‘I make porn for women – it’s empowering and not something only enjoyed by men’
Porn creators who made an erotic series inspired by Bridgerton said the new films are so good that the adult stars fell in love on set.
Acclaimed indie adult filmmaker Erika Lust recently released a new Lust Cinema original four-episode series called Ashford Manor, which is an erotic homage to Bridgerton.
She worked with guest director Inka Winter to put the series together, and now they’ve opened up about how important it is to make adult films for the female gaze.
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This historical four-episode series captures the spirit and aesthetics of the corseted Regency era, while reimagining it in daring new ways full of romance, lust and forbidden explorations.
Now the pair have opened up about what goes into making porn for women, and how vital it is that women have a safe space where they feel they can explore their sexuality.
(Image: Erika Lust)
Erika Lust, 45, has been working in the adult industry for almost 20 years.
She moved to Barcelona in 2000, which is where she studied filmmaking while working in a well-known advertising company.
Over time she made quick steps forward and eventually went onto become a producer.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Star, she said this is where her journey into the adult industry began.
Erika said: “When I was given the assignment to create a short film, I felt that what I wanted to do was shoot an erotic movie.
“I wanted to make an explicit film expressing my values, showing that female pleasure matters too.
(Image: Erika Lust)
“That’s how my first movie, The Good Girl, came to life.
“It is a humorous remake of the classic ‘pizza guy’ porn trope.
“When I was a young adult, porn existed and was a big part of people’s lives, but it was not part of mass media as it is today.
“Like any young person, I struggled with my sexuality, and I used pornography to figure out stuff about myself and to see how other people did it.
“I think that is one of the crucial reasons I decided to get into this business, and start making my films.
“The first time I watched a porn film I felt excitement, anticipation and disappointment – it wasn’t what I had expected.
“I wanted to see something more intimate, but it felt very fake and not erotic at all.”
(Image: Erika Lust)
Two decades later she was inspired by saucy Netflix series Bridgerton to make films based on the Regency era.
Erika said she’s worked with Inka since the beginning of Lust Cinema, and she “never fails” to impress her.
She said she’s a “daring and brilliant” director and claimed that in Ashford Manor, she revisited the spirit and aesthetics of the corseted Regency era portrayed in Bridgerton with an even sexier twist than the popular series.
“Be prepared for one of the hottest releases we have ever dropped on Lust Cinema,” she added.
“What happens when women want more for themselves than just a ‘good marriage’?”
Inka Winter, 43, from Berlin, Germany, has worked in the adult industry since 2017, which is when she started her own production company ForPlay Films – making erotica for women, by women.
(Image: Inka Winter)
She said Ashford Manor was “definitely inspired” by Bridgerton, as she felt people wanted to see a similar series that “went all the way”.
Inka said the era provided a great framework to create feminist content inspired by Jane Austen’s writing, as it already has all the elements of standing up against the norms and restrictions of her time.
“Adding actual sex to this time period furthers that message even more by filming it through the female gaze,” she explained.
“The dynamic of the at-first seemingly arrogant and standoffish male love interest, who offends the free spirited and progressive female lead, is a classic Jane Austen dynamic Bridgerton used in season one, that we also used in Ashford Manor.”
She added: “Additionally, I think both Bridgerton and our own series revel in the details of the Regency period whilst taking some artistic liberties for fun and fashion.
“I don’t think many young ladies of high status would have actually had lesbian trysts, or threesomes, after all!
“But ultimately, I think Bridgerton makes people swoon because Bridgerton believes in the power of true love, and so do we.
(Image: Inka Winter)
“In fact, two of our leads fell in love on set, and are now engaged.
“We captured their first sexual experience together on film, which was a magical experience for everyone involved.
“It really was a dream come true.”
When it comes to why people like fantasizing about the Regency era, Inka thinks this is because humans are “intrigued by the forbidden”.
Sexual explorations were taboo in the Regency era, which she said makes them feel even more exciting in this context.
Not to mention, Inka said the outfits and language are also super beautiful.
Inka is “super proud” of how authentic everything feels, and she said she strives to create an environment where the genuine connections and chemistry of the performers can just flow.
She added: “On top of that, I love the wardrobe (my background is in costume design), the locations and the accents of this Regency world.
“I actually hired an acting coach to work with all performers and it really paid off.
“I am just really proud of everyone’s performances – both inside and outside the bedroom.
“I hope everyone sees how much fun we all had, and what a joy it was for everyone to collaborate together.
“I’m just so grateful to Erika Lust and LustCinema for giving us the resources to make it real, and I can’t wait for everyone to see it!”
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