Checking in on the Outfest

Jackson Bell

Lisa Bevis began her filmmaking career in front of the lens.

Bevis, a Burbank resident, is the producer of “Coming Clean,” a

short film screening today at Outfest 2003, a Los Angeles-area gay

and lesbian film festival.

She got her start in the entertainment industry as a model and

actress while living in Europe during the 1980s. As she grew older,

she wanted a job with more longevity.

“When you model, [the industry] kicks you out when you turn 30,”

she said.

In 1990, the Baltimore native relocated to Burbank and bought a

home in the 1100 block of North Kenwood Street -- the same block her

grandfather has lived on since the 1930s-- and began producing and

editing commercials, music videos and short films.

Last year, Bevis founded her own production company, Bevis Film &

Video.

In 2002, she produced and edited her Outfest entry, “Coming

Clean,” a romantic comedy by director Ken Feinberg.

The 25-minute movie with gay themes is about an engaged couple,

Robert and Mason, who must overcome a secret exposed when he meets

her friends at a party.

The five-month project, which cost $15,000, was shot on digital

video and edited by Bevis on her home computer.

Her goal for the film is to find a financial backer to fund a

feature length version, or have a network pick it up as a TV series.

“Coming Clean” isn’t Bevis’ first Outfest entry. Last year, she

entered the short film “Salt the Blade and Twist the Knife,” a

romantic comedy about lesbians that she co-directed, photographed and

edited.

Kristian Salinas, a senior programmer for the festival, said it

serves as a networking opportunity for gay filmmakers or movies with

gay themes.

“It’s a great way [for filmmakers] to get their foot in the door

and make the contacts they need to advance their career,” he said.