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YOUTUBE TO DEBUT NEW ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARY "STATE OF PRIDE" EXPLORING DIVERSE EXPRESSION OF LGBTQ+ PRIDE ACROSS THE UNITED STATES
'State of Pride' To Launch In 2019
On The 50th Anniversary Of The Stonewall Riots
Award-Winning Filmmakers Rob Epstein & Jeffrey Friedman To Direct;
Developed and Produced by Portal A
Los Angeles, CA -- September 13, 2018 -- YouTube today announced it has greenlit State of Pride, a new YouTube Original feature documentary that takes an unflinching look at the significance of Pride 50 years after the historic Stonewall Riots. The documentary, which is slated to debut on YouTube in June 2019, is directed by Academy Award-winning filmmakers Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman, known for their groundbreaking work on the LGBTQ+ experience, and produced by leading digital studio Portal A.
State of Pride brings to life a diverse range of LGBTQ+ perspectives on the meaning and value of Pride through intimate and honest interviews led by Raymond Braun, called "one of the pre-eminent activists of his generation" by OUT Magazine. Braun travels between major cities and rural towns across America, experiencing Pride and learning from individuals for whom the event marks a pivotal moment in their personal journey.
Pride has become a lens for a culture in transition - a flashpoint for both celebration and debate. The documentary is filmed over multiple-months, covering the entirety of the Pride calendar in the United States.
Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman have been honored for their LGBTQ+ media representation with projects like the Academy Award-winning "Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt", and Emmy Award-winning "Celluloid Closet."
"We are incredibly honored to bring this important and compelling documentary State of Pride to people around the world," said Susanne Daniels, Global Head of Original Content, YouTube. "The film features powerful conversations with inspiring individuals as they open up about Pride and how it has changed over the past 50 years."
Award-winning digital studio Portal A set out to develop a film that would capture the story of Pride in all its complexity. "We are built to tell stories that speak to a new audience," said Nate Houghteling, Co-Founder and Executive Producer at Portal A. "With State of Pride, we have the opportunity to work with two extraordinarily accomplished filmmakers to capture this one-of-a-kind celebration in a way that's uniquely suited to the YouTube generation."
"State of Pride is set to amplify the voices of LGBTQ+ people and allies that audiences need to hear," said Jeremy Blacklow, GLAAD's Director of Entertainment Media. "Raymond's unique ability to tell powerful, inclusive LGBTQ+ stories that enlighten and inspire, coupled with Rob and Jeff's legacy of gifted storytelling, will no doubt lead to a film that showcases the true diversity of the LGBTQ community."
State of Pride is developed and produced by Portal A with executive producers Nate Houghteling, Kai Hasson, and Zach Blume for Portal A, Jeffrey Friedman and Rob Epstein for Telling Pictures, and Raymond Braun. Portal A, Raymond Braun, Rob Epstein, and Jeffrey Friedman are represented by WME.
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ABOUT PORTAL A:
Portal A is an award-winning digital studio that creates branded and original entertainment for a new generation. From the 200-million-view spectacle YouTube Rewind to original series Song Voyage and One Shot, Portal A has distinguished itself as a leading producer of premium branded and original content.
ABOUT ROB EPSTEIN & JEFFREY FRIEDMAN:
Over an illustrious 30 year career, Rob Epstein and Jeff Friedman have been honored with two Academy Awards, five Emmy Awards, and three Peabody Awards and their contributions to gay identity and history have entered them into the pantheon of American filmmakers.
ABOUT RAYMOND BRAUN:
Raymond Braun has been recognized as the Financial Times #1 young global LGBTQ+ leader and one of the OUT 100 most influential LGBTQ+ people in the world. Braun's award-winning work with YouTube, MTV, VH1, Logo, GLAAD, and the Human Rights Campaign has expanded the LGBTQ+ community's cultural visibility.
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