gay men in Hollywood, their lovers and friends, and the often hilarious, occasionally poignant space in between-that is if they can get any space at all. According to writer/director Greg Berlanti, it's also about something everyone can relate to: "how screwy and dysfunctional friends can be, but also how wonderful."

Dennis' eclectic crew of pals is certainly living proof of Berlanti's statement: there's Benji (Zach Braff), the innocent youth with spiky hair and a penchant for gym bodies; Howie (Matt McGrath), the psychology grad student who thinks too much and lives too little and Cole (Dean Cain), the charismatic actor who accidentally steals everybody's guy. Rounding out the crew is Patrick (Ben Weber), the cynical quipster with a fragile heart, and Taylor (Billy Porter), the drama queen who until recently prided himself in his long-term relationship.

Providing sage advice-and, for several of the guys, steady work-is Jack (John Mahoney), beloved patriarch, softball coach and part-time drag performer whose restaurant is a social haven for the gang.

Into the mix steps Kevin (Andrew Keegan), Cole's latest abandoned conquest and a "newbie," a young man not quite out of the closet. Dennis takes it upon himself to show Kevin the ropes as a newly outed gay man.

With the notable exception of elder statesman Jack, their lives are in various states of disarray. Howie lacks the discipline to resist his sexy pot-smoking ex-boyfriend while Patrick's lesbian sister (Mary McCormack) has just solicited his sperm to father a child with her despotic girlfriend (Nia Long). Meanwhile, Benji can't introduce a new love interest to the group without somebody else moving in on him and Taylor gets bad news via phone from Hawaii-he's been dumped. Dennis simply worries he might never truly forge his own path or have a life outside this crazy, bickering bunch.

As they make their ways in the world with and without each other, they are suddenly faced with an unexpected tragedy. The group finds comfort the only way they ever have-together. "I can't remember when I first realized I was gay, only the first time I knew it was okay," says Kevin. "It was when I met these guys-my friends."

The directorial debut of Berlanti, who also wrote the screenplay, The Broken Hearts Club is produced by Mickey Liddell and Joseph Middleton. The creative team also includes co-producers Julie Plec and Sam Irvin, editor Todd Busch, line producer Connie Dolph and costume designer Mas Kondo.

 http://www.thebrokenheartsclub.com/ © Meanwhile Films, LLC.