Anabolic Digital has released Artcore, the first title in a new porn genre for the company, from directors Sal Genoa and Su.
Anabolic's Artcore, subtitled "House of Whores," contains all the nasty, hard sex that is the company's signature, but with feature elements and a film look.
Some of the techniques that give Artcore its appeal and distinguish it from the rest of Anabolic's library include unconventional lighting, the subtle use of color and subliminal imagery.
Genoa, a five-year veteran of adult, said that Su came up with the idea for the whorehouse theme in the first volume, which has earned an Editor's Choice rating for the July issue of AVN.
"I light it and shoot it and we work on concepts together," Genoa told AVN, adding that Su was also behind the styling and exotic makeup for the excellent cast.
Genoa, who got his start as director Robby D.'s assistant, has worked on adult films with Paul Thomas, Michael Raven and more recently Vince Vouyer, with whom he shot camera. He said sometimes on the set he would hear, "You'll never do anything, you'll always be a (production assistant)."
"That's what got me up in the morning," Genoa said.
Anabolic screened the DVD at a party Saturday night at the company headquarters. Stars Nautica Thorn, Gia Paloma and Alberto Rey were among the guests, as was Fear Factor host and UFC commentator, Joe Rogan.
Roxy Jezel, Katsumi, Belladonna, Chiquita Jones, Melissa Lauren and Chelesa are also among the female cast.
Thorn's scene features a surprise ending as each encounter blends smoothly into the next one. Jezel and Paloma also give breakout performances.
"The whole movie is played on red," Genoa revealed. "… Colors are moods. There are a lot of reds in this movie."
Anabolic made a special foil box cover that has the appearance of a painting.
