GA: Matt Riddlehoover of “Watch Out”

Matt, you’re only 23 years old, and already quite accomplished. What do you contribute your success to? I dunno. Determination, hard work, all of that. I have to admit, though, MySpace has been a huge help. How so? Well, for starters, it’s a fabulous networking tool. And it really is “a place for friends”. It’s how Steve Balderson and I met and how I became involved with Watch Out.

So, have you always had a passion for film-making and acting? Always. 10 years ago, a smaller, 13-year-old version of me was dreaming of making movies and slowly figuring out how to go about it. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.

Where do you see yourself in another 10 years? Living happily ever after, of course. (smiles)

You do a lot of excessive nudity in Watch Out. Do you consider yourself an exhibitionist? No. (laughs) I mean, I ran around naked in public for Watch Out, but it’s not exactly an everyday occurrence. Actually, I wasn’t really all that comfortable with my body until I did the movie. So, that’s an upside, I guess! You still probably won’t catch me at a nude beach, though.

Have you ever considered doing porn? Nope. I mean, I opened myself up and did certain things in Watch Out that most actors would never dream of doing on screen, but I’m also not leaving an open invitation for it to further or to happen again. As far as movies go, I’d like to slip into other parts, not other people. (laughs)

Anything in the pipeline? (shrugs shoulders) In talks for a few things.

Other than making films, what is your greatest passion? Watching films.

What is your greatest attribute? Energy. There’s always an ungodly amount. I don’t know where I get it, I mean, I rarely drink coffee.

What is your greatest weakness? I have an odd concoction of OCD. I tend to let little things bother me.

Do you have a boyfriend/partner? Yes.

How old were you when you first came out? Who did you come out to? I was 16 when I came out to my best friend. I was scared shitless telling him I was gay, but I knew I had to. I was worried it would change things, but it didn’t. Years later, he came out to me… I could’ve strangled him! (laughs)

Have you ever experienced discrimination for your sexual orientation? As an out adult? No. As a closeted kid? Yes. It’s funny how the world works.

What are your views on homophobia and how we as a GLBT community can help eradicate it? That’s a toughy. Unfortunately, I don’t know what we really can do. It’s like asking: how can we help oppressed women in Third World countries? I think homophobia is something that’s taught; something learned, like religion. People that hate were raised by people that hate and sometimes – if we’re lucky, if they’re lucky – they realize how wrong it is. I mean, Christ, did you see Jesus Camp? As long as there are people in the world like that, homophobia, racism and ignorance will forever be a problem.

Do you consider yourself an activist? No, not really.

What are your thoughts on the Religious Right? It’s bullshit. Like I eluded before, Jesus Camp played like a horror film for me.

Thoughts on the upcoming election? I’m nervous. I’m usually passionately apolitical, but let’s face it, Obama-Biden is the change we need. If McCain gets elected, that means that Palin becomes president when he croaks – and if that happens, I’m moving abroad.

If you could deliver one message to the entire world, what would it be? Watch out!

Thanks Matt, It’s been a pleasure. You’re a a great guy to speak with and just as good to look at! Best wishes for all your future endeavors and may good things alwasy come your way! You’re welcome, the pleasure has been mine.

You can get more on Matt Riddlehoover right here at GayAgenda.com or check out his myspace page by clicking here. Also you can check out the trailer from his latest film “Watch Out” by clicking here.

Matt Riddlehoover Bares All in “WATCH OUT”

“Out” entertainer Matt Riddlehoover stars (and bares all) in WATCH OUT – an outrageous new film now touring the world!

Roger Ebert named Steve Balderson’s film FIRECRACKER (with Karen Black and Selene Luna) on his list of 2005’s Best Films. Steve Balderson is back with a new film, WATCH OUT, based on the best-selling novel by Dr. Joseph Suglia. The film screens around the globe this fall in cities including London, New York, Chicago, San Francisco and L.A. as part of the WATCH OUT: ‘Stop Turning Me On’ world tour.

Recently nominated for Best Film at Raindance in London, WATCH OUT is the story of Jonathan Barrows (Matt Riddlehoover in “an extraordinary, bravura performance”), a man who falls in love with himself, literally. He is attracted to his own body, carries out an erotic relationship with a blow-up doll that resembles him, and takes pleasure in rejecting the advances of his many admirers. He descends into a world of carnivor ous priests and Prozac-popping Polish prostitutes and eventually assassinates the world’s most popular pop-diva.

Critics are calling WATCH OUT “one of the great cult films of all time” (MJ Simpson, UK). Gay List Daily says: “WATCH OUT has a raw, joyful sense… unlike anything we’ve seen since the early films of John Waters.” Film Threat gives it four stars and writes: “This is not a nice movie for nice people. Its undefinable and a frightening piece of work. It’s what indie movies should be all about.”

WATCH OUT stars Matt Riddlehoover (TO A TEE), Peter Stickles (THE LAIR, SHORTBUS), Jillian Lauren (MARGARET CHO’S THE SENSUOUS WOMAN, rock wife to WEEZER bassist Scott Shriner), Amy Kelly (NEW YORK GOES TO HOLLYWOOD, PEP SQUAD) and burlesque darling Lady Monster.

Co-produced by Oscar-nominated sound editor Paul N.J. Ottosson (SPIDER-MAN 2), WATCH OUT will show in various cities around the world for one night only this fall. Director Steve Balderson, actor Matt Riddlehoover and various members of the supporting cast will be available for a Q&A after most screenings.

For venues, showtimes, and press kit visit www.WatchOutFilm.com

Visit Matt Riddlehoover on MySpace! www.myspace.com/riddlehoover

Watch the trailer here: