"Rotsler's religion is the joy of life"
- Robert Silverberg

"...a genius and a remarkably gifted talent dealing in evocative symbolism"
- Robert Bloch

"To say Bill Rotsler is a remarkable man is a sad bottom-line indeed; inadequate"
- Harlan Ellison

"...amazing and a great talent"
- Stan Freberg

First Night Celebrating ReRelease of William Rotsler's Golden Age Of Erotic Cinema Was A Hit!

Thanks to all the great folks who came out to the first night of the three week celebration of the rerelease of Bill Rotsler's Golden Age Of Erotic Cinema!  It was a blast and a half!

And if you couldn't make it last week, a special retrospective of Bill's erotic work - plus one or two of his films - will still be shown this Saturday, May 30th ... and there'll be very special concluding event on Saturday, June 6th with guests and door prizes!

For tickets to these fun nights just click here

Check out this fun video of last Saturday's event!




New York's Short And Sweet/Sex Files On The “The Golden Age Of Erotic Cinema” Event

The great Ralph Greco at Short and Sweet NYC's Sex Files did a wonderful write up, and interview with Digital Parchment Services Publisher, M.Christian about the upcoming celebration of the erotic films and photographs of William Rotsler ... part of the monumental three week event launch of the re-release of Bill Rotsler's Golden Age of Erotic Cinema!



The estate of William Rotsler, San Francisco’s Center For Sex And Culture, and Digital Parchment Services are proud to announce a very special three week series of events (May 23 – June 6) celebrating the launch of a new, enhanced edition of the legendary writer-director’s controversial look at the 1960’s birth of the adult film: The Golden Age Of Erotic Cinema (1959-1972). The dates are Saturday, May 23 (special book launch party); Saturday, May 30; and Saturday, June 6 (doors open at 6PM, show beginning at 7PM and concluding at 10PM).

Back in print for the first time in 40 years, The Golden Age Of Erotic Cinema is William Rotsler’s view of the rise and flowering of adult filmmaking in the 1960s, beginning with the films of Russ Meyer, through to the phenomenal success of Deep Throat – the movie that put adult films on the map – to Behind the Green Door, and so many others. The republication of The Golden Age Of Erotic Cinema is a major event and this is why Digital Parchment Services and The Center For Sex And Culture are planning the special three-week-long event to celebrate.

I spoke with M. Christian, author, anthologist, editor and one of the officers of Digital Parchment about acclaimed sculptor, filmmaker, photographer, reporter, novelist, illustrator, cartoonist, and visionary erotic filmmaker, William Rotsler and this must-attend event (get your ass to San Francisco!) I also learned exactly what Digital Parchment is getting into…and it’s not just naughty book publishing!

So, as the title of William Rotseler’s book states…did a golden age of erotic cinema exist in those 12 or so years?

Well, it’s always a matter of opinion, but I do think there was a wonderful window of adult films around that time: before then, films were of pretty poor quality and afterwards the quality went up but also the limitations of censorship pretty much vanished … which meant that any kind of focus on story and eroticism was gone. I’m not saying that censorship is good-far from it-but during this window a lot of filmmakers, like Rotsler, had to focus on character and atmosphere and work around what they could and couldn’t show. True, a lot of these films fit into the category of sexploitation but a lot of them were pretty daring and imaginative for their time.

And you are reissuing it through Digital Parchment Services, which is also sponsoring the big weekend; can you tell us a little about the company. You are a certainly a unique publishing house.

Unique is a pretty good way of putting it. Even though we’re made up of people with about 30 years of cumulative experience in editing and publishing, DPS is a very special endeavor: we’re reaching out to authors and estates we feel did truly excellent work but who didn’t get their well-deserved shot at popularity.

How does one acquire an older out-of-print book and release it. Can you take us through a little of the process?

It can be a bit tricky, that’s for sure. Luckily, often books revert back to the author or, if they’ve passed away, their families. So you need to track them down–which can involve a bit of detective work–and then approach them with the idea of getting these books back out into the world. We are truly fortunate that pretty much each and every author and estate we’ve approached hasn’t just been willing but actually shared our excitement in bringing back these treasures.

Tell us about The Center for Sex And Culture where the event is taking place.

We are tremendously fortunate to be working with the Center for our Rotsler celebration. Founded by Dr. Carol Queen and Dr. Robert Morgan Lawrence, the Center for Sex and Culture (to quote their site) “provides judgment-free education, cultural events, a library/media archive, and other resources to audiences across the sexual and gender spectrum; and to research and disseminate factual information, framing and informing issues of public policy and public health.” I really can’t rave enough about the Center For Sex And Culture. They are a noble and important organization who needs and deserves attention and support. Donate if you can and, if you’re in the Bay Area, swing by and check out their other fun events.

What other things does D.P. have planned?

We have lots of great things coming actually. We just released Locus Award author Ernest Hogan’s Cortez On Jupiter and am going to be publishing his High Aztech and other novels very soon; we put out Nebula Award nominee Arthur Byron Cover’s Autumn Angles and will be putting out his East Wind Coming and the rest of his great books in a few months, we are going to be re-publishing Jody Scott’s Passing For Human and her I, Vampire and other brilliant books from her estate very soon … plus more collections of stories from Fate Magazine and Amazing Stories. In addition to publishing William Rotsler’s Golden Age Of Erotic Cinema we just released his novels Patron Of The Arts (a Hugo and Nebula finalist) and Far Frontier and am going to be putting out his other SF novels plus collections of his stories and other treats.

So lots more than just an expose’ of early adult films.

Yes, lots more. We are also working on some great other properties … so stay tuned at our DPS site and blog for updates.

And come out to the event this weekend.

Oh yes, definitely! We want everybody in on this big celebration of a great artist and wonderful book

To Pre-Order Tickets for the event, go here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1565296

Setting Up For the Celebration Of William Rotsler's Adult Films And Photographs - And The ReRelease of Golden Age Of Erotic Cinema!

Check out these fun photos of our prep for the very fun three week celebration of William Rotsler's adult photos and films ... as well as the new edition of his groundbreaking Golden Age Of Erotic Cinema.  

The event should be fun-and-then-some!  See you then for a video tribute to Bill Rotsler, some of his adult films and shirts, a gallery of his magazine work and photos, door prizes and so much more!






Reminder: Special Three-Week Event Celebrating The Adult Films And Photography Of William Rotsler!


Digital Parchment Services Is Proud To Announce
The First Re-Publication In 40 Years
Of William Rotsler's Classic Look At
The Golden Age Of Erotic Cinema (1959-1972)

A Special Three-Week Program Featuring
The Adult Films And Photography
Of William Rotsler!
Kicked-off May 23rd with a Book Launch Party
With Door Prizes

For Immediate Release:

The estate of William Rotsler, San Francisco's Center For Sex And Culture, and Digital Parchment Services are proud to announce a very special three week series of events (May 23 – June 6) celebrating the launch of a new, enhanced edition of the legendary writer-director's controversial look at the 1960s birth of the adult film: The Golden Age Of Erotic Cinema (1959-1972).

Reserve the dates of Saturday, May 23 (special book launch party); Saturday, May 30; and Saturday, June 6 (doors open at 6:00PM, show beginning at 7:00PM and concluding at 10:00PM).

William Rotsler (1926 – 1997) was truly a renaissance man: acclaimed sculptor, filmmaker, photographer, reporter, novelist, illustrator, cartoonist, and the recipient of multiple awards and award nominations.

But first and foremost, William Rotsler was a visionary erotic filmmaker, acclaimed for such "cult classics" (Wikipedia) as Agony of Love, Lila (Mantis In Lace)Street of a Thousand Pleasures, The Godson, and Like It Is!, among others.  During the 1960s he directed dozens of short and feature length films.  Frequently working with Harry Novak of Boxoffice International fame, William Rotsler filmed many of the legendary actresses and models of his time, including Diane Webber, Virginia Gordon, Vincene Wallace, Pat Barrington, Gloria Saunders, Cathy Crowfoot, Joanne Rotolo, and Vicky Dee.

Back in print for the first time in 40 years, The Golden Age Of Erotic Cinema is William Rotsler's view of the rise and flowering of adult filmmaking in the 1960s, beginning with the films of Russ Meyer, through to the phenomenal success of Deep Throat – the movie that put adult films on the map – to Behind the Green Door, and so many others.  It takes readers behind the scenes for a look at the making of erotic movies, presents up-close-and-personal interviews with stars and producers, and concludes with an "Erotic Cinema Checklist" rating the heat level and and quality of over 100 erotic movies of the era!

Over the years since its original publication The Golden Age Of Erotic Cinema has as achieved the status of a classic on its subject.  Eric Schaefer, Associate Professor of Visual and Media Arts at Emerson College hails the book for its "valuable insights" and unique lived perspective..." while John Minson in Bright Lights Film Journal says the book, "from the start of the porno-chic age," provides "contemporary perspectives and valuable insights into soft- and hard-core..."

And William Rotsler was a man uniquely qualified to write it.  "His experience [as writer and director] within the sexploitation industry made him a prominent commentator on the screen's explicit sexual realism," writes David Church in "Between Fantasy and Reality: Sexploitation, Fan Magazines and William Rotsler's 'Adult Only' Career."  In his writings, Church says '...Rotsler knowledgably ... championed the underground cinema movement for creating 'sexy and beautiful' films that 'say ... important things' as a visible part of broader social changes in sexual mores..."

The republication of The Golden Age Of Erotic Cinema is a major event!

That's why Digital Parchment Services and The Center For Sex And Culture are planning a special three-week-long event to celebrate it beginning Saturday, May 23 with a don't-miss book release party featuring a video recap of William Rotsler's life and work, including trailers for his erotic movies, personal reminiscences from friends, a showing of one of his notable films, and wine and cheese afterward.

The following two Sundays will feature more clips and trailers plus one or more of William Rotsler's ground-breaking erotic films. And throughout all three weeks, there will be a special gallery exhibition of posters for his movies, samples of his erotic photography, and reproductions of his adult cartoon work on display at the San Francisco's Center for Sex And Culture!

Be sure to join us for the May 23 kick-off book release and the special video presentation on William Rotsler's life and work.


WHERE:
The Center for Sex And Culture
1349 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103

WHEN:
Saturday, May 23 (book launch party): Doors at 6:00PM.  Event 7:00PM to 10:00PM
Saturday, May 30: Doors at 6:00PM.  Event 7:00PM to 10:00PM
Saturday, June 6: Doors at 6:00PM.  Event 7:00PM to 10:00PM

DONATION (suggested):
$10 per evening

The estate-authorized William Charles Rotsler site (http://www.williamcharlesrotsler.com)

The estate-authorized William Charles Rotsler site – featuring his adult films and photography (http://rotsler-erotic-cinema.blogspot.com)

Digital Parchment Services (http://digitalparchmentservices.com)




For information please feel free to contact mchristian@digitalparchmentservices.com

"Bill" By Any Other Name


A few folks have asked questions about the name of this tribute site ... as well as the URL we have used. 

Even though legally born Charles William Rotsler (in 1926), in all the wide-ranging communities and interests he enjoyed – photographer, cartoonist, illustrator, sculptor, adult filmmaker, novelist, short story author, fanzine editor, beloved science fiction fan and so much more – he always referred to himself as William Rotsler. 

It is to reflect this, and the wishes of his estate and family, that we refer to him as William Rotsler ... or fondly as Bill to so many.

The reason the URL we have chosen www.williamcharlesrotsler.com for this celebration of Bill's life and work is because there is already an excellent site at www.williamrotsler.com, and because he occasionally referred to himself as William Charles Rotsler. 

We would also like to take this opportunity to invite anyone who knew Bill to contribute their photos, artwork, stories, reminiscences, and anything else they'd like to share to help us keep the memory of this brilliant, charming, and so full-of-life friend to so many alive. 

If you have anything to share, please write us at m.christian@digitalparchmentservices.com. 


Special Three-Week Event Celebrating The Adult Films And Photography Of William Rotsler!


Digital Parchment Services Is Proud To Announce
The First Re-Publication In 40 Years
Of William Rotsler's Classic Look At
The Golden Age Of Erotic Cinema (1959-1972)

A Special Three-Week Program Featuring
The Adult Films And Photography
Of William Rotsler!
Kicked-off May 23rd with a Book Launch Party
With Door Prizes

For Immediate Release:

The estate of William Rotsler, San Francisco's Center For Sex And Culture, and Digital Parchment Services are proud to announce a very special three week series of events (May 23 – June 6) celebrating the launch of a new, enhanced edition of the legendary writer-director's controversial look at the 1960s birth of the adult film: The Golden Age Of Erotic Cinema (1959-1972).

Reserve the dates of Saturday, May 23 (special book launch party); Saturday, May 30; and Saturday, June 6 (doors open at 6:00PM, show beginning at 7:00PM and concluding at 10:00PM).

William Rotsler (1926 – 1997) was truly a renaissance man: acclaimed sculptor, filmmaker, photographer, reporter, novelist, illustrator, cartoonist, and the recipient of multiple awards and award nominations.

But first and foremost, William Rotsler was a visionary erotic filmmaker, acclaimed for such "cult classics" (Wikipedia) as Agony of Love, Lila (Mantis In Lace)Street of a Thousand Pleasures, The Godson, and Like It Is!, among others.  During the 1960s he directed dozens of short and feature length films.  Frequently working with Harry Novak of Boxoffice International fame, William Rotsler filmed many of the legendary actresses and models of his time, including Diane Webber, Virginia Gordon, Vincene Wallace, Pat Barrington, Gloria Saunders, Cathy Crowfoot, Joanne Rotolo, and Vicky Dee.

Back in print for the first time in 40 years, The Golden Age Of Erotic Cinema is William Rotsler's view of the rise and flowering of adult filmmaking in the 1960s, beginning with the films of Russ Meyer, through to the phenomenal success of Deep Throat – the movie that put adult films on the map – to Behind the Green Door, and so many others.  It takes readers behind the scenes for a look at the making of erotic movies, presents up-close-and-personal interviews with stars and producers, and concludes with an "Erotic Cinema Checklist" rating the heat level and and quality of over 100 erotic movies of the era!

Over the years since its original publication The Golden Age Of Erotic Cinema has as achieved the status of a classic on its subject.  Eric Schaefer, Associate Professor of Visual and Media Arts at Emerson College hails the book for its "valuable insights" and unique lived perspective..." while John Minson in Bright Lights Film Journal says the book, "from the start of the porno-chic age," provides "contemporary perspectives and valuable insights into soft- and hard-core..."

And William Rotsler was a man uniquely qualified to write it.  "His experience [as writer and director] within the sexploitation industry made him a prominent commentator on the screen's explicit sexual realism," writes David Church in "Between Fantasy and Reality: Sexploitation, Fan Magazines and William Rotsler's 'Adult Only' Career."  In his writings, Church says '...Rotsler knowledgably ... championed the underground cinema movement for creating 'sexy and beautiful' films that 'say ... important things' as a visible part of broader social changes in sexual mores..."

The republication of The Golden Age Of Erotic Cinema is a major event!

That's why Digital Parchment Services and The Center For Sex And Culture are planning a special three-week-long event to celebrate it beginning Saturday, May 23 with a don't-miss book release party featuring a video recap of William Rotsler's life and work, including trailers for his erotic movies, personal reminiscences from friends, a showing of one of his notable films, and wine and cheese afterward.

The following two Sundays will feature more clips and trailers plus one or more of William Rotsler's ground-breaking erotic films. And throughout all three weeks, there will be a special gallery exhibition of posters for his movies, samples of his erotic photography, and reproductions of his adult cartoon work on display at the San Francisco's Center for Sex And Culture!

Be sure to join us for the May 23 kick-off book release and the special video presentation on William Rotsler's life and work.


WHERE:
The Center for Sex And Culture
1349 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103

WHEN:
Saturday, May 23 (book launch party): Doors at 6:00PM.  Event 7:00PM to 10:00PM
Saturday, May 30: Doors at 6:00PM.  Event 7:00PM to 10:00PM
Saturday, June 6: Doors at 6:00PM.  Event 7:00PM to 10:00PM

DONATION (suggested):
$10 per evening

The estate-authorized William Charles Rotsler site (http://www.williamcharlesrotsler.com)

The estate-authorized William Charles Rotsler site – featuring his adult films and photography (http://rotsler-erotic-cinema.blogspot.com)

Digital Parchment Services (http://digitalparchmentservices.com)

For information please feel free to contact mchristian@digitalparchmentservices.com