Q Television, the subscription cable net "run by and programmed for an audience that identifies it[self] as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and ... straight," has come aboard as a majority financier in John Cameron Mitchell's (Hedwig & the Angry Inch) controversial new feature Shortbus, reports Variety.

Previously known as the Sex Film Project, Shortbus is described as "'an exploration of sexuality, art and music' [that] follows seven characters as they navigate sex and love in modern-day Gotham." The film starts production May 9 with Howard Gertler and Tim Perell producing through their NY-based company Process Productions.

"The movie takes place after 9/11, in a city haunted by terrorism and too expensive for artists anymore. 'Escorting is the new temp job,' Mr. Mitchell said.

"The film takes its name from the 'salon where the characters meet to give readings and performances, and sometimes to have public sex...' The story features a dominatrix who lives in a ministorage unit because she can't afford an apartment, a sex therapist who can't have an orgasm and a gay man who feels trapped in his relationship. They attend the salon 'to find redemption'."

Mitchell calls the film "a love letter to New York."

According to Variety, Q Television "will use Shortbus to brand itself as a cutting-edge, risk-taking entity."

Fortissimo Films, which has an equity stake in the film, is selling international rights to the film, which has yet to secure distribution Stateside.
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# posted by Steve Gallagher @ 2/24/2005 11:12:00 AM

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