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Filmmaking can be chaotic. Locations fall apart. Investors back out. Egos clash. Fear, frustration, perfectionism, conflict, and the need to control can easily become more demanding than the work itself. Core Transformation has profoundly reshaped the way I move through the filmmaking process. Rather than trying to get rid of an uncomfortable reaction, I've learned to become curious about the reaction itself. It has changed the way I approach filmmaking, and writing, or editing, managing difficult people, problem-solving, and those inevitable moments when reality refuses to cooperate. Today our guest is Tamara Andreas, co-author of Core Transformation: Reaching the Wellspring Within and one of the world's leading teachers of the process. Core Transformation begins with a surprisingly simple idea: whatever feeling or inner response you have to a conflict or problem might, instead, be the doorway to something deeper. For filmmakers, that opens up some fascinating questions. We'll talk about how Core Transformation can change our relationship with production pressure, perfectionism, creative blocks, uncertainty, criticism, and the constant tension between having a strong vision and remaining flexible enough to finish the film. WARNING: DO NOT DRIVE OR OPERATE MACHINERY while listening to this episode. This isn't just a conversation. Tamara guides us through the opening steps of the Core Transformation process, giving everyone listening the opportunity to experience the work for themselves. No previous knowledge is required. You don't need to know anything about personal development techniques or subscribe to any particular belief system. Just bring yourself and something you'd be curious to explore. Whether you make films, write, paint, perform, run a creative business, or simply find yourself getting in your own way from time to time, this conversation is about discovering a different relationship with the reactions that accompany the creative process. A special FREE gift from Tamara for our listeners: the Core Transformation Micro-Book. Download it for FREE here. Or copy-n-paste this URL into your browser: https://learn.coretransformation.org/microbook-event?speaker=tamara&event=steve-balderson Support the show Get the Books: Filmmaking Confidential Accessing Creativity How to Find Investors Watch the Films: DIKENGA Official Websites: SteveBalderson.com Instagram @dikenga TwitX: @sbalderson Facebook

Film critic and writer Jeremy Knox joins Steve Balderson to discuss BRAINSTARE, AI cinema, and the shifting conversation around artificial intelligence as a creative tool. Once strongly opposed to AI, Knox has since begun experimenting with it himself, leading to a thoughtful conversation about skepticism, authorship, control, independent film, and the future of moviemaking.  Jeremy Knox is a film critic and writer whose work has appeared in Film Threat and Cinema Crazed, where he contributes the ongoing Bad Movie Monday column. His writing focuses on cult cinema, horror, genre films, and the strange corners of movie culture.  Support the show Get the Books: Filmmaking Confidential Accessing Creativity How to Find Investors Watch the Films: DIKENGA Official Websites: SteveBalderson.com Instagram @dikenga TwitX: @sbalderson Facebook

In this special episode of Filmmaking Confidential, Steve Balderson sits down with actress Greta Nilsen, who stars as Sheba in his new feature film BRAINSTARE.  What begins as a conversation about Scandinavian roots, acting technique, and the challenges of performing Joseph Suglia’s dense, cerebral script slowly unravels into something stranger — and far more revealing. Greta discusses artistic intuition, emotional architecture, digital memory, and the surprising limitations she had to overcome to bring Sheba to life. This is not your typical actor interview… and Greta is not your typical actress. Support the show Get the Books: Filmmaking Confidential Accessing Creativity How to Find Investors Watch the Films: DIKENGA Official Websites: SteveBalderson.com Instagram @dikenga TwitX: @sbalderson Facebook

Today's special guest is Connirae Andreas, PhD.  Learning (and experiencing) her "Core Transformation" and "Wholeness Work" have helped me navigate every aspect of my filmmaking journey from script to production to the big screen and beyond.   On November 4, 2025, Connirae will be hosting a LIVE online training of The Wholeness Work.  To register, and I passionately recommend it to anyone and everyone, visit: https://www.andreasnlp.com/trainings/the-wholeness-work/live-online/level-i/ Connirae has been an innovative leader, teacher, and author in the field of personal development and Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) for over 4 decades. Connirae and her late husband Steve Andreas were early developers of NLP and wrote and edited many of the first NLP books and training materials, helping to bring NLP into the mainstream. She is best known for creating Core Transformation, a groundbreaking method that turns our limitations into a doorway to experiences many describe as "love", "peace", "presence", or "oneness". Her most recent work, The Wholeness Work, offers a gentle yet precise way to dissolve stress and ego-based patterns, resolving life challenges and opening the door to deep emotional healing. Connirae’s discoveries were shaped both by a life-changing encounter with Dr. Milton Erickson in 1979 and by her own multi-year health crisis, which led her to explore the teachings of Indian sage Ramana Maharshi and uncover a profound path to healing and awakening. For more information, visit: https://www.thewholenesswork.org/ https://www.andreasnlp.com/trainings/the-wholeness-work/ I hope you enjoy this Special Bonus episode. Cheers! Support the show Get the Books: Filmmaking Confidential Accessing Creativity How to Find Investors Watch the Films: DIKENGA Official Websites: SteveBalderson.com Instagram @dikenga TwitX: @sbalderson Facebook

SEX LOVE VENICE is out today in select theaters & on demand. WATCH NOW ON: Prime Video: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0DQTSFK44/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r Apple TV: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/sex-love-venice/umc.cmc.4g8tcjpw1ku1n9ebuhaqzo7f2 Fandango at Home: https://athome.fandango.com/content/browse/details/Sex-Love-Venice/3867608 Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/sexlovevenice Spectrum: https://ondemand.spectrum.net/movies/29302048/sex-love-venice/ Verizon: https://tv.verizon.com/watch/movie/Sex-Love-Venice/MV025107730000 And other Cable Systems, check yours! Today, I'm joined in conversation with SEX LOVE VENICE actors Daniel Bateman and Alexander Ananasso, co-producer Jo Stanhope, and cinematographer Hanuman Brown-Eagle. This is a recording of their very first introduction which was taped during the pre-production phase of making SEX LOVE VENICE. I love this conversation because it illustrates the kinds of things that go into making a film.  Because this was the first time we gathered as a group, it was a lot of fun to talk about the plan, the philosophies behind the story, and discuss the storyboards, and so on.  I hope you enjoy the conversation.  Support the show Get the Books: Filmmaking Confidential Accessing Creativity How to Find Investors Watch the Films: DIKENGA Official Websites: SteveBalderson.com Instagram @dikenga TwitX: @sbalderson Facebook

SEX LOVE VENICE is out today in select theaters & on demand. WATCH NOW ON: Prime Video: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0DQTSFK44/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r Apple TV: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/sex-love-venice/umc.cmc.4g8tcjpw1ku1n9ebuhaqzo7f2 Fandango at Home:  https://athome.fandango.com/content/browse/details/Sex-Love-Venice/3867608 Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/sexlovevenice Spectrum: https://ondemand.spectrum.net/movies/29302048/sex-love-venice/ Verizon: https://tv.verizon.com/watch/movie/Sex-Love-Venice/MV025107730000 And other Cable Systems, check yours! Daniel Bateman & Suzanna Akins play best friends Michael & Liza in the film. This is a recording of their very first introduction which was taped during the pre-production phase of making SEX LOVE VENICE. I love it when the actors who are cast not only have amazing chemistry together, but actually become friends in real life.  It makes the entire process more enjoyable.  Because this was the first time Daniel and Suzanna met (even if just over the internet), it was a lot of fun to talk about the upcoming shoot in Italy, what got them started in acting, and witness their chemistry together (which ended up to be dynamite in the film!).  I hope you enjoy the conversation. Support the show Get the Books: Filmmaking Confidential Accessing Creativity How to Find Investors Watch the Films: DIKENGA Official Websites: SteveBalderson.com Instagram @dikenga TwitX: @sbalderson Facebook

In today’s Special Bonus Episode, Steve shares additional excerpts from his new book “Accessing Creativity: Unlock Your Inner Genius” These excerpts come from the audiobook available exclusively on Audible. Also available on Paperback and eBook wherever books are sold. In a world that constantly demands innovation and originality, finding and nurturing your creative potential has never been more crucial. “Accessing Creativity: Unlock Your Inner Genius” by award-winning filmmaker Steve Balderson is a profound exploration into the heart of creativity, designed to help you break free from limiting beliefs and embrace a life of boundless imagination. Through engaging monologues, philosophical insights, and practical exercises, Balderson guides you on a journey to discover the endless source of creativity within. From understanding the power of intent and effective communication to navigating the intricacies of judgment and preference, this book offers a fresh perspective on what it means to be creative in today’s world. But creativity isn’t confined to the arts alone. As highlighted in the thought-provoking afterword by Steve’s father, a seasoned expert in manufacturing and industrial commerce, the principles laid out in this book are universally applicable. Whether you’re developing groundbreaking technology, solving complex business problems, or simply seeking to enrich your daily life, “Accessing Creativity” provides the tools and inspiration you need to thrive. Discover how to: Reframe limiting beliefs and decisions to unlock your true potentialCultivate a mindset that nurtures continuous creative growthUse the Three Perspectives strategy to evaluate and enhance your workEmbrace the idea that there is no failure, only feedbackApply these timeless principles across all areas of your lifeJoin Steve Balderson as he shares his unique insights and experiences, showing you how to tap into the infinite creativity that lies within us all. With “Accessing Creativity,” you’ll learn to see the world through new eyes and transform your ideas into reality. Support the show Get the Books: Filmmaking Confidential Accessing Creativity How to Find Investors Watch the Films: DIKENGA Official Websites: SteveBalderson.com Instagram @dikenga TwitX: @sbalderson Facebook

In today’s Special Bonus Episode, Steve shares more excerpts from his new book “Accessing Creativity: Unlock Your Inner Genius” These excerpts come from the audiobook available exclusively on Audible. Also available on Paperback and eBook wherever books are sold. In a world that constantly demands innovation and originality, finding and nurturing your creative potential has never been more crucial. “Accessing Creativity: Unlock Your Inner Genius” by award-winning filmmaker Steve Balderson is a profound exploration into the heart of creativity, designed to help you break free from limiting beliefs and embrace a life of boundless imagination. Through engaging monologues, philosophical insights, and practical exercises, Balderson guides you on a journey to discover the endless source of creativity within. From understanding the power of intent and effective communication to navigating the intricacies of judgment and preference, this book offers a fresh perspective on what it means to be creative in today’s world. But creativity isn’t confined to the arts alone. As highlighted in the thought-provoking afterword by Steve’s father, a seasoned expert in manufacturing and industrial commerce, the principles laid out in this book are universally applicable. Whether you’re developing groundbreaking technology, solving complex business problems, or simply seeking to enrich your daily life, “Accessing Creativity” provides the tools and inspiration you need to thrive. Discover how to: Reframe limiting beliefs and decisions to unlock your true potentialCultivate a mindset that nurtures continuous creative growthUse the Three Perspectives strategy to evaluate and enhance your workEmbrace the idea that there is no failure, only feedbackApply these timeless principles across all areas of your lifeJoin Steve Balderson as he shares his unique insights and experiences, showing you how to tap into the infinite creativity that lies within us all. With “Accessing Creativity,” you’ll learn to see the world through new eyes and transform your ideas into reality. Support the show Get the Books: Filmmaking Confidential Accessing Creativity How to Find Investors Watch the Films: DIKENGA Official Websites: SteveBalderson.com Instagram @dikenga TwitX: @sbalderson Facebook

In today’s Special Bonus Episode, Steve shares excerpts from his new book “Accessing Creativity: Unlock Your Inner Genius” These excerpts come from the audiobook available exclusively on Audible. Also available on Paperback and eBook wherever books are sold. In a world that constantly demands innovation and originality, finding and nurturing your creative potential has never been more crucial. “Accessing Creativity: Unlock Your Inner Genius” by award-winning filmmaker Steve Balderson is a profound exploration into the heart of creativity, designed to help you break free from limiting beliefs and embrace a life of boundless imagination. Through engaging monologues, philosophical insights, and practical exercises, Balderson guides you on a journey to discover the endless source of creativity within. From understanding the power of intent and effective communication to navigating the intricacies of judgment and preference, this book offers a fresh perspective on what it means to be creative in today’s world. But creativity isn’t confined to the arts alone. As highlighted in the thought-provoking afterword by Steve’s father, a seasoned expert in manufacturing and industrial commerce, the principles laid out in this book are universally applicable. Whether you’re developing groundbreaking technology, solving complex business problems, or simply seeking to enrich your daily life, “Accessing Creativity” provides the tools and inspiration you need to thrive. Discover how to: Reframe limiting beliefs and decisions to unlock your true potentialCultivate a mindset that nurtures continuous creative growthUse the Three Perspectives strategy to evaluate and enhance your workEmbrace the idea that there is no failure, only feedbackApply these timeless principles across all areas of your lifeJoin Steve Balderson as he shares his unique insights and experiences, showing you how to tap into the infinite creativity that lies within us all. With “Accessing Creativity,” you’ll learn to see the world through new eyes and transform your ideas into reality. Support the show Get the Books: Filmmaking Confidential Accessing Creativity How to Find Investors Watch the Films: DIKENGA Official Websites: SteveBalderson.com Instagram @dikenga TwitX: @sbalderson Facebook

To celebrate the release of our film "Alchemy Of The Spirit" this week we revisit Mr. Balderson's discussion with cult icon Mink Stole!  Mink co-stars in "Alchemy" alongside Xander Berkeley and Sarah Clarke    Watch "Alchemy Of The Spirit" on Prime Video: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0B8RLM38M Alchemy of the Spirit stars Xander Berkeley (Candyman, “24”), Sarah Clarke (“24”, “Covert Affairs”), and cult icon Mink Stole (Female Trouble, Pink Flamingos). The film premiered in Europe at Fantasporto in April, 2022, picking up a nomination for Best International Feature, and went on to screen around the globe to critical acclaim, including the Philadelphia Independent Film Festival (taking home Best Feature Film Science Fiction), the Atlanta Underground Film Festival (taking home Best Director) and the International Sci-Fi & Fantasy Film Festival (dominating the awards with Best in Show, Best Director for Balderson, Best Actor for Berkeley, and Best Actress for Clarke). Mink Stole is best known for her work in the films of John Waters. Her film career began as a party guest in Waters' film Roman Candles. Since then, she has appeared in all of John Waters' feature films from Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble, Desperate Living, Cry Baby, and Serial Mom (opposite Kathleen Turner) to name a few. She has appeared in a number of films and television shows, such as Stuck! directed by Steve Balderson, and is the lead singer of Mink Stole and Her Wonderful Band, of which musicians Kristian Hoffman, George Baby Woods, and Brian Grillo have been members.   For more information, visit: https://www.dikenga.com/alchemy-of-the-spirit (repeat episode) Support the show Get the Books: Filmmaking Confidential Accessing Creativity How to Find Investors Watch the Films: DIKENGA Official Websites: SteveBalderson.com Instagram @dikenga TwitX: @sbalderson Facebook

To celebrate the release of our film "Alchemy Of The Spirit" this week we revisit Mr. Balderson's discussion with Dr. Joseph Suglia, who offers his analysis of the film.    Philosopher and Author Dr. Joseph Suglia dissects Steve Balderson's new art film ALCHEMY OF THE SPIRIT which stars Xander Berkeley, Sarah Clarke, and cult icon Mink Stole.  The film premiered in Europe at Fantasporto in April, 2022, picking up a nomination for Best International Feature, and went on to screen around the globe to critical acclaim, including the Philadelphia Independent Film Festival (taking home Best Feature Film Science Fiction), the Atlanta Underground Film Festival (taking home Best Director) and the International Sci-Fi & Fantasy Film Festival (dominating the awards with Best in Show, Best Director for Balderson, Best Actor for Berkeley, and Best Actress for Clarke). In the discussion today: the illusion of time, ancient religions, archaic religiosity, life and death, resurrection, the regeneration of time, the birth of the cosmos, the end of the world, Alan Watts, David Lynch, Shakespeare, and consciousness. (Correction: At one point, Dr. Suglia misnames the character Leontes by calling him "Leonatus.") Watch "Alchemy Of The Spirit" on Prime Video: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0B8RLM38M For more information, visit: https://www.dikenga.com/alchemy-of-the-spirit (repeat episode) Support the show Get the Books: Filmmaking Confidential Accessing Creativity How to Find Investors Watch the Films: DIKENGA Official Websites: SteveBalderson.com Instagram @dikenga TwitX: @sbalderson Facebook

This special Season Two finale features producer/director Anthony Pedone.  Pedone has produced, written, directed, or shot over 24 features, documentaries, and short films. In 2015, he produced THE STRONGEST MAN, which premiered at Sundance and was released theatrically and on VOD by Film Buff and Sundance Global. In 2018, his directorial debut AN AMERICAN IN TEXAS won the Dutch Golden Stone Award at the Scenecs Film Festival in Hilversum, Holland and was distributed by Gravitas Worldwide. Most recently, he produced HBO's ONE NATION UNDER STRESS, with director Marc Levin and Dr. Sanjay Gupta; STOCKTON ON MY MIND (HBO) and MY HEART CAN'T BEAT UNLESS YOU TELL IT TO (TRIBECA 2020). Support the show Get the Books: Filmmaking Confidential Accessing Creativity How to Find Investors Watch the Films: DIKENGA Official Websites: SteveBalderson.com Instagram @dikenga TwitX: @sbalderson Facebook

Clara Ritger grew up in the small town of Huntington Beach, California, where she learned what real Mexican food tastes like and how to cut the line at Disneyland. At the ripe old age of two she ran as far ahead of her parents as her child leash would take her on the Yosemite trails to ask random strangers questions about why they were hiking and if they would be her friend. Since then, she has continued to ask why but usually refrains from asking subjects during interviews if they want to be her friend. She attended the University of Notre Dame, where she graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Political Science and Film, Television and Theatre in May 2013. She also has a minor in Journalism, Ethics, and Democracy, because why do college if you can’t do it all? Clara is a freelance video director and producer based in New York, NY. She works across mediums in digital, TV and film, and has recently worked with NBC News, the Wall Street Journal and PBS. Her curiosity about the world has led her to tell stories across industries, including finance, health, food, travel, fashion, and the environment. She partners with media companies, brands, and nonprofits to create emotional, shareable stories. Prior to moving to NYC, Clara was based in the Washington, D.C. area as a Producer at Green Buzz Agency, where she created documentary style videos for major brands and nonprofits, including Upworthy and Make-A-Wish. She has also written and/or done multimedia work for National Journal, The Indianapolis Star, USA Today, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Patriot-News, Morning Call, Capitolwire, Northern Virginia Magazine, 88.1 WVPE NPR, the Reno Gazette-Journal, NDtv News and the oldest collegiate publication in the United States, Scholastic magazine. Clara really likes coffee, and once bought everything on the menu at Starbucks because she had extra monopoly money at school and wanted to find out what her favorite drink actually was. It cost her $134.80. She also enjoys cooking and a good book. She is not one of those freak people who enjoys running, but she does it anyway, because it is good for you, or something like that. Her middle name is Lucille, which invariably comes up in conversation, so now you know. Clara does not feel that autobiographies – especially at her age – should be taken seriously. Support the show Get the Books: Filmmaking Confidential Accessing Creativity How to Find Investors Watch the Films: DIKENGA Official Websites: SteveBalderson.com Instagram @dikenga TwitX: @sbalderson Facebook

John Gaspard is author of the Eli Marks mystery series as well as four other stand-alone novels, "The Greyhound of the Baskervilles," "A Christmas Carl," "The Sword & Mr. Stone" and "The Ripperologists." He also writes the Como Lake Players mystery series, under the pen name Bobbie Raymond.  In real life, John’s not a magician, but he has directed six low-budget features that cost very little and made even less – that’s no small trick. He’s also written multiple books on the subject of low-budget filmmaking. Ironically, they’ve made more than the films. Those books ("Fast, Cheap and Under Control" and "Fast, Cheap and Written That Way") are available in eBook, Paperback and audiobook formats. Support the show Get the Books: Filmmaking Confidential Accessing Creativity How to Find Investors Watch the Films: DIKENGA Official Websites: SteveBalderson.com Instagram @dikenga TwitX: @sbalderson Facebook

Austin Young is from Reno, Nevada and currently lives and works in Los Angeles. The foundation of his career is from studying at Parsons in Paris. Early in his career, Austin transferred his interests from traditional portrait painting towards a long celebrated career in portrait photography. In many ways, Austin is more accurately described as an image-maker: his projects illustrate the sublime qualities of character that make celebrated people unique. Based on a nuanced visual language of pop-culture iconography, his trademark style and techniques have captured a broad palette of musicians, artists and celebrities including Debbie Harry, Leigh Bowery and Margaret Cho, among others. In multiple bodies of work, Austin confuses personality and identity issues in confrontational and unapologetic image making about people who often split gender roles, stereotypical constraints and socially-constructed identities. Austin is co-founder and artist of Fallen Fruit, artist duo Austin Young and David Allen Burns, a contemporary art collective that uses fruit as a material for projects that investigate the hyper- qualities of collaboration.  “Austin Young reconstructs tropes of pop art and pop culture into alarmingly brilliant new icons” - Shana Nys Drambot "Working with Austin Young is like being alone in a room with a spirit who wants to meet you. He is not interested in your mortality: he is interested in your immortality. [...] He reminds me of the great Hollywood portrait photographers from another era, of George Hurrell, in particular, who was interested in the painting, not the snapshot. There is always a place for the secular in journalism. Thankfully that place will not be in Mr. Young's studio." - Diamanda Galás "Austin Young is the best artist working in photography today. His work captures beauty at its most vital, carnal, visceral, alive! His exuberant intensity is matched by his innate sense of balance and upmost respect for glamour, in all of its many decent and indecent forms. His work will be seen as important historical reference for our times, and his name will be legend." - Margaret Cho "Austin's images are, like me, the best of both worlds. Flawless and perfect, they are dreamily artificial -- while somehow simultaneously remaining organic, genuine and very real." - Jackie Beat “I was beyond thrilled when Austin Young expressed interest in photographing Peaches Christ, not only because I knew Austin would create a gorgeously iconic Peaches image (which he did) but because it meant I’d be included in a brilliant body of work I’ve admired for years. Austin Young’s subjects are my idols and his portraits pay glamorous tribute to the often over-looked world of dark divas, drag superstars, and underground film icons." - Peaches Christ “I’m pretty unabashed in my enthusiasm for Austin Young’s work. I think he’s the most original photographer to emerge in America since David LaChapelle.” -Richard Metzger  Support the show Get the Books: Filmmaking Confidential Accessing Creativity How to Find Investors Watch the Films: DIKENGA Official Websites: SteveBalderson.com Instagram @dikenga TwitX: @sbalderson Facebook