Todd Stephens' guide to New York City

Presented by Las Vegas

The acclaimed filmmaker chats about a few of his favorite, local places, events and things.

Name: Todd Stephens

Age: Ummm

Profession: Filmmaker

City: New York

Relationship Status: Boyfriend

Sexuality: Homo

What are some of the things you love most about New York City?

Being able to see any and every movie, a Yaz reunion concert, and the Wonder Wheel of Coney Island.

What are some of your least favorite things about New York City?

Crowds, summer heat, and that artists can no longer afford to live in Manhattan.

What gym do you like most in New York City? Why?

I just joined a gym for the first time in my life today -- New York Sports Club. I'll report back if I survive the steam room.

What are some great restaurants for a night out with gay friends in New York City?

Totonos Pizza in Brooklyn, Cafe Spice (Indian) and my favorite Chinese is Grand Sichuan on 24th St.

What are some great restaurants for a romantic gay date in New York City? What about these restaurants appeals to you?

Good is pretty romantic. And it's right around the corner from my house!

What are your favorite gay bars and/or dance clubs in New York City?

My favorite bar is Julius, which has been around since before 'Where The Boys Are.'

What are your favorite gay parties or events in New York City, if any?

Night of 1000 Stevies. And I keep threatening to come out of chiffon retirement.

Where is the best public place for a gay person to make out in New York City?

Christopher Street Pier.

What is the gay community like in New York City? Do you consider yourself to be part of any particular "scene"?

It's too specialized, and I never wanted to conform to a specific scene. I miss my long-gone small-town gay bar -- The Universal Fruit and Nut Company, where the freaks want to party -- gay, straight, old, young, men and women. Squeeze Box had that vibe for a while, God rest its soul.

Are you involved with any LGBT community organizations in New York City? Which ones? What do you like about those groups?

Does Manhunt count?

What do you think of the annual LGBT pride celebration in New York City? Do you usually attend? What are the highlights for you? What do you like least about it?

I think it's lovely and have been many times, either marching or watching. But often times my boyfriend and I escape the city and go to an amusement park in the middle of Pennsylvania.

Do you have a particular fashion style? Where do you shop for clothes?

Vintage mostly. I love Starstruck in NYC and Jet Rag in L.A.

Where do you go for other forms of entertainment -- live theater, concerts, movies, art exhibits? Are there any local gay performance groups, bands, or artists that you're a fan of?

Well, I just saw Liza's at the Palace. Does that count as a gay artist?

If you had gay friends visiting from out of town for the first time, what are some "musts" that you'd recommend they see or do?

You mean gay things? Golly, that's a good one. I'm beginning to think I'm not gay enough for this interview!

What city (or cities) in America would you most like to visit next, and why? Are there any specific spots there (theaters, nightclubs, historic sites, etc.) that you'd really like to see?

New Orleans, because I miss it.

Todd Stephens grew up on rollercoasters and ketchup and bologna sandwiches in the Lake Erie “Vacationland” of Sandusky, Ohio. In 1998, Stephens wrote and produced "Edge of Seventeen," based on his coming-out experience and filmed in his Ohio hometown. "Edge" was awarded numerous festival prizes including Best Picture at both The San Francisco International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and at Outfest, where Todd also picked up the prize for Best Screenplay. "Edge" screened at the 1999 Sundance Film Festival and was released theatrically to rave reviews and sell-out crowds. The film was nominated for both an Independent Spirit Award and a GLAAD Media Award. Next up, Todd wrote, produced and directed the feature 'Gypsy 83,' starring Sara Rue ("Less Than Perfect", "Popular"), Kett Turton and lifelong idol Karen Black. Also the recipient of numerous festival awards and glowing reviews, the film commenced a theatrical release on April 2004 and went on to find cult success on DVD. Based on his work in "Gypsy," Stephens was named one of Filmmaker magazine’s "25 New Filmmakers to Watch." Todd wrote "The Dana Rivers Story" for Lifetime Television and Storyline Entertainment (Academy Award-winning Producers Neil Meron & Craig Zadan). In March 2005, Todd wrapped the outrageous feature "Another Gay Movie," which he again wrote, produced and directed. The film featured an “All Star Gay Cast” including Graham Norton, Scott Thompson and Richard Hatch, as well as an original theme song by Nancy Sinatra. "AGM" was released theatrically in 2006 and became the most successful gay indie film of recent years. Todd shot the follow-up, "Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild" in December of 2007. Starring Rupaul, Perez Hilton and Jonah Blechman, the film was met with international success in 2008. Future films include the crime-thriller "Smart Mob" as well as "I Went Back to Ohio," the third part of his "Sandusky Trilogy."  For more on this award-winning filmmaker, please visit:  anothergaymovie.com and myspace.com/anothergaymovie.

(Photo: Todd Stephens)