Q&A with Falcon & NakedSword Writer and Director Ben Rush

How does Falcon Studios remain the supreme brand in gay erotica? Well, for starters, the Falcon family also includes Raging Stallion and NakedSword Studios. Between these three iconic brands, we get some of the hottest scenes ever put on film.

The on-camera talent is the most obvious part of what makes these studios' porn the fire that it is, but it is an equally talented team who works behind the camera who make it all possible. One of these masterminds is writer/director Ben Rush.

Ben's scenes combine gorgeous men with titillating scenarios that make for the best of the best in gay porn. Ben joined us for an interview to share some of his filmmaking secrets and to share about himself.

Could you tell us about your journey to becoming a filmmaker?

I have a background in producing, writing, and directing mainstream television and motion pictures — as well as a film degree — so it felt natural to step behind the camera to create adult fantasies. Between that and my appreciation for hot men, becoming a porn filmmaker was a no-brainer!

What brought you to the gay adult industry specifically?

I was having lunch with my friend Pierce Paris one afternoon, and we were discussing the various movie projects he was considering. Somewhat joking around, I said, “I want to write a porn movie!” I don’t think he took me seriously at first, but one thing led to another, and, before I knew it, we’d made three movies for Masqulin together: What’s Gotten Into Him?, Social Pressure, and Caught Raw-Handed.

Could you tell us about your relationship with pornography before becoming a filmmaker?  Who do you think are some of the greats? Both performers and filmmakers and industry figures? Who are your heroes?

I’ve long been a fan of adult entertainment. I was a late bloomer in the romance department, and porn was a lifeline. Sadly, gay sex is not something they cover in a traditional health class, so watching porn films took some of the mystery out of it for me and made me much more confident about exploring my own sexuality. Some of my favorite performers were Johnny Hazzard, Eddie Stone, Blake Riley, Reese Rideout, and Chris Rockway—all of whom remain very appealing to this day.  In terms of filmmakers, I’ve long admired Tony Dimarco, Steve Cruz, and Marc MacNamara.

How has the business changed since you've been a part of it? In good ways and not so good?

Like most people in the industry, I’ve observed the increased popularity of content creator platforms — particularly during the pandemic. Performers and producers have found new ways to add to their revenue streams and have, therefore, been able to diversify the kinds of material they're putting out there.

How is your filmmaking style unique? What do you think gives a Ben Rush production a special edge? How do you achieve it?

Fans have been very welcoming, really embracing my work as a writer and director. I hope they find my narrative storytelling style compelling and that they’re turned on not only by the sex, but also the context of my scenes.  At Falcon | NakedSword, I’ve been fortunate enough to contribute across all brands — Falcon Studios, Raging Stallion, NakedSword Originals, and Fisting Inferno — which has allowed me to create everything from soft and sensual to rough and kinky.  I try to push boundaries while, at the same time, creating a sexual world without shame. I like a clean and fluid aesthetic that makes viewers feel like they’re part of the action, and I love to use common, everyday items in a sexual way — for example, the pool noodle in Bred & Breakfast: The Come Inn, the socket wrench in Tongue in Cheek, and Cade Maddox’s famous candy cane in Cumming Home for Christmas.

What are some of your thoughts on the ongoing competition between the studio world and the OnlyFans world of the business?

As is the case with most industries, there are multiple ways of doing business — and they can exist side-by-side. Porn has forever been at the forefront of technology and invention, so the landscape will always be evolving.

With the OnlyFans world now so prevalent, do you think there is a possibility for the studio world to make a comeback? How can we make studio work special again?

I don’t think the studios need to make a comeback because they never went anywhere! There’s a time and place for everything, be it amateur content, scripted narratives, or professionally shot all-sex scenes in gorgeous locations. I believe viewers see the value in all kinds of material and all types of delivery platforms. Who would want to live in a world with only one clothing brand? Sometimes you want a T-shirt from the GAP and other times you want a button-down from Armani. People like options.

What advice do you have for aspiring performers and pornographers?

My advice to those considering entering the adult business — which would be my advice to anyone entering any industry — would be to act honorably, keep your word, behave professionally, and keep your eyes on your own paper.

What makes the best gay sex on film?

It’s all about chemistry — pairing partners who have a genuine attraction to each other.  The right casting works every time!

Who is Ben Rush outside of making the hottest gay porn? Hobbies? Interests? Beliefs

I’m an avid reader, movie watcher, and theater-goer; I could spend all of my time consuming entertainment across just about any medium. Another passion is working to protect LGBTQ+ rights and women’s reproductive rights as well as contributing time to a variety of civil rights causes.

Follow Ben Rush on Twitter.

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