Ben Rush: My Life as a Porn Director
Article written by Alexander Rodriguez, host of On the Rocks with Alexander
Relatively new to the adult industry scene, porn writer/director Ben Rush has already made his mark in adult film. Coming from years of experience in mainstream entertainment marketing and writing, he now oversees the creative development of studio empire Falcon | NakedSword films, including brand extensions like independent film projects, publishing, apparel and accessories, and adult toys. Lucky guy. He writes, directors, and produces content across all of their studio lines, and his popular films (with some of our favorite porn names) include Bred & Breakfast: The Come Inn, Guilty As Sin, Cumming Home for Christmas, and the current, big budget, hit thriller of the season, Overdrive.
What’s it like filming porn? How did he from mainstream to adult film? We got the scoop for this Andrew Christian exclusive.
What was your first exposure to porn?
When I was a teenager, a family friend’s son got his hands on an old copy of the 1979 movie Caligula, an erotic historical drama about the rise and fall of the titular Roman Emperor. Even though it was very dated and not terribly interesting to me at that age, I was fascinated by the notorious pornographic scenes that had become the trademark of that film. Let’s just say that’s what got the ball(s) rolling.
How did you get into the industry?
I was having lunch with my friend Pierce Paris, a superstar in the industry, and we were discussing projects he was interested in pursuing. It got me thinking about ways to bring a new point of view to adult entertainment, which ultimately led to the two of us partnering to write and direct a few films.
What is your creative process when writing a script?
Believe it to not, I start by writing a creative marketing synopsis — sizzle copy — for the movie I have in my head. That typically gets me more excited about the idea and motivates me to write a two or three-page outline. From the outline, I break down the narrative in a way that is manageable for the production team and also accommodates different budgets, talent schedules, and location availability. It’s more of a puzzle than anyone would think!
What kind of story would you most like to see in an adult film?
I love to see context when watching porn scenes, and I'm particularly interested in passionate scenarios. Watching couples grasp hands and kiss during sex — in addition to meaningful eye contact — is what really turns me on. I like to blend that with different genres, particularly romantic dramas.
What do you love most about directing porn?
Seeing a project come to life is really satisfying, and, at Falcon | NakedSword, we have the best team in the business. Getting to work with such talented production craftsmen and really top-level talent is what makes directing so appealing.
What are some of the realities of porn that the audience never knows?
People rarely realize how much time, strategy, and attention goes into executing a production. I take creating fantasies for viewers very seriously and work tirelessly to live up to our brand promise. I typically have to sleep for a week after the wrap of a film!
What are your biggest pet peeves when dealing with talent on set?
My main pet peeve is unprofessional behavior — missing call times and not being prepared with lines — but, to be honest, I’ve not encountered that on any Falcon | NakedSword shoots. Everyone has been committed to making the best product possible.
Now that you are in the adult industry, do you still watch porn on your off time? What kind?
What do you call a man who doesn’t watch porn? A LIAR! Yes, of course, I watch porn, but I always mix it up. Sometimes I enjoy something on the kinkier side — scenes from Club Inferno or Fetish Force — and other times I like features and all-sex movies that are more on the Falcon Studios and Raging Stallion sides. I don’t get turned on, however, by movies I’ve made. When I watch my films, all I can think about is various aspects of the production.
Who are some of your favorite porn stars you’ve worked with and why?
Truthfully, I’ve loved every one I’ve worked with so far! If we’re talking about recent projects, I’ve had a blast working with Drew Valentino, Beau Butler, Dean Young, Reign, Derek Kage, Paul Wagner, Sean Xavier, and MrDeepVoice.
Your latest film Overdrive is fantastic! Where did the idea come from?
The idea for Overdrive came from one of my own recent airport experiences. I’d hired a driver to pick me up when I landed, and he was, to be kind, not customer-friendly. My first instinct was to let the car company know — until I thought about the fact that we are in reactionary times and he knows where I live! I’ve been wanting to do a horror/slasher movie with Falcon | NakedSword’s Raging Stallion label and realized this would be the perfect story. I couldn’t get my mind off all the possible nightmare scenarios that could arise from a circumstance like that.
Do porn audiences want full storylines and big-budget looks?
I believe that porn fans like to have a full menu. Sometimes they want one thing for dinner, and other nights something else. There’s room for — and interest — in all of it! Viewers like to have options.
Have Fan sites affected how studios produce porn? How so?
Like in any industry, business models have to evolve in order for brands to stay relevant. The people who work in adult entertainment have always been at the forefront of innovation and will undoubtedly continue to expand their offerings. It’s definitely an interesting time, and I’m certain that fan sites and studios will continue to co-exist in a new and exciting way.
Ok, let’s talk undies. What kind of undies do you like to see most on a porn star?
Personally, I love a standard colored brief, a skimpy thong, or something with straps and cut-outs. Underwear is a huge turn-on for me.
If you were to design a pair of Andrew Christian underwear, what would they look like?
I would love to design a pair of limited-edition Ben Rush underwear as a collaboration with Andrew Christian! Interested? They would be black and cobalt blue with metallic thread running through the waistband. A nice solid front pouch, straps framing the backside, and a thin piece of material running right down the crack!