Interview: Filmmaker Steve Balderson Straddles Mainstream & Adult

Me too!

This is why I tracked down film director, producer, and author Steve Balderson to talk to him about his goal to produce a movie titled Love Venezia based on his recently published memoir – a candid and heartfelt chronicle about his sexual reawakening – Year of The Whore.

What’s unique about the upcoming film based on the book – in addition to how it portrays the LGBTQ+ community in such a positive light – is its commitment to cast both mainstream and adult actors and the belief that it will appeal to audiences from both arenas.

Before you wonder if he can really pull it off, you have to know a little bit about Steve. If anyone has a track record of creating a piece of art that straddles both sides of the coin – it’s Steve, he’s done it before, and he’ll do it again.

Proof?

Though not all of his films pushed sexual boundaries, he has been able to ping pong between the worlds.

His satirical and dark but witty flick Pep Squad premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and became a 90s cult classic. If that weren’t enough, Roger Ebert gave his other movie – a true-to-life tale of murder in small town Kansas – Firecracker – starring Karen Black and Mike Patton, a Special Jury Award on his annual Best Films of the Year list. Dozens of other pieces have followed since then garnering mainstream distribution and films like Watch Out walked the high wire of getting away with portraying sexual acts on celluloid that in someone else’s hands would’ve never seen the light of day.

Guaranteed Love Venezia will be the next notch on his belt.

Learn more about this multi-talented individual and how he’s able to blur the lines between adult and mainstream with success.

What brought you to the industry and how did you get your start in adult?

The first time I took notice of the adult world in an artistic and strategic sense was when Madonna’s SEX book came out.

I knew then that there was no real reason why a separation existed.

So, when I directed my movie Watch Out, actor Matt Riddlehoover masturbates in a restaurant bathroom and cums all over the sink. A distributor told me I’d have to get rid of that scene, but I decided to keep the shot in the movie – literally.

It won many awards and is now on Prime Video and Apple TV.

What was the impetus for writing your newest book – Year of the Whore?

I was telling the story of my sexual reawakening to my friend Iris Berry, and when I finished, she told me to write it as a memoir because she wanted to publish it at Punk Hostage Press (she’s a co-founder of the publishing company).

At first, I was hesitant because showing that vulnerability and honesty in such a public way was a totally new experience for me. Now, after the book is out, there’s something very liberating about it. I’m glad I had the guts to do it.

Tell us about the plan for the upcoming movie based on the book – Love Venezia – what is the vision for the piece?

The movie Love, Venezia is essentially an adaptation of Chapter One Year of the Whore.

I had this fantastic experience in Venice with a beautiful man who taught me how to be a good lover. He reignited a spark in me, which sent me into a mindset of real love, kindness, and sensuality that I had never experienced.

The movie is the first gay love story without violence, drugs, disease, or anger.

How have you managed to work in both the mainstream and adult world and be taken seriously – many want to make the leap and are unable – what’s your advice?

Stay true to the craft.

Others have done it (like my friend Bruce La Bruce), and I think maybe it’s a bit different for me since my first films weren’t pushing any boundaries related to sexuality. If you are making high art and it happens to include explicit sexuality, it’s considered high art. It won’t look like it if it’s made with a lack of care or artistry.

There are some amazingly well-made adult projects out there that I’m so jealous of not having directed. I’d love to produce something for a few studios open to taking the art form up a few notches.

What was it like working with Mink Stole on your recent movie Alchemy of the Spirit – I have to know because I adore her and the whole John Waters world.

Mink’s the best. She’s in Love, Venezia also! One of the nicest, most pleasant people to have on set and to be around in general.

I also love working with her in dramatic roles, which she enjoys because she’s quite good and never usually gets the chance because people want her to be campy. My favorite of all her films is Serial Mom, where Kathleen Turner constantly harasses her (Mink plays poor foul-mouthed Dotti Hinckle). The prank phone call scene is the BEST.

Lastly… what is the most important skill you possess that helps you get movies off their feet?

Having a mindset that there is no such thing as a problem.

The only thing that exists is my reaction to a situation. So, when there are no problems, all you can see are solutions and new paths leading to your desired outcome: that and a strong work ethic. I love storytelling, and because I love it so much, it turns into a fun time, so the work doesn’t feel like work. It’s a total joy.

To find out more about Steve Balderson and his films, books, and podcasts, follow him on his website at stevebalderson.com, dikenga.com, Instagram @dikenga, and Twitter @sbalderson.

Photos by Keefvincent (taken May 2023)