Collabs aren’t just for content creators. Established studios are joining forces and blending brands for large-scale, expectation-defying productions aiming to take porn to the next level. The latest such project is “To the Nines,” the first-ever collaboration between Falcon Studios and MenAtPlay.
Writer Ben Rush describes “To the Nines” as a lush, large-scale production.
There’s just something about what a well-tailored suit represents: masculinity, power, control — all those.
“It most definitely lives up to its title,” he tells XBIZ. “Both studios worked tirelessly to combine their unique aesthetics, bringing their own resources and ideas to create a compelling feature-length drama that’s provocative, fun and sexy as hell.”
With a lush Spanish backdrop, eye-catching formal fashion and some of today’s top performers, “To the Nines” features Paddy O’Brian playing alpha stud to a bevy of besuited bottoms committed to providing the upper echelon with the excellent service they demand.
“The Nines” is O’Brian’s secret service, providing tireless twunks to billionaires and captains of industry. As procurer and peddler of the flesh, he selects the finest, most impeccably dressed young men and staffs them throughout Europe. His not-so-casual crew includes Dean Young, Grant Ducati, Jake Matthews, Allen King and star-on-the-rise Seth Peterson.
“To the Nines” not only describes MenAtPlay’s formalwear fetish, but sums up the filmmakers’ aspirations for the project.
“One of the things I love most about working with Falcon/NakedSword is the company’s commitment to quality product,” Rush says. “The idiom ‘to the nines’ means ‘to perfection’ or ‘to the highest degree.’ The studio holds itself to that standard.”
Adding to the film’s cosmopolitan vibe is the international cast of major players, many of them leading men in their own right. King and Sir Peter hail from Spain, Young from Ireland and Derek Kage from the U.S. The U.K.’s O’Brian lends his charming accent and debonair good looks as the head of Twink Corporate.
Everything about “To the Nines” is luxe. Set, wardrobe and stars all project an elite aura likely to resonate as much-needed wish fulfillment in these uncertain times.
“It’s about power, money and status,” affirms Sir Peter, who plays a client seeking to buy freedom for one of the service’s employees. “Whether it’s politics, business or even personal relationships — when you have the resources, you get what you want. That’s the reality. There’s always a price, and in many ways, dressing ‘to the nines’ is a reflection of that kind of privilege and control.”
Since the film explores the power dynamics of high-end sex workers, Rush says, everyone involved was especially diligent about making sure the characters have agency.
“They’re never portrayed in a way that suggests they are completely passive victims of circumstance,” he notes. “In one way or another, you’ll see each character make a choice for himself.” Director Alter Sin shares Rush’s focus on combining sex appeal, quality and ethics.
“This is exactly the kind of production I truly enjoy making,” Sin enthuses. “I also believe the actors can give so much more than in purely sexual scenes. These projects allow everyone involved to explore deeper storytelling, performance and artistry, which is incredibly rewarding.”
With their devotion to creating quality films with entertaining plots and an artistic sensibility, Rush and Sin are proving to be a platonic power couple, creating a growing catalog of much-lauded productions for Falcon/NakedSword and collaborators.
Rush says he and Sin always look closely at trends, concepts and scripts, then work exhaustively to pair the best of those ideas with the filmmakers and talent who can make them shine.
“It’s all about giving fans material that’s competitively in line with what they’re watching on mainstream outlets,” Rush explains. “My goal in this industry has always been to marry the scope and quality of mainstream entertainment with the raw sexuality that viewers want from porn. People can get off, but also remember the experience. Our movies aren’t ‘one and done.’”
These two creators are clearly leaving their stamp on the industry, producing films with their own distinct flavor that have earned praise for the evident care, quality and intense sexual energy put into them.
After so many years in the industry, Sin reflects, he’s learned that every project needs a different approach.
“Each film, each actor, each location — everything is unique,” he says. “That means I often have to adapt how I take on a production. What’s most important to me is that the people I work with share a bit of my passion. I need that passion and good energy on set. That’s where I thrive.”
That passion seems to be paying off for the performers as well. Leading man O’Brian says it was a pleasure and a dream to work on “To the Nines.”
His challenge was to do a lot with a little, as he frames the story with a cameo in each vignette.
“It really was refreshing,” he attests. “I loved every moment. I also love role-play, and using my persona comes naturally after being in the business so long.”
Kage, who plays a new billionaire, also gives the experience five stars.
“I expected nothing but the best, and I got nothing but the best,” he declares.
Kage hails MenAtPlay’s influence, which is clearly felt as each scene involves formalwear, whether it’s bondage with neckties, cleaning up cum with pocket squares or ripping open suit pants.
“I know of many guys — and girls — who have a suit fetish,” he confides. “The moment they see the ‘To the Nines’ men in suits, they won’t be able to help getting rock hard and wanting to see what happens next.”
Sir Peter confesses to having a bit of a suit fetish himself.
“Honestly, I’ve always had a thing for suits,” he admits. “There’s just something about what a well-tailored suit represents: masculinity, power, control — all those classic fantasies. Working in adult film for the past five years, I’ve actually done quite a few scenes in suits. It’s a fantasy that I enjoy both personally and professionally.”
For Peterson, the movie arrives at a time when he has been landing more and more starring roles.
“I’m getting noticed more and getting increased exposure,” he acknowledges happily. “Hopefully, I have more years in me and can continue growing. I enjoy what I do.”
Peterson says his favorite thing about the production was shooting in Spain.
“It was so much fun and so beautiful,” Peterson gushes.
Shooting in Spain has become somewhat of a trademark for Rush and Sin, who may yet turn that nation into the “Porn Valley” of Europe. The filmmakers’ affinity for the country is unsurprising, though, since Sin was born there and calls it home.
“My family’s here, my native language is here,” he says. “During most of my career, I’ve filmed in Spain, and I’ve tried to open doors for others to see how amazing this country is. I think, in some way, I’ve succeeded. More and more companies are showing interest in coming here to film with us or with other local crews.”
Sin admits that he hopes to leave a mark on the business, but thinks that’s something only time will reveal.
“It’s not really up to me to decide,” he reflects. “What I can say for sure is that I’ll always give my best, and deliver the highest-quality work possible.”
“To the Nines” scenes began premiering in late July, with the full movie available soon thereafter.
