Titan Media
| Company type | Independent studio |
|---|---|
| Industry | Gay adult entertainment |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Founder | Bruce Cam, Robert Kirsch |
| Headquarters | San Francisco , United States |
| Products | Gay adult films |
| Parent | Io Group, Inc. |
Titan Media is a San Francisco–based independent studio specializing in gay adult films, established in 1995 by director and cinematographer Bruce Cam alongside Robert Kirsch (1961–2001).
Overview
Over time, the studio has developed into one of the foremost producers of gay adult entertainment worldwide. Bruce Cam has stated that Titan’s mission was to "celebrate safer-sex practices and depict positive gay sexuality through a diverse cast of men, set against natural backdrops." As a result, every production strictly features condom use, with no bareback scenes produced. Titan operates under its parent company, Io Group, Inc., and has earned multiple accolades within the industry.
History
Originating in 1995 through the efforts of Bruce Cam and Robert Kirsch, Titan Media quickly grew into a leading gay pornographic studio. In 2001, the company introduced mid-range priced titles under the ManPlay brand and launched TitanMen Fresh, focusing on younger performers. By 2005, Titan had acquired the former MSR studio and reissued its film library on DVD.
That same year marked a milestone with the release of Cirque Noir, featuring Buck Angel—the first instance of a trans man starring in an all-male production from a gay male porn specialist—an important step forward for transgender visibility within the sector.
In 2008, Titan Media opposed a proposed California tax hike on adult films that would have raised rates to 25%. By 2011, it collaborated with Falcon Studios and Raging Stallion to partner with anti-piracy firm Porn Guardian to safeguard its intellectual property rights.
Legal affairs
In November 2003, Io Group initiated legal action against Larry Flynt Publications for copyright infringement, alleging that 220 photographs owned by Titan Media were unlawfully posted on LFP’s StudClub website.
The following month, Titan requested that the file-sharing platform Kazaa block access to approximately 1,400 of its films, asserting that Kazaa’s proprietor Sharman Networks had the capability to monitor and restrict downloads using spyware technology. Titan later lodged a formal complaint with the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding Kazaa’s non-compliance. Kazaa had previously pledged to enhance content filtering measures to curb objectionable material.
In 2007, Titan pursued $2.7 million in damages from GayForIt, a video hosting service accused of copyright infringement. The next year, Titan filed suit against Veoh for hosting pirated content; however, the court ruled Veoh was not responsible.
In March 2010, Titan Media/Io Group joined forces with Channel 1 Releasing and Corbin Fisher Entertainment in filing a $29 million lawsuit targeting operators of three gay porn websites for unauthorized distribution of over 200 videos.
That spring, Titan secured a $1.35 million default judgment against Antelope Media—the operator of MonsterCockTube.com—after the defendants failed to respond. Despite this ruling, ownership of the domain remained with the defendants as Titan’s request for a turnover order was denied; no subsequent legal measures were pursued. In 2011, Judge Susan Illston dismissed an anti-piracy motion brought by Titan.
For its legal representation, Titan Media has retained the controversial attorney Marc Randazza.
Video lines
- TitanMen: The original brand emphasizing "...positive gay sexuality with diverse men showcased in natural environments."
- TitanMen Fresh: Featuring younger adult performers.
- ManPlay: A mid-tier priced series introduced in 2001.
- MSR: A previously independent line acquired and re-released on DVD by Titan.
Directors
- Bruce Cam
- Harold Creg
- Ray Dragon
- Joe Gage
- Brett Hunt
- Jasun Mark
- Brian Mills
- Paul Wilde
Exclusive performers
Among the prominent exclusive talents are Scotch Inkom, Philippe Ferro, Dario Beck, Jessy Ares, Dillon Buck, Tony Buff, Dean Flynn, Alex Baresi, Marco Blaze, David Anthony, JR Matthews, Christopher Saint, Will Parker, Tibor Wolfe, and Chad Manning.
Awards and nominations
2010: Best Newcomer (European Union) awarded to Alex Marte (HustlaBall Award)
2009: Honored with Best Fetish Film (Grabby Award) and GLBT Studio of the Year (XBIZ Award)
2008: Featured in ManNet's 12th Annual Best 100 Videos of The Year; also received Best Videography and the Maleflixxx VOD People's Choice Award (Grabby Award)
2008–2012 XBIZ Awards: Garnered several accolades including GLBT Studio of the Year and Gay Studio of the Year
2011 XBIZ Award: Gay Director of the Year awarded to Joe Gage
2013 XBIZ Award: Received Gay Movie of the Year for Incubus Parts 1 & 2 and again honored as Gay Director of the Year (Joe Gage)
External links
- American gay pornographic film studios
- Pornography in San Francisco
- Entertainment companies based in California
- Companies based in San Francisco
- American companies established in 1995
- Entertainment companies established in 1995
- Mass media companies established in 1995
- 1995 establishments in California
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment