ABOUT THE PROJECT

LOGLINE
In 1973, Americans were introduced to Lance Loud, breakout star of the landmark PBS documentary series An American Family. LANCE OUT LOUD! explores Loud’s colorful life and how he became the first reality television star.

SYNOPSIS
When An American Family burst forth into living rooms in 1973, it was like nothing anyone had ever seen before. A precursor to reality television, it was formally groundbreaking in its episodic serialization of the documentary form and turned an ordinary family into celebrities. It scandalized and riveted audiences with an honest depiction of a marriage falling apart in real time. And it introduced many Americans to their first openly gay person - eldest son Lance Loud.

Lance became the first reality television star, a prophet of the future. Shamelessly frank and entirely himself on a national stage, it made him a pioneering figure - not just for young gay men, but for young people yearning to live freely as their authentic selves. Handsome, goofy, funny, and bold, he fronted a rock band and palled around with underground stars, yet also was a loving brother, uncle and a deeply adored son. His wild, unruly life is both an inspiration and a cautionary tale.

PROJECT TYPE Documentary Feature

DIRECTOR Jeffrey Schwarz
PRODUCER Jeffrey Schwarz, Sasha Alpert

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