Becoming Wilkinson

Filmmaker Steve Balderson discusses his diverse filmography, the challenges of blending genres, and the complexities of distribution and marketing in the film industry. He reflects on the provocative nature of his work, particularly in 'Watch Out,' and the balance between explicit content and artistic expression in 'Sex, Love, Venice.' Balderson also shares insights on character development, casting choices, and the importance of humor and improvisation in filmmaking. He concludes with thoughts on the financial realities of independent filmmaking and his journey of learning a new language while immersing himself in European culture. In this engaging conversation, Steve Balderson shares his insights on the intricacies of casting, auditioning, and the creative processes involved in filmmaking. He discusses the importance of personal growth, facing fears, and embracing change, particularly in the context of moving to Europe. The dialogue also explores the dynamics of relationships, the impact of public perception and reviews, and the exploration of non-traditional relationship structures. Additionally, Balderson delves into the sensory experiences in film and the meticulous art of filmmaking, emphasizing the precision required in creating compelling narratives.BIORoger Ebert gave Steve’s film FIRECRACKER, starring Karen Black and Mike Patton, a Special Jury Award on his annual Best Films of the Year list. The U.S. Library of Congress selected his film THE CASSEROLE CLUB, starring Kevin Richardson of the Backstreet Boys, for its permanent collection. Steve ranks #47 on the IMDb's Top 100 Gay and Lesbian director's working today.Film Threat magazine praises, “Balderson makes movies that are so gorgeous that it’s not unreasonable to say that, cinematographically at least; he’s the equal of an Argento or Kubrick in their prime. Some people have perfect vocal pitch,Steve has perfect visual composition.”Steve’s debut book, “Filmmaking Confidential,” debuted as an Amazon and Audible best-seller. He is a contributor to The Advocate and MovieMaker magazines and shares his extensive filmmaking knowledge as a guest lecturer at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).http://www.stevebalderson.com/http://www.filmmakingconfidential.com/http://www.dikenga.com/Dikenga Films | WhatsApp +1 785 565 25 35To contact Wilkinson- email him at BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com

JEROME COURSHONIn this week's episode of the Becoming Wilkinson podcast, my guest is Jerome Courshon.  I met him a few weeks ago when Steve Balderson's film "Sex Love Venice" was distributed and shown at the Palm Springs Cultural Center.  As an ally to the LGBTQ+ Community, Jerome loved the film and had great things to say about it. He shares his unique journey in the film industry, discussing his transition from acting to producing and eventually to film distribution. He emphasizes the importance of honesty in the industry, the challenges faced by independent filmmakers, and the evolving landscape of film distribution in the digital age. Jerome also reflects on the impact of films on relationships and the significance of creating content that resonates with audiences. He discusses the importance of integrity in personal and professional relationships, the evolving landscape of filmmaking, and the criteria for evaluating film content. He reflects on personal growth, perseverance, and the moral choices we make in life. The dialogue also touches on the impact of political discourse on personal beliefs and the balance between living a life of love versus fear. The conversation concludes with reflections on the value of meaningful discussions and the importance of staying true to oneself.Finally, as CEO of Lion Heart Distribution (launched in 2022), he has quite a bit to say about the unethical behavior in this industry.THE DETAILS:Distribution Expert and “go-to” authority of getting independent films into the marketplace for 15 years (2007 – 2022), producer Jerome Courshon launched Lion Heart Distribution in 2022. As the CEO, he serves and provides an ethical option for Producers & Directors to have success in the U.S. & Canadian marketplace with their movies, without being ripped off by unscrupulous distributors. Growth of his company was exponential in 2024, and Courshon is currently seeking investors to grow the company further. Potentially interested parties may reach him through his website: http://www.LionHeart.LA For Filmmakers & Producers: All genres of movies are considered for distribution, as well as full-length documentaries and completed TV series. For more info, visit:  http://www.LionHeart.LATo contact Wilkinson- email him at BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com

In this engaging conversation, Wilkinson and Steve Balderson explore themes of personal growth, sexuality, and the journey of becoming a filmmaker. Steve shares his unique upbringing in Kansas, his awakening to his identity, and the pivotal experiences that shaped his life and career. The discussion delves into the importance of storytelling, the transformative power of love, and the lessons learned through art and self-discovery. Steve's insights on kindness, humor, and finding love in everyone he meets resonate throughout the conversation, making it a rich exploration of life as an artist and individual.BIORoger Ebert gave Steve’s film FIRECRACKER, starring Karen Black and Mike Patton, a Special Jury Award on his annual Best Films of the Year list. The U.S. Library of Congress selected his film THE CASSEROLE CLUB, starring Kevin Richardson of the Backstreet Boys, for its permanent collection. Steve ranks #47 on the IMDb's Top 100 Gay and Lesbian director's working today.Film Threat magazine praises, “Balderson makes movies that are so gorgeous that it’s not unreasonable to say that, cinematographically at least; he’s the equal of an Argento or Kubrick in their prime. Some people have perfect vocal pitch,Steve has perfect visual composition.”Steve’s debut book, “Filmmaking Confidential,” debuted as an Amazon and Audible best-seller. He is a contributor to The Advocate and MovieMaker magazines and shares his extensive filmmaking knowledge as a guest lecturer at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).http://www.stevebalderson.com/http://www.filmmakingconfidential.com/http://www.dikenga.com/Dikenga Films | WhatsApp +1 785 565 25 35To contact Wilkinson- email him at BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com

In this engaging conversation, Ronny Borrelli shares his personal journey of coming out, navigating life as a gay man in various environments, and his experiences in the adult film industry. He discusses the challenges he faced growing up in Lake Havasu, his transition to Palm Springs, and his return to performing arts. The conversation also touches on the importance of activism, the impact of the AIDS epidemic, and the significance of art in inspiring change.Ronny's Bio:Ronny Borrelli hails from Lake Havasu City, AZ where he participated in productions at the Lake Havasu's theater, Grace Arts Live in “South Pacific”, “Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical”, “Little Shop of Horrors”, “Peter Pan”, and “The Wizard of Oz”.A resident of the Palm Springs area since 2014, he returned to his love of performing arts last year as Harvey Johnson in “Bye Bye Birdie” at the Palm Canyon Theatre.  He performed in “F**king Men” with The Bent and he was also featured as Spike in his first time performing at Revolution Stage Company. Ronny is looking forward to pursuing his passion for the performing arts and is eager to see what other opportunities await! He’s excited to join the cast of “The Inheritance” at The Bent’s final play of season 3. (The Inheritance is an inspired two-part examination of survival, healing, class divide, and what it means to call a place home.  Part 2 will lead off The Bent’s season 4 in Palm Springs).  No wonder Ronny is excited to be chosen to be a part of this epic play!Contact Ronny on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ronny.borrelliPhoto: Copyright Wilkinson/2024To contact Wilkinson- email him at BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com

A short message recorded in Joshua Tree National Park, CA on February 2, 2025.

In this engaging conversation, James Jardine shares his transformative journey from a corporate banking career in Southern California to embarking on adventurous road trips and working on a fishing boat in Alaska. He discusses the challenges and experiences he faced at sea, including a harrowing incident involving a capsizing boat. The conversation also touches on personal growth, the importance of saying yes to new opportunities, and the exciting new venture of creating content together on platforms like OnlyFans. As they reflect on their past adventures and future plans, both James and Wilkinson emphasize the value of living life to the fullest and embracing change.Photo: Copyright Wilkinson/2024To contact Wilkinson- email him at BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com

Jonathan Brett is a Performer, Director, and Teacher (Credentialed in English/Theatre with a Master’s Degree in Social Emotional Learning).  He is a proud member of Sag Aftra. Some of his favorite theatrical performances include “Bye Bye Birdie” (Albert), “Let it Rain” (Mick, Best Actor- Professional, 2024 Desert Star Awards Nominee), “Little Shop of Horrors” (Seymour), “Fiddler on the Roof” (Motel), and “South Pacific” (Stewpot). He has also acted in TV shows such as “Zoey 101,” “Big Time Rush,” and “Cold Case,” as well as various other films, shows and commercials. Directed works include “Legally Blonde: The Musical” (Best Director, Best Musical, 2024 Desert Star Awards Nominee) “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” (Best Director, Best Play, 2024 Desert Star Awards Nominee) Nominee “Trap” (Best Director, 2024 Desert Star Awards Nominee), “Little Shop of Horrors” (Best Musical, 2023 Desert Star Awards Nominee), “A Christmas Carol” (Best Director Nominee, Best Play WINNER 2023 Desert Star Awards), “Theatre Duranged,” “Aladdin Jr., ” “Starlight Spotlight,” “Bye Bye Birdie,” “The Sound of Music,” “Disney’s Deviants” and more.  As the head of the Theatre department at La Quinta High School, Mr. Brett teaches beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels of theatre (including audition technique, scene study, improvisation, playwriting, history, and mindfulness, etc.).  Currently, he is Directing “She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurers Edition” at La Quinta High School. The show runs November 14, 15, 16 (6:30 PM) and November 17 (2:30 PM). Tickets are available at the box office on performance days.  He is thrilled to have an amazing husband (Randy) and fur-child (Clarence).  If you would like to contact him, please email him: jonathanbretteb@gmail.com

RANDY BRENNERIn this engaging conversation, Randy Brenner shares his journey from a child performer in Philadelphia to a successful actor and director in theater and television. He discusses the challenges and joys of performing, his coming out experience, and his efforts to raise awareness and funds for AIDS through innovative theater productions. The conversation also touches on his marriage to his husband Jonathan, life in Palm Springs, and the importance of pursuing creative passions at any age.BIO:Mr. Brenner’s most recent directing credit, was the highly critical acclaimed Mr. Parker at Dezart Performs, nominated for 8 Desert Star Awards, including Best director, and won Best Drama Professional 2024! Previously, he was nominated for a DTL Award for his direction of A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Gynecologic Oncology Unit At Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Of New York City for Dezart last season. Mr. Brenner directed a very successful staged reading of Beverly Hills Hotel Peace Talks, which will have a full production and be part of the 2024-2025 season at CVRep. premiering May 20th. He has been nominated and won multiple Awards including the New York Outer Critics’ Circle, Drama-Logue, Robbie, Phoebe, Scenie, Desert Theatre League, GLAAD, and raves from the New York Times for his off-Broadway production of The Only Worse Thing You Could Have Told Me… starring Dan Butler and, later, Greg Louganis. He has directed over 50 musicals and plays including White Christmas, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown (with an all-star Broadway cast), Fiddler…, South Pacific, Nine, Stephen Schwartz’s Snapshots (Directed/Created with Stephen Schwartz), Autumn Canticle, Man of La Mancha, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and the first gay version of Marry Me A Little sanctioned by Mr. Sondheim himself. Previously, Mr. Brenner served as director and dramaturg for the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts’ GROW Program, leading a class he developed in collaboration with Steven Schwartz and Stormy Sacks, where young adults wrote and presented new musical works. Randy would like to thank his husband Jonathan, and their fur-child Clarence for their love and support. Randy is a proud member of SDC.   As an actor, Mr. Brenner was last seen on stage to rave reviews as Nostradamus in 5 Star Theatricals production of “Something Rotten” at Thousand Oaks Performing Arts  Center. Previously lead roles: Ballroom (CVREP), Aladdin (Disney’s California Adventure), Beauty and the Beast (Disney Imagineering), City of Angeles (Reprise!), Follies, How to Succeed, L’il Abner (MTW), Empire, Burlesque (The Broad), Toby in Sweeney Todd (SJCLO), Guys and Dolls (La Mirada), A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shine, Tintypes (Virginia Museum Theatre). Broadway/Off- Broadway; Found a Peanut, The Front, Man of La Mancha, New Faces of ’52 (Revival), Joley (Pre Broadway). Touring; Fiddler on the Roof, The Music Man, Tintypes.TV/Film; “911: Lonestar”, “Glow”, “Seinfeld”, “My Name is Earl”, “SpongeBob”, “Evil Dead 2”, “Geppetto”. Randy is a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association.Contract Randy via Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/randy.brenner.9Photo: Copyright Wilkinson/2024Opening and closing music courtesy the very talented Zakhar Valaha via Pixabay.To contact Wilkinson- email him at BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com

Dr. Robert PhilipsonFilmmaker/ExecutivePhilipson is a former academic professor of African-American studies with a passion for Jazz & African art. A published author and Harlem Renaissance historian, he has produced multiple films about the intersectionality of Race, Music, & Sexuality. His newest film is "The Knowing"Written by Dr. Robert Philipson and directed by Jonathan RowanAdam, a white man in his late 30s, is visiting his Black ex-lover, Peter, who is dying of AIDS in a DC hospital. The year is 1992. Also in attendance is Cherie, a Black lesbian naval officer who is Peter’s best friend. The two sympathetically listen to Peter’s complaints about how his “Christian” family has abandoned him until a nurse arrives to give Peter medication. While waiting in the hospital cafeteria, Adam and Cherie, meeting that day for the first time, compare notes about the course of Peter’s illness. This leads them to a terrible discovery. Adam, in particular, is confronted with a choice that, while still in shock, he doesn’t know how to handle. For more information on Dr. Philipson and Shoga Films, go to:https://www.shogafilms.comPhoto: Copyright Wilkinson/2024Opening and closing music courtesy the very talented Zakhar Valaha via Pixabay.To contact Wilkinson- email him at BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com