Dramatic AMG Web Revamp Sees Past, Future Merge

SAN FRANCISCO — Venerable all-male studio Athletic Model Guild is trumpeting an extensive online makeover by opening its cyber-doors free of charge through tomorrow. The revamp is intended to transition the studio away from dependence on the sale of tangible goods as well as showcase a storied history that stretches back six decades.

The tech makeover includes its flagship website for Athletic Model Guild as well as the online home of subsidiary label AMG Brasil.

"The redesign has been in the works for over a year now," AMG President Dennis Bell said. "The brand-new interface will allow us to showcase our 65 years of historical images and movies with the most up-to-date technology possible."

The first stage of the relaunch includes "thousands of images, hundreds of HD video scenes, and historical memorabilia from the studio's past."

"Both sites are completely free to the public for one weekend only, after which time our regular membership fees will apply," AMG Director of Communications Christopher Trout said.

The revamp serves two purposes: the first is to reposition AMG in a rapidly evolving market that has seen consumers migrate online. And the second is to tout the company's cultural significance.

"We've come a long way over the past few years. When I started working with AMG the industry was still dependent on DVD sales and now they're practically collector's items," Trout said.

"It's not even enough to have a membership site anymore. You've got to be on every platform available. If you're not online, you might as well be in a museum."

Bell and his team also had sought a venue to properly display the company's storied history.

"The AMG collection holds an important place in American gay male culture," Trout said. "Our founder, Bob Mizer, was one of the first photographers brave enough to shoot and distribute male nudes in the U.S. He also created Physique Pictorial magazine, which was the first place that many gay men saw their desires represented in the media, and it served as an inspiration for such artists as David Hockney and Robert Mapplethorpe, to name just two."

The company has scanned and archived online the very first issue of Physique Pictorial. Trout said AMG’s "unique historical position" led to Bell's decision to utilize the website as "a forum for displaying cultural artifacts."

The company dug through Mizer's extensive personal collections to locate choice materials for the first round of digital archiving. "We've uploaded a lot of never-before-seen photos and video," Trout told XBIZ. "On either site you'll see video from our DVD library, as well as unreleased films and videos from the archives. We've also begun digitizing the entire run of Physique Pictorial and will upload a new issue monthly." The photos and video are not downloadable, but Trout stressed "plenty of free previews of each photo gallery and trailers for every film" as an enticement for new members. The ultimate goal is have the entire AMG collection digitally archived, Trout said. "Hence the HD, all the shiny new buttons and our brand-new interface. We want to position AMG to be able to connect to a 21st-Century audience."

Related:  

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Niki Media Acquires BritSexCash

Production studio Niki Media BV has acquired affiliate program BritSexCash.

FSC Warns of Nude Photography Site Falsely Claiming Affiliation With Organization

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) published a statement Friday warning of a nude art photography website fraudulently claiming to be associated with the industry trade organization.

MojoHost Reaffirms Commitment to Adult Industry Amid Project 2025 Implications

In the wake of Tuesday's election and amid concerns about the possible ramifications for the adult industry, MojoHost President Brad Mitchell has releases a statement addressing Project 2025 and the future of the industy.

Adult Web Hosting Service 'Midnight-Host' Launches

Midnight-Host, a new web hosting service designed specifically for adult websites, has launched.

ASN Lifestyle Magazine Joins Pineapple Support as Media Sponsor

ASN Lifestyle Magazine has joined the ranks of over 60 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support, partnering with the organization as a media sponsor.

Adult Industry Reacts to Trump Victory

On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump was reelected, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris to reclaim the office he lost four years ago.

Fetisfy Online Fetish Marketplace Launches

Fetisfy.com, an online marketplace for users to sell fetish items, has launched.

Pineapple Support Launches 'Spill the Tea, Colombia' Community Support Event Series

Pineapple Support has launched "Spill the Tea, Colombia," a monthly, in-person community support event for adult industry professionals.

Streamster Launches 'Tip2Peep' Camera-Switching Feature

Live-streaming software provider Streamster has launched Tip2Peep, a new feature that allows viewers to switch between multiple webcam viewing angles by tipping the creator.

Tyler Wu Guests on Chaturbate's 'Sex Tales' Podcast

Tyler Wu is the latest guest on Chaturbate’s “Sex Tales” podcast, hosted by Melissa Stratton and Vanniall on the company’s “Camming Life” YouTube channel.

Show More