CANOGA PARK, Calif.—The holiday season has given fans of acclaimed performer, director and producer Lexington Steele reason to celebrate twice with the inaugural issue of Black Diamonds on newsstands now, as well as the seven AVN Award nominations Mercenary Pictures has received.
Steele worked with Blue Horizons, the publisher of High Society, Celebrity Skin and Playgirl, to target the ethnic adult market with Black Diamonds, the official XXX magazine of Lexington Steele.
The first issue features an editor's letter from Steele; movie reviews and interviews with Aryanna Starr, who discusses directing her upcoming title for Elegant Angel; and Mr. Marcus, who talks about his first book, A Porn Star's Guide to Great Sex. Starr and Pinky are featured in the magazine's pictorials.
"I've always been committed to presenting ethnic women and ethnic adult entertainment in the best and most positive light," Steele said.
"This is an industry that has traditionally shortchanged and ignored the ethnic market and fans of ethnic porn. With Black Diamonds hitting news stands, I'm very pleased to bring a high-quality product to the market that fans of black women will enjoy."
Steele's attention to the ethnic market is also reflected in Mercenary Pictures' recent AVN Award nominations for Best Ethnic-Themed Release – Black (Black Reign 16) and Best Ethnic-Themed Release – Latin (Brazilian Blonde Assfuckers and Lex Steele XXX 12: All Latina Edition). His scene with Jada Fire in Nightstick: Black POV 6 is also up for Best POV Sex Scene and the title is in the running for Best POV Release.
Mercenary Pictures' interracial efforts have also been recognized with nods in the Best Interracial Release (ManHammer 9) and Best Interracial Series (Lex on Blondes) categories.
"As the owner of Mercenary Pictures, creating high-quality gonzo movies has always been our focus and the production of the industry's best ethnic movies has been our goal since I started the company,” added Steele. “I'm pleased with these nominations and look forward to celebrating with everyone at the AVN Awards."
Pages in Black Diamonds are still available for producers, studios and distributors looking to connect with an ethnic consumer audience.
For more information, contact Steele at [email protected].
