Television

QUEER AS FOLK: RENEWED, MERCHANDISED, & PROMOTED
by Blase DiStefano

Renewed
Showtime

Queer as Folk, the highest-rated Showtime original series, will be back for at least two more years (seasons three and four). The decision to renew the series for two new 16-episode seasons was made as the show's second trés gay season was coming to an end (the final new episode aired June 16). The third season is slated to kick off in March of 2003 and will continue to air on Sundays at 9 p.m.

Merchandised

Meanwhile, Showtime Networks Inc. has teamed with L.A.-based 10% Productions Inc. to develop the first-ever merchandising campaign centered around a gay-themed television program. Featuring full-color artwork of each principal Queer as Folk character, the initial product line includes three different 2003 calendars, art posters, metal magnets, pull-apart "phrase" magnets, coffee mugs, barware, glasses, novelty lamps, and gift bags (some items available only online). In addition, 10% is selling an exclusive line of original T-shirts designed by Queer as Folk costume designer Patrick Antosh, whose often bawdy sayings and designs are worn by different members of the cast. Queer as Folk merchandise is being sold by national retailers including Borders Books and Barnes and Noble, among others, as well as independently owned gay and gay-friendly gift shops and boutiques (at press time, Lobo was to carry the calendars, posters, and magnets). For those of you who prefer to peck on that keyboard, check out the official Queer as Folk FanShop at www.queer.sho.com; 10% Productions also features the merchandise at 10percent.com.

Promoted

Queer as Folk is also getting the royal treatment with commercials promoting "Night Out on Sho Too," a four-hour, Wednesday-night program block featuring QAF, Queer Duck, and a gay-themed movie. The animated spots bring to life the characters featured in the retro "tiki-lounge"-style paintings by California-based artist Shag. All of the animation was created in-house at Film Roman Commercials and Special Projects (a division of the leading independent television and commercial production company best known for its primetime hits The Simpsons and King of the Hill) and directed by Film Roman commercial director Craig Kellman, whose credits include Powerpuff Girls, Samurai Jack, and Felix the Cat.

More Showtime News

The GLBT-friendly network has greenlit Soldier's Girl, which is based on the true story of a young soldier beaten to death for falling in love with a transgendered person. Frank Pierson (Dirty Pictures [also Showtime]) has been set to direct. Troy Garity (son of Jane Fonda and Tom Hayden) will star as Barry Winchell, a 21-year-old private first class who falls in love with Calpernia Addams (Lee Pace), a beautiful transgendered nightclub performer. The movie details their relationship pitted against the growing animosity of Winchell's roommate, Justin Fisher, played by Shawn Hatosy (Borstal Boy).
HBO

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