LOS ANGELES — If there is such a thing as a rite of passage in porn, it goes through the “Barely Legal” series.
In the 16 years since the debut of one of the most enduring young girl lines in adult entertainment, Hustler Video has showcased hundreds of up-and-coming performers who went onto achieve various levels of porn stardom.
Still the centerpiece brand of Larry Flynt’s adult video enterprise, “Barely Legal” reached a milestone last month when director Otto Bauer wrapped principal photography on the 150th volume.
This time a new set of starlets got initiated “Barely Legal” style and they even celebrated with a birthday cake.
“‘Barely Legal’ is never afraid to throw a party and this was a special occasion given the series has turned 150,” Bauer told XBIZ.
“This was a good one and in keeping with the whole idea of the franchise, we had cute young girls doing All-American stuff outdoors. We had a great reason to have a birthday party. These girls are too young to drink — we all know — but what we can have is a sex party.
“So we had cake, tits and ass.”
The latter came courtesy of Marsha May, Jade Nile, Bentley, Kasey Warner, Kacy Lane and Aubrey Luna, who added their names to a roll call of talent that spans an entire porn generation and beyond.
Bauer said May stood out in this graduating class primarily because she went where few “Barely Legal” girls have gone before with Bruce Venture.
“She did a great anal scene,” Bauer revealed. “I think I’m qualified to say that. I’ve done enough anal scenes with girls and she did an A-plus-plus scene.”
A seasoned pro both in front of and behind the camera, Bauer performed in “Barely Legal 45” — in 2004.
“I’ve been with the ‘Barely Legal’ franchise forever,” said the Houston native, who started his porn career in 2003, amassing more than 700 movie credits as talent and 100-plus as a director.
In addition to performing in more than 50 editions of the series so far, Bauer has directed every numbered “Barely Legal” movie since shooting Volume 109 in 2010. And the numbered volumes don’t include his work helming special editions such as “Barely Legal Cheerleader Car Wash” and “Barely Legal Amish Girls,” among others.
“I’m fortunate that I was able to work with [the late director] Clive McLean in the original ideation of the series,” Bauer said humbly. “I had a lot of experience with Clive and Clive built the ‘Barely Legal’ fan-base. It’s been up to me to not fuck that up and bring my own little bit of modern touch to it.”
Under Bauer’s direction, the action has become perhaps “a little more raw” than in the earlier days of the line, but he doesn’t deviate from what makes the series popular.
“That’s why I like to shoot ‘Barely Legal’ outdoors in the beautiful California sunshine,” he said. “You don’t need to add a lot to that.
“Plus I think I brought a performer’s perspective to it. I’ve been able to relate to the male performers and the female performers. Maybe I have a different kind of communication with the talent that gives us some pretty hardcore scenes.
“We’re not fucking around while we’re fucking around.”
Not only did Marsha May rise to the occasion in 150, Bauer captured lively scenes featuring Jade Nile, Bentley and Alec Knight; Kacy Lane and Tommy Pistol; Megan Rain and Ryan Driller; and Kasey Warner and Aubrey Luna.
“Not only do viewers gets five great scenes they also get two pretty amazing BJ scenes as well,” Bauer revealed, noting that Lane and Knight hooked up for an oral scene and Luna and Warner went down on Venture.
Bauer, who is already booking scenes for Volume 151, said he doesn’t see the demand for the series waning.
“Basically, ‘Barely Legal’ means brand, new girls. I don’t think that’s going to ever go away. I think that’s going to be a pretty consistent market,” he reasoned. “And to the extent that I’m fortunate enough to be involved, I’m grateful.
“I’ve been blessed. I’m invited to be a part of something important. This is Larry Flynt’s business. I don’t think guys are going to not want to see hot, young girls, so Larry’s got something going there. The name ‘Barely Legal’ is synonymous with the genre.”
“Barely Legal 150” will be released later this year.
Pictured from left: Kacy Lane, Jade Nile, Marsha May, Bentley, Kasey Warner and Aubrey Luna. Photo by Marc Star.