At Matrix Content, you will not find Keanu Reeves or anything remotely having to do with our supposed "reality" and how the future is shaping up to be fairly bleak. What you will find is world-class adult content - and that, my friends, is a "Matrix" I don't mind entering. All good-natured pop culture referencing aside, the Matrix Content story is as much about the ambition to reshape the artistic principles of how "pornography" is produced as it is about delivering high-end adult product to Webmasters.
At the center of the Matrix, if you will, are Norman and Robbye Bentley, the owner and principal photographer of Matrix Content, respectively, as well as co-founders. They are also married, six years in fact, which adds an interesting nuance to the story of Matrix Content's evolution.
"We got married and we wanted to do something together," says Norman. "We're both very passionate about our own issues, but what comes out of it is that added edge."
Launched in '99 after several years of toying with the idea for an adult Website, Norman figured his background in production and computer technology, along with Robbye's photography expertise, was the perfect twosome around which to build a content business.
"People always ask us if we have kids, and this is kind of like our baby," says Robbye of their business. "We're both so passionate about it because we started it together, and it's our thing that utilizes his talents and mine too."
As the company took shape, Norman and Robbye quickly evaluated how their exclusive content would stand out. "When we started, Robbye was unhappy with the way the models were treated and she loved to make women beautiful - to give 'porn' an artistic and stylish edge," says Norman. "Our quality also goes beyond what you see. We pride ourselves in providing the best customer service and protecting the investment by policing our images, keeping them from getting over-exploited."
As to why Matrix Content has been successful, Norman answers with, to no great surprise, "A lot of hard work and devotion." However, he, more than anyone, understands Robbye's vital role. "Robbye's photographic style, creativity, and talent has given Matrix its 'look,'" he says. Her Website, Robbye.com, is loaded with content as well as behind-the-scenes video footage, a model directory, interviews and outtakes.
"Over the last year Robbye has been published regularly in Club [magazine] and their affiliate magazines. Then, it's about ease of purchasing and licensing, ending with great customer service."
Where variety of adult product is concerned, Matrix is among the finest. The immense index of content is neatly systematized by model name or, should the Webmaster have explicit needs, an advanced search tracks anything from eye color and age to breast size, hair color and footwear.
"We try to cover as many niches as possible, in addition to the glamour style," says Norman, who noted that Matrix also provides gay and specialty content. "Recently we have started releasing tons of hardcore video content, produced by the top companies in the adult video market."
The gist of the Matrix operation (located in Chatsworth, CA with a staff of 10) is the sale of still images, featured in assorted photo sets, and videos of various lengths. There are also solo video clips to sample/buy that are produced by Norman and Robbye. A handy shopping cart system provides ease of purchase. Once a membership account has been filled out, Webmasters may peruse the site and sample video clips and images before purchasing, and Webmasters may use the images in whatever manner they choose on the sites they have registered on the sign-up form. Each order comes with five domains and buyers are able to create banners, tours, and resize the images.
While Matrix Content is primarily a business-to-business operation, Matrix Nudes is the equally ritzy content home offering sexy content to surfers. "Matrix receives tons of traffic from surfers, so we have a few sites they can join," says Norman. "Just maximizing all forms of income. Matrix Nudes is available directly to the consumer."
Matrix Content's reoccurring monthly advertisement (seen in the pages of this magazine) featuring five gorgeous models set against a white backdrop has become, somewhat, the company's definitive brand message: a simple-sexy image that says a thousand words.
Where the Webmaster community is concerned, and staying ahead of the curve, Norman is an executive happy to seek counsel from others. "We have many creative and helpful clients who are always great sources for suggestions and ideas with the images and videos," says Norman. "We learn as we go, making tools Webmasters can use while supporting their needs with the functionality of the site. And
Robbye is always experimenting with different styles- and values-input from Webmasters."
As for the next chapter in Matrix Content's evolution (not to be confused with The Matrix: Revolutions, the final installment of the mainstream trilogy released in Nov. '03), Norman said they're looking into the production of high-end adult films for cable, satellite, DVD and VHS. "We just finished mastering our first two projects," he said. "We're also diligently working on releasing several streaming video lease galleries covering many niches, [raising] the quality bar like we did in the still image market."
The Matrix Content team is studying ways to utilize their content library in other markets, including the Web. "Like calendars, those cool nudie pens, trading cards, posters, etc.," says Norman. "Most of all, have a good time doing it all."
As Matrix Content excels, Norman and Robbye are steadfast in their endeavor for both creative and business progress, though never wavering from the strong convictions that have been clear from the very start. While there's never a singular key to success, a big part of the Matrix way is that, "We really don't spend much time watching what others are doing ... just keeping our noses to the grindstone," says Norman. "We set our own standards and try to raise that standard whenever possible. I believe our success is mostly word of mouth from happy and satisfied customers."
Robbye adds, "I try to do the best job I can, and make the prettiest picture I can, to make my Webmasters happy; and I really don't care what anybody else is doing."
It's been an eventful ride thus far for one of the premier content providers (and premier couples as well), and throughout, Norman and Robbye never lose sight of the big picture and the roles they play in the continued success of Matrix.
"Robbye will take the girls and make them look as beautiful [as possible] with what God has given them," says a grinning Norman. "Then they come to the office, and my part of it takes over, and we fix God's mistakes."
