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"What is Sexy?" Filmmaker Steve Balderson helps us find the answer, tells us about himself and talks about his new movie, "Phone Sex."
By: Gian Erguiza
Gian: Tell us about yourself and what you do.
Steve: I'm a visual storyteller. I consider myself a true independent filmmaker free from relying on other people to finance, create or distribute my movies. I also love to cook, traveling to Paris, London, drinking champagne, and eating huge amounts of garlic. Oh, and classic jazz like Ella & Louis.
Gian: Who or What is your inspiration?
Steve: My main inspiration is Howard Rourke from Ayn Rand’s “The Fountainhead.”
Gian: What is the premise of your new film "Phone Sex?"
Steve: I invited everyone I’ve admired, people I’ve worked with, and other artists, to call me up and answer the question "What is sexy?" When I first started this project, I assumed people would say similar things, but I was amazed to discover that with the exception of a few, there was a complete variation of answers. The other thing that surprised me about this experiment is that all the answers are full of honesty and realness. Most people are shy when it comes to opening up and discussing this very private thing, so hearing people be open about it is very absorbing. PHONE SEX is a bit pop art mixed with NPR and a dash of naughtiness. Part installation. Part documentary. Perfect for playing on the TV in the background (like one would a record) during a cocktail party, or fall housecleaning. Or simply to find out what everyone thinks is the answer to that question! This film is intended for use in a variety of fashions. One can simply take the journey by sitting down and watching it, but, I’d rather encourage people to treat it as something different.
Gian: Is "Phone Sex" your best work so far?
Steve: The notion that independent film is SO important has really gotten WAY out of control. Sometimes film should be fun and filmmakers should be disobedient! “Phone Sex” is by far the most fun!
Gian: Any movie you wish you directed?
Steve: “Night of the Iguana” with Ava Gardner and Richard Burton.
Gian: Whats your favorite movie of all time?
Steve: “The Fountainhead” with Gary Cooper.
Gian: Any Actor/Actress you'd love to work with?
Steve: I’d like the challenge of directing Madonna and having her come off really excellent.
Gian: Upcoming Projects?
Steve: I’m more of a doer than a talker. I have several movies in the works but I’ve started getting used to not telling anybody what I’m up to until they’re ready to be seen. There’s nothing worse than a filmmaker who goes on and on about a project no one can see. I used to be like that and it was irritating.
Gian: What do you hope to achieve with your work?
Steve: I am continuing to achieve what I have achieved: To provide a journey for people to take who are willing to take it.
Gian: Any additional comments?
Steve: When people go to my website www.DIKENGA.com to get “Phone Sex” they should also take notice of the documentary on filmmaking I’m sending people for FREE.
Thanks Steve! Go pick up "Phone Sex," out on now on DVD.
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