Valentine’s Day draws near, and Raging Stallion Studios is set to celebrate with a taste-bud-tickling new adult rom-com, “The Way to a Man’s Heart,” from directors Ben Rush and Steve Cruz.
Rush admits that the lighthearted flick, which centers on delicious meals and delicious men, represents somewhat of a departure from the darker themes typical of Raging Stallion titles, but he pins the blame squarely on Cupid.
James’ hosting skills and social media savvy turned out to be the missing piece to a whole new type of porn flick. The idea came to me: ‘What if I built a fun, romantic film around his real-life persona?’
“It’s Valentine’s Day!” declares Rush. “Hairy daddies need love, too. Besides, the sex is still just as raw and intense as fans would expect, only the context is softer in honor of the ‘season of love.’”
The project was inspired by its leading man, real-life Instagram influencer Tim James, who bills himself online as a “vers bottom bodybuilder.” His content focuses on health, diet and cooking tips that combine a couple of the most important things in life: food and sex. James’ followers tune in to learn how foods like cucumber or okra might impact testosterone levels, serve as aphrodisiacs or help with fitness goals.
Rush says he had been hoping to collaborate with James for some time, ever since being unable to cast him for 2023’s Derek Kage-centered thriller “Overdrive.”
“We began following each other on social media, which is where I discovered Tim’s health and diet tips — and his recipes for dishes that offer sexual benefits,” Rush recalls. “James’ hosting skills and social media savvy turned out to be the missing piece to a whole new type of porn flick. The idea came to me: ‘What if I built a fun, romantic film around his real-life persona?’”
James rates the effort as a successful one.
“We worked really hard to keep things in my voice,” he affirms.
In “The Way to a Man’s Heart,” James plays what he calls “a hyper-real version” of himself, who not only has hot sex of his own but inspires it in his fans with recipes that get their blood pumping in all the right places. Among his horny acolytes are thirst-inducing leading men like Derek Kage, Heath Halo and Rocky Unleashed.
James anchors the story — including, naturally, his own two sex scenes. One is a steamy battle of the flip-fucking redheads with Eddie Burke, the other a scene titled “Nut-Crusted” with Brogan.
Rush describes a memorable moment from the latter.
“At one point, Brogan asks Tim if it’s true that gingers taste sweeter, prompting him to put an apple inside Tim’s beautiful asshole,” Rush says.
James confirms, “Yes, that is an actual apple in my butt. Ben is known for these kinky, fun moments, and the minute the apple went from my ass to Brogan’s mouth, I almost came on the spot.”
According to Rush, the fun everyone had during production really translates onto the screen.
“Tim was comfortable and in his element in the kitchen,” he says. “And the bedroom. Oh, and on the dining room table! The whole cast really thrived in the lighthearted mood on set.”
Rush and co-director Cruz have collaborated previously, on four award-winning films: “Overdrive,” “Cumming Home for Christmas,” “Cheat Day” and “Tongue in Cheek.” Rush finds that they have natural chemistry as collaborators.
“Steve is very talented in his own right, and we’ve found further success in combining our creativity and experience to make some really special and memorable films,” Rush says.
Cruz likewise enjoys teaming up.
“Honestly, no project is a solo effort, really,” he says. “All production is a team effort. whether one director takes charge or two. I will say, it’s nice to be able to rely on someone else in the creative process.”
Rush further breaks down the duo’s work-sharing dynamic.
“During preproduction, we divide and conquer,” he shares. “I might be responsible for wardrobe and props while Steve is busy securing locations and talent. By the start of principal photography, we have a solid plan, which makes us efficient when it comes to shooting both the narrative/dialogue portions and the sex.”
Cruz adds, “I am intrigued by what is possible when two or more minds sync. I think projects get bigger or feel bigger when creatives come together. Mutual respect for each other’s craft is all over this movie.”
Part of the challenge this time around, Cruz notes, was effectively capturing the device of the cooking show. “The Way to a Man’s Heart” features intentionally mouth-watering visuals of delicious meals, each of which frames and defines a particular scene. While adding food to the mix sometimes complicated production, Cruz believes it was worth it.
“We labored over those extra details,” he admits. “Partly as a nod to cooking shows, but also because it was fun making stirring the pot sexy. Even the steam rising over a simmering pot added to the deliciousness of this project.”
Cruz adds that Rush impressed him with his eye for staging those culinary moments.
“I didn’t know he had that ability,” he says. “He professes to be not much of a cook, but was able to food-style an entire movie!”
“The Way to a Man’s Heart” also features Crush Daddy, Justin Jett, Johnny Donovan and Ian Sterling. Raging Stallion will release individual scenes between mid-January and Valentine’s Day, with the full version available on DVD and video on demand.
