Los Angeles, CA - Award-winning out writer/director, Angela Robinson,
who’s written and produced the upcoming “Girltrash: All
Night Long” as presented by POWER UP is severing all formal ties with the
non-profit film company over creative differences and professional, moral and
ethical issues.
Robinson, one of the
executive producers of HBO’s “True Blood” and a
co-executive producer of HBO’s “Hung” and Showtime’s “The L Word” – also known
for directing the films “D.E.B.S.” & “Herbie: Fully Loaded,” has released an
official statement today withdrawing any and all endorsements, affiliations and
support of “Girltrash: All Night Long” as presented by POWER UP.
Robinson’s refusal to have her name associated with the POWER UP version
of the film publicly casts light on a behind-the-scenes dispute between the
acclaimed filmmaker and Stacy Codikow (founder
& Executive director), which has been smoldering in recent months.
Since its inception in 2000, POWER UP, a Non-Profit Film Production
Company & Educational Organization for Women and the GLBTQ Community, has
over the years earned praise and name recognition for producing & financing
LGBT films and conducting educational programs through its filmmaking
mentorships, and seminars.
Adhering to its ethos and professional endeavors, Robinson initially
partnered with the non-profit company to produce the prequel to her hugely
popular web-series “Girltrash”, which she originally created &
produced. Girltrash: All Night Long stars Gabrielle Christian (South of
Nowhere), Michelle Lombardo (Quarterlife), Mandy Musgrave (South of Nowhere),
Lisa Rieffel (lead singer of Killola), Rose Rollins (L word), Kate French (One
Tree Hill) and Clementine Ford (L word). However, Robinson’s partnership
with POWER UP and overall experience in the course of making and producing the
film did not live up to the filmmaker’s understanding of POWER UP’s advertised
standards.
Robinson's decision to speak out on the issue comes on the heels of
POWER UP’s current announcement of the (unauthorized) private screening in Palm
Springs scheduled for Thursday, October 24, and the press release publicizing
the upcoming December 15th DVD release of the film through
Power Up.
Angela Robinson released the following official statement:
“Girltrash!” is a project close to my heart.
I was trying to find a way to make affordable, quality lesbian
entertainment and develop a brand that would encompass web series, movies,
television, graphic novels and stage musicals. To this end, after first
making a web series and a penning a graphic novel, I produced “Girltrash: All
Night Long” with Stacy Codikow.
I love the movie and each and every person that tirelessly worked on
this project – the crew and mentees that donated their time and energy for free
or for cut rates, the incredible musicians, Lisa Rieffel and Johnny Dunn, who
wrote fantastic songs, the awesome actors who worked all night long for months
on end, Luke Tierney, the composer and Chris Hill, the editor, and of course,
Alex Kondracke, the amazing director. I am extremely proud of the work
that was done.
But POWER UP is presenting a version of the film that I have not seen,
that is unfinished and that has not been creatively approved by me and as a
result, I do not support nor validate any screenings or commercial sales of
“Girltrash: All Night Long” at this time.
Working with Stacy Codikow and POWER UP has been, without a doubt, the
worst experience of my career. Because Stacy has been so horrible I will never
again be involved in any project in which Stacy Codikow or POWER UP is
involved.
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