Sun. July 20, 2003
New York City -
“Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” Bravo’s new, unscripted lifestyle makeover series, made an incredible debut on Tuesday, July 15.
Now NBC, sister network of Bravo, has announced that a condensed 30-minute version will air next Thursday at 8:30 p.m. (Central).
The one-hour “make-better” series, “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” is designed for guys who want to get the girl, the job or just “the look”—more style, more sophistication, more chic. Leveraging the expertise and personalities of “The Fab Five,” the makeover unfolds with a savagely funny deconstruction of the subject’s lifestyle and messy home and evolves into a showcase for the hottest styles and trends. After imparting their invaluable tips, wit and wisdom, the Five ends each hour with the reveal of an empowered, stylishly complete straight man with a “Queer Eye stamp of approval.”
“Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” is produced by Scout Productions. The executive producers are David Collins and Michael Williams for Scout, and Francis Berwick, Amy Introcaso-Davis and Christian Barcellos for Bravo. The co-executive producer is David Metzler. The series was created by David Collins, a gay man, and developed by David Metzler, a straight man – a union of sensibilities that gives the show its depth, humor and edge.
MEET “THE FAB FIVE”
TED ALLEN – FOOD & WINE CONNOISSEUR
Ted Allen has been a contributing editor to Esquire magazine since 1997, where he is co-author of the “Things a Man Should Know” column—an irreverent guide for men on such items as fashion, sex, business etiquette, and Cocktails, and co-authored four books that grew out of that series. Ted was finalist for a 2001 National Magazine Award for his June 2000 feature story on male breast cancer, and again in 2003 for his part of an Esquire food-and-travel package. Before joining Esquire, Ted was a senior editor and restaurant critic with Chicago magazine where he wrote features and edited the front of the book. For Chicago and other publications he has interviewed such food luminaries as Mario Batali, Martha Stewart, Paul Bocuse, Trotter, Rick Tramonto, Gale Gand, and Rick Bayless. He also has written a column on wine and spirits called "In the Spirit: The Intelligent Barfly" for the website Women.com.
KYAN DOUGLAS – GROOMING GURU
Kyan Douglas is a specialist in men’s skin care and has had extensive training and professional experience in the hair, spa and retail industries. He received his certification in cosmetology from the Aveda Institute New York, and worked as a colorist at the innovative Arrojo Studio in Soho. He has worked as a colorist for television and magazine projects including TLC’s “What Not To Wear,” “While You Were Out,” and Child Magazine. Kyan’s uniquely holistic approach to beauty and wellness springs from his early training in massage therapy from the Blue Cliff School of Massage Therapy in New Orleans.
THOM FILICIA – DESIGN DOCTOR
Thom Filicia is the founder of his own interior design company, Thom Filicia, Inc., where he has established a strong reputation and was named one of House Beautiful’s Top 100 American Designers. His firm has completed work in metropolitan New York, the Hamptons, Los Angeles, Miami, and Bermuda. His practice includes both residential and commercial projects, with clients ranging from leaders of fashion and entertainment to real-estate development and finance. Thom holds a B.A. in Interior Design from Syracuse University’s school of Art and Design in the college of Visual and Performing Arts. Early on, Thom focused his creativity on high-end interiors, working at the venerable firms of Parish Hadley Associates, Robert Metzger Interiors and Bilhuber Inc. Having established a strong classical foundation, Thom is now exercising a personal aesthetic driven by a unique and innovative vision of classic simplicity. His work has been featured in House & Garden, W, City, Details, New York, and The New York Times.
CARSON KRESSLEY – FASHION SAVANT
Carson Kressley began his career as an independent fashion stylist, which lead to a long tenure with Polo Ralph Lauren in New York. At Ralph Lauren, Carson worked on the design team of the men's sportswear division, then moved to the corporate advertising group. His responsibilities included fashion styling for the company's national retail advertising campaigns, as well as domestic and European men's fashion shows. He has also worked extensively styling catalogs for such retailers as Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdales, as well as editorial and film shoots. Carson graduated Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Gettysburg College with degrees in Finance and Fine Art. He is also an avid nationally ranked equestrian and a former member of the U.S. World Cup Equestrian Team.
JAI RODRIGUEZ – CULTURE VULTURE
Jai Rodriguez is a talented actor, singer and dancer who is currently starring in the lead role of Zanna in the off-Broadway musical hit “Zanna , Don’t!” Jai joined “Zanna, Don’t!” after a long-running turn on Broadway starring as Angel in Jonathan Larson’s Tony Award-winning musical “Rent.” Jai’s other theater credits include “Spinning Into Butter” at Lincoln Center Theatre, “Sad Hotel” at the White Barn Theatre, and “Rent” in Canada. Jai is also a fixture among the hip New York City social set, regularly performing his solo act in the newest and hottest nightspots. On “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” Jai uses all aspects of his professional training and skills as a performer plus his social charisma to coach straight subjects on everything from how to mix ‘n mingle in a social setting, to conversation skills and even being at ease on the dance floor.
As an independent film and television production company, SCOUT is dedicated to pushing the envelope of creativity and imagination while committed to the highest possible production values. The management team translates the seasoned experience of SCOUT into a premiere creator of content for television, film and new media markets. Challenging audiences with what they see and how they see it, SCOUT has become, quite simply, the evolution of media. For more information visit www.scoutvision.com.
Bravo, an NBC Cable Network since December 2002, is currently seen in more than 70 million homes and was the first service dedicated to film and the performing arts when it launched in December 1980. Today, Bravo offers innovative arts and entertainment programming with a unique point of view featuring original series, feature films (both independent and mainstream), theater, dance, music and documentaries. Bravo boasts critically acclaimed original programming -- including “Inside the Actors Studio” hosted by James Lipton, “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” (launching July 2003), “Cirque du Soleil Fire Within,” and “Page to Screen” -- as well as original miniseries and specials including “Crime & Punishment,” “Nicholas Nickleby,” “The Scarlet Pimpernel,” “The Independent Spirit Awards,” and “The Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.” Bravo is the official U.S. network of Cirque du Soleil. Bravo will launch Bravo HD+, Bravo will launch Bravo HD+, the premier arts, culture and entertainment high-definition channel, in third quarter 2003. Visit www.bravotv.com for more information.
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