Canton TX discriminates against Gay Character

From: Katrina
Sent: Friday, January 21, 2005 4:13 PM
To: KaTz-Calls@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [KaTz-Calls] Canton TX discriminates against Gay Character, PLEASE READ

[CANTON, TX] City Officials “Officially” pulled the plug on the Feature Film “Fat Girls” Jan 21, 2004 only 2 days before principal photography was to begin in this small town known as “First Monday.”

City Manager Johnny Mallory informed the Production company that they were no longer in support of this project due to the lead character being GAY.

Katrina Cook, Extras Casting Director was scheduled to speak at the High School on Wed. Jan 19, and only 30 minutes prior to the assembly received a phone call from the HIGH SCHOOL DRAMA TEACHER, Abby Richt, stating that the assembly was cancelled. The HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL, Max Callahan, denied us the opportunity to speak to the local High School to invite them (by their own choice) to attend an open casting call that evening.

At the Open Casting we had 124 locals who were very excited about the project coming into town, and could not wait to be a part of it. Yet now, due to the decision of a few select people in the town, they will no longer be able to participate in this possibly once in a lifetime opportunity.

This production has been moved to WAXAHACHIE TEXAS, however, if you reside in the Canton area and feel that the City Officials denied you the opportunity to participate in this film OR if you feel that this is DISCRIMINATION I URGE YOU to contact any and all of the city officials listed below. Pass this along to wherever you see fit. LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD. Canton may be a small town but pulling the plug on something because of everyday life issues is not only unprofessional but also discrimatory.

We would like to note that Rona Watson and Phyllis of the Chamber of Commerce was always very supportive of this project, and we would like for you to also commend them for their efforts.

Contact Information (Helpful Guide)

City of Canton
P.O. Box 245
Canton, TX 75103
ph: (903) 567-2826
fax: (903) 567-1753 (click here to email your fax)
canton@vzinet.com

Physical Address:
290 E. Tyler Street (one block east of courthouse, across the street from
First National Bank of Canton Canton, TX 75103

City Management
Johnny Mallory, City Manager
Al Campbell, General Manager, First Monday Trade Days

City Council Members
William F. Hilliard, Mayor
Tommy Roberts
Rusty Wilson
Ron Sanford
Raymond Pruitt
Beverly Hutcherson

– link to Canton Herald Article, “Crew Scheduled To Shoot Movie In, Around Canton”
– link to Van Zandt News, “Movie Being Filmed In Canton”
– link to Canton EDC Contact Page
– link to Van Zandt County Commissioners Contact Page