Interview with Andrew Garroni on Sugar Baby and the Return of the Erotic Thriller
Andrew Garroni is a film and television producer based in LA, the president of Eureka Multimedia, and the creator of Master Licensing. Recognized as a trailblazer in the direct-to-video erotic thriller genre that ruled video rental shops and late-night television during the 1990s, Garroni has established a career by merging provocative narratives with marketable attractiveness. With Sugar Baby, he makes a comeback to the genre that initially gained him recognition, now tailored for the streaming age. Created in collaboration with Brook Productions and Mary Ellen Moffat, the movie is set to debut on Starz in September 2025.
Q: What brought you back to the erotic thriller genre with Sugar Baby?
ANDREW GARRONI: I have always been intrigued by the genre as it merges suspense with longing, allowing for an exploration of the murkier aspects of human conduct. My career developed through these types of narratives in the 90s, and with Sugar Baby, I saw a chance to bring that same energy into the era of streaming. Contemporary audiences seek daring, thought-provoking narratives, and this movie fulfills that expectation.
Q: How did the collaboration between Master Licensing, Brook Productions, and Mary Ellen Moffat come together?
Andrew Garroni: Collaboration is everything in this business, and with Sugar Baby, we had a great team. Master Licensing financed the film, Brook Productions brought their production knowledge, and Mary Ellen Mofat added a new perspective with their method of genre-blending storytelling. Together, we created something that feels true to the roots of the erotic thriller while also pushing it into a new territory.
Q: What can you tell us about the story and what makes it stand out?
ANDREW GARRONI: The narrative centers on Marie, a Sugar Baby who believes she’s encountered her “whale” when a rich man proposes $30,000 for one week with her. However, what begins as a transactional connection swiftly transforms into a perilous situation when she uncovers the mysteries within his house. It’s thrilling, convoluted, and packed with intensity, yet it also delves into themes of authority, domination, and endurance. The combination of psychological richness and fast-paced suspense is what makes it so captivating.
Q: How crucial was it for you to have a female director, Lauren Garroni, leading this project?
ANDREW GARRONI: It was essential. Lauren brought an entirely new viewpoint to the genre, and she wasn’t afraid to challenge the status quo. Collaborating with Bree Essrig on the script and then taking on the director’s role infused the film with a distinct energy. Her perspective harmonized sensuality and danger in a manner that feels both contemporary and authentic to the essence of the erotic thriller.
Q: What do you wish viewers to gain from Sugar Baby when it debuts on Starz?
ANDREW GARRONI: I desire for them to feel excited, naturally, but also disturbed in the most positive manner, if that makes sense. This film manipulates suspense and longing, ensuring it keeps viewers engrossed throughout. Above all, I wish to demonstrate that the erotic thriller remains relevant in today’s world, evolving to capture the intricacies of modern relationships and power dynamics.
