A Porn Star is Born RSS011

All of us in the porn industry have stories to tell. Indeed, the world of Gay Erotic Videos is a high paced, competitive, ruthless, sexy, cut-throat, dick-draining environment that brings out both the best and the worst in its players. Few writers or filmmakers have focused on this amazing group of people, all of whom live for the very purpose of making other men cum. No one has ever combined a behind-the-scenes look at the porn industry with an erotic film.

One evening Director Chris Ward and his real life partner, Maurice (head of sales for Raging Stallion Studios) were watching old movies - both are serious film buffs. Over two nights they watched Sunset Boulevard and the 1937 version of A Star Is Born. Maurice challenged Chris to make a movie loosely based on these two films, and by way of encouragement he outlined a simple plot that would become Raging Stallion's A Porn Star Is Born. The goal was to provide viewers with a realistic - and not always flattering - view of the porn industry as it exists today, but at the same time make a sexy story that could stand the test of time as a significant contribution to the library of gay erotic film. Chris turned to his long-time exclusive model Michael Soldier to flesh out the concept into a viable script. Soldier had already been cast as the star of the film (based on his stunning performance and GayVN win for Best Sex Scene in Cops Gone Bad). He was so full of ideas that he was hired not only to write the dialog, but also to be the assistant director on the huge project. The huge turnout for the three casting calls for extras was one of Soldier's key contributions to the success of the film.

A Porn Star Is Born traces the story of Michael Soldier, a porn star at the high point of his career, and Shane Rollins, his adorable boyfriend who is just getting into the business. The entire industry has cheered Soldier along for the ride of a lifetime, but after an full year at the top, his face no longer turns heads: Directors and Producers are already tired of him, searching for the next new superstar. They find their new man in Shane Rollins.

Soldier feels he is loosing something special as Shane starts his new career as a porn star, but their emotional bond seems strong enough to get them thru what looms as a larger and larger problem. From a bathroom squabble to a make-up fuck-fest, their relationship runs full range and industry insiders will immediately identify with the emotions and the turmoil that threaten to divide these two men.

Shane becomes a star, and the viewer is allowed to witness the process as the movie traces the build up and impact of Shane's first porn scene. Helped along by Michael Brandon and a supportive film crew, Shane performs brilliantly in a scene shot under the Golden Gate Bridge. The scene ends with a montage showing Shane's new superstardom, peppered with half a dozen cum shots from his movies.

The plot thickens as we find out that Soldier has plans to become a rock star (he is a member of a real life band named PEPPERSPRAY that has performed with such luminaries as CHER). Although he tries to be supportive of Shane and focus his own energy on his music, on the fateful night of the San Francisco Porn Awards Show, he looses it. A great scene between Soldier and a crusty old bar tender (played by J.D. Slater) shows Soldier at his low point. After downing more drinks than he can handle, he trots off to the show to make a drunken spectacle of himself in front of the entire porn industry (a scene taken directly from A Star Is Born). Viewers should note that a longer, 15 minute version of the award show is offered on the DVD as a special comedy skit.

For Michael Soldier, who served in multiple key roles (Assistant Director, co-writer, Star, talent coordinator, etc), A Porn Star Is Born was a deeply personal project that offered a chance to showcase his many talents. The strong theme of the movie, however, was what really sparked his interest in the project: "This kind of project is why I wanted to make porn in the first place! I wanted the opportunity to collaborate with Chris in bringing to the screen real, hot, hardcore sex that both moved a story and defined a character. Mainstream acting and writing never affords these possibilities; porn has rarely attempted to. The action in this film ranges from piggy porn-within-porn fucking to passionate lovemaking--but each hardcore scene is always presented in the legitimate context of the overall story. At times the script and style is a poignant tribute to the Golden Age of Hollywood...at times a sexy, hilarious send-up of mainstream and adult film industry cliches. It is a new kind of movie making, bringing more mainstream elements to porn, just as porn is making similar inroads into mainstream culture. But most importantly, it's a full-frontal roller coaster ride of voyeuristic thrills that take place on both sides of the camera. It'll get you off in more ways than you'd ever expect from a porno! What a blast!"

After a backstage showdown, Soldier wanders home alone through the empty streets (encountering another drunk on the way), a segment where the movie offers some imaginative POV camerawork. Once home, Soldier decides to face reality and actually watch one of Shane's new movies (he chooses Probe, an actual Raging Stallion Film). Soldier pops the tape into his VCR and watches for the next 45 minutes, jerking off and finally cumming along with the guys on the tape. His catharsis has been reached and he has resolved his issues with Shane, his music, and his life.

Cut to the finale! Back at the bar (and back from the flashback), Michael and his band are finishing up the performance of their first great song, "Porn Is The New Black." Shane walks in mid song, offering his support and a happy ending to A Porn Star Is Born. The entire version of "Porn Is The New Black" provides both a visual and audio backdrop for the closing credits. Note that a music video of this song is presented as a special feature on the DVD.

A Porn Star Is Born combines the best in erotic videography with a strong story line and professional movie making. Combined, these add up to the finest movie Raging Stallion has ever released.