‘Act Naturally’ Clothing Optional Screening

In Act Naturally / Production Notes / Screenings

Its been a long time since we have had major news regarding “Act Naturally,” however that trend is likely to change in the coming months. We are proud to announce a private (clothing optional) screening in New York City hosted by The SoHo Gallery for Digital Art. Tickets are available right now for $22.50 in advance and $25 at the door. The show begins at 7pm and the film has a running time of 91 minutes. For those a great distance from the Big Apple, stay tuned. I’m not making any promises, but we’ve started to receive many other requests and are considering more screenings in the coming months in different regions. After all, this film is best enjoyed in the buff (as JP and I discovered over a year ago when we screened a rough cut to 100 or so folks at Olive Dell Ranch, which is where we shot the film).

The origin of this particular screening is noteworthy. Since we started pre-production on the film (in March of 2008), we knew that the subject matter was going to be a potentially tough sell to a distributor. We had always envisioned beginning with something of a DIY grassroots campaign. Starting with some film festival buzz and private screenings, we hope to build enough momentum and acclaim to show the world that movie audiences are ready for an honest portrayal of naturists. Hollywood has felt the need to marginalize or make nudists the subject of high concept jokes. From JP’s initial treatment, all the way to the current inception of the film, he wanted to show the world that naturists aren’t a sexually perverse group living on the fringes of society. For the most part, they are a safe and nurturing place for people and families who don’t feel the need to hide behind clothing and create false identities based on cultural standards of beauty or a designer’s label.

On a purely logistical level, it was nice to not worry about bringing much in terms of textiles while shooting!

To help spread the gospel of “Act Naturally,” we set our sights on building a strong social media presence. The global naturist community is a very strong network and many of its members have kept a close watch over our movie via the internet over the last few years. They are a very passionate bunch and we acknowledge that this first push can gain a lot of steam with them in our corner. Initially, there was a concern on their part that we were casting the nudist lifestyle in an unfavorable light, but fears were assuaged once the treatment and teaser trailer were released to the public. We are all very proud of the film and the manner that which naturists are portrayed.

Over the course of our lengthy production process, we’ve received many encouraging letters in our personal email inboxes in addition to great comments and wall posts on our Facebook fan page. On the days where it felt like our little indie would never see the light of day, it was invaluable to know that we have a foundation of folks who are eager to see the movie that was consuming our lives for a long period of time. From JP Riley to Maya Kuper , Katie L. Hall to Christine Sheaks, and everyone in between, it has been a marathon for many of these dedicated individuals. I never would’ve guessed that I’d spend so much time living in the buff among some of southern California’s naturists. Bobby and Becki Kilborn and the wonderful residents and guests at Olive Dell Ranch were instrumental in getting the film made. They made a bunch of otherwise apprehensive filmmakers feel comfortable in their home and leading their lifestyle. When the weather warmed (the first leg of production took place in the cold off season to lessen the impact on the resort), we were even able to work nude. I had no idea that it would be so liberating to hand hold a camera without any clothing!

When we were approached by John Ordover in January with a proposal that we screen a cut of the film to build interest and raise some much needed funds to finish the film, we were quite excited about the opportunity. As a New Yorker who not only runs a Clothing Optional Dinner group in the city, but is also the owner of the The SoHo Gallery for Digital Art, he told us that we should expect a full house of eager–naturist–cinephiles. Now that a deal is inked, I want to be sure we fill the gallery! Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend because of a work conflict, but I will be there in (naked) spirit.

I had hoped to post this sooner, but time has been limited. Here is a quick update: tickets are going fast and there is now talk of adding a second screening. Just in case this doesn’t happen, hurry up and buy yours before it’s too late!

please note that “act naturally” is not rated. it contains adult language and nudity. no one under 18 will be admitted to the screening.

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Dustin Pearlman Dustin Pearlman is a plant-based Cinematographer. Aside from film, he's passionate about the environment, music, and cycling. He's a member of IATSE Local 600 and lives in Los Angeles with his mini-schnauzer Iris.