From her ambitious beginnings at 16 as Chris Isaak's "hip-shaking baby" dancer to handling PR for adult industry giants Seymore Butts and Pure Play Media, publicist April Storm has always been a mover and a shaker. It's a trait that has made her one of the most sought-after publicists in the business. It's also the reason she has hauled ass to Nashville to form her own publicity firm, Versatile Media Group, Inc (VMG, Inc.).
"I feel everyone should have the drive to succeed on their own at something they love to do," said Storm. "For me, that was one day having my own PR firm. I've been working towards this for a long time. I had set a goal for myself to start my own firm by 2007."
With VMG, Storm will represent clients in both the adult and mainstream entertainment industries. "Versatile Media Group, Inc. is just that—versatile," said Storm, "I wanted a name that encompassed what I do and what I am capable of doing. I handle everything from corporate PR, music publicity, and individuals both in adult and the mainstream entertainment and business worlds."
Storm's roster includes former professional ice skater turned adult performer, Sunny Lane and online payments company Pure Vanilla, which gave away a $10,000 raffle prize at this year's Adult Entertainment Expo in Las Vegas. Storm is also handling all publicity for Tera Patrick's adult production company TeraVision (distributed through Vivid Video) and Patrick's new clothing line Mistress Couture.
"I am very happy with the client roster I presently have, and look forward to expanding in the years to come," added Storm. "I have clients who are not only based all over the country, but do business all over the world. I am also working closely with various companies and individuals from all facets of entertainment and business so that I can fulfill the needs of my clients such as consulting, management, viral and traditional marketing, and the ability to get things done."
Storm is well-known for her strong drive and ability to create personal relationships with both her clients and the media. "I pay attention to my clients' needs and what the press wants and needs," explained Storm. "I take each entity and try to give everyone what they need. I really take my clients under my wing and give them each special attention, and we become 'family' and a 'team.' I also think that I am genuine with my press relationships. I have real friends in the press. It's all about caring and being genuine in my book. Most people can spot a fake a mile away, and I try to be real and upfront with everyone."
Storm began her career in adult entertainment in 1998 as assistant to Adam Glasser, a.k.a. Seymore Butts. "After a two-hour interview at his house, Seymore said he wasn't sure if I could handle his type of movies because I looked like a Vivid girl," recalled Storm with a laugh. "He gave me a movie and told me to take it home and watch it and, if I was still interested afterwards, to let him know. We've worked together off and on since 1998."
Along with Glasser, Storm's clients have included porn luminaries Alisha Klass, Flower Tucci, Mari Possa, ex-San Francisco police officer turned performer Reina Leone, Cousin Stevie and Belladonna. "I've really been lucky thus far," noted Storm. "I have worked with people and companies who are very professional."
In 2004, Pure Play Media hired Storm to represent its stable of studios. "When Pure Play hired me, it gave me the chance to work with so many wonderful studios at once," said Storm, who has worked with Private, Ninn Worx, Naughty America, DanniHardCut, Suze Randall, Simon Wolf, Swank Digital, Hundies, and Sineplex.
"I am going to continue a relationship with Pure Play," continued Storm. "I am still a part of that family. I will never turn my back on them just because I wanted to branch out on my own. It has been wonderful working with them, and they have taught me so much."
While Storm will visit her West Coast clients throughout the year, she's happy to call Nashville her new home. "I have always loved Nashville and dreamed of living here as much as I wanted to start my own company," said Storm, who grew up on a farm in a small town outside of Merced, California. "Now, I have accomplished both. I am a woman that goes after what she wants and follows her dreams, and I want to help my clients do the same."
To contact Versatile Media Group call 818-736-8348 or e-mail April Storm at [email protected].
