Daily Beast Interviews James Franco, Peter Acworth at Sundance

PARK CITY, Utah — Actor James Franco and Kink.com CEO Peter Acworth weighed in on the premiere of Franco’s documentary of the BDSM giant for The Daily Beast at the recent Sundance Film Festival.

The highly anticipated film was the center of a growing interest in porn from mainstream media at Sundance that also included a film about the life of British porn publisher Paul Raymond and another Franco BDSM-themed documentary — “Interior. Leather Bar” — a reimagining of a lost orgy scene from William Friedkin’s ‘80’s gay-bondage classic, “Cruising.”

And Franco also plays Hugh Hefner in "Lovelace," which premieres Tuesday at Sundance.

The Beast called the Kink documentary “a very positive portrait of Kink.com’s BDSM oeuvre,” noting that the models are always treated safely even in extreme scenes where they often experience a sense of euphoria because of large amounts of dopamine that are released.

“I am kinky,” Acworth told The Beast. “I’ve always had an intense desire to be tied up, since childhood, so when I discovered bondage pornography around 17, then I felt, I guess I’m kinky, and that’s OK. So I started a business to help people demystify it and help them find their sexuality.”

Although it took some convincing from Franco to convince the Kink brain trust that he’d make an objective film, the results have pleased both the actor and Kink chief.

“I was given a tour of the place, and then I got to watch a video being made,” Franco said. “It was very interesting because the dynamic in front of the camera was very different from what was happening off camera. It was a BDSM scene of a girl in a cage, and very intense, but off-screen it was surprisingly warm and cooperative, with everyone as a willing participant. I thought I’d like to explore this, and I’m sure a lot of other people would, too.”

Acworth was also candid about Kink’s future plans, noting that the company is planning an expansion to include more “live videos with social networking.”

Commenting on the challenges of running a porn empire, Acworth maintained that although the company is doing very well with more than 130 employees and millions of hits a day to its sites, it’s a challenge to secure capital.

“We have a very small loan against the Armory [Kink's San Francisco headquarters], because it’s tough to get a big loan, since the banks view it as a reputational risk. If we were to default on that loan, the banks would end up owning a BDSM pornography company, which they don’t want on their books. And it’s difficult to take a company like this public no matter how successful it got just because of the nature of the content. There’s no exit strategy, so I’ll probably be doing this for the rest of my life, really,” Acworth said.

Franco noted that as an artist he’s interested in how people define themselves and interact even if they aren’t involved in Kink’s type of activities. Commenting on the “Fifty Shades of Grey” phenomena he said, “While a lot of the readers haven’t had the experiences detailed in that book, there’s something that’s drawing them to it. I think that sex and sexuality are topics of endless exploration.”

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Penny Barber: The Fit Mommy Domme Reveals Her Auteur Side

When Penny Barber took home the 2025 XMAs trophy for MILF Performer of the Year, she was 39 — but she’d already been telling people she was a MILF for almost 20 years.

Summer Starz Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Creator Summer Starz has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint WIFEY alongside her husband Dean Darkhole and Sheem.

Jewelz Blu Stars in Latest From Ricky's Room

Jewelz Blu stars with Mazee the Goat and site honcho Ricky Johnson in the latest release from Ricky’s Room, titled “Two Inside Of Jewelz Blu.”

Adult Time Releases New Installment of 'MILF Overload'

Adult Time has released the latest installment of director Jim Powers' series "MILF Overload."

Choice Talent Management Launches Fan Platform 'ChoiceFilmz'

Choice Talent Management CEO Chris Crisco has launched a new fan platform called ChoiceFilmz.

Dredd to Launch Official Site

Dredd has announced his new website OfficialDreddXXX.com, launching April 20.

River Lynn Toplines Pat Myne's 'Phat Ass for Days'

River Lynn headlines director Pat Myne's latest release, "Phat Ass for Days," from Evil Angel.

Kitana Lure, Angelika Grays Star in Latest From MixedX

Kitana Lure and Angelika Grays star in the latest release from MixedX, titled “The Power of Lust.”

Jessie Rogers Fronts Latest From Blacked

Jessie Rogers has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Blacked, alongside Damion Dayski.

Penny Barber Makes Her Slayed Debut

Reigning XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Penny Barber has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint Slayed, alongside Phoenix Marie.

Show More