Depicting one of today’s most relevant social issues through raw documentarian storytelling, a transgender YouTuber opened up about her life’s journey in YouTube Red’s This is Everything: Gigi Gorgeous, directed by two-time Oscar award winning director Barbara Kopple. Gigi Lazzarato, who began life as Gregory Lazzarato, posted beauty/fashion videos to YouTube from his bedroom, came out as a transgender female to an audience of millions via YouTube’s global reach. In this opening Forum session, Kopple shared backstory about the production of the film, and explained why this is a golden age for documentary directors with the advent of new platforms such as YouTube Red. Ian Roth, development lead, unscripted content for YouTube and YouTube Red, shed light on the opportunities emerging for YouTube influencers/storytellers as they team with talented documentarians.
Panelists: Director Barbara Kopple and Ian Roth, YouTube Red Originals Panel moderator: Robert Goldrich, editor of SHOOT.