Page 98 - AVN March 2016

SPOTLIGHT | | Brady Jansen
Cup of Joe, Ray of Light
Behind two industry titans, Dragon Media keeps the hits coming
the process last year is that patience is a virtue. The same can be said
Director Joe Gage notes that what he learned most about himself and
of his fans, who have come to cherish a slower production schedule
that reaps rewards … literally.
But the accolades have never been his purpose. Nestled away from the
lights and glamor, he instead focuses on crafting more masterpieces along with
business partner Ray Dragon—works that the fans continue to eat up as the
talented duo quietly goes about its business with Dragon Media.
“I have a running feature on the JoeGage.com site that publishes critical pans
of my work. Each time I post it, the comments section gratifies my heart as
supporters come forward to defend me.”
We’re guessing it’s a very small section. It says a lot that the legend recently
won yet another best director accolade. It says even more that—until he was
congratulated about it—Gage wasn’t even aware of the nomination, much less
the win: “It was a surprise. A complete surprise, as in I knew nothing about it,
before or afterwards.”
Among the studio’s highlights last year were Dad Out West, the fourth entry
in Gage’s “Dad” series. It brought back Allen Silver, who returned again after a
fishing trip, going to college and getting in trouble. Gage also released American
Bukkake Business Edition, the second installment in his stripped down Carnal line.
“2015 turned out to be the most successful year we’ve had so far. And as we
go into 2016, we are already breaking previous online and download records,”
Gage says. “Both bukkake projects took off like gangbusters in the sales and
download-to-own arenas, to such a degree that we are about to launch a new
one. They are a blast to shoot, and as a result many new friendships have been
wanted to tell that were solely connected
by the professions of the protagonists.
The Runners was inspired by a gif I saw
that captured a marathon runner and
emphasized the beauty and eroticism of
his body as he moved through space, as
it were.”
Dragon has been equally successful.
After directing Not on the Sofa (led by
another studio stalwart, Dale Cooper),
history and Dragon’s performer history—
both with ties to Titan. The two studios
have also used many of the same models,
like Anthony (but sadly, that won’t
include talented Josh West anymore: “Mr.
West has left the building, I’m sorry to
say,” notes Gage. “Happily retired. Not
coming back. We all wept.”)
“Joe Gage is one of the most iconic
directors of all time, and Ray Dragon is
formed.”
Gage’s favorite memories from the year were “working with some of the
men who seemed to have evolved into the ‘Joe Gage Stock Company’: David
Anthony, Joe Parker, Max Sargent—all good actors, as well as dependable sexual
performers. The men who work for us always seem to declare that they feel more
relaxed and have more fun on our sets than what they usually experience. They
are respectfully treated as professionals, and they appreciate it.”
Anthony’s return was a huge welcome to fans; he appeared in the 18th
installment (Runaway Sons) of Gage’s long-running Sex Files series. That was
followed by volumes 19 and 20, recently released.
“It’s A Job came about when I realized I has assembled a series of stories I
GAYVN
he produced Rocco Steele’s Urban Legend—
which stars and was directed by the
titular superstar, who has taken the
industry by storm and has appeared in a
handful of Dragon Media films.
“We gave Rocco a chance to direct
in our efforts to develop new directors.
He did well, and we will probably do
something else with him down the line,”
says Gage. In addition, performer Bryan
Slater directed an entry in It’s a Job.
“We continue to try out new directors to
expand our output, so there will probably
be another project or two in that vein,
as well as several more Joe Gage Sex Files
and perhaps two new Joe Gage movie
projects.”
Gage notes that he is also in talks
to continue his relationship with Titan
Media, which released his Spur of the
Moment and Opportunity Knocks last year.
“My work is known for a certain kind
of look and feel that is a combination of
professionally polished and gritty to the
point of amateurish,” he says. “I find that
when I’m attached to a studio project,
they seem to use me as a ‘contrasting
flavor’ to their own patented output,
which seems to strengthen their brand.”
The two studios may also do a
crossover project, a natural progression.
It makes sense, given Gage’s directing
one of the most iconic performers of all
time. Together they make a powerhouse
team,” says Titan Media Vice President
Keith Webb. “Working with both Joe
and Ray over the past 15 years, we
have developed a mutual and endearing
respect for each other’s work. Owning
the largest library of Gage-directed gay
porn in the world, it’s pretty clear that
our customers love Joe’s work with
TitanMen.
“Just because Joe and Ray branched out
to from their own production company
doesn’t mean our relationship needed
to end. We love having Joe back as a
guest director a couple times a year for
TitanMen. Being able to share and cross
over both exclusive models and storylines
seemed like a natural progression of our
long-term relationship. TitanMen and Joe
Gage are a match made in heaven, and
linked together for the long run.”
In the meantime, Gage will be hard at
work, finding pleasure in giving pleasure
to others.
“There’s nothing better that
discovering new talent. They’re the
ones who take to the work like a fish to
water, and thrive in the environment.
Several new talents are emerging for
us…to name them at this time would be
jumping the gun.”
98 | AVN.com | 3.16