Fort lauderdale's own Michael Egdes is Mr. IML 2005!

Michael Egdes, Mr. IML 2005

Fort Lauderdale’s own Michael Egdes, Mr. Ramrod 2004, has been named International Mr. Leather 2005 winning over a field of 52 contestants from six countries including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States. Ramrod in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, sponsors him. Born in South Africa, Michael Egdes, 45, works as a Realtor in Ft. Lauderdale. Among his community involvement, Egdes directs and promotes LeatherCrombie “T,” a weekly leather event featuring BDSM demonstrations, educational and social activities and mentorship for the leather-curious at Elements Bar. I had the opportunity to speak with Michael this past Sunday at Elements Bar and he is very excited about winning. He told me that when they announced the winner he had to look at his number twice before believing it was he who had won. As Mr. IML 2005 he told me he does not have any specific obligations beside returning next year to hand over the title. However, since winning, he says he has had over 300 Emails and many requests for appearances throughout the U.S.A. and abroad. He states that he will assess each request and determine how he can best arrange his calendar to support as many Leather Communities as possible. He does not have one specific platform as Mr. IML, but will use his title to support other leather communities in their specific needs and wants. Being from South Africa, he told me that he would like to be the first Mr. IML to visit South Africa and promote the leather lifestyle. There is no organized leather community currently in South Africa, but there are men who are interested in the leather lifestyle. Another interesting fact about Michael is that he is a devote vegetarian and all the leather he wears comes from No Kill hides. He is a member of the Leather Archives and Museum, Tom of Finland Foundation, South Florida Bondage Club, GLCC of South Florida and Triad Events. Once again, congratulations to a very well deserved win!

About 400 gay leathermen gathered in Chicago in 1979 for the first International Mr. Leather contest. Today, the event has grown to be an annual tradition for thousands in the leather community – drawing contestants and attendees from around the globe. Once an event for “hardcore” leathermen, IML has expanded in recent years to include a more diverse crowd – from the experienced to the curious.
 

Well summer is officially upon us and I must say it is heating up all over the adult industry as well. For this week’s submission, I have decided to profile two South Florida Production Companies and highlight what is new at Lucas Entertainment. Enjoy…

Many of you may not be aware that Fort Lauderdale has one of the largest producers of gay porn content in the country. I had the opportunity to sit down with Ed James at his studios and gain some insight into who he is and what he does. Ed owns Cash Models – “The Next Generation of Adult Casting,” and also produces and directs many films right here in our back yard. He is known in the adult industry as a consummate director and producer of many gay, bi and straight films. He has only been in Fort Lauderdale since last October and prior to coming here he was in Atlanta for a brief period and spent many years in California.
He got his start in the adult world while working as a runway model in Italy. If you are wondering, Ed is still a HOT man today as well. Too bad he never decided to go in front of the camera. If he had, I guarantee that he would be a star! He was asked to be a production assistant on a porn movie being shot while modeling in Italy and has never left the industry since. Right now, he is most excited about his latest project, which is taking the Internet by storm. He is now baiting unsuspecting straight men into going “gay” on Bait Buddies. So, if you are interested in seeing an unsuspecting straight man going gay-for-pay, this site is for you!

Lots of straight boys are taking a wrong turn in the hands of BaitBuddies.com  cameraman and videographer extraordinaire, hunky Ed James.

Ed James is elated to announce the successful launch of his newest website, BaitBuddies.com. Echoing the popular straight guy niche, but going one step further, BaitBuddies.com adds the intrigue of a 'bait boy", a gay but straight acting plant who encourages the straight victim to take the "turn" to go gay for pay. But they don't all take it lying down - that's when the action really gets hot.   
Just how far will they go when the girls don't show?
Will they go gay for pay?

Well gentleman, after viewing a few of the sites videos, I can tell you that the guys sure do go ALL THE WAY! The site is still very new and will continue to add more content each month. But, for now it is off to a great start and there is plenty to keep your hand occupied! Watch out Sean Cody, Ed just may give you a run for the #1 spot of straight guys going gay-for-pay. I give this site a large bulge in the old boxers.

Miami based D&E Productions/ www.allboysvideo.com  held a release party for their latest product SHANE’S ADDICTION at Torpedo Bar the last weekend in May. David from D&E wrote to me and stated “We had a great party at the bar and the staff at Torpedo Bar were great! The night was a success for both D&E Productions/allboysvideo.com and Torpedo Bar.  We look forward to the next events coming this summer to a bar near you!”

On May 27, 2005 D&E announced "Due to the recent changes in government policy towards the adult industry we have decided to discontinue the filming and distribution of all our bareback-themed videos and video titles," D&E co-owner David Adamson said in an open letter to clients, customers, and press.
Adamson said the company would sell whatever titles it has until stock runs out, but will no longer produce or re-order titles that contain unprotected sex. "We had to make this decision for the safety of our performers and the future of our business," Adamson stated.I applaud D&E for making this decision, as I am a strong advocate for safe sex!

WET PALMS, GRABS “BEST COMEDY” AT GRABBY AWARDS

America’s first Gay porn soap opera, Wet Palms, wins Best Comedy Video, Best Actor and Best Solo Scene. For a complete listing of all the winners visit: 

Jet Set Productions is pleased to announce that its smash hit gay adult soap opera, WET PALMS: Episodes 1 - 3 received three Grabby Awards, this past weekend at the Park West Theater in Chicago, Illinois, including Best Comedy Video.
Presented by Gay Chicago Magazine, the fourteenth annual Grabby Erotic Gay Video Awards not only honored Jet Set Productions’ groundbreaking series WET PALMS with Best Comedy Video, but also awarded sexy lead actor Brad Benton with a Best Actor award for his portrayal of relationship troubled investigative reporter Tucker Bang, and a Best Solo Scene award to larger-than-life guest star Chad Donovan for his masterful portrayal of the “Office Bathroom Wanker” in WET PALMS: Episodes 1 – 3.

“We are overjoyed that Wet Palms was awarded three Grabby Awards - including Best Comedy Video - this year,” states Jet Set Productions’ President Brett Drysdale. “All the hard work that this talented cast and crew put into making America’s first triple-x gay soap opera work has finally been validated by our peers in the adult entertainment industry and we couldn’t be happier about that. However, this is only the beginning. With episodes 4-6 already released and episodes 7-9 going into production this June...the best is yet to come!
 

Lucas Entertainment launched www.LucasBlog.com
 

In a pioneering move in the gay adult entertainment industry; Lucas Entertainment launched company blog www.LucasBlog.com.

The website, which is available to the general public, chronicles the daily events of the East Coast's most prominent gay adult entertainment company. Updates will include everything from behind-the-scenes on-set reports to weekly letters from company president and CEO Michael Lucas.

"If you've always wanted to know what it's like to work at an adult company, this is it," said Lucas. "No other company out there has a blog unveiling the kinds of behind-the-scenes content we will. I want people to see the sexy, glamorous side to this business, but also how much committed effort and hard work goes into it."
 

Earlier this year, Lucas Entertainment launched a blog (short for "weblog") in support of the making of its latest title, "Michael Lucas' Dangerous Liaisons," at www.DangerousLiaisonsXXX.com . The site received thousands of hits in its first two weeks alone.

"The response to that Blog was overwhelming," said the site's writer Bryan Christopher. "The next logical step for us was to expand the scope of it. We plan to run in-depth profiles of the hottest models, diary entries from our sassy 'Auditions' series, and of course, weekly letters from Michael himself that are too hardcore for other blogs to handle. You know he always has something provocative to say!"

LucasBlog.com will also include the debut of Lucas' new weekly celebrity interview series, starring such pop culture luminaries as Boy George, RuPaul, Graham Norton, Michael Musto, Bruce Vilanch, The Lady Bunny, and others that have already been filmed. The series will be available for free on the blog as streaming media.

"The interviews are hilarious and surprisingly in-depth," said Christopher. "Michael has already filmed 10 with some of his celebrity friends, but he plans to do more featuring adult industry personalities as well. He's scouting for new faces and industry veterans as we speak. Think of him as the X-rated Oprah!"

WOOF! Lucas sure knows how to pick them. I want to personally thank Michael for giving me access to his site so that I could review his content for all you BELOW THE BELT readers. As always, Michael is a true class act and this new addition to his site is no exception. After receiving my June issue of OUT Magazine, I knew I had to see for myself what all the hype surrounding Wilfried was about and Michael gave me exclusive access to view Wilfried’s Audition Interview and 1st scene from Auditions 1.

Wilfried was born in Germany, spent 12 years in France, one year in Greece and now resides in the U.K. I must say, I have a weakness for Tall, Dark and Handsome and he is all three and then some! He even holds a law degree. In his interview he reveals that when looking for a man to call his boyfriend he looks for “kindness, a good conversationalist and someone he can look up to and learn something from.” As for physical appearance in his men, he states that “the face is important to him, but the body is not as important because a body can change.” Well, he is a personal trainer and fitness enthusiast, so any man that becomes his boyfriend will learn from a pro. He also says that he will be” very devoted to the right man when he comes along.” But, as of yet he has not found that perfect match.

His Audition scene after the interview with Michael Lucas is super HOT! On camera his sex appeal is sensuous and intense at the same time. His body is amazing with his sculpted frame, sultry bedroom eyes, hot ass and a cock that is about as perfect as I have seen. During the scene he and Michael Lucas have an amazing sexual encounter that includes passionate mutual kissing and Wilfried sucking, rimming and finally bottoming for Michael like a pro. During his climax he is very vocal and guttural with his in the moment passion. WOOF, this man is HOT!

I have now viewed the rest of his filmography with Lucas Studios and I highly recommend each and every video he has starred in.

Congratulations Wilfried. For those who have not seen him as of yet, here are some all important vital statistics that I am sure will get a rise in those boxer briefs of yours:

 

Wilfried Knight
BORN:  February 1978, France
HEIGHT:  6'2"
WEIGHT: 180 lbs
DICK SIZE: 8"

BIO: Out Magazine named Lucas Entertainment exclusive Wilfried Knight the Hottest Porn Star of 2005. Just look at him—isn't it obvious why? Wilfried made his debut with Lucas in Auditions Volume 1 and went on to lead roles in Lost, Manhattan Heat, and their biggest production ever, Michael Lucas' Dangerous Liaisons. It's no wonder why GayVN nominated him for Best Newcomer of 2005.

Here is an Email sent to Michael Lucas from Wilfried posted on LucasBlog.com after being honored in OUT Magazine:
"I want to thank my mum and God for the chance being given to me," says Wilfried via email from London. "Kidding! Actually, I really was surprised to be chosen amongst the huge choice of gorgeous hunks all over the porn world. I've been in this industry only for a year, but what a year... I was craving exposure and a bit of a public life, and I got it. Thanks, Michael!"

"It's not surprising that Wilfred was chosen," responds Michael Lucas. "I found him, and I always know how to pick 'em! Porn stars are all about finding the complete package. Wilfred is one of those rare gems. He happens to have it all."

Well Michael, I agree with you 100% on this one. I give him an EXTRA LARGE BULGE in my shorts and I am sure our readers will as well.

And last but not least… For all you Michael Lucas fans, mark your calendars for July 2, 2005. He will be appearing live at SCORE in Miami.

Porn Star Matthew Rush and lover by the pool at the Gay Days Reunion Party.