Actor Rib Hillis is very proud of his body his LGBT-themed film Birthday Cake. So proud that he will do almost anything to get you to see it — even if it means posting a nude photo to get your attention.
Hillis, along with Chad Darnell, who produced, directed, wrote and costars in the mockumentary, just want their movie to reach as wide an audience as possible. With a cast that includes Helen Shaver, Peter Paige and Jane Bader, and scores of awards won while on the festival circuit last year, the film is scheduled for theatrical release May 20.
But to reach a truly broad demographic, the producers hope to get Birthday Cake into Redbox’s ubiquitous red rental kiosks. The problem is Redbox doesn’t have the best track record for offering LGBT films, particularly after the backlash it received for stocking the powerful marriage equality documentary Bridegroom. Hillis and the filmmakers hope their film will be an exception, but they’re asking for help from the LGBT communities.
“I’m really proud of the film and the response the movie has received all over the country,” Hillis said in a statement to Queerty. “We made this movie specifically to show that gay families are just like any other family in America: they bicker with each other, they love each other and they get stressed out trying to plan the perfect child’s birthday party. We hope Redbox will consider carrying the film. The company received a lot of backlash earlier this year for carrying Bridegroom and we hope the gay community will support us and continue to support Redbox by demanding good films involving gay stories.”
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In the video below, Darnell further explains ways you can help get their film reach an audience.
nancyapp
really? ?? who does this how can somebody in their right sense post nude pictures of themselves in public this is totally crazy to be honest it’s gross. I have no idea what kind of world this is becoming people are becoming just unrealistic
Dev
It’s a joke, Nancy. They are trying to get attention for their Redbox campaign. Lighten up. I saw the short film last year and like it a lot. It had a really fun group of actors.
mgmchicago
@nancyapp:
I know, right???
It is so rare that you actually see a nude photo of someone (especially on the internet!!!) I just can’t believe it!!!
I mean I know men have penises (I have seen my own, for example) but to actually see a photo of one is just crazy unrealistic!!!
scotshot
@nancyapp: I know honey. It’s all so icky. I’m glad my old man left so I didn’t have to sit on his man thingy no more!
Gigi Gee
@Dev: World Nut Daily is ———>
ncman
@mgmchicago: well, you let me know when you actually see a photo of this actor’s penis. Because, he’s hiding it with the cake. Make a note, it’s not a nude photo if you have to hide your penis.
viveutvivas
@ncman, that’s “nude” according to Apple (and Grindr).
ncman
@viveutvivas: yeah well, you could just as easily take your clothes off and take a picture of yourself from the shoulders up and call yourself “nude”
bigrawtop
If he were really gay, he go the distance for the movie and show it all. No gay actors were harmed in the making of this movie.
Sebizzar
Hott damn…
ncman
@bigrawtop: he’s not gay at all. He’s married to a woman.
danzindude
It is a penis. Who care’s if he is naked. The naked body is beautiful and I am not a nudist but its a naked body. I think it’s hot. one thing disappoints me. The cake is there!! LOL
nancyapp
well for me that’s nude n that’s what matters its totally crazy
nancyapp
@mgmchicago that’s right totally crazy
nancyapp
@Dev really a joke like that is totally ridiculous
nancyapp
@scotshot your right there
Drew2U
Nice cake. The balloons are a little small, but it just makes the cake look bigger.
Dev
@nancyapp: You seem fun.
Maharajah
AWESOME! If only the U.S. weren’t so squeamish – this would work massively on a larger scale. I mean, seriously. If he were female (with complete female anatomy) then this would be accepted main-stream so much more. It’s a guy, so it’s queer – OH NO! Anyway, looks great. We need to have more smart things, like this. It speaks well to the audience, features a hot man, and is awesome!
nancyapp
@dev thanks u seem fun too
nancyapp
@maharajah I totally agree with you there if it was a woman then it would be a no problem issue but ya it’s a man n to be honest I find it queer too really but well it’s his dick who cares he can show it to the whole world if he wishes
Adrock81
@nancyapp:
Don’t be such a prude. He’s not even nude. The cake covers what a bathing suit would. If you have such a big issue with nudity….it’s sad.