MONTREAL—Wicked Pictures announced Tuesday that production has wrapped on writer/director Seth Gamble’s Once Upon a Time in the Valley, which the company touts as "a bold and introspective dramedy that takes audiences deep into the ambitions, betrayals and fleeting friendships and highlights ... of life in the adult film industry."
Parker Ambrose stars in the picture as Steve Jacobs, a young and hungry performer who leaves Florida for Los Angeles, determined to make a name for himself. He quickly befriends industry veteran Jake Python (Ken Feels), who takes him under his wing—until their camaraderie turns into a vicious rivalry.
Jennifer White co-stars as Lotta Passion, a seasoned but aging performer navigating the ever-evolving industry. While initially at odds with Steve, she soon becomes his closest confidante. Meanwhile, rising star Paris Picasso represents the new generation taking over.
Shot over an ambitious 10-day schedule, Once Upon a Time in the Valley is Wicked’s most significant project in years, the company asserts. Loosely inspired by Gamble's early career, the movie pays homage to the 1990s adult scene.
“This is a love letter to our industry," Gamble said. "I’ve been planning this feature for the better part of two years. I felt it was finally the right time to execute it. I felt it had to be at the right time with the right cast members. As the leads, I selected Parker Ambrose, Jennifer White, Blake Blossom, Gal Richie and Ken Feels, and I couldn’t have been more impressed. Every actor in this movie delivered beyond expectations.
"Creating this movie was surreal," Gamble continued. "I think the best way to describe it is cathartic based on the real inspiration from parts of my early career. The preproduction was rigorous. We decided on a look and shooting style to make sure every shot conveyed the emotion that we needed, and this was completely executed by Siren Obscura, my director of photography. It was amazing. Shot completely on anamorphic lenses. We ran it like a mainstream set with a complete shot list fully conjured up by Siren based on what we discussed of how I wanted the movie to look. I’m grateful for her as a partner in filmmaking."
Commented executive producer Jessica Jasmin, "I’m incredibly proud of this project and everyone who brought it to life. The cast and crew gave their all, and it’s been years since we’ve undertaken a production of this scale at Wicked. This film marks a new era for the brand, bringing a fresh energy and ambition to our work. I’m especially grateful for the creative synergy I share with Seth, which allowed us to realize such a monumental vision."
Filling out the ensemble cast are Ameena Green, Sinatra Monroe, Queenie Sateen, Stella Luxx, Cherry Kiss, Melissa Stratton, Zac Wild, Isiah Maxwell, Nathan Bronson, Christian Clay, Michael Vegas, Chloe Rose, Chris Streams, Derrick Pierce, Andi Avalon, Whitney OC, Alison Rey, Lana Smalls, Tommy Pistol, Daniel Shar, James Bartholet, Jack Vegas and Hadley Haze.
"I want to thank Jessica for believing in the project and going to all lengths to make it happen," Gamble concluded. "I feel this is the best movie I’ve ever made. Every crew and cast member treated this like it was their own and I couldn’t be more grateful. I can’t wait for everyone to see Once Upon a Time in the Valley.”
'Once Upon a Time in the Valley is slated to release in Summer 2025.
