Cure For The Video Star

Hosts Hedda Lettuce and Colton Ford
 
In the Internet Age, anyone can become an art star. With a camera, some friends and a small budget you can put yourself on the Web for all to see—and judge. That’s why George Lyter, 44, and his cable access show ADD-TV (Attention Deficit TV) are here to curate the massive collection of gay entries. He picks the best ones for the Pill Awards, where everyone from drag queens to pop stars has the chance to be honored. And while this year marks the end of ADD-TV, it only marks a new chapter for the Pill Awards. We chatted with Lyter, a Grammy Award-nominated songwriter, about his show, the awards and the importance of creative outlets for New York’s queers.
 
Why did you create ADD-TV?
David P. Morrow and I were in Fire Island during the summer of ‘02. Back then there was no outlet for queer media other than the gay film festival circuit. We wanted to utilize public access TV as a means to exercise our own creativity while reaching out to other artists.
 
So where did the Pill Awards begin?
The first awards show was held in the East Village at Urge. Over the years, the Pill Awards have made their own niche as a premier New York underground queer video awards ceremony.
 
Why is this the last year of ADD-TV?
It just feels like the right time for me. I believe this will broaden the scope of future Pill Awards. We’ll have to reformat a new submission process, which will be more encompassing than just the shorts [that] are programmed on ADD-TV.
 
Who are some of the talents and artists you are most excited about from 2009?
I’m thrilled to have Amanda Lepore performing. Can’t wait to meet nominee Samwell who’s flying in for the event. This year’s guest performer, Chevonne, is performing her new track, “Cat Call,” which is produced by Larry Tee, and I believe it’s going to be amazing. Chevonne’s manager is the guy who first signed Lady Gaga and I can see the similarities.
 
What can we expect at this year’s Pill Awards?
Hopefully a sense of solidarity in our artistic bubble.
 
Who will be hosting?
Colton Ford and Hedda Lettuce.
 
Who attends the Pill Awards?
Hopefully all kinds. It’s a free red-carpet event. From Broadway to downtown. Fashionistas, drag queens, porn stars and who’s who in local entertainment.
 
Any afterparties?
The celebration continues at Arena with Rob Fernandes’ Asseteria Pill After Party with DJ Junior Vasquez, AlieNation [and] a special performance by RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Bebe Zahara Benet.
 
What make the Pill Awards different from other nightlife awards?
Honestly, in some ways they are all the same. Same pond. Same fish. I give total props to Cherry Jubilee [of the Glammys] and Diedra Meredith [of the Out Music Awards]. You have no idea how much is involved in orchestrating these events. I’d have to say that where the Glammys honor nightlife and Out Music [Awards] honors recording artists, The Pill Awards honor the artistry of short/experimental video.
 
So what does winning a Pill Award mean?
Bragging rights I guess. Something to write on their Facebook wall?    N
 
The Pill Awards will be held on January 24 at Arena (135 W 41st St, 212-278-0988). Visit ADD-TV.com for more info and to vote for your favorite nominees.