Over the last few months, media outlets from all over the country converged on the Long Beach courthouse. As the families and the city are trying to heal from what has come to be known as the “Halloween Hate Crime,” it seems like an opportune time to focus on some talented artists in Long Beach who are doing some great work to help educate people and help eradicate hate-based crimes of any kind against anyone.
Camrin Pitts, a 23 year-old recent graduate of Long Beach State’s Film program, says he was shocked by the crime: “Because it was so close to where I live, it affected me. At first I was shocked. My heart goes out to the families.”
He and his boyfriend, 21 year-old Frank Escotto, are using their talents to make a statement and take a stand against hate. Little Red Pictures, the Long Beach based independent Film Company, will begin production on the music video for hip-hop artist Mélange Lavonne ‘s song, “Gay Bash” this month in Long Beach with Pitts and Escotto at the helm.
“Gay Bash” is a song that speaks against discriminatory violence in America challenging the views of political and religious leaders. Mélange Lavonne is an outspoken, openly lesbian hip-hop artist who released her first CD, “Mélange” earlier this year. She is part of the first LGBT hip-hop tour, Homo Revolution, which is scheduled to start touring in March. Her song “Gay Bash” is about the death of her best friend Kevin at the hands of gay bashers.
“The lyrics of the song are powerful in making a statement against not only gay bashing, but against any discriminatory violence and hate crimes,” says Escotto. “Anybody who has been a victim of a hate crime or who is in a class of people who are victims of hate crimes can relate to this.”
“This is a message that is so important,” says Camrin Pitts of Little Red Pictures.” We are in awe of Mélange’s talent and very excited to be making this video.”
Melange Lavonne has performed at many gay pride festivals and recently at the Los Angeles, FUSION Film Festival. The HomoRevolution Tour is headlined by openly gay L.A.-based Deadlee and a group of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender rappers who say they are fed up with hip-hop’s blatant homophobia and antigay lyrics.
“I want to be seen for who I am and not judged for my sexuality,” says Lavonne. “I want to get a message across, and spread awareness about what people who are victims of anti-gay discrimination have gone through,” she says.
In addition to their work on the music video and other productions, Pitts and Escotto will be volunteering their time to give back to the community through the H’artWorks Program. H’artWorks was inspired several years ago by Rev. Dr.Jane Stormont Galloway, the pastor of Immanuel Community Church of Long Beach, and has hosted events such as a sober rave for teens, a hip hop dance competition, and classes in art and drama.
The video for the song will be shot at various locations, including a local Long Beach church. An official Video Release Party for “Gay Bash” is tentatively scheduled for May will be announced when details are available. The video will be released to the MTV owned LOGO network.
Little Red Pictures is a family production company headed by film producer Kathleen Pitts. They are committed to challenging controversial issues such as, sexuality, immigration, racism, poverty and homelessness. Pitts says his mom has been an inspiration to both he and his boyfriend, and both he and Escotto credit their moms for supporting them. There is a lot of love in Long Beach.