It was my second time working with Bishop Black and as expected, it was a delightful experience. In the midst of pre-production, I took some time to get an update from Bishop regarding his work as an artist, and to talk about his future aspirations, the pandemic, and how it was to star in my new film “Obituary: My Name is Leo”. Bishop had already sat down for an interview with me back in 2018 when he starred in my film “The End”. You can read that interview here.
Hello again, Bishop! It’s been 2 years since we worked together in “The End” and I got to interview you the first time. Back then, when I asked you who Bishop Black is, you answered; he is a “searcher of inspiration and general curiosities”. Do you still identify with that?
I feel I relate to that sentence even more so, especially in the face of unpredictable times. I had a few shows in the summer that reignited that passion I have for performance, especially within my work in porn. That makes me happy.
It’s important to know that life comes in waves and that we will experience, and be able to handle, the lows as well as celebrate the highs.
How did your relationship with artistic and explicit content changed or evolved during these last years?
In some ways, I just became more comfortable working with explicit content. The relationship has definitely evolved, and I know what works for me and what doesn’t. I also met amazing performers and directors, who challenged me in a way that gave me a feeling of purpose. In the artistic field, there is more of a leaning or an interest in nurturing creativity. It’s still a slow process, but I feel like I have time.
You’re a sought out actor, and participated in exciting projects lately such as Erika Lust’s XConfessions. What makes you so attracted to alternative pornographic and creative work?
Alternative porn has given me the freedom to explore and inhabit roles that wouldn’t be accepted in more mainstream work. It’s also given me the ability to do more acting, dancing or being in avant-garde artistic projects. I feel clearly drawn to more avant-garde, fantastical work. Sometimes it can be fun, and sometimes it’s simply more honest or emotional and vulnerable. The telling of stories can be what’s pivotal to the intensity of the sex. I just love work that speaks to me.
There is a continuation of my role from “The End” into “Obituary”. He is the psychopomp that helps others fulfil wishes that are perhaps unobtainable to them in their lives and makes their transition into the next phase easier.
How was working with Noel again?
It was great to work with Noel again. It was comfortable to work with him, and I liked the way we all vibed together. I also appreciated the rehearsals that we had before to solidify the role (which I played before in “The End”). Like putting on a favourite piece of clothing, I got into the role much more deeply. I love the way Noel thinks about to his work. That’s what makes it unique.
You mentioned your character in “The End”. We, as an audience, don’t get to know this character you play in that film and in “Obituary: My Name is Leo” profoundly. What can you tell me about him?
There is a continuation of my role from “The End” into “Obituary”. He is the psychopomp that helps others fulfil wishes that are perhaps unobtainable to them in their lives and makes their transition into the next phase easier. He is neither an antagonist nor a saviour. He is simply there to facilitate a role.
In this film, and in our society, there’s this need for one to live up to their fullest potential as fast as possible, which sometimes causes unrealistic expectations and frustration. How do you deal with these pressures?
I feel it’s necessary to be soft with oneself. It took me a long time to accept the places I am at, and it still takes work not to beat myself up, because I’m not like this person or the next. I try to shut off, as much as I can, my unrealistic expectations. Being with friends, or having something that separates you from this life is a good grounding. Also time is an amazing thing. We think that time is slipping away, but it itself is a construct thrust upon us by others, with its demands of success like other people have achieved.
Additionally, I see potential as something to be nurtured. As I get older, and perhaps more jaded, I also try to hold on to what is essential: me. It’s important to know that life comes in waves and that we will experience, and be able to handle, the lows as well as celebrate the highs.
GanyMeat is sexy, super sweet and great to work with. The chemistry between us was beautiful, and I was honoured to have him place his trust in me.
You star in this film with GanyMeat. How was the experience of working with him on this film?
GanyMeat is a charming, lovely individual! He’s sexy, super sweet and great to work with. The chemistry between us was beautiful, and I was honoured to have him place his trust in me. We started talking way before we got to work together with each other and there was already a sense of familiarity with each other before we came to rehearse. And it was exciting to see each other and do something together finally.
As a worker in the sex industry, how did the pandemic affect your life these past months?
The pandemic has been the hardest. Endless cancellations can be tough, but the uncertainty is something I find harder to deal with. I would like to say I’m trying to adapt well to the situation and use online platforms to help financially and also to create work. But as I said, one must acknowledge the highs as well as the lows, and this has undoubtedly been a hard limbo.
What’s next for Bishop Black?
Good question! I’m still hoping to do my solo show in Berlin at the Ballhaus Naunynstrasse. I’ve just come back from doing a few shoots with Altshift, which should be out next year. Going forward, who knows what the cards may say?
“Obituary: My Name is Leo” is available now for pre-order and will be released December 4th, 2020.
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