This week, LA Weekly had a fascinating story about the K6G (formerly K-11) wing of the LA County Jail that houses its gay inmates, one of only a handful of such places in the country. We knew all about it here at WOW because almost 10 years ago we tried to do a reality show/documentary set there. Watch the long-lost development footage we pulled from the archives after the jump
Earlier this afternoon, I talked to producer/director Glenn Gaylord, who was the producer of the project.
How did the idea for the show come about?
I used to work inside the jail, teaching STI education to the guards and staff. I was making films at the time, but started working there full time around 2004. I had already shot a training film for them – so I had access and earned their trust to bring in cameras and shoot a development reel. I took it to Randy and Fenton with a pitch and they were on board within the first five minutes. It was pitched as a series at first, and WOW thought they could sell to a network in three days. We met with the jail and because I already earned this trust, they went back in and made a sizzle reel. They showed it to CourtTV and they flipped over it, but wanted to make it a documentary. Just as we were going in to shoot though, the LA Board of Supervisors said no commercial filming can happen inside the jail.
Then how is that CNN can do shows like Locked Up?
Well, a news crew is different then a public venture but, yeah, the lines are blurred these days.
Have you kept in contact with any of the inmates? I loved Mousey and and had a total crush onTheodore, omg.
I don’t know about the inmates, but I’ve kept in contact with the deputies (who have since retired). They’re still my friends. There were some inmates (not in the reel) that are now in the outside and thriving. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the same inmates are still there, even after 10 years. They are on a cycle. They’re out for a while, then back in again.
Do you think we need to revisit the project?
Eventually, I think, they’ll let people in again. After seeing the article, I reached back out again, so we’ll see…
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