While an R-rated version of the film means no hardcore sex, acceptance by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) gives the film — and Digital Playground, through its distributor MTI — access to mainstream retailers like Blockbuster, which will carry the film in the Action/Adventure section.
“[The MPAA] was certainly very tough on us,” Joone, director of the film and founder of Digital Playground, told XBIZ. “They knew we were an adult title and I think they gave us extra scrutiny. But we got the rating we needed, which is a goal we had from the very beginning.”
While “Pirates” has enjoyed numerous awards and high visibility in the adult world, Joone sees the edited version of the film as yet another way to grow the adult market.
“Actually, the film’s pacing is even stronger because the sex scenes aren’t as long; they don’t take you away from the story,” Joone said. “People will rent the film because of the theme, and then they’ll discover that there’s the X-rated version out there as well.”
For Joone, the appeal of “Pirates,” which he shot in high-definition, is increased production value and a better film for viewers. While he wouldn’t rule out making another Digital Playground film for the mainstream market, he expressed caution at calling it a new business model.
“We’ll do it again with the right project,” Joone said. “But it takes a lot of planning from the early stages, and we need a project that has legs in both worlds.”
The R-rated version of “Pirates, which stars Jesse Jane, Carmen Luvana, Janine, Teagan Presley, Devon, Austyn Moore and Jenaveve Jolie, is set to hit shelves July 7, which will coincide with the theatrical premiere of “Pirates of the Caribbean 2.”
According to Digital Playground President Samantha Lewis, MTI has already had strong interest from its retail accounts regarding the film.
“Their top retail accounts are curious and interested in the new 'Pirates' and are buying deep,” Lewis said. “I couldn't be happier, 'Pirates' is truly a milestone. It is the first adult film to cross into the mainstream market, and it is a perfect example of truely independent filmmaking.”
For more information about the film, visit PiratesTheMovie.com.
