HOLLYWOOD, Calif.—Halloween provided a continued marketing opportunity for the Adam & Eve Pictures' paranormal thriller The Cursed XXX, launching it into the adult movie awards season at the annual Heaven & Hell Halloween party. The October 27 party provided an apropos showcase for the horror/suspense movie, which has already won a First Choice award at last month’s Nightmoves Awards. (Click here to see a gallery from the party, which took place last Saturday.)
But now the movie’s writer/director, Will Ryder, has set his sights on gaining further recognition for his performers, noting that both Riley Reid and Brad Armstrong are strong contenders acting nods.
"You have to get the nominations before you get a chance at the trophies," stated Will Ryder.
And some critics have agreed. "Just hand her the Best Actress awards now, no need to wait around," stated adult movie reviewer Cyber5 of XCritic.com in praise of Reid in his review of the movie. (Reid is pictured above.)
But like Hollywood and its elaborately expensive marketing strategies, a good exposure plan is crucial to overall success especially with adult feature movies, which have a much longer shelf life than other porn movies.
"You have to keep the movie in the press and we think The Cursed XXX is going to get a lot of well-deserved adult movie award nominations because it's a really great movie and the cast and crew is phenomenal. We also feel the marketing campaign has been wonderfully executed," stated co-producer Scott David of X-Play.
Social media, the power of Adam & Eve's websites, numerous news stories, unique advertising and red carpet positioning at a Hollywood party were all crucial in getting the The Cursed XXX the type of promotion deserving of one of the year's marquee projects. The Heaven & Hell party attracted more than 900 guests and featured live outdoor performances by Faster Pussycat, Orgy and Rob Zombie's former band, Powerman 5000, in an urban plaza just off Hollywood Boulevard, which was perfect for the adult movie industry and fitting of a paranormal thriller about a Hollywood cam house.
In the dark thriller, the truth about a cursed Hollywood cam house is uncovered when a dead girl is found floating in the pool. Scared, beautiful cam girls become obsessed with new resident Abigail (Riley Reid), and when demonic spirits and paranormal activity invade the mansion, even the LAPD is baffled at finding the killer. (To see the trailer, click here.)
Ryder expressed satisfaction with the party. "It was an amazing night and the fact that The Cursed XXX was well represented with pop ups, red carpet exposure and those legendary L.A. bands kicking ass was amazing," he remarked.
The party was sponsored by Adam & Eve, Hot Movies, Rock Candy, Red Light District, 1AM Doll USA, Adult Biz Law, AVN Magazine, CBD Disc, X-Play and Oral Ace and attracted many of the top adult talent agencies including OC Models, Spiegler Girls, ATM/LA, Nexxxt Level, Foxxx Modeling, 360 Models, 101 Modeling, East Coast Talents, Matrix Models, Motley Models, Ideal Image Models, Society Fifteen, X-Agency Models, Hussie Models and Coxxx Models.
Spotted among the nearly 150 performers partying the night away were Jill Kassidy, Misty Stone, Katie Morgan, Kagney Lynn Karter, Whitney Wright, Katrina Jade, Kira Noir, Luna Star, Carolina Sweets, Kenzie Taylor, Carmen Caliente, Vienna Black, Britney Amber, Jenna Foxx, Kimberly Chi, Scarlett Sage, Della Dane, Alina Lopez, Kenzie Reeves, Savana Styles, Alix Lovell, Emma Hicks, Katya Rodriguez, Lexi Luna, Loni Legend, Nora Nova, Eden Sin, Lucky Starr, Alison Rey, Liv Revamped, Autumn Falls, Fallon West, Ashley Adams, Blaten Lee, Kinky Gaga, Nikki Ferrari, Brooke Haze, Taylor Pierce and nearly 100 others.
"I don't think we could market a movie any better," Ryder concluded.
"It is a nice blend of suspense and horror that puts it in a category of its own that is sure to garner numerous major awards," stated Roger Pipe. "I loved the script and the way the movie is paced. It has mainstream sensibilities and will certainly be talked about at awards time. Plus they really know how to throw a party."
"I gave the movie an XCritic Pick as well. It's an amazing film. I wish I could have been at that party," stated Apache Warrior of XCritic.
The Cursed XXX cast also includes Kat Dior, Sarah Vandella, Misty Stone, Holly Hendrix, Nia Nacci, Chloe Scott, Victoria June, Maya Bijou, Ziggy Star, Lucky Starr and Veronica Valentine. The other men are Seth Gamble, Chad White, Mike Mancini, Frank Bukkwyd, Connor Kennedy, Eric John and James Bartholet.
The Cursed XXX is available on DVD and VOD. For broadcast/VOD licensing and DVD wholesale orders, contact Peter Reynolds at Plaid Bag Media: (818) 332-2275, ext. 701 or [email protected].
