ADAM & EVE
In 2014 Adam & Eve Pictures released features such as “The Long Hard Ride” and “Untamed Heart” while it continued its parody push with “9 1/2 Weeks.” It also made a lot of ruckus with its “Real College Girl” Belle Knox title. Meanwhile, the company launched AdamAndEveTV.com in association with GameLink. A six-year anniversary was celebrated with licensing company Plaid Bag Media.
XBIZ Premiere lists the Top Newmakers of 2014
ALL MEDIA PLAY/X-PLAY
Director Will Ryder’s All Media Play/X-Play continued its parody run with a musical spoof of the popular Broadway show “Jersey Boys” that starred Tommy Pistol in the role of Frankie Valli. The supporting cast included Eric John, Chad White and Chad Diamond. Ryder also went down a controversial route, parodying the infamous Manson family in a XXX spoof.
ADULT BRAND CONCEPTS
Adult Brand Concepts announced a partnership with East Coast News where ECN functions as the exclusive U.S. distributor for the company’s products. It also teamed up with Honey’s Place for its Zolo line of products.
AIREROSE
Airerose Entertainment released its first gonzo feature in 2014, “Raw Talent” and followed that titles such as “Big Ass Crush” and “Pure.” The studio continued a string of releases including “Legendary Players” with Nina Hartley and Julia Ann among others. In October it moved its distribution to Pure Play Media and on Nov. 1 first announced that Carter Cruise had become its first brand ambassador.
BACI LINGERIE
Baci Lingerie continued its strong event schedule appearing the Interfilière Paris exhibition, International Lingerie Show, ETO, and eroFame and even the X’Show in Moscow, among others. It also debuted a new “Fetish by Baci” collection and announced the #BaciSelfie Dreams Costume Contest celebrating its Dreams Volume 3 collection of role-playing costumes.
BMS FACTORY
BMS Factory introduced the “Eternal Swan” vibe dildo through Entrenue last March. The company also made its annual appearance at eroFame, where the manufacturer debuted the Swan Wand with new colors, and rechargeable PalmPower massager.
BEL AMI
Prague-based gay studio BelAmi introduced Part 1 of the first scene from its new online series, “Fucking Kris.” It also collaborated with NakedSword on “Dirty Rascals” in the Czech Republic.
BANG PRODUCTIONS
Bang Productions’ film arm Bang Bros pumped out a number of titles in 2014 including “Big Tit Creampie 29” and the milestone 50th edition of its best-known series “Bang Bus.” The Florida-based juggernaut that specializes in reality-based, gonzo porn continued to add to its wide variety of series including “Mr. Anal,” “MILF Soup,” “Tug Jobs,” “Every Last Drop” and “Backroom Facials.”
BATHMATE
Early in 2014 Ultramax Products, the parent company of Bathmate/Hydromax (that debuted in the U.S. for the first time), succeeded in removing Yueqing Parber Electrical Co., seller of Bathmate counterfeits, from Alibaba.com. Later in the year, the company introduced the HydroDouche, a hygienic, ergonomically designed douche.
BEAMONSTAR
Beamonstar Products entered the e-vapor cigarette line with Naked Vapor. The company also added a variety of lube, ExtenZe and EroForte male enhancement supplements, along with Nyagra for women, available through Eldorado Trading.
BLUSH NOVELTIES
Blush Novelties made its official European debut at the eroFame trade show where it won the Erotix Award for “Best Love Toy Line.” And Cosmopolitan magazine spotlighted its Eve’s Rabbit in the February edition.
CASTLE MEGASTORE
Castle Megastore hosted its annual vendor expo in June, culminating in a superstition-themed party in honor of Friday the 13th and awards show honoring the retailer’s staff, vendors and industry media outlets. The company also hosted a training event for Bathmate.
DOC JOHNSON
Novelty giant Doc Johnson announced new lines including Belle Knox and Mia Malkova strokers, a “MILF in the Box” collection in association with the VNA Girls Network and “CANDiLAND SENSUALS.” The company also won the StorErotica Novelty Company of the Year award, two EAN Magazine awards, a SIGN magazine award and announced its new B2B website in October.
DREAMGIRL INTERNATIONAL
Winner of the XBIZ Lingerie/Apparel Company of the Year Award, Dreamgirl International went on to unveil an Instagram, school-girl-themed bedroom costume contest using its Red Diamond-capped packaged lingerie collection, along with the addition of several new items.
CALIFORNIA EXOTIC NOVELTIES
CalExotics kept up its usual pace with new product announcements and events in 2014. Highlights included the unveiling of reality TV star Coco’s line of products called Coco-Licious, the debut of “Booty Call” products, and an “Apollo” line for men, and “Body & Soul” massagers. The company also teamed up with Vivid Entertainment to create a new line of products for men called “Vivid Raw.” Site members got a video series and retailers saw the addition of two new promotional newsletters. Awards included four Erotix Awards, a SIGN magazine award, and a Creativity International Award. Industry veteran Al Bloom retired from the company after 11 years of service.
CHRISTIAN MANN
Industry veteran and Evil Angel general manager Christian Mann passed away in July after a courageous battle with cancer. The adult community came out in force at a moving “Celebration of the Life” for the beloved industry leader who was only 53 years old.
BODISPA
In 2014 Bodispa Wellness Products, a newcomer in the adult novelty market, took home the XBIZ New Pleasure Products Company of the Year Award for its collection. In April, Bodispa announced the release of Damianax, a tea made from Damiana leaves.
DREAMZONE ENTERTAINMENT
DreamZone Entertainment released a number of tiles in 2014 including “Rambone XXX,” “One Flew Over the Cuckold’s Nest XXX” and “Bonnie Rotten’s “Cape Fear XXX.” The studio’s first original feature, “My Sinful Life” was also produced along with “Housewives of Lex Steele 2.”
EVOLVED NOVELTIES
Evolved Novelties supplied its Evolved’s Dream Maker, a rabbit-style vibrator Woodrocket’s “Pornocopia” parody. The company also released a slew of new products, including from Shots Toys and Adam & Eve, as well as Perfect Stroke masturbator.
FALCON/RAGING STALLION
The big news for Falcon/Raging Stallion in 2014 was the acquisition of Hot House Entertainment, creating what it called the “world’s largest gay erotic company.” Earlier, the company sued its former novelties distributor, Icon Brands, for breach of contract and back payment of more than $300,000 in unpaid royalties.
ELDORADO TRADING COMPANY
A number of distro deals highlighted Eldorado Trading’s 2014 business including Hustler Toys, Svakom, LELO’s Ora, the Mystim line, Afterglow Pleasure Device, Beamonstar’s Nyagra, Shirley of Hollywood and the We-Vibe 4 Plus. The company also expanded its Spanish-speaking staff and added Patrick Lyons as marketing manager.
ENTRENUE
A busy year for Entrenue that saw the company introduce the “PelvixConcept” fitness system, the official Fifty Shades of Grey collection, No Buzzkill USB plug, MyStim electro stimulators, Sweet Spot feminine body care, Tango Pleasure Mate collection and more. The XBIZ Distributor of the Year also signed an exclusive U.S. deal with Erocillator and exclusives with blueMotion vibes and Fun Factory for its Cobra Libre II Penis Massager.”
ELECTRIC LINGERIE
In October, Electric Lingerie produced a photo shoot for a new collection set for sale exclusively at the iconic retail chain, Spencer’s. Photographer Phil Faraone directed the shoot that featured adult starlets Katie Pfeffer and Riley Jensen.
EAST COAST NEWS
East Cost News in 2014 inked a partnership with the U.K.’s Lovehoney to distribute the manufacturer’s “50 Shades of Grey Official Pleasure Collection,” “Squeel,” and “Bettie Page Official Pleasure Products Collection” lines. The distributor also announced the release of the Rain bullet vibe from adult manufacturer PowerBullet as well as a distro deal with Kheper Games for its full line.
EVIL ANGEL
In July, Evil Angel lost its general manger and beloved industry leader Christian Mann who passed away after a long bout with cancer. Early in 2014 a federal judge ordered the parent company of Mallcom.com to pay Evil Angel and its producers $243,000 after a settlement deal was breached over content infringement that appeared on PornStar.com. In other legal news, performer Katie Summers dropped her lawsuit against John Stagliano and his company regarding non-disclosure of Stagliano’s HIV status before a scene she had shot with him. The company also continued the epic vampire series “Voracious” with the second season debuting online. Aiden Starr joined the studio’s roster of directors.
HUSTLER HOLLYWOOD
Hustler’s retail operations saw new store openings in downtown Cincinnati and Oklahoma City, and is planning on even more expansion in an effort to attract more couples and female-friendly customers to its stores located in high pedestrian traffic areas. Some special store appearances included Farrah Abraham and Dr. Emily Morse. The retailer also bolstered its selection of lingerie and other products for plus-size women.
FORBIDDEN FRUITS FILMS
The winner of the XBIZ Pro-Am release of the year for 2014, Forbidden Fruits Films, debuted a number of titles including a new series with GameLink called “Father’s Forbidden Fantasies.” The studio also revamped its website with updated graphics and features.
FLESHLIGHT
Fleshlight celebrated its ninth anniversary in September and adult legend Jenna Jameson became a Fleshlight Girl in 2014. The company also announced new Joanna Angel textures for its product and Tera Patrick signature sleeves. In April, Fleshlight debuted the PhoneStrap that secures a smartphone or mini-tablet to the user’s leg to provide easy viewing of the screen or use of the webcam, allowing for hands-free use. The company also won a decision against Kaico Corporation, which was found liable for patent infringement. In June, Fleshlight released its newest accessory, the Fleshlight LaunchPAD that holds Apple iPad as well as a Fleshlight or Flight product enabling the user to enjoy the full Fleshlight experience while enjoying content or communicating live. Later in 2014, Australian porn star Angela White was named the newest Fleshlight Girl.
FUN FACTORY
Early in 2014 Fun Factory received more than 2,500 entries for its “Trust the Thrust” campaign that invited retailers to utilize the company’s merchandising kit to promote Fun Factory’s Stronic Drei and educate consumers about pulsators. It also teamed with the pjur Group, and adult retailer Peekay for a special outdoor billboard campaign, radio spots and print advertising. In May, Fun Factory added the “B BALLS” line of anal toys to its line.
GIRLFRIENDS FILMS
Lesbian producer Girlfriends Films expanded by adding distribution for Hustler Video, Homegrown Video and Desire Films as well as taking over the management and distribution for Triangle Films that will include two new releases from the company. In October, the studio announced its newest series, ‘Lesbian TV Network.” The company also signed MILF cam performer Mindi Mink, to a DVD deal. Industry sales veteran David Diamond joined the company in March.
GOOD VIBRATIONS
Good Vibrations opened its eighth store in 2014 in downtown San Francisco. The XBIZ Progressive Retailer of the Year was also involved in CatalystCon, the Feminist Porn Conference, International Strap-On Week and announced the National Sexy at Every Size Week initiative that premiered new lines of plus-sized lingerie and strap-on harnesses, and included personalized fittings and product consultations by SpareParts, Coquette, Oh La La Cheri and Sportsheets.
FREE SPEECH COALITION
Industry watchdog FSC continued its work including the calling for a number of production moratoriums over HIV scares and opposition of the AHF’s AB 1576 bill mandating government testing. In January the FSC announced that AMTC Testing Services rejoined the FSC-PASS system, offering STI testing facilities nationwide for adult performers. In April, attorneys for the group and 15 co-plaintiffs delivered a brief to the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals challenging the constitutionality of 18 U.S.C. §2257 and 2257A, the federal record-keeping statutes for adult producers. In March, president Diane Duke argued against new U.K. censorship rules at a London roundtable sponsored by Virgin Media.
HONEY’S PLACE
In early 2014 Honey’s Place announced it was reuniting with Sportsheets for distribution. The company also began carrying Pink Diamond’s “Magic Ball,” Beamonstar’s SexVoltz and Zolo male masturbation products. In May, Honey’s place inked a partnership with lingerie company Seven ‘til Midnight.
JIMMYJANE
Jimmyjane’s big news was its acquisition by Pipedream’s parent company Diamond Products in early 2014. The company opened a new showroom in Los Angeles and partnered with ABS Holdings for exclusive distribution of its products in the U.K. region. Two new hires included Alina Oniga in sales, and Meredith Davis as resident sex educator and social media manager.
JOPEN
JOPEN expanded its “LUST” Collection of adult novelties in 2014 adding 12 new products. The company also took home Red Dot Design Award and a Creativity International award.
KHEPER GAMES
Kheper Games celebrated its 20th anniversary in June. The company also debuted new What the F*ck! and romance games such as “Chocolate Decadence” and “Sex Around the World. In addition, it unveiled an “Intimate Encounter” line for couples. Carlos Becker joined the firm’s sales team in July.
LELO
A federal judge stayed LELO’s patent suit against Standard Innovation Corp. in June while the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office re-examined the company’s patent for U-shaped, couples-device vibrators. In March 2013, LELO charged that Standard Innovation’s We-Vibe 3 infringed on the patent for an “inductively chargeable massaging device.” On the product side, LELO launched a number of new items including the “Ora” sex simulator and 20-karat gold LUNA beads.
LOVEHONEY
Lovehoney in 2014 released its Fifty Shades-inspired Sensual Care Collection along with its “Sqweel Go” oral sex simulator. The company’s “Frisky Business” comedic TV documentary series aired in eight additional countries since its debut. In September, Lovehoney reported that its rapid expansion over the last two years has doubled its workforce from 61 employees in January of 2012 to 144.
MAIA TOYS
Early in 2014 Maia Toys released three new items: the Twistty Silicone Vibrator, the Silicone Bunny Vibe and the Marcia Six-Piece Pleasure Kit. It also inked distro deals with Castle Megastores and Nalpac as well as a partnership with Eropartner for its range of products for European market. Maia made its foray into the male toys category with the introduction of Maia Man, a line of rechargeable pleasure products in October.
NAUGHTY AMERICA
Amateur-centric studio Naughty America launched its new B2B website in late 2014. The company also signed Nicole Aniston, the 2013 Penthouse Pet of the Year, to a one-year contract to become an exclusive “role model” and serve as a celebrity spokesperson for the growing lifestyle brand. Aniston also graced the cover of Strip LV in January.
OVO
OVO North America received four XBIZ Award nominations in 2014 that included New Pleasure Products Company of the Year, International-Based Pleasure Products Company of the Year, Excellence in Product Packaging, and Male Sex Toy of the Year categories. The German-designed items are known for their phthalate-free, body-safe design, high aesthetics, and powerful, whisper-quiet engineering. The Lifestyle series includes rabbits, pleasure rings, lay-ons, straight vibes, mini vibes, bullets, remotes and love balls.
NALPAC
Nalpac expanded its distribution in 2014 to include Hustler Toys, the Iroha Collection, LELO’s “Ora,” “Curve” by Fantasy Lingerie, Maia Toys, Rock On, Jimmyjane, Wicked DVDs and more. It also began offering weekly manufacturer product training sessions.
MARC DORCEL
French studio Marc Dorcel celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2014. Commemorating, the milestone, the winner of five XBIZ Awards released its “35 Year Encyclopedia Box Set” depicting 35 years of “chic and high-class pornography from A to Z.” The company also partnered with SexEntertain to deliver exclusive Dorcel content.
NASSTOYS
Early in 2014 Nasstoys announced a diverse new range of rabbit vibes. In addition, the company debuted its “Perfect” and “Mack Tuff” collections. In October, two new items were added to the Sinful Collection including the Dual Exciter and Sinful Ellipse bullet massager.
PARADISE MARKETING
Paradise Marketing introduced its “Condom Cocktails” collection that features flavors inspired by consumers’ favorite cocktails, Snakeskin brand condoms, and debuted the Astroglide Diamond Silicone Gel. In July, industry veteran Michelle Liss joined the company’s customer support team.
NEW SENSATIONS/NS NOVELTIES
New Sensations rolled out a number of new titles in 2014 including the acclaimed features “Second Chances” and “The Sexual Liberation of Anna Lee.” The company at press time also went into production on the sequel to the XBIZ Award-winning “Submission of Emma Marx.” In addition, it launched the Tales From the Edge imprint. Sister pleasure products company NS Novelties released the “G-Spot Rocker,” “Emoticon Vibrators,” “Serenity Wand,” “Bare Bondage Collection” and more. Industry veteran Janet Rini joined the company sales team in February.
PIPEDREAM
Pipedream Products’ CEO Nick Orlandino was named the recipient of XBIZ’s prestigious Industry Pioneer Award as well as the Free Speech Coalition’s 2014 Man of the Year. In other news, the company’s parent company, Diamond Products, acquired Jimmyjane in February. Strategic alliances included teaming up with Scala as sponsors of the second annual Erotrends show in Poland, and a U.K. debut at the ETO trade fair. In May, Colleen Godin was appointed event and training representative, and in July, Rich Easton was named senior vice president of global sales.
PJUR GROUP
The XBIZ Sex Lubricant Company of the year, the pjur Group, continued the rollout of a number of new products including new POS materials for its “Nude” lube. The company also signed deals with Wham Pictures for Mexican distribution, CZ Trade for the U.K. and Male HQ for Singapore. The company also opened Australia Pty Ltd., a customer service and training center for its retail customers and consumers. Meanwhile, Pjur achieved a milestone in July when it successfully completed its registration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and received its “Clearance Letter.” Ralph Ehses was tapped as head of global sales and business development in March. In November, pjur secured distribution in China.
SHE EXPO
Event organizers of the Sexual Health Expo (SHE) announced the first-ever SHE Awards, set to honor the best products designed for maintaining a healthy sex life. The two-day event, hosted by Emily Morse, was held at the stylish Sofitel Hotel in West Hollywood, California, Jan. 17-18, 2015.
ROCKS-OFF
Rocks-Off pleasure products made screen debut in U.K. theaters in March in the new comedy feature film “Almost Married.” In August, the company announced the return of Leslie Shwartzer to it executive sales team. Meanwhile in October, the company teamed with U.K. tattoo legend Lal Hardy to produce their new exclusive limited edition range of “Erotic Ink” range of bullet vibrators. THE SCREAMING O
A host of products was introduced by the Screaming O in 2014 including its “ColorPop” collection of mini vibes and rings, “Bling-O” vibrating ring, “RingO XL” extra large erection ring, “Scream & Clean” sex-toy cleaner, “O-Hare” rabbit-like vibe toy, and more. In July, the company announced a strategic partnership with Russian supplier Erotic Fantasy.
SMASH PICTURES
Smash Pictures released is its “American Hustle XXX” parody and launched sister studio Pink Velvet featuring director Courtney Trouble who debuted “San Francisco Lesbians 1: SCISSR Sex App.” The studio also announced that it was producing condom-only films.
SLIQUID
Sliquid debuted its Ride BodyWorx series of friction-free intimate products for men in 2014 in addition to expanding its Balance Collection of massage oils and Sliquid Smooth shave creams, featuring two new scents and revamped packaging. Net 1-on-1 cut a deal with Sliquid to deliver the products to the U.K. and E.U. markets.
WE-VIBE
Standard Innovation announced that its We-Vibe patent is stronger than ever despite a challenge from LELO, following a re-examination by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). During the year the company rolled out the We-Vibe 4 Plus with a We-Connect app. Also introduced was the We-Vibe Authorized Retailer program for all U.S. and Canadian retailers aimed building and promoting the brand.
WET INTERNATIONAL
In early 2014 Trigg Laboratories, makers of Wet personal lubricants, debuted Wet’s Nuru Massage Kit that provides partners with the tools to bring the ancient Japanese sensual massage technique into their bedroom. In May WET distributed 100,000 Safe Sex Kits containing a condom and WET Platinum lubricant at the Chicagoland HIV Testing Collaborative’s (CHTC) “Step Up. Get Tested” campaign.
WILLIAMS TRADING
Williams Trading added a number of new lines to its lineup including Jimmyjane, Blush Novelties’ “Hard Steel,” “Dorcel’s “Luxury Collection,” BodiSpa Massagers, Coco-Licious, Sqweel Go, SI Novelties and more. A deal was struck with Lovehoney to distribute the complete line of the “Fifty Shades of Grey Official Pleasure Collection” approved by author E.L. James. In October the company announced a new e-learning program, “How to Select a Cock Ring” from Perfect Fit, with a full-line sale.
VIVID ENTERTAINMENT
Vivid continued its celeb push with the release of the Tila Tequila and Farrah Abraham sex tapes. On the parody fronts, director Axel Braun released “Captain America XXX: An Axel Braun Parody” and “Austin Powers XXX: A Porn Parody.” Honcho Steven Hirsch debuted the Vivid Sirius/XM radio show and the company finalized a deal with M7 Group for VividTV Europe. The company also partnered with CalExotics for a Vivid Raw collection of sex toys and dolls.
XR BRANDS
XR Brands revamped its website in 2014, debuted its “Savvy” line endorsed by sex educator Dr. Yvonne K. Fulbright, PhD, and inked a national distribution deal with Entrenue for the line. Late in the year, XR introduced “ROBO FUK” by LoveBotz, a lightweight and portable love machine.
XGEN PRODUCTS
Last August XGEN Products announced a partnership with U.K. adult wholesaler ABS Holdings for the distribution of its Bodywand line of personal massagers and accessories. On the home front XGEN added 29 new SKUs of Lapdance Lingerie to the range of dancewear, which also are available in plus size. The distributor and manufacturer also celebrated the grand opening of its new warehouse along with its five-year anniversary in Horsham, Pennsylvania.
SPORTSHEETS
Sportsheets founder Tom Stewart starred in a Halloween themed commercial promoting the anticipated launch of the Sexperiments product line. The company also reunited with Honey’s Place for distribution in 2014. In addition, Sportsheets revamped its website and added industry veteran Vince Dominguez as its senior sales representative. Also added was a plus-size sex toy line and tapped Kelly Shibari as its BBW brand ambassador. In November, it added Australian distribution via SLS Specialty.
