TLA welcomes independent filmmakers to site

Starts program to distribute little-known titles

By Cindy Spielvogel -- Video Business, 9/2/2008

SEPT. 2 | TLA has launched an Independent Filmmakers Program on its Web site, TLAVideo.com.

By helping independent filmmakers get their work distributed, the program is designed to ensure that the voices of creators outside the studio system are heard.

“We love to give our customers as many choices as possible,” said Scott Cranin, managing editor for TLA, the Philadelphia-based specialist in niche, LGBT and arthouse cinema. “Any filmmakers that are independently distributing their gay DVDs should contact TLAVideo.com.”

The first filmmaker whose work is being launched on the site is T. Joe Murray. Murray’s Fish Can’t Fly is a documentary on the struggle of LGBT individuals in melding spirituality and sexuality. His Almost Myself, which received the award for best feature documentary at the Tampa Gay & Lesbian film festival, explores the lives of transgender women.

Murray’s most recent film, A Portable Tribe, is a light-hearted look at the lives of gay men who enjoy camping and naturist events.

“When TLA contacted me about being part of their catalog, I was thrilled,” Murray said. “TLA has a long history of being one of the top resources for LGBT films.”