Along with horror and political and cultural documentaries, comedy was one of the most prolific kinds of video to be exhibited at EZTV during its time as a microcinema space.From aspiring actors trying to make things for their reels to successful ones just wanting to make something for fun, EZTV attracted a wide swath of talent both to its production space and its 5-foot screen. One of these people was the mononymous Sebastian, who today is best known for directing the classic 1971 Cockettes vehicle Tricia’s Wedding. Though all queer film histories (and the Internet Movie Database) list this as being Sebastian’s one-and-only film effort, he actually went on to make several more films and videos over the years, including Adolph and Eva (1979), Abe Lincoln in California (1980), They Saved Gidget’s Brain (1983), and Ollie’s Slide Show (1987)—the latter two of which were made at EZTV.
We’re very proud to present the very first screening of these four works as part of this special EZTV comedy program, along with other comedy shorts to be announced and the second of three installments of Ken Camp’s wicked gay soap opera, As the World Burns. (Episode 1 plays at Brain Dead Studios on 3/25 and Episode 3 plays at Whammy! on 3/28)
About The Series
Founded by frustrated aspiring filmmaker John Dorr in 1979, EZTV was created as an independent art space and production studio dedicated to video and, eventually, digital and performance art. From feature-length narrative dramas to horror, comedy, erotica, documentaries, and more, EZTV provided the space and equipment for independent videomakers of all stripes and backgrounds to realize their visions. Video Capital of the World is a weeklong screening and performance series honoring the diverse range of artists and communities that have found a home at EZTV over the first 45 years of its existence and the global influence that it has had on the development of video, digital, and performance art. Featuring nine wide-ranging programs across six different venues and online, the series is a first-of-its-kind expansive tribute to a still under-understood LA institution.
