New Reality Show Looks Confusing, But Inclusive

There has been a buzz out of Hollywood this week about the new reality series, Hellbent for Hollywood. According to the show’s website, “Hellbent for Hollywood is the first reality series that combines the excitement of American Idol with the competitive challenges of Survivor where 100 actors cast from thousands, compete for their big Hollywood break.” What the show’s website doesn’t tell us is when it will air, where it will be available, how often episodes will run, what the overall prize for the competition will be (American Idol gives you a recording contract; Survivor a cash prize), or anything about the 100 cast members – whom you are asked to vote for – beyond their headshot.

However, despite the questions that we might have about Hellbent for Hollywood we remain optimistic that it will prove to be entertaining because first of all, it hasn’t aired yet – so hopefully all confusion will quickly be resolved once it does – and secondly, there were two out lesbians cast in the series…which is very cool.

Cherry Grrl has already reported on Noelle Messier’s appearance on the show and her goal of winning the show as an out lesbian actress to jump-start her career and increase the visibility of LGBT actors in the television and film industry. She explains this mission on her blog when she writes, “Being cast in Hellbent for Hollywood is forcing me to market myself and grovel for votes on the Internet, but more importantly, it is giving me a chance to put my money where my mouth is.  I am always the first one to say how important it is for the LGBT community to be out and visible in the media. The more we are out there, the more people will slowly begin to accept us as normal and not scary, closeted, hell bent sinners.  If we can’t accept who we are, how can we expect anyone else to?  So, I am planning on winning this show as an out lesbian actress come hell or high water or fire or brimstone or electric shocks or whatever.”

Messier also comments on what it’s like for her to be out in the acting industry and how it has opened her up to more roles seeking androgynous, butch, lesbian, or cop characters. “I did a small role recently on the ABC Family show, 10 Things I Hate About You and created quite an uproar on Facebook when I posted,  ‘nothing like having ‘butch lesbian’ taped to your trailer.’”

Skyler Cooper is the other out lesbian cast in the show and is being described as one of the most dynamic emerging talents in Hollywood. Cooper’s years of training in both classical and contemporary theater – combined with her power physique and stunning androgynous looks – uniquely position her as one of the show’s top competitors. Cooper has been described as a striking actor, an incredible presence, and a captivating talent.

Skyler’s talents landed her a position with the bay area California Shakespeare Company where she performed in their summer productions of “A Comedy Of Errors,” “Henry IV,” and “The Importance Of Being Ernest.” She worked on “Argonautika” with Berkeley Rep, “3 Seconds In The Key” with SF Playhouse, and “Walking The Dead” with Theater Q.  Since then, Skyler has been cast in a principle role for the pilots for the television series Don’t Go and Cocktails, as well as the short film Insomniacs.

Her power physique comes from several years of competitive bodybuilding. While she no longer competes, she shares her passion for fitness with others as a personal trainer when she can. Prior to her acting career, she served in the United States Navy as an Aircraft Electrician for ten years, and then as a robotic engineer in Silicon Valley.

On competing on Hellbent for Hollywood, Skyler explains, “I’ve always felt that if i were to break-in to the mainstream film and television industry it would be in a  non-traditional way. I would call being discovered on a  reality based show non-traditional still. However, its rapidly changing. Many reality stars are getting viewers and viewers mean money to networks. My feelings about Hellbent for Hollywood is that I think they are very serious about what they want to do with this show. In order for Hellbent for Hollywood to be successful they have to help one of us to succeed. The show will not do well if they do nothing but showcase unprepared talent. I want to teach and learn in this competition. I wish every single competitor the best in this show and beyond. What’s different about this and Idol is singers continue to compete for fans. Actors become part of a short-term family…we work together ,we don’t compete against each other. I think this show is going to be interesting, fun, and challenging. That said, all I have is me and the tools I’ve been given. I will not be able to conjure up anything magical between now and the first day of the show. I plan to bring what I have and see if it’s enough to be polished into a top talent. I have four days before the show opens. During that time  I plan to sit with myself and  slowly digest all my goals that I want to accomplish. Then I’m going to do the show with that in mind.  I’m determined to do my best.”

You can vote (we are sure for how much longer) for Noelle and/or Skyler on the show’s website at http://hellbentforhollywood.com. Taping of the show is set to begin today and the episodes will then air on the website in the section marked “episodes.”

Photos of Skyler Cooper by Duane Cramer.