When Derek and I first spoke we kept in touch for nearly a month before I actually committed to film with him.  Normally I (Carlo) stay away from guys who shoot for other sites and who have already been exposed.  My films and my guys are exclusive to me mainly because of the great lengths I go through to protect their identity and because of that, I work with interesting guys that otherwise would never do this on film; it’s common sense actually.   We are not about porn stars or mass production; the lives, the stories and the circumstances that bring guys here are authentic and their exploration into this underworld I created play out on film.  Many are guys from various gyms I work out at but they all come to me in their own way and for their own reasons.  I don’t have a revolving door here and never set out to, I take it as it comes, but most after filming with me and seeing the ongoing money (good money) that they make with me they stick around.  I am not trashing other companies that do mass production and high volume guy turn over.  The trend is moving fast away from “porn stars” and some who know the business well agree with me that “porn stars” are played out like the go-go dancer in short shorts and work boots and the pay phone. Many in the industry would love to be a part of The Muscle Mafia and I weigh every offer and every opportunity carefully.

Derek posed a challenge for me. I really wasn’t sure if by working with a now “known porn star” would dilute our exclusive status and change the view of our loyal watchers. For this one some thinking had to be done on my part.  I am the guy that makes the rules so I can break them as well; as long as breaking them still produces a film that will thrill our current fans and create a buzz to earn us new fans and loyal followers.  I think this one has, and as you will read further down it sparked emotions in some that were more than passionate.

7 days ago I officially released DVD #70 Matt Pounds Derek and within 4 hours after hitting the home page of musclematt.com it went viral on blogs, and groups that follow us and follow others as well.   Some never heard of Derek, but were fans of ours and others found us for the first time.  Apparently other members or readers of those blogs, boards and groups saw the screen shots and trailers for #70 and immediately recognized that the Derek in Matt Pounds Derek was Derek Atlas. I warned him that would probably happen and he was ok with that; we knew it would create a buzz but from my stand point what would be the over-all tone of that buzz.  Would The Muscle Mafia now be grouped in with other less exclusive sites?  Would those that prefer the way I do things here be disappointed. My final decision was that if you truly have something different and we do, we can standout and shine in any crowd.   Through my camera I expose the reality that exists in modern culture; that the lines between gay and straight are blurred.  I have been successful at proving that normal guys who have healthy relationships with girls and who otherwise would be considered societies “tough guys” can get into muscle worship, can be worshipped and can worship another great body and still maintain complete masculinity and “tough guy” status.  It’s not what you do, it’s how you do it and when you have a style all of your own you can’t help being respected by most.

Derek was very impressed with my movies, my photography and the websites and to use his words was “amazed” at the niche I had and the build of The Muscle Mafia; I saw that as an extreme compliment. Speaking to Derek was motivating; motivating because in addition to his awesome looks, he has intelligence to back it up and a pretty keen business sense.  I may not agree with some of his choices, however, we have mutual respect and we both wished he had contacted me first before ever shooting his first adult film.

So the question remained and I proposed it to Derek, “What would you do for me and my followers that you have not done on film already and might not ever do again”.  I told him, “Let’s take the risk and have fun with it” This is more explained on the actual DVD description page and the theater description page.

However, was #70 really a risk for me or more so for Derek? He was doing something he never did before but wanted to and wanted to minimize that risk because, like many others he trusted the way things are handled here. So we decided there really isn’t a risk when you let the authenticity of The Muscle Mafia do its thing and just let things happen as they happen; or as I often say let “Shit Happen!”    Let nature, chemistry and the fascinating Abyss that is human sexuality just play out! This is why guys come to us to film; that includes guys that for lack of another term would be considered “Porn Stars”.  Derek is not the only one; he is however, the only one so far I have agreed to film with.

Those that have bought #70 are posting  outstanding reviews and we just got started.  Reviews and comments are being expressed more privately through email to  carlo@musclematt.com however personally I still have not yet made a full opinion on #70.  For me, sales tell the real story and as I just said to Matt last night, people lie numbers don’t so let’s watch the numbers and watch the demand and then based on all the comments lets watch and see who really created the buzz, the fact that Derek Atlas was getting fucked or the fact that it was Muscle Matt fucking him.  So far I’m beginning to get a good idea of where this “poll” is going and the numbers are telling the real story. 

What do I take away from this, still figuring it all out, but if I had to some it all up NONE trashed our sites or our movies. Yes we have been trashed about no face, or not showing more free dick in photos or clips, or even our pricing but so few have complained over the years its just a grain of sand on a beach. But regarding DVD #70 whether they were long time fans or just found us now they like what they see and have bought other movies and DVDs. That is good for business; it also told me I need to get the word out more; many have not yet heard of us so there is more business to be down. Another thing it reinforced was that no matter how hard you try you just can't please everyone all of the time.

Although the larger companies may be well known, what are they well known for? Everyone has heard of Paris Hilton and Lindsey Lohan, etc. but because a name is well known does it mean it is well liked or respected? I prefer to remain smaller, low key, let things happen organically and slowly year after year grow and grow with a solid unbreakable base; which I have. I see it all, although some harsh as a positive thing.

So now we push forward with the businss of The Muscle Mafia, making films, rattling a few cages and stirring up emotion!