Interviews Brought to you by ...
Founder and President of Xtreme Productions'
AFTON NILLS hangs out with JRL's
ANDY POWELL Exclusively on JRLChartsOnline
Post Date: 05-27-08 12:00 a.m. PDT
JRL Fans, from the producer who brought you such hits as Bareback Mountain [2006], one of my personal favorites Camp Afton Nills Academy 1 [2006], former Top 10 hit on the JRL Weekly top 100 'Dirty Little Secrets" [2006] and the former No.1 hit in America in 2005 with Romance at the Blue Moon Resort [2005]. Retailers, Producers, Webmasters, wholesale distributors and JRL Fans, give it up for Afton Nills.
Andy: I don't know what to say first Afton, it is truly an honor to interview you here on JRL.
Afton: Thanks Andy, I appreciate you taking the time.
Andy: You've been busy this year with all of your labels and it's been reported all over the web that you've just inked a new deal with your original wholesale distributor, mega wholesaler AVNS inc Distribution, for all of your labels. How did that come about?
Afton: Well, it’s no secret that I’ve been trying to lock in with a distributor who can distribute my products to my expectations. Leaving AVNS back in September was an opportunity to see what others could do with the label. Having failed miserably with Marina Pacific because of a personality clash with their head guy, lead me over to Rob at All Boys. I liked Rob because he’s a straight shooter like myself, no bull shit kind of guy. Unfortunately, with the failure of Fuck That Twink because of Marina’s deal, and then the failure of Fuck Me Like a Bitch Boi with All Boys, I began a conversation with Kevin over at AVNS about taking back the line. I haven’t been shooting content since October 2007, and I wanted to lock in a deal that would provide steady cash flow to allow me to produce on a regular basis, as I have in the past.
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Andy: You had moved over to All Boys Distribution late last year. How did that deal come apart?
Afton: I really don’t know what happened. I don’t think my expectations were that high with a line that’s been producing hit titles for the past five years. Perhaps being with three distributors over a three month span confused retailers? I spent a great deal of money, and more time than any other film with Fuck Me Like a Bitch Boi. It failed miserably. Sales in the US were the worst they’ve been since I began in this industry, and it was probably some of the best film I’ve produced to date. I wish I knew the answer so we could fix the problem and get back up to where we should be with sales.
Andy: You hear the rumors. There are too many producers in the marketplace for anyone to make any money! The amateur producers are the ones who are ruining the business!...When you see your success, what are you thinking about when you hear these statements?
Afton: My success? I’m not sure if I can call myself successful in this industry just yet. I suppose in some respect I’ve been successful, but I’m nowhere near where I wanted to be in five years and have a long way to go. But to answer your question, yes, I feel there are way too many producers in this industry trying to make a quick buck. I feel there is always going to be a market for amateur material, so they will always be out there.
For some, when porn is too polished, it takes away from the voyeuristic quality that some people look for. Anybody can pick up a camera and film someone having sex, or themselves now a days, but will they last? I think there are a lot of fly-by-night amateur companies that come in and out of this industry. So much barebacking and raunchy stuff going on to make a quick buck. I’m not about that. Yes, I strive to be successful and to make money, but my goal is to create great entertainment for the viewers, and provide a safe working environment for the people I work with. I like to think each production I release gets better and better. I don’t feel the need to get raunchy or film unsafe sex to achieve success.
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Andy: Barebacking!....One of your mega hits back in 2006 was Bareback Mountain [2006]. What are your feelings on the issue of barebacking in the industry today...two years later and the climate that producers are having to deal with from colleagues and sponsors? And will any of your labels produce future bareback gay xxx features for retailers?
Afton: The million dollar question. I’ve visited this topic many times over the past year, and I’d have to say my way of thinking has evolved. When I began in this industry, barebacking wasn’t really an issue. I began working with real life couples, and my goal was to capture real chemistry with guys, not staged chemistry with straight guys who needed money. So, this involved bareback scenes, which is what they practiced in their relationship with each other (by their choice). As my studio progressed, it was up to the actors, as it always was, to decide how they wanted to film. Some choose bare-backing, others did not.
No actor was ever forced, asked to bareback, or offered more money to do so, and it was never used for additional profit. My commitment from my distributor did not change if it was condom safe or bare back, it was always the same regardless. Off the top of my head, I believe there were a total of six actors I worked with in six years that chose to bareback. The other 95+ did not. Bareback Mountain wasn’t 100% bareback. Only the scene with Turk and Winter, who were a real-life couple, chose to bareback. Again, it was up to the actors. The idea for the title was a last minute idea/decision.
My decision to no longer film bareback films did not come from pressure from colleagues or sponsors. I care about the actors I work with and consider them family. Their health and safety is and always has been my number one concern. In today’s age with the mutating viruses, STDs being spread, and the lack of sex education most gay guys have, that makes bareback filming dangerous in my opinion.
Even though our actors are tested prior to work, the real truth of the matter is, we don’t know what that actor did last night before his scene. And we all know some things don’t show up right away. I realize that consumers want to see a bare dick going inside an ass. I think most do. But safe sex scenes are just as hot in my opinion. And more than anything, nobody should be put at risk with the work they do. When we give a loaded gun to our police officers and military, don’t we offer them education and training before we send them out? Aren’t they provided with protective gear for their job? Why should it be any different in this industry. Shouldn’t we provide education/protection about the deadly encounters this industry is faced with?
Andy: These are a few of the comments that I worked very hard to put together from emails received here at the JRL Compound relating to your films. 'Afton knows how to bring passion to a scene'...Derrick, Houston, TX, (Thank you Derrick),..the next one reads "It's nice to see a scene that knows when to cut camera angles to keep the scene hot.' Just watching those cocks erecting in those briefs is enough to make me blow my load"...Scott, Los Angeles, CA (Nice comment Scott) and finally....'Will we ever see double penetration on a regular basis from Afton Nills'....Nick in Brooklyn, NY (thanks for the question for Afton, Nick).....Well Afton...there's a few of the things your fans would like to know.
Afton: First, thanks for the kind comments, it’s nice to hear people enjoy the hard work. Chemistry has always been a goal with each scene I film.
Afton continues....
Even the gonzo scenes, I like to see passion amongst the actors. It’s nice to know that’s coming across. Double penetration, probably not something you’ll see too often in my films. You’d be amazed at how tight the guys I work with are. So jamming two cocks inside might be a challenge for some of these twinks, but I’m not opposed to giving it a try if the right bottom comes along.
Andy: Now, I've been waiting to ask you about. Tell us about your brand new series that is one that is sure to be around for years to come. Once in a Blue Moon, Episode 1 [2008].
Afton: I came up with the idea some years back and is something I’ve been working on ever since. Once in a Blue Moon revolves around characters that work at the Blue Moon Resort in Las Vegas. Each episode will share more insight into the characters, and the people they come to interact with at the hotel. I wanted to put something together that placed the characters in real life situations, rather than having an 18 year old play the role of a doctor, etc. The Blue Moon gave us the perfect location to introduce our characters and story, which has always been a fun place to film.
Andy: The only other series to ever be successful was Jet Set Productions/MPD's 'Wet Palms Series'. Is that where you came up with the idea of your own series or what was it that motivated you into creating what could very well be, a brand new gay xxx twink soap opera.
Afton: No, actually the idea stemmed from Queer as Folk. I loved the show, and thought to myself, why not have a drama series, with real life situations and characters, where you could watch them have sex, opposed to implying it? So in essence, this is my adult vision of Queer as Folk.
Andy: When can retailers and JRL fans expect to find this in their neighborhood stores and their favorite retail web sites?
Afton: Once in a Blue Moon Episode 1 will be released in late June 2008. We’ll be production of Episode 2 in the coming months.
(Images courtesy of Once in a blue moon Episode 1 - Xtreme Platinum/1R Media/AVNS)
Andy: Tell us about you? What motivates Afton everyday to make his business successful?
Afton: It’s important to me that each film gets better and better. I guess my motivation stems from the opportunity to produce something that people find entertaining. Their enjoyment is my motivation.
Andy: Now let's get to a subject that all of your JRL fans want to know about. Your models! How do you find these twink studs of yours? Do you use talent agencies, do people apply via your web site or do you have talent scouts always on the lookout for the next Afton Nills star?
Afton: I find all the actors I work with, a few have been recommended by other actors or studios, but 98% of my cast I find myself online somewhere. I don’t use talent agencies, or scouts. Actors can apply at aftonnills.com.
Andy: What do you say when people target producers who are targeting the 18-25 year old genre only?
Afton: Even though our focus surrounds twinks 18 to 25, there isn’t one person I’ve coerced into doing work. I always encourage the actors to tell their family/people close to them what they are thinking about doing, and to really think about it long and hard before they commit. Because once it’s done, it can not be undone.
I share my thoughts on the risks and possible future consequences for doing this line of work. Bottom line, they are consenting adults, able to make their own decisions on their participation. I think I run a responsible studio and am up front with each actor that is thinking about coming in for work.
Andy: Where do you see 1R Media, LLC in 5 years Afton?
Afton: Topping the charts, with a few awards under my belt. Competing with the major’s and being known for releasing some of the most entertaining quality films in the gay adult industry.
Andy: It's no secret that you are a major advertiser on the JRL network and I know for a fact, that our marketing division is gearing up heavily to promote Once in a Blue Moon [2008]. What would be the magic number of units you would like for this series to capture?
Afton: It would be great to see our film turn 4 digits in the US.
Andy: Just from the trailer of Once in a Blue Moon [2008], you can see that it's definitely worthy of Award nominations from both GayVN 2009 and the Grabbys 2008 next year. Will you be submitting the series to both organizations for consideration?
Afton: Absolutely, I will always submit the material for review. As much as I feel politics and ad dollars play a major role in receiving an award, it is always an honor to be recognized by my peers for the hard work that’s put into each film. If anything, being a small studio, we have to work three times as hard as established multi million dollar studios like Falcon where theirs is a house-hold name. So being recognized and put into categories as the majors, is an honor in itself. I would however like to start collecting some awards on the shelf, not only for the work I put into it, but the cast and crew, for they work equally as hard, without the need of spending thousands of ad dollars to receive them.
Andy: Afton, thank you so much for chatting with me here on JRL. Any shout outs to your JRL fans reading this interview?
Afton: Thanks for reading, and many thanks for the support over the years. I promise, the best is yet to come. Keep a look out for Twink of the Damned, and Weeney Wadd.
Andy: Again special thanks to Afton Nills for doing this interview exclusively on JRL and a big thanks goes out to our dear friends at AVNS inc Distribution for all of their marketing tools that they supply us to market Afton Nills’ products. Afton, before you go, can you tell your fans out there just who is your No1. source for Info and Entertainment on the Gay Adult Film Industry is?
Afton: JRL has been a great source, and a website I check every day when I turn on the computer.
Andy: Thanks again Afton...and JRL fans, retailers, distributors everywhere. Make sure to contact AVNS inc Distribution to get your pre-orders in for Once in a Blue Moon [2008]. The summer is going to explode with this new series and you'll definitely want to have a copy in your personal collection JRL fans. Visit www. gottwinks.tv for direct ordering information in the mail-order division of 1R Media, LLC.
Andy: And now, watch the full length gay xxx movie trailer to Once in a Blue Moon [2008] which stars Dillon Samuels, Kameron Scott, Quinn Alexander and Co-Stars Trevin Nills, Nevin Scott, Tyler Bradley and Jesse Jacobs.
