Page 97 - AVN January 2016

down to it. We also know certain things about the
guys to probe a topic and see if they bite and run with
it. But once the guys felt comfortable with us, they
really just let it all out.”
Adds Cruz: “You can’t have a movie like this
without that footage. In the past we’d shoot hours
and hours of this stuff and pack it on as DVD extras.
I think fans of gay porn are fascinated with what it’s
like to be on set. At least it seems that way by the
number of requests we get from people trying to get
backstage. So this is our open invitation to fans.”
Cruz notes that he reluctantly agreed to conduct
the interviews in front of the camera at the request of
the executive producer, who felt that would be more
personal (“I saw his point”).
“We tried to ask probing questions like Barbara
Walters or Oprah,” says Cruz with a laugh. “I’m half-
kidding…I didn’t want to only ask the typical basic
questions you always hear porn stars being asked. I
thought if models had a chance to be themselves and
represent themselves honestly, it might make them
that much more attainable to the fans. Human is sexy.
Some of these men are enterprising and exceptionally
intelligent. They have a very unique perspective on
life.”
The director notes that they were more
conversations than interviews, with questions
tailored to the stars. Among the collective revelations:
the mother of Chris Bines’ ex flittered cars in his
hometown with images of his porn (“Crazy stuff,”
notes Foxx); a lot have a love/hate relationship with
social media; and among the group are geeks, gamers,
talented artists, designers, world travelers, core
members of fundraising communities and more.
“I wanted the project to be about them,” says
Cruz. “My favorite moments were learning things
I never knew about these guys. I feel we connected
on some human or deeper level with each one of the
men, which made them that much more sexy. Each
day I was just buzzing on that energy, the human
connection we rarely get to feel shooting sex. And
laughing…we spent a lot of time laughing.”
Both directors say they were fully aware of not
painting the performers in a bad light to “ruin the
fantasy” for the fans—although for some fans, any
behind-the-scenes footage can ruin it.
“If you want to reduce your porn star to a living
replica of a blowup doll, then these interviews will
bore you, maybe even offend you,” says Cruz. “But if
you power through on fast forward, there is so much
hot sex in these movies you can’t be disappointed.
Sure, too much behind the scenes can ruin the
fantasy for some. But on the other hand, so much of
our mainstream entertainment is reality based, it’s
been that way for over two decades. Public interest
in undeniable. Perhaps the success lies in a concise,
quick-moving edit.”
Thankfully, the two directors had each other to
draw upon for advice. “Steve and I worked very well
together,” says Foxx. “We split every scene down
the middle and played to our strengths, combining
our individual styles. That could sound like a total
nightmare to some directors, but we really clicked.
Steve loves wide beauty shots and still frames, I love
getting up close and personal gonzo style.”
Adds Cruz: “Nick is a blast to shoot with. I would
say to him half-jokingly on set, ‘You complete me…,’
which would keep the laughs rolling. But it’s true. I
like to shoot the cock sucking, he likes the rimming.
We both took turns directing segments of every scene
and shot it simultaneously, like a dance. He’s as
capable and experienced, and a real joy to be with. It’s
a true collaboration.”
interacting with each
”I really loved the guys
other a lot more
off screen.
It really was like porn
summer camp.
— Nick Foxx
1.16 | AVN.com | 97