John Waters

John Waters

Keynote Speaker: Cult Filmmaker, Actor, Writer & Visual Artist; Recognized for Provocative Contributions in Independent Cinema; Known for "Cry-Baby," "Hairspray" & "Pink Flamingos"

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John Waters Biography

John Waters is a cult filmmaker known for his distinctive and provocative contributions to independent cinema. He is recognized for films such as "Pink Flamingos," "Hairspray," and "Cry-Baby," which blend dark humor, camp aesthetics, and subversive themes to challenge mainstream cultural norms. Waters' work has influenced underground and queer cinema, earning a dedicated following and critical attention for pushing the boundaries of taste and cinematic form.

Throughout his career, Waters has been noted for his filmmaking as well as his sharp wit and public persona, making him a sought-after speaker and commentator on film and culture. His combination of humor and social commentary has established him as a significant voice in discussions about art, censorship, and outsider perspectives. Waters has also authored several books that reflect his unique worldview and storytelling approach.

In addition to his film and literary work, Waters participates in public events, film festivals, and speaking engagements, sharing insights into his creative process and the cultural impact of his work. His commitment to maintaining an independent artistic vision despite challenges related to censorship and mainstream acceptance underscores his role in American cinema. Waters' career demonstrates how bold creativity and individuality can resonate with audiences and inspire new generations of filmmakers and artists.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on John Waters and other top speakers and celebrities.

John Waters Speaking Topics

This Filthy World

"This Filthy World" is Waters’s rapid-fire one-man spoken word "vaudeville" act that celebrates the film career and joyously appalling taste of the man William Burroughs once called "The Pope of Trash". Updated and expanded from the original film version that enjoyed critical success at the Edinburgh, Toronto and Berlin Film Festivals, the live performance of "This Filthy World" focuses on Waters’s early negative artistic influences, his fascination with true crime, exploitation films, fashion lunacy, the extremes of the art world, Catholicism, sexual deviancy and a love of reading.

John Waters Videos

John Waters' POLYESTER Trailer · Austin Film Society
Conversation with John Waters | Locarno Film Festival

How do I book John Waters to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like John Waters for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for John Waters, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for John Waters or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book John Waters for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for John Waters, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. For the most current speaking fee to hire John Waters, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does John Waters speak about?

John Waters is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as LGBTQ, Television & Film, Civil Rights, Social Activism, Actor, Culture and Entertainment.

Where does John Waters travel from?

John Waters generally travels from Baltimore, MD, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for John Waters?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like John Waters for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book John Waters for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host John Waters or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


John Waters is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including LGBTQ, Television & Film and Civil Rights. Please contact us for live or virtual event fee details. John Waters generally travels from Baltimore, MD, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Daniel Franzese, Lena Waithe and Wilson Cruz. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling John Waters for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 01/12/2025.

John Waters Speaking Topics

  • This Filthy World

    "This Filthy World" is Waters’s rapid-fire one-man spoken word "vaudeville" act that celebrates the film career and joyously appalling taste of the man William Burroughs once called "The Pope of Trash". Updated and expanded from the original film version that enjoyed critical success at the Edinburgh, Toronto and Berlin Film Festivals, the live performance of "This Filthy World" focuses on Waters’s early negative artistic influences, his fascination with true crime, exploitation films, fashion lunacy, the extremes of the art world, Catholicism, sexual deviancy and a love of reading.

John Waters Videos

John Waters' POLYESTER Trailer · Austin Film Society
Conversation with John Waters | Locarno Film Festival

John Waters Reviews

  • Stellar team and excellent customer service!!
    University of Maryland, Baltimore - Nov 29 2022

  • Really enjoyed working with the AAE Team, and felt well supported as someone who appreciates attention to detail! Hope to work with them in the future.
    American Association of Law Libraries - Jul 23 2018

  • How do I book John Waters to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like John Waters for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for John Waters, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for John Waters or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book John Waters for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for John Waters, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. For the most current speaking fee to hire John Waters, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does John Waters speak about?

    John Waters is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as LGBTQ, Television & Film, Civil Rights, Social Activism, Actor, Culture and Entertainment.
  • Where does John Waters travel from?

    John Waters generally travels from Baltimore, MD, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for John Waters?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like John Waters for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book John Waters for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host John Waters or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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