Gravitas Ventures has secured the North American distribution rights to Studio One Forever, a documentary directed by Marc Saltarelli and produced by former WeHo Mayor John Duran that chronicles the history of the iconic West Hollywood disco and cabaret, Studio One. The film will be released theatrically in Los Angeles on September 13, followed by a VOD release on October 8.
Studio One Forever captures the story of the venue that was a significant gathering spot for Hollywood celebrities and the LGBTQ community during the 1970s and 1980s. The documentary includes interviews with Melissa Rivers, Roslyn Kind, Lance Bass, Thelma Houstonand more, who recount their experiences at Studio One and reflect on its legacy. The film also features one of Chita Rivera’s final interviews before her passing, where she reminisces about performing at Studio One’s sister club, The Backlot.
The documentary highlights the demolition of the nearly century-old building that housed Studio One and The Backlot, which was torn down in 2020 to make way for a hotel and retail complex. Former West Hollywood Councilmember John Duran noted that the building was carefully dismantled with plans for a permanent display recognizing Studio One’s history. Following the film’s premiere at Outfest LA, Duran said that a commitment was made to preserve the venue’s legacy through photos, items, and video as part of the new development.
Studio One Forever was produced by Marc Saltarelli, Stephen Israel, Alan Eichler, and Michael Alden in collaboration with Studio One Productions and School Pictures, with additional support from Alan Eichler Productions and the Mario and Mary Saltarelli Foundation. Gravitas Ventures, known for distributing independent films and documentaries, will bring this piece of West Hollywood’s history to a broader audience in North America.
Those were the days, my friend… We thought they’d never end… Dancing the nights away to the greatest disco music ever; seeing celebrities perform at the Back Lot and the Rose Tattoo: Wayland & Madame, Barbara COOK, Liza MINNELLI, Wayne & Brenda, Thelma HOUSTON; we long for the 90 degree rotation of the premises and its re-opening! Sadly, Studio One and its re-location are one of the many projects stalled in WeHo by developers whose financial ducks were/are NOT in a row: Permit now, Money later – Never – OOOPPPSSS!!! When will we bring re-development to real fruition? …When performance… Read more »
Now if there could only be another similar type of club now (also like Probe). I just want a club where the guys can take off their shirts and grind to music that you can sing to, feel good to, relate to, with lyrics, gay anthems, etc. Not just boom, boom ,boom….
There was never a better club in the 90s than Club Cherry in The Backlot/Ultra Suede. Looking forward to seeing this.
Saw Madonna there on her birthday moons ago.
Gravitas Ventures, you always know it’s going to be quality when that name pops up! Hahahaha!