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.

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!

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.

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.

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 potential
• Cultivate a mindset that nurtures continuous creative growth
• Use the Three Perspectives strategy to evaluate and enhance your work
• Embrace the idea that there is no failure, only feedback
• Apply these timeless principles across all areas of your life

Join 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.

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 potential
• Cultivate a mindset that nurtures continuous creative growth
• Use the Three Perspectives strategy to evaluate and enhance your work
• Embrace the idea that there is no failure, only feedback
• Apply these timeless principles across all areas of your life

Join 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.

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 potential
• Cultivate a mindset that nurtures continuous creative growth
• Use the Three Perspectives strategy to evaluate and enhance your work
• Embrace the idea that there is no failure, only feedback
• Apply these timeless principles across all areas of your life

Join 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.

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)

Get the Books:
Filmmaking Confidential
Accessing Creativity
How to Find Investors

Watch the Films:
DIKENGA

Official Websites:
SteveBalderson.com
Instagram @dikenga
TwitX: @sbalderson
Facebook