Shane Bitney Crone, born on December 19, 1985, in Kalispell, Montana, grew up with the nickname "Motor Mouth", a moniker that takes on a new significance in light of his viral YouTube video, which garnered nearly three million hits. The film, a gut-wrenching mini-documentary, recounts the injustices Shane faced after the loss of his partner and soulmate, Tom Bridegroom. This poignant tribute has inspired millions worldwide to join Shane's crusade for marriage equality.
From a young age, Shane has used his remarkable voice to advocate for good causes, inspiring others through his talent and actions. In Montana, he regularly performed at the Missoula Children's Theater International Performing Arts Camp. During high school, he was an active member of the community, earning the Student of the Year award for his leadership.
After graduating, Shane worked part-time to save up and pursue his dream of moving to Los Angeles. With a suitcase full of ambition and a willingness to work hard, he left Montana behind, armed with a small amount of money and a big vision.
In 2005, Shane met his partner, Tom Bridegroom, and together they founded a social media and public relations company, Bridegroom and Bitney, targeting up-and-coming artists in the music industry. They helped clients secure record deals, perform at national sporting events, and gain international exposure through their expertise in social media.
Shane soon landed a role as a production assistant on Entertainment Tonight and was later promoted to talent coordinator. However, his life took a devastating turn in 2011 when Tom's life was tragically cut short. As a form of therapy, Shane created his viral video, which has since become a powerful tool for his advocacy work.
Through his video, Shane has found a new calling and is slowly regaining his voice. He has vowed to dedicate himself to the cause of marriage equality, giving interviews to prominent outlets, including CNN, ABC, E! News, and radio programs. He has also been invited to write guest posts for prominent organizations, such as GLAAD, Human Rights Campaign, The Advocate, and The Huffington Post.
Shane's message has resonated globally, with speaking requests pouring in from around the world. He has been invited to Amsterdam Pride as an international guest of honor and has partnered with acclaimed creator and director Linda Bloodworth Thomason to produce a documentary film about his life with Tom and the aftermath of his death. After successfully raising over $300,000 on Kickstarter, the film, titled Bridegroom, A Love Story Unequaled, is currently in production.