Page 40 - AVN May 2018

NEWS & REVIEWS
Since its launch in 2004, Helix Studios
has kept up its reputation as a top twink
genre company, as evidenced by its numerous
nominations in the 2018 GayVN Awards.
And the addition of a new exclusive, Angel
Rivera, it’s clear the gay adult studio intends
to keep making waves.
A 5-foot-7-inch, 134-pound “twunk,”
Rivera is only just getting started in the biz,
but he has already made his debut in a scene
on the Helix website. Marc of COPBlog
interviewed the brown-haired, green-eyed
performer for AVN, and got him talking
about his origins, working relationships and
hopes for the future.
AVN: Let’s get the basics out of the way. How
old are you and where are you from?
ANGEL RIVERA: I’m 20 years old. I’m from
Austin, Texas.
Can you describe the moment in which you
first realized you were interested in the adult
industry? What made you decide to take the
leap?
GAYVN
TWUNK SHOW
Interview with Helix Studios newbie Angel Rivera
I was 18 years old, living in a small town in Texas. I was so
horny at that age and I had a Helix Studios membership, so
I decided I should apply. At first, it was just a joke. I didn’t
think they’d want me to model, but they called me back. It
wasn’t until a few months ago that I called Helix back and
took it seriously. I guess I needed to let the idea marinate
for a few years. LOL.
Judging from your physique, it seems you spend a good
amount of time in the gym. Do you have any specific body
goals in mind?
It varies. Sometimes, I feel too small and I’ll change my diet
and workouts to swell up and get stronger. Sometimes, I
feel too heavy and I’ll lose weight to be leaner and better
looking. Regardless, though, I try and work out five to six
times a week. Weights only. No cardio! LOL.
So, based on what you’ve just told me, obviously you applied
directly to Helix. What is your impression of the company
after having worked for them? Did they immediately offer to
make you an exclusive?
I did a few videos beforehand. They offered me an exclusive
contract after the last one. I guess they were impressed
with how I performed, but first I give all the credit to Casey
Roman, Alex Roman and everyone in the Helix family. From
ownership, corporate workers, to the janitors, everyone is
friendly and inviting.
A great deal of the business now is social media driven. How
did you manage to garner more than 14,000 followers on
Twitter before you had even debuted in a solo scene?
It’s all thanks to the fans. If a person can learn to market
themselves and sell themselves as a commodity alongside
with being a genuine and honest person, then people can
gravitate toward you easier. Plus, it helps when the other
models are kind enough to get your name out there. I love
my fans.
There has recently been a lot of chatter about the lack
of diversity in the gay adult industry and performers of
color not getting the same advantages. Do you have any
perspectives on this topic?
None. People who watch porn are adults, and just like every
human being they have their preferences. Whether you’re
gay or straight, there are specific things that turn you on.
The title “porn star” is tossed around a great deal to varying
degrees. What do you feel makes a true porn star? Is it a
target point you wish to seek, or are you simply just going
with the flow and come what may?
I believe to be considered a porn star you must be rele-
vant for some time. Brent Corrigan, for example, is still as
relevant as he was when I was younger. I want to be big in
anything I do. Be the best or don’t try.
Is there anyone in the industry you would like to work with
who isn’t on the roster at Helix? Any fantasies of future
scenes you would like to be involved with while you have the
chance?
Not too much. I feel like I want to be relevant because my
videos are good and not because someone well known is in
them. And as for fantasies, there are so many I would like to
do, but I’ll leave that to the Helix team.
A regular gym regimen clearly keeps you busy day to day,
but you have also been open on social media about working
in the fast food industry. How important is a solid work ethic
to you?
I feel like being a blue-collar worker keeps me humble. No
matter what I do in life I will always remember making $9
an hour and feeling like it’s not enough. I love blue-collar
workers because we, for the most part, are just kind, hard-
working people who love one another.
What are some of your interests and aspirations outside of
working in porn? Where do you see yourself five to ten years
down the road?
Working out. School. Family. That’s what my world revolves
around. Five to ten years down the road? I want to be many
things, but the biggest is owning my own company and
close to being retired.
Any regrets about doing this kind of entertainment?
None. Live life honest and free!
Any final words, comments or thoughts you would like to
share? I’m sure Helix has plenty in store for you. The fans
have gone wild about your presence so far.
Just thank you to everyone who took the time to read this
and thank you for interviewing me so early on in my career.
Follow Angel Rivera on Twitter: @AngelRiveraXXX. Photo
by Alex Roman of Helix Studios.
Marc is the creator of the COPBlog. Find his site at
Chroniclesofporniablog.com and follow on Twitter: @copblog.
GayVN@WMA Returns to Webmaster Access
“With a mix of educational programming and social gatherings,
Amsterdam show, taking place September 7-10 at the
Plans are in the works for the annual Webmaster Access
GayVN@WMA gives LGBT professionals a chance to strengthen
Double Tree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station. One
business relationships around the world. A very diverse group
of the significant components will be GayVN@WMA, a
of companies attend Webmaster Access. Last year the GayVN
programming track tailored for the LGBT community. GayVN@WMA offers an
programming included a thoughtful discussion titled ‘State of GAY: What’s Hot
opportunity to focus on topics specific to the gay adult industry in an open and
and What’s Not.’ For the third year of GayVN, we will continue to strengthen this
inviting environment.
facet of Webmaster Access,” said AVN Media Network CEO Tony Rios.
Every year GayVN@WMA draws LGBT industry members from every sector
Though the show is not until September, register now to pay less than
of the community: executives, talent, affiliates, traffic networks, billing, program
the on-site rate. And for affiliates, talent and studios, registration is free. Go
owners, gay studios, activists and more. This year marks the third time GayVN has
to WebmasterAccess.com/affiliates to sign up. Registration is sponsored by
been a part of Webmaster Access. Events will include the GayVN seminar program
Pussycash.
and happy hour.
For sponsorship or advertising inquiries, email sales@avn.com.
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