WHEN OCEAN MEETS SKY
 
From first time filmmaker Crayton Robey, WHEN OCEAN MEETS SKY is the poignant documentary that celebrates the dramatic history of premier gay resort, Fire Island Pines.  The film traces the rich history of the Pines from its earliest beginnings 70 years ago as a nudist colony, to the unwelcome entrance of the homosexual community, the hedonistic lifestyles and lavish parties, and ultimately to the decimation caused by the AIDS epidemic. Hailed as a “tour de force” for its genre, and as a “lively, upbeat, often surprising chronicle,” WHEN OCEAN MEETS SKY provides an intimate and vivid portrait of the birth and evolution of one of the first gay communities in the world.
 
Through a series of first hand accounts from keynote members of the gay community, as well as from local residents, WHEN OCEAN MEETS SKY documents the history of Fire Island Pines capturing a time of change that informs gay life today and how it is perceived.  Gay culture and the freedoms the gay population currently posses have their source in what occurred during the last 50 years and the documentary puts a spotlight on the notable events that shaped this progression.  Luminaries from the fashion, design, and art worlds, as well as leaders in the gay rights movement, all joined to shape contemporary gay culture, bringing change and advancement to the Pines and on to New York City and to the world beyond.

Storytellers include Larry Kramer (renowned dramatist, author, and gay activist), Carson Kressley (beloved fashion expert and TV personality from Queer Eye For The Straight Guy), Jerry Herman (composer and lyricist of hit Broadway musicals, Hello Dolly!, Mame, and La Cage Aux Folles), Hal Rubenstein (fashion director for In Style magazine), Alan Poul (ground breaking executive producer of Six Feet Under, Tales of the City, and My So Called Life), Wakefield Poole (pioneer film director of “Boys in the Sand”), Mart Crowley (author of the groundbreaking gay classic “The Boys in the Band”), Tedi Thurman (TV’s first weather girl, Miss Monitor on the Jack Paar Show), Gilbert Parker (retired, powerhouse William Morris Literary Agent)  Jim Pepper (founder of the Stonewall Foundation), Scott Bromley (architect of Studio 54 and Creator of the circuit party), Howard Rosenman (distinguished film and television producer) and Alice Thorpe.     
 
Narrated by Randy Jones (the Village People’s Cowboy) and Tony Award winner Sara Ramirez (Grey’s Anatomy, Spamalot), WHEN OCEAN MEETS SKY was selected to screen at the 25th Annual Independent Features Project Market in New York City, and shortly debuted at the South by Southwest film festival (SXSW).  The film went on to receive awards and critical acclaim at festivals worldwide, including Frameline, Outfest, Newfest, Boston Film Festival, Seattle Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, OUTTAKES: Dallas, OUT on FILM Brazil Mix, Provincetown International Film Festival, North Hampton Film Festival, North Carolina Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.
 
WHEN OCEAN MEETS SKY began as the centerpiece film to celebrate the Fire Island Pines 50th anniversary as a community and can now be viewed on Viacom’s MTV brand network, LOGO as part of the Real Momentum Documentary Series.   

OTHER PROJECTS

WHO DO I HAVE TO F*** TO GET A DRINK AROUND HERE?
Documentary - Directed and Produced by Crayton Robey

“Mart Crowley’s ‘The Boys in the Band’ flung open a door 25 years ago.  The gay closet hasn’t been shut since.”  Richard Kramer (New York Times, 1993).
 
Every generation has it’s moment that changes the way people think, the way people relate.  Most recently ‘Brokeback Mountain’ captured the attention of popular culture and brought homosexuality to a mainstream audience.  In 1968, before the Stonewall riots occurred proclaiming gay rights, Mart Crowley brought homosexuality out of the closet and onto the stage.  He gave gay men a sense of themselves and created an opportunity for them to appear on stage as human beings.  This documentary will trace the making of the film and define the enormous social and cultural impact of this groundbreaking work.   

PINES '79
Feature Film - (Development) written by Carson Kressley and Crayton Robey and produced by Howard Rosenman, Carson Kressley and Crayton Robey. 

Mood Rings, Disco and Hedonism rule! The artist, the architect, the trust fund baby, and the aging male model all find themselves at a crossroads when hyper-masculinity and fabulous soirees were all the rage. Set in Fire Island Pines, this story offers a glimpse into the last moments of hedonism.  

MARY AUDREY
Feature Film - (Development) Directed and Produced by Crayton Robey

The odds are stacked against Mary Audrey as she loses her husband and wonders if she will ever love again.  A journey unfolds where transformation and discovery color her world.

THE GIRL BLUE PROJECT www.thegirlblueproject.org
Feature Film - (Development) Directed and Produced by Crayton Robey

In the footsteps of  Mary Bethune Mc Cloud,  Marlow Wyatt has created an innovative way to re-educate and empower teenaged girls. The Girl Blue Project  (www.thegirlblueproject.org) is a Los Angeles based non profit organization solely funded by “community” dollars. The Girl Blue Projects accepts girls from every race, religion, economic background and sexual orientation.  This documentary follows the process as Marlow Wyatt guides these girls on their journey of self -acceptance and self- discovery.

HOUND DOG
Feature Film - (Development) written and produced by Letitia Guillory and Crayton Robey

Before American Idol, MTV, Sean Puffy Combs and Barry Gordy, entrepreneur Don Robey captured the imagination of youth at his Southwest entertainment capital, The Duke Peacock Club.  Hound Dog celebrates the life of Don Robey, the flamboyant rhythm and blues impresario who revolutionized the music business.