Steve Balderson, Interview

We meet Steve Balderson, a filmmaker whose visual technique is inspired by the work of Alfred Hitchcock. Is it true that you are technically inspired by Alfred Hitchcock?

Yes, indeed.  Hitchcock was where I learned my language.  In university the Dean of the Film School, Hartmut Bitomsky, taught me in one on one private courses where at the beginning of the week, he’s assign me a couple Hitchcock films and told me to go home and analyze them, and return to his office on Friday with my report.  I loved the challenge and over the course of our private lessons, I analyzed every single Hitchcock film.  All of them.

Why Hitchcock in particular, what fascinated you and led you to study this kind of filmmaking?

I didn’t know to!  It was Hartmut’s idea and curriculum.  Hartmut ran, or was in charge of, somehow, the Hitchcock organization (or group, or convention) in Europe.  I have no idea what kind of organization, but he was the one in charge and knew Hitchcock like no other.

When you were still a student, you adapted a novel by Anne Rice for a short movie. Do you like the horror genre? What did you take from Rice's novel, what do you remember from that youthful experience?

I remembered how homoerotic it was!  That’s what led me to be obsessed with it.  It was the first time I’d read about a sensuality and love between two men, and it was that which totally solidified and informed me of my own sexuality.

In Bloody Famous, a critically acclaimed comedy series, you chronicle the extremes to which people will go for fame, but also for love. How did you come up with the idea for this series?

It was written by Elizabeth Spear, who I co-directed a film called HELL TOWN with.  We had such a fun time working together, that I jumped at the chance.  Elizabeth had written her dissertation on the reality dating show The Bachelor, so it was a topic and area she knew very well.  When I first read her screenplay for BLOODY FAMOUS, I was over the moon with it.  It’s truly insane what some people will do to achieve fame.  Even if it means putting their entire lives on the line.

Finally, a double question: Is there any movie in the history of cinema that Steve Balderson would have liked to direct? And, what is in Steve Balderson's future, the next project?

I’d like to remake GASLIGHT which was written by a relative of mine.  And I believe it’s in public domain, so I just might.  Next up is the release of SEX LOVE VENICE which happens on Valentine’s Day (February 14, 2025).  I have about five projects at various stages of development and I have no idea which one will come up first.  Movies have a life force of their own, and when they’re ready to be conceived and birthed, they know it, and make it happen.  The trick is to pay attention and jump on the wave when it comes by at just the right second.