GIO goes Below the Belt with Michael Lucas where he learns that  “Sex is a Full Meal”. 

Photo by Gio – Michael Lucas outside hotel in Miami 

On Sunday afternoon (July 3^rd) I took Howard of FabScout Entertainment and Chad Leigh (new porn star and one of FabScout’s models) and a friend of mine Chris down to Miami for a meeting with Michael Lucas of Lucas Entertainment.  Michael wanted to meet Chad in person, as he was interested in potentially casting him for Fire Island 7, which is being filmed later this month.  So, being the nice guy that I am, I helped Howard arrange this meeting/audition for Chad and at the same time I would interview Michael.  I am pleased to say that Michael Lucas was gracious enough to accommodate all of our needs and it looks like Chad Leigh got a job as well!  

GIO      Welcome back to South Florida and thank you for taking the time to meet with us today.  How was your show at SCORE last night? 

ML       It was very good; it is always good (he smiles).  I think audiences at SCORE are not used to hardcore shows.  Because I show my dick with a hard-on and everything, they were shocked but they loved it. 

GIO      So you were able to get nude there? 

ML       Yes, that is what I always do whenever the club allows that.  You know…I take all my clothes off and show my hard-on.  People want to see that, they do not just want to see you shaking your ass. 

GIO      Damn, I wish I was at the show last night, but I was at another event that I could not get out of.  With all your success as a producer/director and performer in your films, why do you feel it is important to still travel and make live appearances at clubs? 

ML       Well there is no importance to it.  I just like it.  I like to be in contact with the fans and hear them react to my performance.  Of course it is great to promote your company and they pay you cash for your performance and provide accommodations and travel.  So the promotion for the company is great.  When I get back to NY from here, I will have about 50 orders for my films from the Miami area. 

GIO      That is cool that you like to get out with your fans.  Oh, Congratulations on becoming a US Citizen last November.  Since coming to the US from Russia, what do you consider to be the best part about being a US Citizen? 

ML       There are many things. I can now travel pretty much anywhere on the globe without visas, plus it is nice to be protected by the Unites States Embassy’s when I travel.  And, I just love America!  Well maybe not all of America, I love New York! (He smiles big) To me there is no other city for me in the US.  To me it is all about NY.  America gave me the opportunity to do exactly what I wanted and NY is the only city in America where I would be able to do what I like. 

GIO      Well I am also a big fan of NY as well, but I do love South Florida very much!  I understand that you spoke at YALE University in April about the porn business, how did that come to be? 

ML       I get asked to speak very often at different colleges and stuff, I just don’t really do it that much.  But when Yale invited me it was very interesting to me.  So I did it and it was a great experience, plus I did not have to fly there, I could drive.  It was nice to see, uh… guys who are 18 years old that are so educated, smart and well traveled.  It was very refreshing that they have such great opinions and they were so open-minded.  I thought, this is our future and I have hopes for this country.  

    Photo by Gio – Michael Lucas outside hotel in Miami 

GIO      That is great to hear!  Speaking of that, the adult industry has certainly changed a lot over the past 10 years and it seems to be much more accepted these days as a legitimate form of business.  What do you contribute your success to in this industry? 

ML       Nothing special really.  I think there is more competition and it was easy for me to pop up from my background as a performer.  Porn stars usually, in general, are fools and partygoers.  So for me it was easy to stand out from the crowd, for not being a fool.  You know it is not really me that I credit; it is the people that came to me and sought me out because my background is not so trashy. 

GIO      I recently sat down with Rick Ford at his headquarters in San Diego and he was very outspoken about Bareback videos and his hopes that 2257 may help eradicate their production and existence.  I know you are also very vocal about the subject of Bareback films, what is your take on 2257 and the impact it is having on the industry? 

ML       Well I have said everything I can about bareback and everyone knows my feelings on that.  I really have no idea on the 2257. I know that definitely we wouldn’t be able to use non-American models anymore.  You have to have a valid US ID, green card or a passport and the producer has to have good recordkeeping.  We are always good with that.  I am not sure if it will take care of the bareback companies, umm. But I think a lot of companies will be closed.  Especially Internet companies because they need a lot of content and a lot of their stuff is not compliant.  If 2257 allows grandfathering then it may be ok for them. But, if not they would have to have records for every picture and that is impossible for a lot of those companies and they will be unable to comply and then they will have to close.  But I am not surprised that 2257 happened because the porn industry was the only industry that could hire a model that is in the country legally on a tourist visa, and has no business to work here, and suddenly he is working in porn.  Everyone is running around saying ‘oh my god this is disgusting this 2257’ and actually I say this is not disgusting.  It already applies to every company in the United States; you cannot employ someone that has no business working here.  Somehow the adult industry abused it. 

GIO      Although you do not do bareback in any of your films, you do push limits of sexual taboos, such as watersports, swallowing and other fetish’s, why do like to show those types of sexual behaviors? 

ML       Because that is what people want to see.  It is safe what I do.  Watersports are safe, spitting is safe and the other things I shoot are all safe.  I only do it if the model is into it and if they do not want to do it, I do not shoot that.  Because sex is a full meal, you know it is very different for everyone.  All our movies involve condoms, period.  On all our movies, every model is checked for drug use 20 minutes before the movie shoot.  If they show positive for drugs they are sent home, period.  With the watersports and stuff, people may not do it in their personal life, but they still want to see it.  You know, it is not about what the director likes to do and that is why some companies are closing in my opinion.  Some directors are shooting what they like to do in their sexual life.  At my company it is not about what I like to do, but what the models like to do and what people want to see.  So I am a bit different and I give the full meal of sex.

GIO      I like that, the full meal of sex! (We both laugh)  In the Gay Porn industry most studios charge the consumer very high prices for their product, you have decide to offer your videos at more reasonable prices, what prompted you to make that business decision? 

ML       I charge much less than others and have better quality than others.  I mean, my new movie Dangerous Liaisons, it has 2 discs, and a huge budget and nobody has ever spent that much on a movie before, and I only charge $49.00 and for members of the site it is about $39.00.  I just do not believe in high prices.  I mean call me crazy, but now people can download stuff and people watch videos on demand and who is going to pay between $60.00 and $70.00 for a video?  Some of Chi Chi’s videos are up to $100.00, you know.  I do not know who is buying videos for that much unless he has shit loads of money.  So if you want to sell only to some rich elite group of people, that price is fine.  I used to distribute her films and they did not sell and I think that it was because the price was too much.  Take the straight porn industry and Jenna Jameson; the biggest female star and her films are only $39.00.  The market is changing and you have to go with what the market wants.  By selling for a reasonable price you sell more product.  So people can afford my films and I do not need to be arrogant and think I can sell them for higher prices. 

GIO      With you taking this stance on price point, it is having an affect on the entire industry.  Change is not such a bad thing, but I know you have gotten some flack for it.  You mentioned Dangerous Liaisons, which was released in June. I heard you spent a quarter of a million dollars on the making of this film?

ML       Yeah, that is right!  And we have already sold so many thousands of movies within the first week.  I had to hire two additional people just for shipments because our shipping department could not get the orders out quick enough.  This was all pre-orders through our website, before the movie was even done and that is a huge number compared to other movies that may only be 30 pre-orders.  So you know, this movie is huge.  I will tell you that we have already made a return on the money we invested in this film. 

GIO      Really?  You have already made back what you spent to produce this movie in such a short time?  Wow! 

ML       Yeah, we already made our money back (gives a huge smile) 

GIO      Congratulations, that is almost unheard of.  I understand you also have mainstream celebrities in this movie, how did you get them to perform in the film? 

ML       They are all just my friends and they did it for me.  They all could not give a shit about being in this movie or anything else; they just did it because of our friendship. 

GIO      What was the best part of making a film for you? 

ML        Well I have a great production team.  My corporate office team does the most amazing stuff.  Except for me, everyone there is a highly skilled professional.  Whenever I hire someone I get about 100 resumes a week and I screen them carefully.  I look at their background, what kind of education they have and I have been able to get the greatest people. I have fifteen employees in the corporate office and the best thing for me in making a film is to be able to work with such a great team.  My movies are great because of them and they are all so creative.  I challenge them to be creative so they do not get bored and that is my job to motivate them.  So for me, my team is the best part of making movies. 

GIO      So, sticking with your porn is a full meal concept, you team is the appetizer, so to speak? 

ML       (Laughing loudly) Nah, that is probably still the kissing and watersports for some, people like choices. 

GIO      I am glad to hear you value your team so much, that is refreshing to here in this business. 

ML       I value them very much.  I give them all benefits and they are all very well taken care of. 

GIO      I understand that Chad Hunt has just signed a two-year exclusive with you after taking a little over a year off from performing.   It is like a “home coming” so to speak as his first film was with you.  What is it like working with him as a performer? 

    Photos courtesy of Lucas Entertainment 

ML       He is very rare.  You know models can be flakes and the neediest people in the world.  Many are idiots, obnoxious and drama queens.  So, here is a guy who never complained.  He never said “ I do not want to work with that model” or “this room is too hot,” he never complains like a child.  He has never cancelled, never disappeared; I never have to worry with him.  And I was very happy to sign him to an exclusive with us.  He is someone that will never give me a headache and he is a great performer.  I will never sign anyone that is way too complicated and a drug abuser; Chad is great. 

GIO      So, let’s talk about you a little bit.  How did you come to be in this industry? 

ML       Well I left Russia and came to the US, remember this was before 2257 (laughs), and I always wanted to do movies and stuff.  I looked at this industry and thought this is as close as I can get to real movies in the west. I was being realistic.   You know, you might wait for Hollywood to call you forever and ever, and that is what a lot of guys do.  Guys with good looks sometimes value themselves way too much, because they do not understand that there are so many others just like themselves out there.  I mean, how many Tom Cruise’s do you know?  So, it is all about taking your chances.  So, for me I made a great decision in my life.  If I were a bartender or waiter I would have never been able to meet the people in my life that I have. I am glad I am in this industry. 

GIO      (sitting in on the interview is Chad Leigh) Seeing that Chad is new to this industry and you are looking at him as a potential model for Lucas Entertainment, what advice would you give him or anyone else wanting to be in this business? 

ML       (Addressing Chad and I) Well if you like to party late nights, drink and do drugs, you should not get into this business.   If you do those things, sure you might get in, but you will be thrown out within a year.  You know, you will make a splash and then that is it, it is over.  I have been in the business for 10 years and my popularity has continued to go up.  You have to be very disciplined and you have to be sober in everything you do.  You have to have a goal and know that you want to be the best.  (Big sigh)   You also have to be very patient, because it all takes time. 

GIO      (looking at Chad) Take that advice Chad from someone who has achieved success that not many do in this industry (Chad nods in agreement and Michael gives him the all knowing look of agreement).  That is great advice Michael and hopefully anyone wanting a career in this industry will heed you advice.  So, now for something a little lighter, how old were you when you lost your virginity?

  Photo courtesy of Lucas Entertainment 

ML       You know I really do not remember.  I know it was late, I think I was 20.  I was first with a girl and then with a guy later and then stayed with guys. 

GIO      Is there one type of fantasy in your life that you have been unable to fulfill as of yet? 

ML       No, not really.  I do not think I have fantasies, but I have goals.  You know I wanted to be a movie star when I was younger.  I mean everyone has a fantasy about being famous and a movie star I think.  I wanted to be known and liked by others.  So now I have goals and not fantasies. 

GIO      I understand that when you lived in Russia you got a law degree.  Do you think that has helped you in your business success here in the US? 

ML       No.  It is different law.  It was good to experience University life and for that is was great.  But, as far as helping me here, no it has not.  If you ask me about lawyers, I have spent tons of money on lawyers here in the US and I have learned a lot from them.  But it is 180 degrees different than the law I studied. 

GIO      If you could pick anyone to star with you in a film, who would it be and why?   

ML       You mean as in a mainstream star?  Yeah, I mean everybody in mainstream is attractive.  Every man and women is attractive, that is what Hollywood is about.  I mean how many unattractive movie stars do you know?  The ones that are ugly are either comedians or 100 years old (both laugh).  So any of them would be good for me.  

GIO      Now that Dangerous Liaisons is out, what is the next big project for Lucas Entertainment? 

ML       Fire Island 7, We are doing a huge production for this film like we have never done before on this series.  We have a great cast and… (He looks at Chad Leigh) and if you want to join the cast, that would be great.  This will be a great film.  You know, I always film scenes in under an hour.  I never stop the shooting, if it is 1-on-1 it takes about 30 – 45 minutes, what we see is what we got.  I do not stop and start, like other directors.  I make sure to cast the guys with the right partner and that way it always flows.  I do not like to stop because it ruins the action.  For Fire Island 7 we have a lot of dialogue, beautiful locations with guys running around the beautiful island.  It is going to be beautiful and so are the men.

GIO      So this is being shot in July? 

ML       It is being shot July 15^th through July 22^nd. 

GIO      How much longer will you continue to appear in your films? 

ML       I still look good and until I do not, I will still perform.  I only do one scene in the films these days as I am getting busier with other stuff and do not have as much time to do that.  But, the reason I have been able to do it for 10 years is because I have changed.  It is another piece of advice I have for models.  If you want to stay in this business, you have to change.  You can start young and be skinnier and over time you develop your body more and mature.  We cannot be like Madonna and change our hair color and bam we are changed.  We have to go to the gym regularly and take care of our bodies and age beautifully.  Your fan base will increase if you change over time.  People who do not like young guys will pick them up on film as they age and then the model gets new fans.  And the ones you had will stay with you over time. 

 Photo courtesy of Lucas Entertainment 

GIO      I have watched your Auditions movies and I really like those a lot.  I like that you show the interview of the guy and you get to learn about them and then turns into a sex scene, that can be very erotic.  I also like to watch the blooper reels, as they are funny to see the reality.  Is there anything funny that has happened on a set that stands out for you? 

ML       I may put out a couple discs of just bloopers because people just love them.  You want to know the funniest thing that has happened on a set? Hmmm I do not know really. Whenever it is funny, it is not really that funny on the set.  I will never forget the scene with Richie Fine though.  He got a call from his agent who told him he had a client and he said to me “OK, I am done” and started to leave.  I said no, you still have the photo shoot to do and he said to me, “well I have to go, I have a client.”  I told him, ok than go and you will not get paid.  He then said to me, “are you treating me this way because you are Jewish and you want to squeeze blood out of stone?”  I looked at him and said, “yeah!”  He got right in my face and I told him to just step back from me otherwise he would be in jail.  To me the whole scene was funny, but my whole crew was paralyzed.  I then said to him, “Ritchie look at the ocean, the light is going down, I need to get these photos now.”  He calmed down, we took the shots and he left for his client.  But, he never worked for us again and nobody else would hire him after that either. 

GIO      Well I can kind of see where that is funny in retrospect, but I prefer the usual types of bloopers on a shoot, like a guy falling or messing up lines, etc.  What is your feeling of guys who are gay for pay in porn? 

ML       I really do not work with them.  Unless I am filming in Czechoslovakia, they are all straight over there and they shoot caver-jet in their dicks and numb their assholes and that is what they like to do over there.  That works for them over there.  Whenever I hire in America I hire gay guys.  I do not mind if the guy thinks of himself as a bisexual man and he thinks he is doing it for money, I do not care.  I think that people in America are much more interested in seeing gay guys on film these days and they are tired of straight guys pretending.  I think the times of Ken Ryker and Jeff Stryker are over.  I mean when Ken Ryker does his act it looks like he is having a root canal, and people can tell he does not like what he is doing.  It looks like he is in pain, which shows how much he hates it.  Why bother?  In the 80’s people liked that stuff, Jeff Stryker was built and masculine and that was new.  Now, all gay men have nice bodies for the most part.  So porn is now different and the audience is more demanding of the model and expects him to be for real. 

GIO      Interesting perspective.  I was recently reading your new Blog page on your site (www.lucasblog.com) and I see that you have challenged your critics to be more creative when trashing you on the site.  You even wrote, in your opinion, the way a criticism should be written to challenge your non-fans to be more intelligent in their writing.  Why did you decide to do this? 

ML       I mean they criticize me and they lack talent in their writing.  So I wrote this thing myself that pokes fun at me for fun.  I mean enough already with the comments about my lips and my pout.  I have heard it all, so for me it was better to laugh at myself in a fun way.  I got a lot of negative comments on my taxi driver submission as well.  I mean it is my words and I have freedom of speech and I was making a joke about how they get their drivers license.  But some people cannot take a joke and they write hateful things.  So I tell the critics this is my Blog and I write whatever the fuck I want to on it.  They can start their own Blog and write whatever the fuck they want I do not care.  This is America and we have our free speech. 

GIO      Good for you Michael.  Although you may be controversial at times, you certainly are candidly honest and I like that quality in you.  Are there any other things that your fans should know about you or the future of Lucas Entertainment? 

ML       No, I will just keep making good movies.  I am not going to start singing (laughs), and no action figures. 

GIO      Damn, and I wanted that action figure (both laugh).  Again, thank you for taking the time to meet with all of us today and sharing.  I wish you continued success in your future. 

Photo by Gio – Michael Lucas outside hotel in Miami 

ML       Thank you!  I actually had nothing to do today, so it was nice. 

GIO      Nothing to do?  Well we are going to go to lunch up the street at Rascal House, a great NY style deli; do you want to join us? 

ML       Oh really?  Sure, let’s go! 

With that, Howard Andrews, Chris, Chad Leigh, Michael Lucas and I all piled in my car and went to eat at Rascal House.  By the way, if you have never been there, the food is great and the atmosphere is kitschy.  Over lunch we all had a few laughs and enjoyed the afternoon.  The good news was for FabScout Entertainment and Chad Leigh, as it looks like Michael Lucas will cast Chad to appear in his next video shoot and depending on how that goes, he may utilize Chad in more projects.  Not a bad day to say the least!  Here is a photo of Chad Leigh provide by FabScout: 

Chad Leigh