Rainbow Entertainment emerges as an equity-centered and trans-led production company, representing a fresh chapter in the world of entertainment. Our aim is to foster an environment where artists can truly thrive, breaking free from the constraints of the traditional Hollywood system. “When Jupiter Returns, Mahal” serves as the cornerstone of this movement, signaling just the outset of our journey. We envision a New Hollywood, one that champions accessibility, diversity, and equity by empowering BIPOC and queer storytellers in front and behind the camera.
Hi Rain welcome to OLC! Can you share more about the inspiration behind the creation of Rainbow Entertainment and the mission it aims to accomplish in the entertainment industry?
Five years ago, I founded ActnowLA, my acting studio, in response to industry insiders expressing difficulty in finding queer and trans actors. It was eye-opening to realize the challenges they faced. Additionally, trans actors shared their struggle to find a supportive space where they could fully immerse themselves in the craft without constantly having to explain their identities to cisgender instructors. Driven by a solution-oriented mindset, I envisioned creating a space where trans actors could be the majority, where they could flourish without barriers. Little did I know, ActnowLA would exceed my expectations, becoming a hub for not only actors but also writers and directors within the trans and queer community.
As ActnowLA blossomed, I witnessed incredible talent and personal transformations. It became evident that the primary obstacle we faced was a lack of access and dedicated space. This realization ignited the dream of establishing our own production studio, Rainbow Entertainment—a space entirely ours, where we could thrive authentically and tell our own stories without compromise. The vision for Rainbow Entertainment is to create an ecosystem that serves as a platform for education, talent development, and reliable employment. Our aim is to cultivate an environment where individuals can not only sustain themselves but also flourish creatively.
“When Jupiter Returns, Mahal” is described as a catalyst for change. How does the film contribute to reshaping the landscape of filmmaking and promoting authenticity in storytelling?
Much of our upcoming projects, including Mahal, are centered around aspirational narratives featuring AAPI and trans artists. The change I’m advocating for involves a conscious shift away from the prevalent Hollywood narrative that often revolves around trauma, transition, and the othering of trans individuals—a theme that has dominated for over three decades, with only a small fraction of these stories actually involving trans artists.
With Mahal, we’re taking a significant step towards normalizing Filipino trans women as romantic leads in a beloved and accessible genre. Additionally, we’re challenging stereotypes by portraying Southeast Asian men as desirable characters. The impact of placing these identities at the forefront of the story can be profound on economic, political, and cultural levels.
Moreover, Mahal isn’t just another project; it’s a testament to authenticity. Written and directed by a trans individual (myself), the film will offer an artistic message that remains largely untapped in mainstream media. The trans lens and the POV is what will make the authenticity so undeniable, adding depth and richness to the narrative.
With the focus on an equity-centered and trans-led approach, how do you envision Rainbow Entertainment breaking free from traditional Hollywood constraints to create a more inclusive environment for artists?
Embarking on this journey feels like an experiment for now. I believe we can move through life just experiencing it or we can experiment with our destiny. It’s about reshaping the legacy of Hollywood concerning trans representation by being a part of this shift consciously and actively. With “One For The Team,” an indie TV pilot I had the honor to direct this past January. The sheer abundance and presence of trans and BIPOC artists both in front of and behind the camera infused the production with a richness and nuance that I’ve seldom encountered before. This isn’t just another trans-centric story; it’s a narrative seldom told from a perspective that yearns to be seen and heard.
Presently, Hollywood tends to mine our stories to filter them through the lens of supporting character arcs that barely scratch the surface of our experiences. Transition tales, for instance, are often the extent of our portrayal, confining us within the cisgender gaze. But what if we dared to go beyond these limitations? What if we fully explored the complexities of our lives with the energy and depth of main characters, guided by trans writers, directors, and showrunners?
Trans individuals are eager, even hungry, to present themselves authentically to the world. It’s time for our stories to occupy the spotlight autonomously, not just as token representations but as vibrant, multifaceted narratives that resonate with the diversity and depth of the human experience.
The majority of the production team and cast for “When Jupiter Returns, Mahal” identify as AAPI, BIPOC, queer, and trans. How does this intentional representation contribute to the film’s impact and the broader goal of fostering diversity in the industry?
There are a lot of us that aren’t working right because we’ve all been affected by the strikes and of course still recovering from Covid. Hollywood is currently busy just trying to keep up with the status quo. Keeping the celebrated A List actors, writers and directors employed. So opportunities for artists like myself have been more scarce than usual. I’m just trying to stay sane while the industry experiences a shift but I do believe there’s going to be a rise in independent filmmaking. I truly believe there is room for all of us but it does take some time to build it. The dream is to keep my communities employed with an abundance of opportunities to go around which requires a conscious effort in creating content that centers our identities.
Can you elaborate on the concept of the Community Film Fund and how it aligns with Rainbow Entertainment’s commitment to empowering the next generation of filmmakers and promoting untold stories?
The success of Razor Tongue would not have been so if it weren’t for it being trans-led and community built. So giving back to my community has always been a part of Rainbow’s mission. Before a film is sold and distributed points are allocated to the investors, EP’s, producers, directors and sometimes the lead actors. Everyone gets their investment back and hopefully more. The idea is the Community Film Fund would also have points allocated specifically for building and championing the community. Last summer Rainbow Entertainment in partnership with Queer 26 hosted a live stage reading of scripts strictly helmed by trans and non-binary artists. It was an incredible 4 night event and these stories weren’t anything like I’ve ever read or experienced before. During closing night, a friend casually and truthfully declared that these incredible scripts “let’s face it, will never get made”. That comment affected me deeply. More so because someone in my community actually believes that. They may be right but the Community Film Fund is a step in the direction of proving that statement to be wrong.
As a Trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ community, how do you see your role and the role of Rainbow Entertainment in shaping the narrative and visibility of queer storytellers in the film industry?
Some people call it trailblazing, I call it experimenting with our destiny. My role is always to be a conduit for change and inspiration. And hopefully, Rainbow will be the platform that will allow me to do that freely. Rainbow’s slate is full of stories humanizing trans existence and empathizes with the men, the women and the families and friends who dare to love us. We don’t ever vilify anyone. With each story we champion, we aim to peel layers and layers to get to the healing. While some folks are focused on trying to erase us. I believe trans people are destined for something greater. Through art and media, I want to demonstrate that we are here to heal. My hope is that in this lifetime I along with my community will be able to move around this industry and this world as freely and equally as possible.
What challenges have you encountered in establishing an equity-centered production company, and how do you overcome them to ensure the success of Rainbow Entertainment’s projects?
Our main challenges have been around a lack of economic power and outdated systems that hinder authentic storytelling—a demand that resonates deeply with today’s audience. Ensuring success requires creating new alliances and connecting with individuals emerging from the wreckage, ready to rebuild. Finding a skilled business manager to shepherd our vision into reality would be invaluable. Someone who understands the intricacies of finance, strategy, and operations can help us navigate the complexities of the industry and ensure that our goals are not only realized but also sustainable in the long term.
While my focus remains on content creation, I’m also eager to collaborate with someone proficient in technology. Developing a new distribution system, perhaps through innovative tech solutions, will be pivotal in ensuring our stories reach the right audiences effectively.
How can individuals and the industry at large actively contribute to the vision of a New Hollywood that champions accessibility, diversity, and equity, particularly in supporting projects like “When Jupiter Returns, Mahal”?
Launching a new system always demands resources, and capital is key. That’s why we’ve set up a fiscal sponsorship, providing an opportunity for individuals to contribute with 100% tax-deductible donations. Every dollar pledged goes directly towards supporting our mission.
Backing Mahal isn’t just about financing a project; it’s about laying the foundation for a Hollywood that embraces everyone. It’s about creating space for voices that have long been marginalized, opening doors for talents from all walks of life to shine. We’re also actively seeking investors who share our vision and values. Building meaningful partnerships takes time, but I’m confident that we’re on the brink of finding the perfect collaborators who will help bring our dreams to fruition. A more inclusive and vibrant entertainment industry—one where diversity isn’t just a buzzword, but a guiding principle that enriches every story told.
Campaign Link:https://givebutter.com/newhollywood
