PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. - In 2007, performer Jason Ridge founded his own production company, Ridgeline Films, and released two gay adult videos: A Rising Star and Beyond Malibu. Next month, he'll add a new accomplishment to his resume with the release of his directorial debut, Up Country.
Ridge not only produced and directed the film - he also wrote the script.
"I've worked with - and continue to work with - a lot of amazing directors, and when I'm not physically on camera, I have watched and learned from them," Ridge said. "It's a major undertaking, directing your own movie, so I made this first one simple with minimal dialogue and some hot scenes.
"This is my baby, and I'm very proud of it," he added. "I had a lot of guidance from editor Anthony Duran and videographer Paul Snell. They, along with the great cast, really made it what it is. I hope everyone enjoys watching it as much as we enjoyed making it."
Ridge also performs in Up Country, topping Damian Rios. The rest of the cast is composed of Wolf Hudson, Enrique Cuerro, Jackson Wild, Maliek Taylor and Sean Preston.
Ridge and his company are nominated for a combined five Grabby Awards, which will be presented in a gala ceremony May 24 in Chicago.