Each month, industry news media organization XBIZ spotlights the career accomplishments and outstanding contributions of Women in Adult. WIA profiles offer an intimate look at the professional lives of the industry's most influential female executives.
A well-known and well-liked personality in the adult content production and technology arenas, Anna Lee sits at the helm of 2049 Entertainment, where she aptly continues to expand her creativity and horizons.
I believe and stand by the level and quality of the work I produce and my ability to translate my vision to VR.
She draws upon a deep well of experience, which includes president, producer and director credits for HoloFilm Productions; serving as the president of Utherverse; and being a creator of the immersive adult virtual world RedLightCenter — as well as numerous other adult and mainstream projects.
To get an up-close look at what Anna Lee is up to these days, XBIZ turned to the artist and visionary herself, for this Women in Adult profile. Here’s what the October 2020 Woman of the Month had to say:
XBIZ: What did you do before joining the adult industry and why did you end up choosing this industry as a career path?
Lee: I have been a part of the adult industry now for over 22 years! Prior to joining the industry, I had a brief student job at a bank for a few months as well as side jobs in marketing and administration while I studied acting and filmmaking.
I was a professional actor and voiceover artist for many years during my first years in the industry. At that time, the adult industry offered me an amazing amount of flexibility and a great paycheck and I chose that in lieu of waiting tables or telemarketing to support my film and theatre career. I was further catapulted into it when I opened Court3san Entertainment and hired friends and fellow actors to work as PSOs and camgirls.
I juggled adult and mainstream film work for years, and still do to this day. In fact, I occasionally will perform or work crew for friends in the non-adult film industry to this day if time permits. My last appearance as an actor on a television show was 2016; around the time my VR directing career was taking off. Since then, I have focused heavily on VR adult content production and far less on mainstream film.
I see it more like the adult industry chose me instead of me choosing it. I just wanted to work in film, animation and entertainment my entire life and my path to the adult industry was extremely organic and really about opportunities presenting itself at the right place and at the right time.
XBIZ: What led to your launch of 2049 Entertainment? What does the company name signify and what is its focus?
Lee: I founded 2049 during a time when my life was at its most chaotic. I was in a relationship with my ex-partner who was in active addiction, and at the same time, the production budget was drastically cut at HoloGirlsVR (where I was the President and main producer). I was unhappy and unfulfilled both personally and professionally.
During this time, I watched the movie “Blade Runner 2049” and I left the movie inspired and determined to create something similar to the character JOI (how ironic her name is J.O.I.) which was a virtual AI girlfriend to the main character.
The entire movie played with the themes of reality vs. real life and the importance of the feeling of experience. I then decided it was time to make H type of content that I truly enjoyed and I wanted to make VR/MR (mixed reality) entertainment that was truly immersive, that pushed the boundaries of innovation and that played with some of the most important ingredients in human feeling: love and intimacy.
Furthermore, I wanted to create a space and a team where both myself and performers could feel safe, cared for and supported in a way in which they could explore their sexuality with authenticity and to focus on intimacy.
Overall, 2049 is representative of the influence that “Blade Runner 2049” and its themes had on me, as well as the idea that the future of entertainment is here, now.
In 2018, the company PVR wanted to bring me on board as part of their team and I did so with the understanding that 2049, although literally in its infancy, was my priority. 2049’s first release was a co-production with PVR called “The Black Box Collection.” It was a 14-episode VR, ASMR and XXX series and it is truly evocative of who I am as an adult filmmaker. It was the first time I had a full say in every single aspect of production and it is some of my best work to date.
XBIZ: You’ve been a strong advocate for advanced technology such as VR and AR, and the sharing of information in numerous articles, seminar panels and industry appearances. How has this continuous outreach to the community fostered new deals, collaborations and personal growth?
Lee: When it comes to entertainment, I am a firm believer that strength lies in the community and that a team is greater than the I. I am also a believer that innovation should be shared and tested openly so that it can be continuously improved upon. There have been countless times I have been stuck on a problem only to find the solution outside in the community.
I find it absolutely ludicrous and against my personal beliefs when a company, corporation, or person tries to limit the use or claim full proprietorship on technology for entertainment. Furthermore, the absolute minute you create something in tech, there is always someone who is immediately trying to take it to another level. In fact, more often than not, something “better” is already waiting to take over five minutes after you release a PR on an innovation.
In mainstream filmmaking, you don’t see studios fighting over exclusive use of a RED or Canon cameras. So why should we? VR is a small community. It is also burdened with many barriers to entry. Working together as a community of collaborators from all sides of the spectrum … R&D, manufacturing, content creation, data analysis, marketing and so on … only serves to strengthen the overall segment of the industry.
My desire to collaborate and operate in an “open source” manner has blown wide open so many doors for me. I now work with many studios, networks, companies, performers and collaborators using the latest in VR filming equipment, supported by a network of other VR filmmakers who are also sharing struggles and triumphs on prototypical hardware and cameras. I’m no longer in a walled garden and it’s literally freeing. Furthermore, I have learned more during the last two years than I have in my whole 20-plus year career by opening myself up to the community, to other studios, filmmakers and collaborators. As a businesswoman and a producer, I am so much more successful for it.
For those that argue that you should conserve resources and knowledge for yourself, I say this: at the end of the day, a moviegoer or VR enthusiast, where all tech aspects are considered fairly equal, will choose content based on the performer, the quality of production and the skill of its director to realize the vision.
This is where “Anna Lee” as a marketable commodity comes into play. I believe and stand by the level and quality of the work I produce and my ability to translate my vision to VR. Sharing information only helps to strengthen the industry as a whole, but I am very hard to replace!
XBIZ: You’ve built strong partnerships that bridge different businesses, disciplines and media types. How do you develop the relationships you need in your role and maintain them during this era of virtual conferences and remote meetings?
Lee: The way of current life has been my way of life throughout my entire career. I was first hired to work on RedLightCenter remotely, sight unseen. My first company was run from a dial-up connection via AOL from a beach house in Panama City, Florida and a basement apartment in Toronto, Canada. Working in a business whose main headquarters (In the United States) has always been in another country than the one I reside in, I have thrived during this time because finally everyone is operating their business in exactly the same manner as I always have! Remotely!
In terms of production and casting, thanks to online platforms like OnlyFans, I am being introduced to a new group of performers interested in performing in VR and armed with skills that are vital to a solid VR performance. With the use of virtual video calling, I can audition a performer, do script work or discuss and select wardrobe, quickly and efficiently, without having to schedule an in-person meeting and waste time in traffic. While I do miss personal interactions and hugs, my business is booming and I appreciate being able to utilize technology to its advantage and apply it to my business both in the office and on-set.
XBIZ: What is the biggest milestone you’ve achieved in your work so far and the toughest obstacle you’ve overcome, personally or professionally?
Lee: There have been a few along the way and each has been a major highlight. Launching 2049 is the biggest one. Releasing “Black Box” and getting nominated for it. Becoming an editor during the COVID lockdown and leveraging that into a thriving and profitable production schedule now. Sponsoring my first show (XBIZ Miami) which was a huge deal for me being 100 percent self-funded, and finally sitting here and being interviewed for Woman of the Month representing a company that is truly of my heart and of me.
There have been two extremely tough obstacles that I have had to face at this time. The first, being self-funded just in time for a major global pandemic (that was extremely stressful), while at the same time, finally leaving a toxic relationship of over six years during a time of complete uncertainty and lack of stable income. In fact, I am still in the last days of dealing with that situation, and I am so grateful to everyone who has been supportive and understanding during this time while I navigate closing and moving on from a very big chapter in my life while trying to balance an overwhelming work schedule and getting my house; both personally and professionally, literally and figuratively, together.
XBIZ: To what extent do you envision expanding 2049? What other areas of the business do you find yourself drawn to?
Lee: Hiring! At the beginning of my production year this year, I literally handled every aspect of everything myself. Accounting, business, legal, contracting, pre-production, production, post, writing, casting, directing and producing … I was even my own PA and slugging my own gear. It was hard. Really hard. I look forward to hiring a team full-time to take care of segments of the entire business.
In the future, I hope to be able to expand the team to shoot under and represent and run the operations of the 2049 brand, while leaving myself more time to look further into what I am truly passionate about; the research and development of new technology to furthur push the immersion and realism of mixed reality entertainment, while at the same time, eventually producing content in the likeness of that which was represented in “Blade Runner 2049.” I am actively working towards graduating from only VR to MR, while continuously educating myself in production.
XBIZ: How do you set about planning your lineup of productions, editing, casting and more in a methodical fashion?
Lee: My current system during this crazy time is as follows: because Canadian talent is relatively unknown, I have created a shared database of available performers and locations for studios so that they can see who is available. I have also been fulfilling contracts I had with companies to shoot for them in L.A. remotely with some success and a lot of support. I schedule about a month in advance and with the understanding that things can change very quickly at this time because remaining fluid is vital.
I do regular online shout-outs and touch base with agents on new talent and then conduct Zoom meet-ups with new performers that I haven’t worked with before, or who are brand new to the industry. I spend one day a week on recruiting. New talent = work. No talent, no work.
I devote Mondays and Wednesdays exclusively to editing and working with companies like ViRo Playspace with frequent collaborator and friend, Ela Darling. Casting happens usually on the weekends along with shoots depending on everyone’s availability. I also edit for some non-adult companies and I am currently working on something for Sssh.com that I helped to shoot a month ago here when I am able to.
I am very busy but I recognize that we could potentially go back into lockdown at any minute, and so I am taking advantage of the work while it is available. Should another lockdown not happen, I will adjust my workload accordingly as we move into the holiday season as the current load is not sustainable in the long term and/or hire new team members to join the 2049 Family.
XBIZ: Give us a peek behind the curtain into your personal life? What are your hobbies and do you have any unique musical or artistic talents others might not know about?
Lee: Well, as I stated before I am/was a professional actor for many years. Now I help to coach my two successful nephews in their own film careers as time permits. I am so proud of them and what they are doing right now. I also was raised by a family of martial artists. At a recent shoot, I brought out some of my own weapons and gun skills to teach a performer how to use the weapons and prop gun correctly. It often surprises people that I have those abilities.
In my early 20s I was also a cast member of a television improv show which was basically the Canadian version of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” I was on the show for five years and I can still occasionally sing an impromptu song on the spot to a beat.
As a part of the curriculum at film school, you had to have a minor area of study that supports production. I chose costume design and at times I do utilize that skill for Halloween or the occasional shoot.
I also spend a lot of time meditating lately, especially first thing in the morning and just before bed. It has contributed to a massive change in my ability to manage stress and my overall outlook on life and obstacles.
Finally, I foster rescue animals and specialize in taming feral kittens. Working at home allows me the advantage of being able to foster rescues and be physically present to care for them.
XBIZ: How do you stay motivated and what do you define as “success” in your life?
Lee: It’s easy to stay motivated when I have yet to reach my ultimate goal for my company. Every new milestone or production motivates me to take the next one further or to try something new. I am so grateful and fortunate to be able to work in a career that I absolutely love and that I have been able to craft a work environment that I adore being in. Work no longer feels like work and my friends, family and peers that surround and support me make each day feel like an adventure.
I also find it very easy to stay motivated in this extremely uncertain time. With the potential threat of another lockdown, I understand how lucky I am to be able to work full-time right now and that at any moment that may change.
To me, success means feeling a sense of fulfillment in what you do. The fact that I can pay my bills and support my life doing what I love and with people that I love feels like success. Collaborating and working daily with such amazing peers, most of whom I also call friends, has truly been a gift.
That all being said, ultimately success comes down to how I feel about myself.
After a few rocky years of taking some massive risks, lack of confidence, exhaustion and prolonged periods of anxiety and sadness and doubt, I feel everything is finally starting to come together and that I am currently stepping into a life that I was meant to live, with a confidence and peace that I never had before until now. You are literally finding me at the end of a long, bumpy road and the hopeful start of a well-paved one.
XBIZ: What does the rest of 2020 hold for you with your aspirations?
Lee: I hope that the rest of 2020 is much quieter globally than it has been for all of us and that we move into the new year safely and with the worst behind us.
For me, personally, I hope to continue to follow the path I am on using the lessons I have learned and continue to build and grow not only my company, but also myself as a person both physically, mentally and spiritually and share whatever knowledge, resources and assets that I have gained thus far with others.
I am looking forward to continuing to develop partnerships with others, to create amazing, super-hot, immersive, intimate, raw and authentic VR Porn and to transforming (currently in progress) my home into an efficiently functioning 2049 Entertainment headquarters, so that I can spend more time at work while surrounded by my two amazing French Bulldogs, Louis and Lestat and my cats, Kira (Noir) and Baby Lee.
