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VIDEO: Preview New "DL Chronicles" Episode "Thomas"

Good news for Los Angeles-area fans of the critically-acclaimed series The DL Chronicles. Deondray Gossett and Quincy LeNear have created a new episode "Thomas" that premieres tonight at the Outfest Fusion Film Festival in Los Angeles. The episode features actor and dancer Gabriel Arthur Corbin as "Thomas", Johanny Paulino and Damian Toofek Raven.

Watch the preview, a tease and a behind-the-scenes feature AFTER THE JUMP ...

Steph Jones: The Rod 2.0 Interview

Steph Jones defies labels. And that's a good thing.

The independent artist and singer-songwriter created a huge buzz with his single "Mr. Ordinary" and has been favorably compared to neo-soul favorites such as Maxwell and D'Angelo. But the raspy voice and sometimes soaring falsetto is so reminiscent of a younger Marvin Gaye or Al Green. And while many brand new artists would consider a contract with Def Jam and working with Ludacris the virtual equivalent of hitting the Powerball, the Houston-area native walked away from it. "There's always room for growth," Steph Jones tells Rod 2.0. "If there isn't, you're settling and I don't like to settle."

Watch Steph Jones perform "Gravity" behind-the-scenes during his shoot for Tightrope Magazine, and watch him as the romantic lead in Shontelle's new video "Impossible" AFTER THE JUMP ....

The singer slash songwriter originally began his career as a model. Signed to Ford and featured in numerous national print and television campaigns. After leaving Def Jam/Disturbing Tha Peace, Jones began marketing himself through social media. It all began on My Space before Steph Jones segued to his YouTube channel which now has almost a million views. And of course there is StephJonesMusic on Twitter, where he is über-popular and constantly updates his status, uploading photos from the red carpet, out at dinner, and the occasional shirtless Twitpics that have become #TrendingTopics. Steph also regularly broadcasts and even takes requests on UStream.

Jones has also become one of the very few younger male R&B singers to embrace a gay fanbase—especially at the beginning of his career. "Mr Ordinary" was featured on the "DL Chronicles" soundtrack. Steph also participated in photographer Adam Bouska's striking "No H8" campaign, spoken out for equality and against homophobia. We discussed all this on a short phone call ...

ROD 2.0: That No H8 photo is ferosh. How and why did you get involved? 

STEPH JONES: I love that photo and was happy to do it. A friend of mine hit me up and asked to do it. I didn’t hesitate and I'd do it again. If you believe in something, you have to stand up. I am not about to intrude on anybody else' s happiness because they'll take away someone else's rights next time. And I don’t want to hear about how it used to be. "Back in the day" we were picking cotton. Now we have President Obama.

R20: It's refreshing to hear that point of view, especially from a new jack in RnB. There's so much pressure to be gangsta and homophobic to gain street cred.

STEPH JONES: That's a problem in American culture and African American culture. There are a lot of insecure people, insecure straights, insecure gays. And to be honest, a lot of the insecure straight bullies ... they're probably fighting something on the inside. Ya feel me? But if you look at a lot of these singers and celebrities, they've been given a gift. So much power, such a platform and many waste it. That's why I want to reach out to everyone, all people, black, white, Latino, gay, straight ... people helping people. 

Watch Steph perform "Gravity"—and talk music, movies, modeling and homophobia in black Hollywood—AFTER THE JUMP ....

WATCH: WGA Panel on Homophobia in Black Hollywood

Last week in Los Angeles, the Writers Guild West hosted a panel discussion on homophobia in black Hollywood and the state of black gay imagery in entertainment. "Flipping The Script: Beyond Homophobia in Black Hollywood" was moderated by actress, singer and HIV/AIDS activist Sheryl Lee Ralph to a standing room only crowd. The panel was a who's who of black gay directors and producers: Emmy winning producer-director Paris Barclay, Maurice Jamal (Dirty Laundry), Quincy LeNear and Deondray Gossett (The DL Chronicles), writers Demetrius Bady and Jasmine Love, Tim McNeal (VP of Talent Development and Diversity/Disney) and actor Wilson Cruz.. GLAAD's Tajamika Paxton was also on hand.

The discussion apparently went better than expected. "Often in Hollywood, its difficult to get sizeable crowds for events that deal with controversial topics," Maurice Jamal tells Rod 2.0. "And Black homophobia certainly fits that category. But there were people spilled over into the aisles, sitting on the floor, listening in the hallway and lobby. I think people recognize that is time for a paradigm shift."

The two-hour discussion started a conversation on homophobia on screen and off-screen, as well as offered reasons why it's never discussed in black Hollywood. Deondray Gosseett tells Rod 2.0 that black LGBTs should adopt the Tyler Perry model: Do it yourself. "We've cowered from this topic way too long in the hopes of not rocking the boat and maintaining our ability to secure employment," Gossett tells R20. "So it's time for a shift, where we wouldn't have to worry about losing opportunity solely based on sexual orientation." 

The panel noted out black lesbian comedienne Wanda Sykes has her own talk show and Nelsan Ellis' 'Lafayette Reynolds' is one of the central characters in True Blood. OTOH: Logo unceremoniously canceled Noah's Arc, television's first black gay specific television show. And a similar story at here!, which dropped the critically-acclaimed DL Chronicles without little explanation.

And on the lack of black LGBT characters on the screen and even fewer black-LGBT specific projects, Jamal says it's absurd "to say that white Americans can elect a Black man to the presidency" but Blacks in Hollywood don't support other Blacks based on sexuality. "That's bullsh_t," Jamal tells Rod 2.0. "It's cowardice to say its all about money. There are far too many examples of queer media, roles and images that are successful across the board." Jamal adds: "I have far more respect for someone who doesn't greenlight a project because they just don't like gays, than to hide their prejudice behind other excuses."

Mediaweek's Alan Frutkin spoke with several of the panelists after the discussion. Watch the interviews AFTER THE JUMP ...

"The DL Chronicles" Renewed for Second Season

Good news for fans of The DL Chronicles. The hit television series has been renewed for a second season on here!, the premium gay cable television network.

The DL Chronicles is the first television series to explore black gay and bisexual men and the so-called "down low" subculture and was recently nominated for a GLAAD Media Award in the category of "Outstanding Television Movie or Mini-Series." The critically acclaimed series is written, directed and produced by partners Quincy LeNear and Deondray Gossett (MySpace) and first chatted up on Rod 2.0 in October 2005. It's a sexy show, but, more importantly it is very well written and has seamlessly made the transition from the film festival circuit to episodic television.

Apparently the second season will approach some of the hot button issues in the black gay community, such as "a high school student’s newfound gay relationship and its effects on his homophobic father, a reverend who questions his sexual identity and religious beliefs upon meeting a handsome stranger, and an interracial love story about two guys from different sides of the tracks." Sounds good and congratulations to Deondray and Quincy.

"DL Chronicles" will return for a second season [IS]

Did You Read ...?
"The DL Chronicles" Will Return for a 2nd Season
Behind the Scenes: "DL Chronicles Episode 2: Robert"
The DL Chronicles
DL Chronicles Interview
On the Low
London Calling
A Conversation with Luther Mace
A Conversation with Keith Boykin
On the Low
On the Low on Logo
"The Down Low Exposed"
The "Invisible" Man Returns

Behind the Scenes: "The DL Chronicles Episode 2: Robert"

Over the weekend, Deondray Gossett and Quincy LeNear will debut the newest installment of The DL Chronicles at the In the Life Film Festival. In case your Labor Day weekend plans do not take you to Atlanta, Deondray and Quincy are providing Rod 2.0 readers with another, exclusive preview.

The DL Chronicles: Robert follows the format of the earlier episode, narrated by Chadwick Williams as he researches a book on men who live on the down-low. There are several twists here. First, this episode is almost a romantic comedy and it's truly ROFL. Also, there is an unexpected plot twist about halfway through, which unfortunately we cannot reveal, but, will change your mind about how you perceive the characters.

Review: "Out of Control: AIDS in Black America"

There is good news and not-so-good news after watching "Out of Control: AIDS in Black America," the special one-hour documentary produced by ABC News. (Once again, just as a disclaimer, this writer worked for ABC News for some years.) The good news is that the long-overdue special touched upon many of the contributing factors of the epidemic. Reporter Terry Moran interviewed knowledgeable authorities such as Dr. David Malebranche, Phill Wilson and Dr. Louis Sullivan.

Phill Wilson delivered the money quote of the hour: "If these were white college students with 50% infection rates, this would be on the news every night. But it's poor black men and women so nobody cares."

Unlike the woefully inadequate BET "special" allegedly devoted to HIV and the down-low, the ABC producers presented plenty of statistical eveidence to demonstrate that the majority of heterosexual HIV transmissions had little or nothing to do with gay/DL/bisexual men.

However, the not-so-good news: Although the documentary addressed many uncomfortable issues, the biggest ones remained unanswered; Why are so many gay black men unwilling to become pro-active about their health status? The late Peter Jennings was seen with a round table of HIV-positive black men in Atlanta—gay, straight and bisexual. Many had complex reasons about their perceived role in society, the church and family. One man who described his former lifestyle as "DL" had been infected for a year before he revealed his status to his wife. His story is probably the exception as opposed to the rule, but, that type of ignorance is among the reasons why HIV is approaching cataclysmic proportions within our community.

It's beyond pathetic that after 25 years, black leaders are still trying to comprehend the severity of this crisis. TD Jakes provided a non-response about AIDS not being mentioned in the New Testament. Jesse Jackson was also interviewed. Although he has recently publicly come out for HIV testing, his voice has largely been silent.

The main question remains, "Why do so many straight and gay black men have unprotected sex? And, why do so many straight black women practice unsafe sex?" That was not asked and certainly not answered by the interviews with several women who wanted to blame gay men and the "DL" lifestyle for escalating rates. It probably challenges their victim status, and, like so many other issues in our community, is another massive failure at many levels.

Previously:

Black America and HIV (Rod 2.0) The ABCs of Black HIV (Rod 2.0) Just Put it in Your Mouth (Keith Boykin) A Conversation with Keith Boykin (Rod 2.0) "The Down Low Exposed" (Rod 2.0) S. Africans Demand Arrest of Health Minister (Rod 2.0) "Fear Tactics" are Best Way to Reach the DL (Rod 2.0) Philly Anti-HIV Campaign Definitely Not a "Hit" (Rod 2.0) Un-Brotherly Love: Black vs Black and Gay (Rod 2.0) (Virtual) Sex and the City (Rod 2.0) The "Invisible" Man Returns (Rod 2.0) Coming to a Megaplex Near You (Rod 2.0) Couldn't I See the Signs? (Rod 2.0) The DL Chronicles (Rod 2.0) Kirk Franklin: Gays and the Black Church (Rod 2.0)

London Calling

The 20th Annual London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival runs through April 12 and several programs should interest Rod 2.0 readers.

On April 1st, The DL Chronicles will make its European premiere. The film was written, directed and produced by Quincy LeNear and Deondray Gossett; the latter co-starred in Parenthood, Sister Act 2 and the critically-acclaimed short On the Low. The creative team are also a real-life couple, which, in our opinion, is just brilliant. Technically, at thirty minutes The DL Chronicles is a "short" film, but, the structure perfectly lends itself to episodic television.

On Saturday and Sunday, it will be screened as part of a special symposium on black gay men and the down low. "Doin' the Low" will be co-hosted by Keith Boykin and Topher Campbell, the well-known filmmaker, theater director and activist who co-founded rukus!, a black queer arts organization. Saturday night is sold out and Sunday is close to capacity.

On the Low (USA, 2005). One of the very best shorts that we have ever seen. Luther Mace's sensitive coming of age film stars Deondray Gossett, Delpano Willis, Tommy Ford (Martin), Antoine D'Angelo and Gene Samuels.

Blood (2005). Written and directed by Kolton Lee. The 17 minute short tells the story of Danny, a champion amateur boxer who is about to compete in his first professional fight. Danny discovers that his true passion has been locked inside him. It's time to bring it out.

Enraged by a Picture (SA, 2005). Zanele Muholi, the well-known black lesbian photographer in South Africa, discusses her work. Fifteen minutes.

Twice As Hard (2005). This 18 minute documentary was written and directed by Andrew Mundy-Castle as part of the requirements for his MA thesis. The straight director interviews a cross-section of black gay men such as Reverend Jide Macaulay, Britain's first out black priest.

This Is How I Love You (USA, 2005) 19 year-old Christopher Harris was awarded Outstanding Documentary at the 2005 Outfest for his 18-minute short film on identity and sexuality.

London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival

Previously:

The DL Chronicles (Rod 2.0) DL Chronicles Interview (Rod 2.0) On the Low (Rod 2.0) A Conversation with Luther Mace (Rod 2.0) "The Down Low Exposed" (Rod 2.0) Return of the Down Low (Keith Boykin) And Now—Back to the Dow Low (Keith Boykin) BET's DL Exposed (Js Theater) A Conversation with Keith Boykin (Rod 2.0) Kirk Franklin: Gays and the Black Church (Rod 2.0) The "Invisible" Man Returns (Rod 2.0) Bill Duke (SGL Café) Invisible Men (Edge of Night) Invisible (Official Site and Trailer) Coming to a Megaplex Near You (Rod 2.0) On the Next Oprah ... (Rod 2.0) Strange Fruit (Rod 2.0) Does Your Mother Know? (Rod 2.0) Black Gay British Leaders (Rod 2.0)

"DL Chronicles" Update

Just a quick update on the the short film The DL Chronicles and its creative team of Deondray Gossett and Quincy LeNear. Los Angles-area film buffs may want to take advantage of a screening tomorrow night, Wednesday March 1 at the historic Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. It's part of the Outfest Wednesdays series in collaboration with Outfest and the American Cinematheque. Hint: You can even buy Fandango tickets online and print them out at home.

Back in October we predicted good things for Deondray, Quincy and their short film. Right now they're working on a second installment of the series. Later next month there's another special screening at the London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival which will be hosted by Keith Boykin.

Poor Keith. Rio one month, London the next.

DL Chronicles at Egyptian Theatre

Outfest Wednesdays

London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival

Previously:

Deondray Gossett and Quincy LeNear Interview (Club Rimshot)

Darren Schnase and Ty Vincent Interview (Club Rimshot)

DL Chronicles Interview (Rod 2.0)

The DL Chronicles (Rod 2.0)

The DL Chronicles (Official Site)

The DL Chronicles

The DL Chronicles is an intriguing, sexy new short film making the festival rounds. The story is quite simple: a journalist undertakes research for a book on men living on the "down low," and his narration is the story of the men that are interviewed. Technically, at thirty minutes this is a "short" film, but the structure perfectly lends itself to episodic television. There's been strong feedback from critics and test audiences; the directors hope that traction can pilot this episode to the small-screen.

"We were originally going to shoot 3 episodes back to back, to distribute direct to DVD as a DVD series," co-director Quincy LaNear told Rod 2.0 in a conversation over the weekend. "Because of the great response, we have decided to wait and shop it to television first. We hope to be able to follow in the success of Noah's Arc and hits like The L Word and Queer As Folk" The DL Chronicles was written, directed and produced by Quincy LeNear and Deondray Gossett; you'll recall the latter co-starred in Parenthood, Sister Act 2 and the critically-acclaimed short On the Low. The creative team are also a real-life couple, and, for the first time, discuss their partnership to Rod 2.0.

Below, plot synopsis, a review and more conversation with the directors.

A Conversation with Luther Mace

Believe it or not, this site has only been around for only five months, so it's still somewhat a newbie. One of the most popular features in our short history has been discussion of the indie short film On the Low, a beautiful coming of age story. Our initial review was in early June, at the beginning of the summer film festival circuit. Since then, both critics and audiences have fallen in love with the story of two high school boys ... who fall in love. Our only complaint is that this is a short film; we would love to see more.

It looks like that may happen and a feature film could be developed. This week's Rod 2.0 Conversation is with Luther Mace, the director of On the Low, who shared some news about interest expressed in his movie. Like us, Luther is a television writer-producer type (but obviously, more successful), and landed his first agent with a script for Roseanne; he's also worked on the crews of Living Single and Martin, among other productions. Luther's day job is at HBO; he adapted the short film in his spare time. Last week, over espresso and grande vanilla lattes—and through the wonders of TMobile's free nighttime minutes—we had a great convo about On the Low, the creative process, writing scripts, and how many times his two lead actors practiced that on-screen kiss until it was oh-so-hot. Enjoy.

Rod: On the Low has become the darling of the indie film circuit. How does it feel to be the belle of the ball?

Luther Mace: It’s great, a bit overwhelming and totally unexpected. I went into this with no expectations. My goal was to make a movie for the black gay community, because I looked around and saw a dearth of images. The storyline had been part of my psyche for some years. This was before everything that you see now. I didn’t know anything about Noah’s Arc, Brother to Brother or Ski Trip. Notwithstanding those projects, there was an … absence of images.

There still is an absence.

Oh yes. A few movies—even within a year or two—does not make a proliferation. The fact that it’s been so well received is a testament to the message, and hopefully the storytelling.

So your dance card has been full?

HaHa. Yes, we’ve been invited out quite a bit. We are inching toward 22 festivals. Then there were others who invited us, but we couldn’t afford to attend. The movie has been a labor of love; it was never created to make money.