Love is the Message is a documentary film that combines the history of 1970s New York, dance music, nightclubs, social unrest and the gay rights movement into one story.

Nicky Siano is a founding father of disco. A club owner at the age of 17. An innovator of beat matching. A world-renowned DJ. A drug addict. An AIDS advocate. An author. A legend.

He is the last survivor of the core DJs that built the disco industry in the early ‘70s; the one person who can tell this story. This is the true and accurate story of disco, examining the deeper social aspects of the music scene and its impact on the world’s view of the LGBTQ+ community.

With Nicky acting as guide, and Luke Poling directing, this project takes audiences on a journey from the legendary Stonewall Riots that ignited gay liberation around the world, to the openings of The Gallery, Studio 54, and beyond. The story weaves through the era with personal accounts and stunning rare footage captured on 16mm film, much of which has never been seen before.

We're already in production, scanning photos, conducting interviews and converting film to HD (film shot at The Gallery in the 70s... nothing close to this amount of club footage exists anywhere else). We've dug up some amazing stories and memories. The film IS happening- and we'd love for you to join our team!

We realize that times are tight and we appreciate you even considering supporting this project. We want to make this the most important film ever produced on the subject of disco. It is a thrill for us to be a part of it, and we will be honoured to have you join on our team as we spread love around the world through this film.

Nicky's story leaves the audience understanding that his theme song, catch phrase and way of life IS fact; LOVE IS THE MESSAGE.

Join the party. Your invitation awaits!

Meet the Crew:

Writer- Nicky Siano

Nicky Siano is a true pioneer of the dance music scene. In 1972, at the age of 1y, he co-owned, designed and was the DJ at The Gallery, frequently referred to as ‘The First Disco.’ He pioneered many musical techniques that are considered commonplace, including beat matching, crossover and the first club bass horns. After The Gallery closed, Siano was hired to serve as the first DJ at Studio 54.

He helped launch the careers of Grace Jones, Loletta Holloway, Larry Levan and Frankie Knuckles. Of the early, most influential DJs in New York, Siano is the last survivor.

“If anyone is to be called a legend it is SIANO.”  New York Magazine,

"Nicky Siano invented the segue." New York Magazine

"100 People who Changed New York." -New York Magazine

"Nicky Siano IS dance music." Play Magazine

“DJ Legend Nicky Siano remains an important figure in the music industry.” Time Out Magazine

Director- Luke Poling

Luke brings an immersive approach to documentary filmmaking. A Poling film is one in which you are never the audience member. You are placed in the story experiencing history firsthand as it’s happening. Audiences have enjoyed being transported to fabulous cocktail parties at George Plimpton’s apartment and to the depths of Alabama for boar hunting alike with equal excitement and captivation. His style and
talent are the perfect partner to Nicky’s exquisite footage, expressive historical anecdotes, and his extraordinary life thus far.

Films include:

Plimpton! Starring George Plimpton as Himself (Feature film, New York Times’ Critic’s Pick, “A” from Entertainment Weekly)

The Defenders (Feature film)

Spearhunter (Short film, debuted SXSW, reviewed in Maxim and The Atlantic)

My First Time (Short flim series produced for The Paris Review)

Producer- Heidi Hedquist

Heidi has more than 20 years of success in editorial, event planning, media relations, and guerilla marketing across the entertainment, corporate and non-profit sectors.

She is the original Editor-in-Chief of After 5 Detroit, the region’s premier digital lifestyle magazine.

Her broadcast experience includes producing Ready, Set, Go! All Things Autism for WJR 760 AM and her current endeavors as co-host and producer of the podcasts Why? the Podcast and Rock ‘n’ Roll Grad School.

She has managed initiatives for such clients as Autism Speaks, Habitat for Humanity, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Greektown Casino-Hotel, Desert Diamond Casino, Dana Corporation, and Fiat Chrysler.

A Detroit native, she remains on her quest to prove that everything great has a connection to the Motor City.