Gigi Gorgeous: Documentary depicts life of transgender YouTube star

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – February 10, 2016 – YouTube creator and renowned transgender personality Gigi Gorgeous, in collaboration with SELECTNEXT, Sander/Moses Productions and YouTube, have announced the production launch of Untitled Gigi Gorgeous Documentary, slated for release on YouTube Red later this year.

Directed by two-time Oscar-winner Barbara Kopple, the feature-length documentary will chronicle a raw and revealing look into Gigi’s transition from male to female, exposing her personal journey and struggles, while offering a powerful glimpse into moments with family and friends. Through Gigi’s eyes, the film will detail the challenges and societal dynamics the transgender community experiences each and every day, bringing light and a deepened understanding to this important topic.

Candid interviews with prominent figures from the transgender community will also be featured within the film. Post-production work will be completed at the YouTube Space in New York City, the collaborative hub that brings together top-tier talent across all creative disciplines both on and off the platform.

“I’ve spent the last five years going through a very personal journey,” said Gigi. “I’m nervous but thrilled to lift the curtain and share my intimate details and experiences through this film on YouTube Red.”

The film will be executive produced by Gigi Gorgeous, SelectNext’s Adam Wescott and Scott Fisher, as well as Ian Sander and Kim Moses of Sander/Moses Productions.

“Having witnessed firsthand the power of Gigi’s story, we are thrilled to help share her journey with an even wider audience in a more immersive format,” added Adam Wescott. “The never-before-seen footage of intimate family moments, complicated surgeries and Gigi’s personal struggle is raw, emotional and inspirational.”

Director Barbara Kopple’s high profile work includes American Dream and Harlan County, USA, each earning her an Oscar. Kopple has worked with several notable names in popular culture, including Mariel Hemingway, Woody Allen, The Dixie Chicks and Mike Tyson.

“I am thrilled to be working with YouTube, a company I have long admired, and to be able to tell Gigi Gorgeous' remarkable and moving story,” said Barbara Kopple.

With over 2.1 million YouTube subscribers and over 3.4 million combined platform followers, actress, model, and YouTube personality Gigi Gorgeous (Gigi Loren Lazzarato, born Gregory Lazzarato) engages with her fans through her beauty and fashion videos. Additionally, Gigi often uses her reach to bring awareness to the real issues facing the LGBTQ+ community, providing a platform for many to find inspiration.

The film is part of YouTube’s commitment to invest in new original shows and movies featuring some of YouTube’s most popular stars, and will be available exclusively on YouTube Red later this year, followed by theatrical and additional digital distribution.

YouTube Red is a paid membership. Members get all of YouTube uninterrupted, a premium YouTube Music experience, and exclusive access to new original series and movies from top YouTube creators. YouTube Red is currently available in the United States, with plans for international expansion throughout 2016.

About Gigi Gorgeous: As a transgender female, Gigi Loren Lazzarato is a Canadian actress, model, and Internet personality who inspires and entertains with her story and larger-than-life personality. Gigi is noted for chronicling her journey during her transition on her YouTube channel and has worked with several top tier brands including Crest 3D Whitening, Pantene, Too Faced, and L’Oreal. In 2015, she was also nominated for and won a Streamy Award for Best Beauty Series.

The Gayly- 3/4/2016 @ 12:12 PM CST