Happy Holidays!

And The Winner Is..

Not me and that's ok, it really is :) but I may have provided my last production to be judged by a few and let the masses enjoy it for themselves.

What's the point in  creating films in a virtual world when some treat it as a popularity contests against avatars as oppose to seeing the true work Movie/Porn Directors put into  their creation. I would surely hope it's not to just fit in with those in the "porn community"itself/ That would just be a waste of time. Additionally,  why would there be a panel of judges (not all) who hardly put in the time in making videos or just do vlogs judging ones work? While I can be glad of some of the winners chosen at this years Sx Magazine Award, the event in itself  fell short of categories for Directors Actors and Actresses. Yes I was glad those chosen had won and some I wonder how or why? But on a personal note there was lots missing.

I mean yes, We're judging porn but we're not solely judging it for the look of the avatar or are we?. Based on how you would judge anything i'm sure some would say yes. And for those saying yes?  why bother watching pixel porn when you can just be out having it on any sim. For those that say No..You're looking to be awed with what's presented not just the sex scenes itself but how the movie is captured overall. 

I strongly felt the categories should've been broken up differently and felt this way when initially seeing them.   My friends wanted me to join. I was a bit skeptical when first deciding on entering but was glad that I was nominated. Did I win? No. Did the right movie win? I wont give my opinion on this for we all have our own. But I'm almost starting to see why we've fallen short on Directors throughout the 6 years I've been here. Not enough recognition for  their skills as a whole. 

Which leads me to ask why  some if any of the categories listed below were not added into the mix:


Best Production Design
Best Sound
Best Special Effects
Best Visual Effects.
Best Plot
Best Genre: You know  Drama, Suspense, Thriller..

None of that at all. Just a Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Director and Movie category. I truly believe that if you don't have a passion for film you're just about to cut yourself off from being an SL Director at this point. It probably explains why there is a shortage of Directors now then there ever has been. 

Having such a short lists in categories is not the way to go. I strongly feel it should be broaden so that all partaking can be winners. None of us win contracts money or are known globally. We are all just in a virtual world. All we have is a bit of popularity. Which is what we give SL Magazines and Agencies when  taking part in such events. Popularity and recognition for hosting a 

nice event involving a Creator/Directors work.  These events should be held for fun to all not just some.  Better recognition should be given  not only to  Actors and Actresses but Directors for without either one, nothing would be created. Such shortage of selection in categories  probably has Directors skeptical about entering their own work for fear that they have no chance of winning or may even start to question if they have the necessary skills. 

Lets face it Some Directors create excellent visuals, good plots and add great effects to their story. Others have no idea what they're doing other then  recording folks having sex. If viewers, folks or hungry actors/actresses come to Directors to be a part of their work that already speaks high volumes in itself.  Magazines, Agencies, and such events should hold all those folks in the same regard. Don't ya think?

It's very disappointing when it's being left to a couple of people to vote, who may  very well be voting for a friend. As I was sitting in the audience prior to a nominee being chosen one of the Judges shouted the winners name before the host even said who the winner was. Coincidence? hmm don't know what to say about that. But It does have me questioning  how the winner/s were chosen.

As for the photography nominees? that should have been expanded as well and I congratulate all the winners chosen. I"m not a photographer by nature so I  personally couldn't really judge any of the selections made but what I've seen through my eyes were all excellent choices. 

As for myself? I've probably entered my last awards. After 6 years I find no use to have my work judged. Don't get me wrong I'll still create porn but also dive back into the modeling industry. Where your work can be lucrative in the right hands of modeling agencies and designers. That at least will put money/lindens in  my pocket.

Anyone is welcome to their opinion on this blog just note that I am not critiquing per say.  I just thought I open up  and give my opinion  for other magazine publications or agencies who may want to host such an award next year and perhaps see what can be done differently that will be encouraging to the masses instead of a selected few.

You're speaking to a person who has honed their film editing skills, produced 77 film projects in the modeling industry and several unaccounted for in the Porn Industry that are creative in style to me and that's all that will ever matter.

Up Close & Personal: Chris Bearz

Photo Courtesy of Alexandria Topaz

If you enjoy watching erotic pieces of work on flicker then you'll surely enjoy watching Chris Bearz photos. Chris is fairly new in the porn community and has not been in films as of yet. Chris has worked with a count of sexy Porn Star Models out there and surely open to creating more passionate moments and please his viewers. :) I didn't counter respond on this interview as  I found Chris to be well spoken.

                                                                               Photo Courtesy of Alexandria Topaz

Alexandria Topaz: What brought you to Second Life? 

Chris Bearz (cuhbearz): I've always been a gamer, specifically the MMO type. I gave SL a try about 6 yrs ago for a few days and decided I didn't like it. Ended up back here on a whim about 6 months ago and I love it!

Alexandria Topaz: How long have you been in the "Porn Industry"?

Chris Bearz (cuhbearz): I found out about the "Porn Industry" through a close friend of mine. Joined some groups and made some contacts, had some outstanding promo shots done by Igor Romanov and then learned to do my own and the rest is history.

 Photo Courtesy of Chris Bearz

Alexandria Topaz: How did you learn to take photos or make movies?

Chris Bearz (cuhbearz): I started off on my own with no idea what I was doing really. Luckily I have some good friends who have been great mentors in helping me define myself as a photographer. I attribute my growth to Mandy Mandylovsyou) and Igor Romanov, as well as Cross Aura. 

Alexandria Topaz: How do you approach telling stories in your photo/production? 

Chris Bearz (cuhbearz): I don't always use a story, if the photo sparks one in my mind Ill put it in the description of the shot. But I prefer to let the image do the talking, the most intriguing part about the art is letting the viewer interpret it how they wish. 

Alexandria Topaz: Have you accomplished everything you have set out to do as a photographer/producer? If not, what else are you looking to achieve?

Chris Bearz (cuhbearz): The only real goal I have is to create art that I and others can enjoy, and network/make connections with people. The social aspect of the business is great. Meeting all kinds of people from all over the world. So I'd say it's a pretty subjective goal but easily met and maintained.

Alexandria Topaz: What major hurdle, if any, have you overcome to succeed?

Chris Bearz (cuhbearz): I think success is a debatable topic, if speaking from within I found success in just expressing my creative views in this world. A major obstacle was being completely new to photography in SL and to Photoshop. The mentors I gave above have been a great help in helping me learn. If speaking from a general perspective of success, I have no place making a statement there.
   

                                                                                  Photo Courtesy of Chris Bearz

Alexandria Topaz: Where do you typically find inspiration?

Chris Bearz (cuhbearz): I visit sims, google, tumblr, our community members flickr pages, etc...to gain motivation and inspiration. 

Alexandria Topaz: Describe a typical production from start to end, and how long each portion of the project takes, relatively speaking.

Chris Bearz (cuhbearz): I like to be as efficient as possible, without wasting any of the models time. So I will usually pick the set, windlights and everything and create my pose from scratch, then bring in the model having already given any specific info to her, and proceed to create her pose. Then find 

the angles I want to shoot and its all finished. I like the process to take an hour or less, sometimes the setup on my own can take longer.

Photo Courtesy of Alexandria Topaz

Alexandria Topaz: If you had an opportunity to work with an SL Porn Star, who would it be (Please list as many folks as you like)? 

Chris Bearz (cuhbearz): I have already had the opportunity to work with many people in the community I look up to and gather inspiration from. Some of those in no particular order are:

NP Milneaux  Katina Cazalet     Bewitched Difference   Partee Mytili 

Athena Mandy  Cross Aura  Red Aura  Raven Steiner Biarzenne Necro

Photo Courtesy of Alexandria Topaz

Chris Bearz (cuhbearz): A few people I either want to work with or am planning to already are:

Anyka Aiseri

Monique Lefry

Kayla Bombastic

Alexa Topaz-Rodgers

Sasha

Alexandria Topaz: What is the most important attribute in a model/actress that makes you want to work with them again?

Chris Bearz (cuhbearz): As I said before, this is a social/creative outlet. So I like to get to know someone before we shoot and as long as there is a  connection there I will work with them anytime. 

Photo Courtesy of Chris Bearz

Alexandria Topaz: There is a sense that roles for models, and particularly actors are limited currently. Do you often use people you haven't before? What one thing would help a new model/actor break into your work?

Chris Bearz (cuhbearz): I shoot with models I have not shot with before all the time. There is plenty of opportunity out there for someone who doesn't want to do their own work. But my advice would be to approach photographers you have taken the time to form an opinion that you like their style and work they put out. Tell them that and that you'd like to work with them if possible. It's really just about making a connection and showing interest, that sort of assertiveness goes a long way.

Photo Courtesy of Chris Bearz

Alexandria Topaz:Are you an active flicker user? If so please list your link

Chris Bearz (cuhbearz): https://www.flickr.com/photos/142508661@N04/

Alexandria Topaz: The business in itself can be a bit cut-throat for some folks. How has your experience been in getting to know others in the industry? 

Chris Bearz (cuhbearz): I have met and admire many great people in the industry. There are some "cut-throat" natured areas in the business. But all you can do is be genuine and help to curb that by bringing an open mind and good attitude that does not discriminate based on some superficial/silly notion. We are all people, let's connect like we're meant to, and enjoy it. 

Alexandria Topaz: Do you feel like you constantly want to smack the $hit out of some of the people in the business or do you find you get along with most of  them?

Chris Bearz (cuhbearz): I have had very little issue with anyone, anything I have experienced in a negative manner was quickly worked out and smoothed over. I enjoy our community and look forward to meeting anyone I haven't.

                                                                         Photo Courtesy of Alexandria Topaz

Alexandria Topaz: How long were you working before you felt comfortable behind  or in front of the camera? 

Chris Bearz (cuhbearz): In front of the camera I was always fine. Behind the camera it took a month or so before I felt like I was putting out satisfactory work. Still so much to learn but I am enjoying the slow but steady progression.

Alexandria Topaz:  Are you stimulated by the sex scenes that you capture on camera - Be honest. :)

Chris Bearz (cuhbearz): That depends entirely on my connection with the model. Sometimes. :)

Alexandria Topaz: If you could fuck one famous person, who would it be? Porn Star or Celebrity

Chris Bearz (cuhbearz): Aria Alexander

Alexandria Topaz: In your experience what advice would you give a new comer looking to enter the scene? 

Chris Bearz (cuhbearz):   As a newcomer myself, I would say just to be appreciative of what people in our community do. Get involved in the group chat and peoples posts of their work. When you see stuff you like, let them know. If you need help or advice, just ask. The biggest holdup for a newcomer is probably the anxiety of not knowing anyone or being afraid to approach people. Just do it. Build relationships and soon enough you'll have all the work you can handle.


Photo Courtesy of Chris Bearz

Alexandria Topaz:  Any parting words, or hints perhaps, at exciting upcoming projects?

Chris Bearz (cuhbearz):I haven't confirmed yet, but I have been asked about possibly doing a spread for next months issue of Attention Magazine. I also have plans to do shoots with some of the people listed above. I prefer erotic/sensual poses, I feel you can capture more out of those moments than anything else. So if you are interested in creating a snapshot of a passionate moment in time with me, please feel free to reach out! 

Come N Get It.

     There's only one place you'll find more of me.. Just take yourself over to my flicker page. 

So Click Below and Come and Get it!!

Alexandria's Flicker Page