edged and indelibly queer. A graduate of the Columbia University Graduate Film Program, his thesis project, In the Blood, debuted on LOGO and has more recently started a run on REVRY TV.
In the Blood was based on the notion of queer fear—a sort of post-modern theoretical critique of the insidious way homophobia is threaded into the body politick and, in these horror films, the consequence for these transgressions is a gruesome death.
His latest short film, Give Baby A Kiss, too was an erotic and disturbing supernatural thriller vis a vis drugs—particularly heroin use. The thriller won a number of awards after a debut at the Hollywood Chinese Theater and then making the subsequent film festivals around the world. Give Baby A Kiss is set for release in the Amazon Prime anthology series, The Void: Volume 3 this spring.
Peterson was developing a number of projects including preparing to direct his next feature Cracked for producer Philip Pierce (Boy Culture) when I approached him about the idea.
Peterson says “After meeting with members of the cast, and seeing what interesting, down-to-earth guys they are, I knew I wanted to be part of this project.”
Peterson quickly crafted the vision and aesthetic of the show; dedicated to make it compelling entertainment.
Peterson wants to be clear about a few things though “This is show is not about transitioning —although obviously HRT and top surgeries may come up frequently — it’s about them living a life that finally aligns with their soul. This show is not representative of a universal trans experience — and that’s because there is none.
The one takeaway Peterson’s learned the most from the trans folks he’s known both personally and professionally, is that it was easy to align the message of the show with my own beliefs about humanity, which are that trans people are out there just trying to live their lives the best they can like everyone else. They have the right to pursue happiness without the threat of discrimination or intimidation or worse and more than it should — violence and often death. “
Support the show and spread the word: https://seedandspark.com/fund/born-stars-rock#story
Photos courtesy of the author.