SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. — Boys Town Studios has been renamed Manhole Productions.
Citing pressure from a 96-year-old nonprofit organization for at-risk children called Boys Town Charities, Monarchy Distribution owner Mike Kulich decided to change the name of what is the first nonprofit porn studio.
"We received correspondence from Boys Town Charities saying they did not want us using the Boys Town Studios name for this company," Kulich told XBIZ. "As a charitable organization alike, we admire the fine work that Boys Town does so we have respectfully decided to choose another name for our start up nonprofit studio.
"Our goals and aspirations remain the same in helping the LGBT community worldwide, but we will be flying a new banner. Prepare yourself for Manhole Productions."
Monarchy announced the launch of Boys Town Studios in early August. The launch was prompted by the extremist homophobic treatment and lawmaking taking place in Russia, said Kulich, who noted that the proceeds from the first film would go to gay Russian refugees seeking asylum in other countries.
The first title from newly branded Manhole will be "Deep in the Dark," slated for release in late October.
Manhole is hoping for a mid-November release date for its second film, "Put It in Putin."
Said Kulich: "This one is going to be a love story for the ages. It's like 'Brokeback Mountain' meets communism."