With a refined physicality and a body hair pattern for which gay men would hock their souls, is a part of the new wave of gay male sensuality and erotica. He brings a versatility that has been sorely lacking in erotica for a very long time. The Nob Hill Theater has him, and it was my pleasure to interview him. Here's how it went.
Cornelius Washington: Permanent gay porn burlesque venues in New York City are dead. The Nob Hill Theater is the nation's first (and will probably be the last standing). Are you aware of its rich history? What will you bring to the NHT stage that will make you stand out?
: I didn't realize the Nob was the nation's first porn theater, which makes me even more excited to be a part of its heritage and, uh, leave my mark on the stage! As far as my show goes, I've always been a bit of a "show man." My background is acting and I work in New York City as a stripper and gogo dancer, so I'm definitely familiar with working a crowd. So, fans and audiences can expect an up close and personal show.
How do you think you'll feel when you see your name on the NHT marquee and, later, when you see your scenes 30x40, as you perform?
Really flattered... and maybe turned on? During the show I want to be concentrating on the audience, so hopefully I won't get distracted watching one of my scene partners plow me on-screen!
I've noticed a new wave of pulled-together, fully-integrated versatile men entering the adult film scene. What do you see that's missing when you watch porn?
I don't think I necessarily feel something is missing from porn right now. I will say that I think it's obvious when guys have little to no chemistry on film. I love a variety of porn and scenes; I think one area that's diminished somewhat is longer, plot-driven films. Granted, I realize not everyone watches porn for the "plot," but I'm really interested in producing work that combines hardcore fucking with stronger plot lines and scripts.
What do you look for in a porn star?
I think lots of guys look like porn stars. In my mind though, a "star" in the sex world also has to
A: show up on set ready to work and wanting to make the best product possible, and,
B: actually enjoy sex! That's definitely not always the case.
What do you look for in a porn director?
I've worked with a lot of amazing directors (Jake Jaxson, Marc Macnamara, mr. Pam, Nick Foxx, Anthony Duran...). When you shoot or "perform" sex, I think you have to be able to both understand how it works "technically" (camera angles, lighting, close-ups, etc.). But you also need to realize it's still an organic process. So, I think a great director understands how to film and produce a sex scene/film, but, also gets that the sex, itself, needs as relaxed an environment as possible and that the performers ultimately need to feel comfortable with what they're being asked to do (positions, intensity, duration...). And all of the directors I've worked with are funny! Half the time, I'm laughing in between takes, which also helps encourage improving a new position or set-up.
You've filmed many scenes with CockyBoys. Their scenes always look so naturally sensual and unaffected. What is the secret to their success in pairing their models, and how important is that to the success of the scene?
I think everything I said above definitely applies to Cocky Boys. The environment they set up for the performers is, again, extremely professional and organic. And RJ Sebastian is just a wonderful photographer and cameraman, and also really funny. It's definitely really important to have chemistry with your partner and CockyBoys go out of their way to make sure you want to perform together.
However, even then that chemistry doesn't always happen. At those times, that's when the "work" aspect of sex work kicks in, at least for me. Being able to separate "work" sex from "me" sex helps me get through those days, though. And, hopefully, great chemistry or not, you have an amazing editor who just knows how to make the sex literally "look hot."
How do you prepare for a scene (physically, mentally, emotionally)?
Well, I'd tell you about all my physical preparation, but I still want people to come to my show! Seriously though, it's important for me to work out consistently and the week of a shoot, I really try to focus on getting my workouts in, eating as "clean" as possible, and sleeping enough. And like I mentioned, I try to remember that what I'm shooting is a product. I want to go in with the best attitude and I want to have great chemistry (and really hot sex ) with my partner. If for some reason the "magic" isn't there, though, I remind myself that this is a performance and no matter what, I've got to sell it.
What is your porn vs. private sexuality?
Actually, the sex I have on camera is pretty identical to the sex I have in private, minus the cameras and lighting and you know, the crew, unless, of course, it's an orgy. I consider myself a versatile guy so I top more on my down time. I also like a variety of guys, so not everyone I sleep with off-camera needs to have a "porn body." I think when I'm just having sex for me, I still try to have a bit of a connection with the guy I'm with. I could never see him again, but, I do have to like him.
with Brent Corrigan in Vegas Hustle. photo: Falcon Studios
What do you wish that tops (in porn and in real life) understood about working with versatile and/or bottom men?
I think a good top just understands that when he puts his dick up someone's butt, there usually needs to be a brief period of, uh, "adjustment" before the sex can take off. Obviously, that becomes even more important with really hung guys.
Interestingly enough, some of the best sex I've had has been with "monster tops" like Rafael Alencar or Diesel Washington, simply because they know what to do with their dicks! The times I've walked off set sore from a shoot are usually actually from regular-sized dicks whose owners just thought jabbing = fucking.
Other than the obvious, when shooting scenes, which body parts receive the most strenuous workouts?
Legs! Whether you're topping or bottoming, the legs always seem to burn the most after a day's shoot.
Many gay men suffer from "the heartbreak of asslessness." Please give the planet some tips on how to maintain the "perfect" booty, the kind of which any self-respecting homo would be proud.
Don't neglect leg day! And don't run your butt away! And eat .
What's the first thing you notice on a man?
Eyes and jaw line.
I've read about your forays into photography. Who's your fantasy celebrity and/or athlete photography subject?
One project I've had in the back of my mind is to start photographing fans, especially my female fans, in their home environments. I love taking nude photos of men, but I'm also really drawn to "photo stories." I want to know the stories behind my fans.
As a photographer, what do you think is the difference between erotica and photography?
I don't think there's a difference, actually. I think a good photo is a good photo because it's not just the subject and it's not just the technical aspects of getting the shot. It's both. A lot of people, both in and outside the sex industry, get hung up on the "is it art or is it porn?" question. To me, it's a product, one that can have a huge artistic value to its creator or consumer, but, something that's also created to be consumed. Even Grace Coddington of Vogue magazine is quoted in her autobiography (Grace) saying that she doesn't necessarily think fashion photography is art because the photo ultimately has to sell the clothing. I think the same is true for porn and sex work. A photo or scene can be "hot," or "sexy," or "beautiful," but, we're all there creating it so that people will not only enjoy it, they'll buy it.
What is your favorite guilty pleasure (food, shopping, etc.)?
I think the best meal is the first meal after a porn scene! So, I usually let myself splurge. Sweet potato fries are a guilty pleasure; so are milk shakes. And I also really just love to read. If I have a long flight or subway commute, I love to just clear my head and read a book.
Who is your favorite costume and/or fashion designer? What would you have them create for you?
My favorite designers are also my friends and people I've worked with in nightlife. I love Bradley Callahan's label BCALLA ( www.bcalla.com) and his insane Spandex body harnesses; my burlesque friend, "Mr. Gorgeous" Eric Gorsuch ( www.gorgeousboylesque.com) makes incredibly sexy hot pants and mesh underwear for me; and my friend, David "Debs" Quinn (www.davidquinnnewyork.com), costumes and dresses burlesque dancers around the world in these huge, elaborate gowns.
Who is your favorite choreographer?
I'm not that well-versed in dance actually--I've always gotten by with a lot of smiling and ass-shaking! I think that's, again, what makes me more of a "performer" or entertainer, than an "actor" or "dancer." I just sell the shit out of something until people believe me. But, I love the dance company Pilobolus (dancers everywhere roll their eyes) and the choreographer/dancer Jenny Rocha of NYC never ceases to amaze me with her contemporary dances. I think she can dance any style and, again, sell it so amazingly well.
What are your thoughts and opinions about creating a nightlife blog on NYC's happenings?
Well, you can actually read mine here: www.chrisharderfilms.com
What is the hottest event in New York City?
Hands down, Frankie Sharp's Westgay at The Westway. It is my favorite party to work and dance at. It's queer, it's sexy, it's open to everyone and it's still packed with really hot (and oversexed) NYC guys. Everyone comes to Westgay, from fledgling drag performers to RuPaul greats, to uptown Hell's Kitchen studs to Brooklyn bearded boys.
What are your thoughts on "bottom stigma"?
Just do what you feel comfortable with. If you like to bottom, bottom. If you want to top, top. It doesn't define you and really, for myself, I don't want to "choose" one position or another. I don't want to restrict myself from having a sexual experience.
Barebacking: pro or con?
Instead of people constantly asking me about my thoughts on barebacking, I think it might be more conducive for them to ask, "Why isn't there a set industry standard of testing that all studios agree to follow?" That way all models, positive and negative, could feel respected, safe, and informed and just focus on the day's work on set.
Follow Chris Harder at www.chrisharderfilms.com and https://twitter.com/chrisharderxxx
Chris Harder performs at the Nob Hill Theatre, June 12 & 13. $25. 8pm & 1pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com