On the Set Report: Top to Bottom

BY VINCENT LAMBERT

Michael Lucas is talking on the phone as much of the cast and crew of his latest film, Top to Bottom, gather at his West Village apartment. The onetime Falcon exclusive, now a New York–based producer/director, is preparing to shoot an orgy scene later that night. It will be the centerpiece of the film, his eighth produced in Manhattan, his adopted home since leaving Moscow four years ago. As Lucas gives the address of the location to a model on one phone, his cell phone rings and the doorbell chimes simultaneously. Such is the life of a busy multi-hyphenate.

As Lucas juggles the phones and the door, the models acquaint themselves and begin filling out release forms. After Lucas hangs up, he explains that tonight’s scene is one of the last in a five-day shoot. “Top to Bottom is about a top guy who is looking for a bottom,” he says in his still-thick accent. “Then he decides to give bottoming a try.” Looking sexy in a tank top, sandals and stubble, Lucas seems to have taken well to his new career as a director. “I like to control,” he says. “I like to do my own thing.”

And one thing he still likes to do is perform: Top to Bottom will feature a scene between the director and David Pierre. But Lucas doesn’t think of the role as a comeback. “My distributor [IMD] asked me if I would be in it,” he says sheepishly. “She says it helps sell tapes.” There is no arguing with the box office appeal of this full-lipped foreigner who learned from Jean Daniel Cadinot and Falcon’s finest. But he has made the most of his name, parlaying it into a thriving production company.

But the time for talk is over; it’s now time to make porn. The cast and crew head to an art gallery on the waterfront in Chelsea. Entering the building, they learn that the elevators are out and walk up six flights. Soon, there are seven models—including Lucas favorites Chad Hunt, Mitch Ryder and Erik Martins—milling about, waiting for instructions. As cell phones chirp occasionally in the background, the guys look at the exhibit of early-American paintings while videographer Michael Clift sets up the lights.

Lucas arrives on the set and immediately sends a production assistant out to buy water, juice, cups and paper towels. “Okay, guys, turn off your cell phones,” he says. It is 9pm, and they are finally ready to begin. Lucas asks the cast to line up as he and Clift plan the camera work and arrange the models: several guys sit and lie on a mattress, two others enter through a door. Let the cocksucking begin! Lucas directs from the sidelines, constantly reminding the models to be more verbal. He conducts their moans like an orchestra. “More noise!” he commands.

Clift hops onto a desk to get a shot from above. Lucas circles, surveying the scene with his arms folded. After a lengthy blowjob sequence, it’s time to move on to some ass-eating. The models are all sweaty but getting into the action. The next setup calls for them to climb a metal bookshelf and do more cocksucking and buttmunching in some less-than-comfortable positions.

At 10:30pm, they take a break, then Lucas asks the models to pair up. The crew breaks out the condoms and lube. They even clean the bottoms of the guys’ feet with paper towels. “Okay, everyone get hard,” says Lucas nonchalantly. Several minutes later, they are deep into the fucking. Occasionally, the production assistants give the guys water and mop their sweat. One PA holds a light for close-ups of the penetration shots. This goes on for nearly 40 minutes, then it’s time for the cum shots. All the guys line up and jerk off, touching and kissing, egging one another on to orgasm. One by one, they shoot. Clift captures every last drop.

As the guys begin dressing, Lucas writes the checks. “It was good,” he smiles, “very good.” The models have some more water and bid Lucas good-night. It’s just after midnight on a Sunday; they are tired but exhilarated as they hit the deserted streets and walk west, hailing cabs for home. The night’s work is done…it’s okay to turn their cell phones back on.

Reprinted from Adult Video News magazine (2003)

Movie Review: Sex Psycho

BY VINCENT LAMBERT

Director: Thor Stephans.
Cast: Derek Cameron, Jason McCain, Gregg Rockwell, Jon Ashe, Paul Johnson, Ben Archer, Sal Corelli, Robert Harvey.

If Alfred Hitchcock had been a gay porn director, Sex Psycho is the movie he might have made. From its opening moments—complete with swirling Hitchcockian music and a Vertigo-esque credit sequence—this video is a true treat for movie lovers. Ever-sexy Derek Cameron (pictured, top) plays a lost young man (as blond as a typical Hitchcock heroine) who is being stalked by a leather stud. In flashback, we learn that Derek has sexually induced blackouts, which might explain why he wakes up naked by the sea. Following a hot session with daddy Ben Archer, Derek decides to get help for his problem from shady Dr. McCain (Jason McCain, crossing over from the straight side, dressed in a silly bow tie and glasses). The good doctor puts Derek into a group-therapy session where a bunch of horny guys discuss their own sexual proclivities. Paul Johnson loves public sex and lapses into a steamy fantasy sequence about smoldering Jon Ashe. Gregg Rockwell has prolonged penile erections, which is perfect for his rooftop jack-off session leading to a nice encounter with photographer Robert Harvey. Sal Corelli compares his sex life to a “crazy acid trip,” which is exactly what he gets when the same leather stud that is stalking Derek gives him a good pounding. Coincidence? We won’t spoil the surprise ending, but you will have fun trying to figure it out. You will also be turned on, because director Thor Stephans has included some intense sex scenes along with the entertaining story. He has also gotten a great performance from Cameron, who after many years in the industry, is still stunningly handsome and sucks cock better than anyone. We even like his cute furry chest! As a gay porn star, McCain doesn’t fare as well, and as for his body, let’s just say that he has the physique of a straight porn star. Anyway, some of the scenes seem a bit dragged out, and the more than two-hour running time is excessive, but Rock Hard’s suspenseful score helps to keep things interesting. Sex Psycho will have you on edge in more ways than one. (Thor Productions/Arena Entertainment)

Reprinted from Adult Video News magazine (2003)

Movie Review: Defined

BY VINCENT LAMBERT

Directors: Chi Chi LaRue, Kris Weston, John Rutherford.
Cast: Matthew Rush, Joe Foster, Eric Leneau, Addison Scott, Arpad Miklos, Robert Balint, Jeremy Jordan, Jason Law, Austin Larsen, Jeremy Penn, Roland Dane.

Talk about high concept! In Defined, three of Falcon’s top directors give visual definitions of words from everyday life. For example, Chi Chi LaRue tackles “Thrust,” “Friction” and “Seduce.” Kris Weston takes on “Power,” and John Rutherford goes deep with “Penetrate.” Don’t worry, the video is better than the concept.

In LaRue’s first sequence, “Thrust,” Matthew Rush and Joe Foster perform in a definitive Falcon scene. It’s all there—the vibrant colors, gorgeous videography, fabulous lighting, smooth models bordering on perfection and that old beat-up pickup in the background. This scene is a stunner, and so is Rush, more beautiful than ever and displaying an energy and commitment that was lacking in some of his earlier work. LaRue also does nicely with Robert Balint and Jeremy Jordan in the “Friction” sequence, though these two are more the definition of opposites. The beefy Balint nearly overwhelms the tiny Jordan, but somehow their pairing works. Jason Law and Austin Larsen aren’t a great match either (the younger man/older man thing), but they do flip-flop nicely.

Weston’s “Power” scene features a great threeway as Addison Scott and Arpad Miklos take on Eric Leneau in a boxing ring at the gym. There is some sweaty, manly action here, and once again, the visuals are eye-popping. John Rutherford’s “Penetrate” scene is more ordinary, with Jeremy Penn and Roland Dane making it in a tasteful bedroom. Penn, looking more mature and surprisingly soft, starts off the scene stating that “nobody fucks me,” but that doesn’t last long as great Dane tops him for much of the scene. There are some intense penetration shots here, and Dane delivers a terrific pop shot, but those anticipating Penn as a bottom might be disappointed as he spends too much time telling Dane to take it “slow.”

Defined doesn’t bring any new meaning to these words, but the accomplished directors provide typically fine Falcon fare, and the first-rate models are certainly fun to watch. (Falcon Studios)

Reprinted from Adult Video News magazine (2003)

Movie Review: Stiff Security

BY VINCENT LAMBERT

Director: Max Julien.
Cast: Edmundo Castro, Julio Vidal, Roberto Aguilar, Ivan de Morais, Hugo Toledo, Emerson Prata, Alfonso Ribeiro, Sidney Sampaio, Jorge Rios, Renato de Giorgio, Chang Ling.

Who said making porn is easy? As if undependable talent, big egos and a small budget aren’t bad enough, the fictional director in Stiff Security, the latest from Max Julien and Marcostudios, also has to deal with muggy weather, bugs and security problems. Shot entirely on location in Brazil, Stiff Security has the director (played with comedic skill by Chang Ling in a nonsexual role) solve one of these problems by hiring straight guards to patrol his locations. (Turns out that the gay ones caused too much trouble on his last film.) Little does he know that these guys are about as straight as Ricky Martin.

Anyway, throughout the video, the director offers his narrative in voice-over (there are also subtitles), telling exactly what he had to overcome to get the scene done. First, three hotties battle mosquitoes on the set, but luckily “an aggressive top and a hungry bottom” save the day. This scorching threeway sets the standard for the rest of the video. Julien has once again found the hottest men Brazil has to offer, and their sex together is gritty and realistic. There’s even a juicy cum facial.

In the second scene, the director confides that he decided to pair a newcomer with a veteran star, but unfortunately, the vet turned up in not the best shape. The guy looks fine to us—he’s a big, hairy bear type—and the scene winds up being fun and diverse as the models flip-flop and shoot nice loads. By scene three, the guards are getting turned on by all the sexcapades surrounding them. One guard slips off for a liaison with a couple of the models. Next, two depressed guards (one lost his job, the other his woman) need some release, so they decide to jack off together, but they are accosted by two men with a gun who force them to suck and fuck each other. The guards manage to turn the tables and force the interlopers to do the same. This is an entertaining scene with many big cocks and copious cum shots.

Finally, when the beleaguered director decides to throw in the towel on his film, the guards come to the rescue and star in the movie themselves—after hearing how much more money they will be making, of course. Stiff Security is a witty sex comedy that will appeal to those in search of hot ethnic men and a few laughs. The scenes move along at a brisk pace, and creative editing keeps things interesting. It offers a look behind behind-the-scenes hype. But more important, the sex and men are hot! (Marcostudio/IMD)

Reprinted from Adult Video News magazine (2003)

Porn Star Interview: Doug Jeffries

BY VINCENT LAMBERT

Doug Jeffries is making his mark on the porn industry—both in front of and behind the camera. Since his debut in 1996 in All Worlds Videos’ Why Marines Don’t Kiss, the 37-year-old screen stud has appeared in more than 350 films. In 2000, All Worlds gave Jeffries the opportunity to direct his own script, Untamed. Then last year, Studio 2000 signed Jeffries to direct movies for them. Now prepping Working Stiff 2 as a director and appearing in John Travis’ Stiff as a Board as a model, Jeffries recently took some time out to speak with us from the Studio 2000 offices in Los Angeles.

How did you make the transition from model to director?
[All Worlds Video owner] Rick Ford and I go way back. He even named me! Rick asked me to direct. I had been writing scripts for some of Chi Chi LaRue’s movies for Vivid. I wrote a gay script called Untamed. Rick really liked the script, and he said, “Direct it.” I said, “Let me think about it.” He said, “No, direct it!”
What made you hesitate?
I didn’t think I had the skill to direct. I had assisted Chi Chi on set, and being in so many movies, I learned a lot from seeing others direct. But it wasn’t until I worked with Scott Masters and John Travis at Studio 2000 that I felt I really started learning the technical side. I knew I could do the personality part, dealing with the boys, but the other part made me hesitate.
How did you get into the business originally?
I had been working as a teacher in Boston. Then I moved to Las Vegas. I came to L.A. and [porn star] Logan Reed saw me. He introduced me to an agent.
Had you considered porn before?
I was toying with the idea of doing porn. Then this opportunity came up. It was thrown in my face, so I sent pictures to the agent.
And the rest is history!
It was sort of a roller-coaster ride. I almost didn’t do it. I was sitting in the airport, waiting to go do my first movie, and I thought, “I’m not gonna get on that plane.” I never thought it would blossom into what it did and extend even further.
How did the Studio 2000 deal come about?
Scott Masters saw Untamed and called me at the All Worlds Resort in Palm Springs, where I was working, and offered me a job. I said that I was loyal to All Worlds, and he understood. Then I left there and moved back to L.A. and was free to accept his offer. I have directed four movies for Studio 2000. I just did one in Spain called Deep Plunge for our international line. And now I am also publicity/promotions manager.
Was that a tough job to tackle?
Not really. I already knew everyone I needed to from when I was roommates with Chi Chi.
Tell us about your relationship with Miss LaRue.
I met Chi Chi through working with All Worlds. She cast me in a movie for Mustang. I stayed at her house. It was a crazy time. Sometimes I was doing two movies a day! I was in all her movies, then she asked me to be her assistant. I made all those connections through her.
Were you influenced by her directing style?
Totally. A lot of my style is similar to Chi Chi’s.
What do you like about being a director?
As a model, I loved seeing my image on the screen. Now, as a director, I love seeing my vision transformed from the page. I also appreciate the entirety of the project—the editing, the music. Seeing the finished product is such a thrill! I get an inner excitement and energy when I am directing. I can’t contain myself.
Do you still want to keep performing as well?
There are projects I still want to do. I mean if a fisting movie comes up for Hot House, then I am there. I still like the hard-edge stuff. And I love doing personal appearances. I was an actor/singer/dancer before porn, so I love stripping, signing autographs, meeting the fans.
After 350 movies, how do you keep it fresh?
I just did a 3-D specialty video with Michael Zen, and I’ve done fisting movies with Steven Scarborough. Those are experiences that are exciting to me and where I can learn a lot from other directors, and I am so thankful to Studio 2000 for this chance. Learning still turns me on. That is how I keep it fresh!

Reprinted from Adult Video News magazine (2003)

On the Set Report: Vengeance 2

BY VINCENT LAMBERT

Audiences love mobsters. Just look at the mega-success of The Sopranos on TV and The Godfather trilogy at the movies. And porn viewers are no different. Director Michael Lucas discovered that a couple of years ago when his film Vengeance, a tale of Russian gangsters gone gay, turned out to be one of his company’s most popular productions. Now, Lucas and his New York–based crew are back on familiar turf with the filming of the much anticipated sequel, Vengeance 2.

For several days last February, Lucas Entertainment shot its latest video primarily in a loft space in Manhattan. On day one, there is much activity as everyone preps for the first scene. A renowned set designer, who has worked on major mainstream films, and his assistant are setting up the sleek Art Deco set that will serve as crime boss Lucas’s office. Photographer Mick Hicks arrives with pal Jack Ryan, who has replaced another model at the last minute.

Much of this first day is spent on dialogue. There is much attention to the lighting, the set and Lucas’s elegant designer suit. He is supposed to be smoking a cigar in the scene but doesn’t seem to appreciate the taste and asks an assistant to light it for him. When it comes time to film the scene, Lucas puffs away and promptly flubs the names of the models. He quickly asks for a retake. After several more takes, he gets the names right, and the scene is done.

For day two of shooting, the cast and crew have moved to a duplex apartment in Chelsea. For today’s scene, Latin stud Alec Martinez is paired with the lanky Ryan. After posing for stills with Hicks in the living room upstairs, the models retire to the bedroom below for the scene. They strip and get into position on the bed. Lucas looks at the monitor intently and gives them directions. Soon, the guys are moving from oral to anal, with Martinez moaning on the bottom as Ryan pounds him. During a break, Ryan lightens the mood, catching a glimpse of himself in the monitor and coyly asking, “Do my eyes look pretty?” Videographer Andre Adair soon reminds Lucas, “We’re losing the light.” Lucas responds, “Okay, guys, let’s go.” There are more condoms, lube, and finally cum shots.

Everyone is back on the office set for day three. Newcomer Richard Black (who will later sign on as the second Lucas exclusive) is pacing in a black Armani suit. He chats in a British accent with Andrew Addams, who is cast in a part that is sure to create more controversy for Lucas. Last May, the director caused a stir at the Grabby Awards in Chicago by making some off-the-cuff comments about a certain Hollywood agent. Addams happens to be playing a Hollywood agent, this one of the sleazy variety who wears loud Hawaiian shirts. In the scene, Black drags Addams through a door and deposits him before Lucas, who proceeds to verbally abuse then physically degrade the agent. The entrance is filmed numerous times before Lucas is pleased with the take and ready to move on.

On day four, eight models gather in the loft to shoot the main orgy sequence. By 11am, they have all been prepped and outfitted in tight underwear. Lucas calls them together to film a round-table discussion that will be a DVD extra, along with some watersports scenes. The topic is escorting, and Lucas takes on the role of a porn Oprah with ease. We learn that sometimes clients become friends, porn stars can maintain long-term relationships and that married men are a turn-off! Who knew?

Finally, it’s time to film the orgy. In the script, the first Lucas exclusive Marco Rochelle is playing host. He welcomes in five of the models—including Chad Hunt, Tag Adams and Jay Black—and they begin making out. They are soon joined by the others. The oral part of the scene moves along briskly. As Lucas watches the monitor, he tells the models to make more noise. “Let me hear it, guys,” he commands. “And play with that foreskin!” The action stops briefly so Hicks can do some photos, both hard- and soft-core. One model notices that three construction workers on a neighboring rooftop have a direct view into the loft. Lucas realizes that they are getting an eyeful, but he has a scene to shoot. Always a stickler for details, he wipes the bottoms of the models’ feet before they begin again. Then it’s on to the ass-eating and fucking. The models go at it for almost three hours until the last drop of cum has flown.

“This was definitely our most stylish production,” says Lucas several months later, speaking from the set of the next two videos in his best-selling Fire Island Cruising series. “The guys were all dressed in Armani and Valentino suits. Our budget was four times the amount of the first Vengeance movie, and it will show on the screen. The viewers will see it, along with the usual hot, masculine guys. This is my best work in Manhattan, and we had a lot of fun making it.” As for the brouhaha last spring with that agent, Lucas is unfazed. “We did a shot of the agent in a heap of garbage for the video, and that is where he belongs!”

Spoken like a true mob boss.

Reprinted from Adult Video News magazine (2003)

Porn Star Interview: Sam Tyson

BY VINCENT LAMBERT

It’s hard to believe, but supercute newcomer Sam Tyson left behind the glamorous world of magazine publishing to become a porn star. It wasn’t too long ago that the 28-year-old blond was toiling as the publisher of a gay magazine in Los Angeles. But when that ended about a year ago, the timing seemed right for the Salt Lake City native to leap onto the pages of a magazine. Following numerous photo shoots and three videos, this former Mormon and altar boy is now preparing for his first-ever live appearance at Stonewall on February 14, 2003. “I’m having a blast,” said Tyson in a recent interview from his home in West Hollywood. “New York is going to be my Valentine this year.” Any takers?

Sam, I know the magazine business is tough, but this is ridiculous!
Yeah, before all this happened, I was working as the publisher of Hero magazine. When we couldn’t get investors, I figured it was time to do what I really wanted.
First, some background. You were born and raised as a Mormon?
Yes, I was born in Utah and blessed into the church when born, then my family converted to Catholicism. I had a strict upbringing, but my parents were Jack Mormons, which means they were a bit more relaxed.
What were their attitudes toward sex?
Very conservative. It was all very Beaver Clever. Sex was hush-hush. It was all behind closed doors.
Were you always attracted to men?
Yeah, I found a copy of Playgirl when I was five, and I was thinking, damn, those guys are hot! Not in those terms, but that’s what was in my mind.
You have described yourself as an exhibitionist. Were you always?
No, I was overweight and unpopular as a kid, but I had the desire to change and reinvent myself. It became a project to work out, eat right and get healthy. I started becoming more comfortable with my sexuality. I never got to show off when I was younger, so I wanted to do that stuff.
So you moved to West Hollywood!
Right. At first I was intimidated by L.A. because it was all about looks and image, but then I started working on myself, and it’s been good for me. I started finding the best of myself.
So what was that first step toward porn?
After the magazine folded, I was online one day and started chatting with a photographer. I decided to take some pictures and play with that energy I had resisted. Then I met [director] Chi Chi LaRue and [agent] David Forest in the same week. That was a turning point. Chi Chi basically said, “You’ve got what it takes.”
And that helped you decide?
No, I had decided to do it before I met them. I had watched a lot of porn and done my homework. When Chi Chi offered me a scene, I jumped at the chance.
And what scene was that?
That was for the video 2. Adam Wolfe played a cop, and I bottomed for him.
Were you nervous?
I was really nervous, but we shot it right in Chi Chi’s living room, and she helped me to relax.
What came next?
I did Goldenrod for Studio 2000, which was a flip-flop scene with Johnny Brosnan. He’s fantastic. Then I did The Hole for Jet Set. In that one I was fucked by Jason Adonis and directed by Wash West. It was amazing.
And now you are taking on live performing.
Yes, my appearance at Stonewall is a new thing. I have danced on boxes in clubs but never something like this. I can’t wait.
What can our readers expect to see?
I’ve only been to Stonewall once, so I’m not even sure what to expect! But I know it will be fun to take it off for New York City on Valentine’s Day.
While we are on the subject, what makes a romantic evening for you?
Well, it’s been a while since I had one. It would start with another masculine guy in the hot tub, maybe in Aspen, it’s snowing out, real cozy, just getting into each other.
So, you are single?
Yes, I am single. I guess doing porn might limit the pool, but in another way, I wouldn’t want a boyfriend who doesn’t want to see this side of me. When you get me, you get the whole package!
So, where do you want to take all this?
I want to spend a few years doing this, have a good time, then leave at the top of my game. I’d like to use porn to take me somewhere else. I’d like to open a private gym here or in Florida.
You actually seem kinda shy.
I kinda am when I go out as myself, but when I am appearing as Sam Tyson, I am more playful and an exhibitionist. The personalities merge.
Tell us about your dog.
I have a Golden Retriever. He’s two years old, and his name is Romeo.
Would you want another porn star as a boyfriend?
It would depend on who it was. I haven’t met a whole lot of them yet. Having a relationship is difficult.
Describe your perfect Valentine.
Masculine, fun-loving, about my height, takes care of himself, nonjudgmental, secure, confident, adventurous. And, of course, there has to be an attraction.
I know you are a Brad Pitt fan. How about him?
I like Brad Pitt, but I’d rather be him. Maybe I can be the Brad Pitt of gay porn! Hey, are you going to ask me if I were a Candy Conversation Heart, what would I say?
Sure, why not?
I would say, “Fuck me!” (laughs)

Reprinted from HX magazine (2003)