Erotica LA: Day One Wrap-Up

LOS ANGELES - The eleventh annual Erotica LA Expo kicked into high gear Friday evening with the help of the leggy, high heeled dancers of John Stagliano's "Fashionistas" revue. But as attendees marveled breathlessly at the fashion and the fury displayed on the runway stage, Evil Angel publicist Karen Stagliano took a moment to breathe. "We had a rough start getting ready," said Stagliano. "We had a U-haul break down yesterday. But we made it. We were ready by opening."

And so were the crowds who had gathered inside the Los Angeles Convention Center by 4 o'clock sharp. "I'm actually surprised at how many people showed up right as the doors opened," observed AVN Award winning producer/director Jules Jordan. "I think it's going to be a good show. We're here for the fans."

With an estimated 50,000 people expected to attend this year's expo, it's no surprise Erotica LA has become the nation's largest adult consumer show. "It's a big show, but it's consumer level," said new Vouyer Media director Jack Napier. "It's here for you. That's why we're here."

The Vouyer Media booth was designed to promote Napier's Ridin' Dirty series, with the director's black 1968 Impala parked on the convention floor. Meanwhile, big ass cowgirl Alexis Texas signed copies of her Ridin' Dirty 2 cover for many grateful and drooling fans. "This is my movie. This is my car," laughed Napier, "This is, in fact, a living box cover!"

Napier wasn't the only exhibitor turning heads. With 300 booths offering everything from DVDs to toys to lingerie to photo ops with scantily-clad, misguided teen models, standing out was a marketing must.

"We were here last year with a smaller booth, and we noticed that there were so many more people here," said Stagliano. "And, we got a lot of great feedback — people saying 'we're so happy you're here.' So, we didn't want to come back and not be able to represent ourselves in a better way. We had to have a bigger booth. We also brought Gianna, Marie Luv, and Belladonna."

Also making the scene were boss pimp Shorty Mac and AVN.com managing editor David Sullivan, getting buck wild on da' rilla at the Black Market booth while spitting mad game at chicken heads Tia Sweets, Pinky, Misti Love and Jade Stone. "No tip drills here," said Sullivan, pointing to the new Black Market release Shorty's Fuckin Yo' Mama.

"It's the first day and there's a lot of energy — a lot of people," said Mike Barbella, marketing and promotions manager for Elegant Angel. "Every year, it seems to get bigger. This year seems to be the biggest yet."

Elegant Angel sales rep and former adult starlet Tiana Lynn joined Barbella in handing out studio DVD samplers and posters at the AEBN booth. Earlier this year, AEBN named Elegant Angel its Studio of the Year in its annual VOD awards presentation. "AEBN is at the forefront of VOD," added Barbella. "Elegant's worked with them since their start in 1999. We like to stay a step ahead, bro."

Teravision president Evan Seinfeld was also vocal about the new digital markets. "It's all about what the fans want," explained Seinfeld, "Pretty soon the entire industry will be on the internet. Fans will be able to get what they want rather than what people are pushing on them."

Eyeballing a neighboring DVD vendor, Seinfeld sneered "As you can see, not many people are interested in that $5 crap. But, there's a line of people around the block to meet Tera. She's already been here for five hours. She's here for her fans."

Armed with cameras, pens, and an unparalleled mouth-breathing charm, the fans continued to arrive in droves throughout the night, seeking out their favorite starlets. A Fox Channel 11 news crew roamed the floor, slumming it with the freaks.

"It's been crazy busy," laughed party-girl Sunny Lane, who has been signing at the Jules Jordan Video booth along with Mia Rose, Gina Lynn, and August. "Everybody has been rocking it and popping it! It's a good sign for the first day, you know."

Latina heartbreaker Daisy was signing directly across from Lane at the Naughty America booth. The slender brunette sidled up to Lane to play with her juicy, plump ass. "Daisy's been sitting on this motorcycle and I've been watching her from my booth and she's so hot!" squealed Lane.

"She's always been my cutie," Daisy cooed as a barrage of camera flashes blazed around them.

Meanwhile at the Pink Visuals booth, anal queen Tyla Wynn was having a hard time keeping fans away from her ass. "Some of these guys need to be smacked around," she cried in mock anger. "I'm kidding. I'm just here to be the dirty little slut that I am!"

However, not all sluts are created equal. "I get nervous at these things," admitted Joanna Angel while signing for Club Jenna. "I haven't had a crazy amount of fans here yet so maybe, when more of them come, I'll feel more comfortable. I start to feel like 'oh, my god, does anyone watch my movies?"

Angel, who is rumored to be negotiating a directing deal with Club Jenna, said she was about 99% sure it would happen.

Curvy Latin newbie Lorena Sanchez grinded against Mikayla as Spanish TV network Univision dropped by the Pulpo Inc. booth. "Dolores of My Heart comes out in August, and I'm also going to be in Pulpo's third film," Sanchez announced.

Contract girls Jessica Drake, Carmen Hart, and Kirsten Price held court at the Wicked Pictures' booth. "I've signed a lot of stuff today," noted Drake, as she handed out discount cards for her dance appearance at the Van Nuys Spearmint Rhino. "And, I've noticed people are bringing me a lot more stuff than they usually do - like magazines and movies and stuff. It's been a good turnout."

Vivid girl Savanna Samson had her own booth this year, promoting her third wine, Sogno Due, and her new interactive movie Any Way You Want Me. Samson is scheduled to present a FAME award on Saturday evening; and will give a seminar on threesomes on Sunday. "I write for adultfriendfinder.com and a lot of people ask me how to introduce a third person to the relationship. I explain how to do it safely and how to have fun with it."

New SexZ Pictures contract girl Paulina James was excited to be signing for the first time at Erotica LA. "I'm having a lot of fun," said James, who is presenting a FAME award; and was nominated for Best Ass and Best Rookie. "I will be signing all week with Hillary Scott. My first movie will be shot in August. I'll also be doing anal."

New Club Jenna contract girl Lela Star will also be taking the A train as part of her move into the big leagues. Star assured AVN that her fans won't be disappointed - and judging by the crowd response at the CJ booth, she's poised to live up to her surname.

As Paris Hilton would say: "That's hot"... but not as hot as Mike Barbella standing underneath a sign advertising 'Escorts for the Disabled'.