Elliot Page has embarked on entertainment studio XR New Canvas’ reality-based digital series, inspired by Hugh Ryan’s acclaimed book “When Brooklyn Was Queer,” as executive producer.
The series delves into LGBTQ history from the mid-1850s to the present day, celebrating identity, resilience, and achievements against adversity. It will likely be directed by Emmy winner Yasmin Elayat (“Zero Days VR”) and written by Agnes Borinsky (trans coming-of-age romance “Sasha Masha”).
Joining the site as executive producers are creator Ryan, Matt Jordan Smith and Tuck Dowrey of Pageboy Productions, as well as Maor Azran and Dan Adler of MA Productions.
Ryan’s book sheds light on Brooklyn’s queer legacy while highlighting stories of identity and victory. The new Canvas, using state-of-the-art XR technology, aims to bring these untold stories to life, providing a vivid journey into the countless events of Brooklyn’s LGBTQ past.
“Our company’s mission is to tell uplifting, fun, unique, intersectional and socially responsible stories that address themes like generational queerness. As a boundary-pushing creative company, it’s exciting for us to work with New Canvas to bring queer stories to the world of XR for the first time,” said Page and Jordan Smith, head of development at Pageboy Productions. “We imagine that making high-quality works of art that portray diverse and genuine experiences elicits empathy, understanding, and ultimately has the ability to alter hearts and minds.”
Wadooah Wali, technical director and executive producer at New Canvas, added: “’When Brooklyn Was Queer’ is not just a book; it’s a beacon for a rare VR adaptation that allows us to bridge the past with the current. We are thrilled to have the incredible experience and fervor that Yasmin and Agnes bring to the project. This team is uniquely positioned to rework these deep stories inspired by real people and events that will engage audiences in bold new strategies for the first time. It is our pleasure and obligation to honor these historical truths by presenting them in a dynamic new medium that goes far beyond what can be achieved with traditional flat-screen entertainment.”
Elayat said: “As someone who lives and works in Brooklyn, I was deeply moved by Hugh’s book, which masterfully reveals the colorful, layered queer history integral to the fabric of this city and American culture itself. As someone dedicated to reclaiming and celebrating these hidden narratives through the use of cutting-edge technologies in dynamic methods, I am thrilled to join this talented group.”
Borinsky added: “Hugh’s book upended my assumptions about the many forms of queerness that have long pulsed through our history. With this wonderful team, we’ve been able to break down conventions about how stories are told and how we position ourselves in relation to those that came before.”
Production begins later this year.
MA Productions is represented by CAA, Paradigm and Donaldson Callif Perez LLP. The Web Page and Pageboy Productions are repped by UTA, VIE Leisure and Morris Yorn Barnes; Ryan is repped by CAA and Smith is repped by Felker Toczek Suddleson Abramson.
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