What's Ahead In 2009
Marcus Mojo Mason Wyler Ty Colt
Last year at this time we took a look at what was ahead in 2008 and while we tried to avoid prognosticating, we did have some expectations--some more specific than others. Now we know we missed the mark on quite a few things that we thought would transpire, even when we were making off-handed remarks. However, we're not that embarrassed since there were far more perceptive minds that didn't foresee all the milestones and changes that would transpire. That said, this preview of 2009 will focus more on gay erotica and what you can expect in the months to come.
Guys to keep a eye on. Realistically speaking the majority of the hotties who'll break through in 2009 haven't even been introduced yet. Chances are they'll debut at online video sites like many of those guys who emerged in 2008 and were cast in studio productions. But there are still a few who have already debuted and/or been around for awhile who we think may have something more going on in 2009.
--Ty Colt. Not a big stretch here. Falcon has done a slow roll-out for this blond stud at Falcon Str8 Men and his DVD debut in the soon-to-be released Asylum might very well be his breakthrough.
--Vince Ferelli. He's been so busy in some high profile productions the past few months that it seems very likely that his "hard" work will pay off in 2009. His upcoming features include Red Light (Falcon/Mustang)and Screwed (Jet Set Men).
--Matthew Rush. Now that he's freelance for the first time in years, it's very likely we'll be seeing much more of the muscular superstar.
--Marco Blade. This stunning muscular Euro-stud had done several websites and a DVD but in October he signed on as an exclusive with Titan Media. Once more people see this guy we think he'll be a star.
Jakub Stefano Vince Ferelli
--Rock Logan. So far he's done a couple videos for Mighty Men and when they get posted we think he'll be sought after too just like other Jon Royce discoveries.
--Robert Van Damme. On the subject of Mighty Men, Royce was able to get the services of this superstar to top Vince Ferelli in "oops". From what we were told, Van Damme was a pleasure to work with and we hope that he's getting ready to return to films.
--Adam Killian. This model-dancer-videographer had been behind-the-scenes on several studio productions and his camera work at Manifest Men in 2008 was beautiful. Here he's also appeared in a video, in a live show, and at the gallery while he made a big splash as Zeb Atlas' screen partner in Best Men 2 (Falcon). Who knows, he may have gotten the acting bug. We hope so.
--Jeremy Bilding. Yet another online star who became a studio exclusive with Channel 1. You can still see previously shot videos at Next Door, Jake Cruise, and Cocksure Men until his DVD debut soon.
--Mason Wyler. Last year Mason wanted to create his own video website and thanks to Next Door Studios it finally happened. It will be very interesting to see who he gets to have scenes with. There's a good possibility that many of those guys on his dream list will show up.
--Jakub Stefano. In 2008 he made an extended trip to the US and made a big splash on several sites. Right now at his blog he's making arrangements to get back here AND he's bringing his dog this time. Looks like we'll be seeing more of this built Czech stud.
--Diesel Washington. This super-hot star also went freelance and his upcoming Mustang & Falcon films should cement his superstar status.
--Marcus Mojo. He was introduced early last year and would have made our "newcomers" list except for the fact that he hadn't done much towards the end of the year. It looks like a new crop of videos featuring this sexy young man are forthcoming so maybe 2009 will be his breakthrough year.
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Websites to watch. If such a thing is possible 2009 might be even more competitive than last year. Many sites increased the frequency of new videos, went through a revamping, AND spun off new sites.
The bottom line for many fans was more bang for your buck--very important in these economic times. We expect all this to happen again in 2009 even though there will be a few casualties along the way (remember Dixter, Get Your Fixxx, Shane Sixty, etc?)
Frat Men and Frat Pad. Like last year there 's a new FratPad location and this one is even bigger and seemingly more luxurious than the last one. That means the guys who occupy the house are going to have lots more fun---and so will viewers! Once again there will be lots of new "faces" too at both sites.
Randy Blue. In 2008 the site presented its new HD format, extra-length videos, and hot models and kept up the high number of videos per week. What more can this top site do? For one thing RB is one of the last to have DRM on its videos and Mac users can only watch videos in flash format. Will this be the year that Randy Blue makes the change that so many other sites have done?
Corbin Fisher. The site increased its video content in '08 and introduced financial benefits for its models. The result may be lots more hot guys coming to the site AND sticking around. We expect even more product added to the quickly growing online store.
Mighty Men. Site host Jon Royce is doing his best to keep up the pace at his site and we'll be watching closely to see what new faces pop up here.
Real Guys Exposed. This site should finally be making its debut in 2009 after some unforeseen delays. From what we've heard and seen this site is going to be a big player on the internet stage.
Manifest Men. Last year the site went through lots of changes and improvements so it looks like 2009 will be much more focused on content. Look for explicit-only muscle videos, a ton of new faces, and the expansion of the site's product line--including DVDs.
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Trends to watch. Speculating about future trends has its pitfalls especially when it comes to being right, but going over 2008 did enable us to make one definitive prediction--there will be many trends that no one will be able to foresee. That said, here's what we think you should keep your eyes open for.
--Tech advances. There still seems to be a debate about HD for online video sites, but the studios are definitely going ahead with Blu-ray videos out of competitive necessity. With prices dropping on high-def TVs and players it seems we've only seen the beginning.
--With studios continuing to mine websites for performers for their movies, look for more guys to be making deals where they can do both online and DVD videos. We may also see more guys become ONLINE exclusives!
--Competition will probably see more sites offering bonus content, spinning off more sits, or simply adding more videos. Look for more location shoots in every sector of gay erotica.
Finally, we've completed our Best of 2008 lists but like last year we may have ommitted a few faves and it is possible we'll do an addendum to these lists on a future blog. But for now, it's on to 2009.
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