LOS ANGELES—The evolution of adult star Sunny Lane continues, this time in the director’s chair. Lane made her directorial debut with the recently wrapped Strap-On Sunny, the next generation of Pleasure Productions’ famed all-girl series, Strap-On Sally.
For this all-girl feature with toys for Tom Byron Pictures, Lane told AVN that she’d been working on a vision of her ultimate all-girl fantasy movie and was ecstatic to make it a reality.
“What really makes a hot girl-girl scene is the smoldering sexual tension, the build-up, the sexiness that permeates when two people are truly into each other,” Lane said. “The passion, the slowness, the lingering over every inch of their body, the authenticity—that’s what I wanted to come across to the viewer in this movie. It’s real; it’s authentic.”
Before taking the directing reins, Lane researched by watching the first and most recent editions of the Strap-On Sally series with Tom Byron, who initially approached her about helming the newest volume in the acclaimed series.
AVN Hall of Famer Byron served as Lane’s “right hand man” during the production—and even appears in the movie in a roundabout way.
“The strap-on I used in the move is a replica mold of Tom’s penis!” Lane said. “Tom’s experience on this film really helped. He was so important to have there to help me with production and to address any issues that came up. He was my rock.”
After doing her research and writing script treatments, Lane dove headfirst into production.
“I had this vision for a long time for Strap-On Sunny,” Lane said. “I love working with girls so much I knew I wanted to do a girl-girl movie. I did the synopsis, the outline and worked with a scriptwriter. I then booked all the talent and planned the production logistics, wardrobe, makeup, catering—I wore many hats.”
The full-length feature also stars Nina Hartley as Dr. Hartley, who helps Lane, her patient, deal with her fascination with women and strap-ons. The movie is filmed through Lane’s eyes as she embarks on this sexual journey.
“Having Nina there was just a treat,” Lane enthused. “I wanted this movie to have a touch of a throwback vibe to the old series. Nina is so wise and sexy. It was just a thrill to have her there in a perfect role for her.”
Other girls who all play patients of Dr. Hartley include Charlie Laine, Courtney Cummz, Kayla Paige, London Keyes, Tory Lane and Amber Rayne.
Lane believes that her experience as a performer working for so many different directors and companies was extremely beneficial to her debut helming her own project.
“Over the last five years I’ve been like a sponge absorbing bits and pieces from everyone I worked with—good and bad,” Lane said. “I’ve always been into the production side of things and am fascinated by the whole process. I think being a performer before you direct gives you a heightened sense of awareness. I was prepared because I knew what to expect, executed my plan, and had enough experience being on-set to gameplan if things veered off course. There’s so much more involved than just directing the sex.”
Lane cited learning a lot from directors Erica McLean, James Avalon, Will Ryder, Mason, William H. and Shoosh from Triangle Films and “I took a little piece of each of them with me,” she said.
Strap-On Sunny releases in September through Tom Byron Pictures andEvolution Distribution.
