OUTtv AND FUSE MEDIA TEAM UP WITH VICE STUDIOS ON GROUNDBREAKING NEW SERIES, “CLOTHES MINDED”
September 21, 2020
Lucas Silveira and Richie Shazam announced as hosts of new makeover series
Global premiere set for 2021 on OUTtv and Fuse
OUTtv, the world’s first and Canada’s only LGBTQ+ television network and streaming service and Fuse Media, a cross-platform entertainment media brand serving a multicultural millennial and GenZ audience, today announced a co-production partnership with VICE studios, the global production division of VICE Media. Clothes Minded (8×30), an empowering makeover series that helps individuals from the trans and gender non-conforming community find a new look to celebrate their true identity, is slated to premiere globally early 2021 on OUTtv and Fuse.
Hosted by gender non-conforming model and activist Richie Shazam and by musician, artist, activist and life-coach Lucas Silveira (The Cliks), the series will be filmed in locations across the US and Canada, with production having begun earlier this month. Following all COVID 19 guidance and protocols, producers will ensure the safety of all crew and contributors throughout the production process by adhering to social distancing and using personal protective equipment.
Clothes Minded centers around transgender and gender non-conforming young adults who are nervous about an upcoming life event, as they work to become more comfortable with their own identity. Clothes Minded will be a comrade in arms, helping each individual find their own unique look and, consequently, an authentic way to represent and connect with their true selves.
Noted Fuse Media Head of Content Marc Leonard, “Clothes Minded embodies the Fuse mission of empowering our audience by giving voice to, and celebrating, underrepresented people and communities. We’re excited to join our partners OUTtv and VICE Studios in bringing this groundbreaking series to our young, omnicultural audience, who value unity through inclusion.”
“An increasing proportion of the LGBTQ+ population, particularly millennials and centennials are rejecting binary identities,” said Brad Danks, CEO of OUTtv. “OUTtv is dedicated to reflecting the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community through our programming. Clothes Minded (w/t) embraces gender fluidity and celebrates individualism. We’re thrilled to be partnering with Fuse and VICEStudios to bring the message to a worldwide audience.”
Vanessa Case, SVP of VICE Studios Canada, said: “VICE Studios is synonymous with producing bold, brave and original storytelling that explores subjects often ignored by other media companies, providing a platform for subcultures and marginalised individuals. Clothes Minded (w/t) will be a unique and uplifting series celebrating individuality, identity and acceptance and we are delighted that Fuse and OUTtv have partnered with us on this powerful new series.” Adding: “With Richie and Lucas as hosts, we look forward to celebrating and empowering young people as they welcome us to be part of some of their most significant personal milestones.”
Clothes Minded is produced with the participation of the TELUS Fund and The Bell Fund.