LOS ANGELES — With mainstream entertainment studios appearing to embrace eroticism more and more over time, an unprecedented convergence in entertainment genres is underway, with HBO’s hit series “Game of Thrones” serving as a prime example.
On Wednesday, Jan. 13, at the 2016 XBIZ Show in West Hollywood, Calif., Mindbrowse.com will present “It’s Porn, Not HBO,” a panel discussion which brings together an esteemed panel of adult and mainstream producers, filmmakers, marketers and performers to discuss the impact and implications of this convergence of dramatic and erotic genres, and what it means for artists and entrepreneurs in both the adult and mainstream markets.
Moderated by Penthouse Media’s managing director, Kelly Holland, panelists will include performer jessica drake, director Jacky St. James and Kelly Shibari (who appeared on “Sons Of Anarchy).
“The convergence the panel will be addressing represents a huge opportunity for adult companies, but it’s also something which has to be handled carefully and judiciously,” said Angie Rowntree, owner of Sssh.com and producer of Mindbrowse events. “We can’t just assume because ‘Game of Thrones’ has a lot of sex in it, the doors to Hollywood have suddenly been flung open to the adult industry. This is a development and potential relationship we need to nurture carefully, mindful of the risk of pushing the envelope too far and unintentionally taking steps backwards.”
The panel will discuss a variety of questions, including speculation on how far mainstream studios will go — and whether at some point the distinction between porn and mainstream entertainment might become so blurred, the adult industry could find itself directly competing with likes of HBO and Showtime for the eyeballs of porn fans.
“As things stand right now, the biggest and brightest line between adult and mainstream is the depiction of penetration and insertion,” Rowntree said. “What happens if and when mainstream crosses this line, too? At what point does mainstream erotica become porn — and more importantly, what should those of us in the adult industry do when it does?”
Starting at 1 p.m. (PST), the discussion will be held live in front of a convention audience and live-streamed on Mindbrowse.com and live tweeted by 7Veils Media. The discussion also will be archived on Mindbrowse.com for free viewing any time on-demand.
The 2016 XBIZ Show, presented by Epoch, is set to deliver cutting-edge information and insights that explore the future of digital media, content production, e-commerce, interactive products and more.
The XBIZ Show will offer exclusive seminars and workshops, plus networking activities with business leaders and numerous parties, receptions and social gatherings with the industry’s top movers and shakers from around the world to fuel the most comprehensive event that covers all segments of the business.
The lineup of special events at the 2016 XBIZ Show include the XBIZ Exec Awards, The Viper Room Rock & Roll Bash, XBIZ Golf Tournament and the “Winter Wonderland” pajama and lingerie party. Other events include the “girls only” Women in Adult (WIA) Mixer presented by iFriends, the Cybersocket Web Awards and the Free Speech Coalition Awards, among others.
All of XBIZ 2016’s events lead up to the adult industry’s biggest night, the 2016 XBIZ Awards show.
Presented by LiveJasmin and hosted by adult superstar Stoya, the 2016 XBIZ Awards show takes place on Jan. 15 at the J.W. Marriott at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.
For more information about the Mindbrowse discussion series, or to watch previous events, click here.
For more information about the 2016 XBIZ Show, click here.