John Rutherford is the man behind the men of COLT STUDIO!
Stay tuned for the GayNYCity.com one on one interview!

I started doing some of the banners for COLT studio a year or two ago, and finally got up enough nerve to ask John Rutherford for an exclusive interview. I asked Mr. Rutherford about leaving Falcon Studios, taking the reigns at COLT, new videos Man Country and Big Rig as well as future projects and exactly what it takes to be a COLT MAN!

Only at www.GayNYCity.com

©2006 QCO Media for www.GayNYCity.com
Thursday, February 9th, 2006

Hi John, Thanks for taking the time to talk to me. This Interview as you know will be featured on GayNYCity.com Its a brand new site but I have very big hopes for it. A John Rutherford Exclusive should help move things along!

Let's start with a hard question. What was the deciding factor in leaving Falcon Studios and taking the bull by the horns at COLT?

John Rutherford:

In September of 2000, my good friend and mentor Chuck Holmes, the founder of Falcon Studios passed away of complications to HIV/AIDS and after his passing Falcon was run by a board of directors that he elected in his will to run the studio. After the first year, I quickly noticed that everything had changed… the spirit that once was, was no longer - it became a business. The board of directors focused more on trying to meet projections and goals, rather than what Chuck and I believed was the recipe for Falcon’s success - making damn good movies with the world’s best looking men.

Throughout my tenure at Falcon, I had always kept an eye on Jim French’s work, the founder of COLT Studio and often times attempted to copy his and COLT’s masculine imagery. In early 2001 Ex-Falcon Life-Time Exclusive Tom Chase asked me if it would be alright to leave his life-time contract to pursue being shot by Jim at COLT and since COLT was never really a competitor to us; more of a mentor, I was very happy for Tom to follow his dreams. Tom had mentioned to me that COLT was for sale and I mentioned this to the new board of directors in 2001, but they only saw it as a possibly liability issue and not as an opportunity or investment. I disagreed and let it go.

Fast forward to 2002 and again Tom Chase mentioned to me that Jim French was interested in selling COLT to someone who could cherish it and pass the flame, so to speak. I was negotiating to purchase Falcon Studios from the board of directors and negotiations weren’t going well, so knowing that they weren’t interested I thought I would meet Mr. French to see if we hit it off and whether or not buying COLT could be a reality. In April of 2003 I gave my months notice at Falcon and had to say goodbye to my dear co-workers and friends, Chi Chi La Rue, Max Phillips and many others who I worked very closely with producing some of the finest man-on-man erotica of all times. It was a big step for me and one that I would grow to appreciate over time, but that was not going to be an easy venture, I’d soon find out. COLT had not produced much new content for many years and staying true to the COLT look was a lot of pressure, while my skeptics were waiting for me to fall on my face and as they would often say, “Turn COLT into a John Rutherford’s Falcon.”

After nearly 3 years now, I can successfully say, that we have built COLT Studio Group into exactly what it should be – The Pinnacle of Masculine Man-On-Man Erotica! And, our Buckshot Productions line of videos is our line of movies that caters to the old fans of my earlier work with superstars from across the globe. COLT Studio remains as it was, exclusive, manly men doing clean, hot erotica.

Had you always been a fan of the COLT Studio product?

John Rutherford: Yes... I new that Jim French’s photography was like no other. In fact, I recently learned, that famed photographer Bruce Weber used Jim’s photography style to build upon the ad campaign for Abercrombie & Fitch. If you look at a lot of the imagery you can see those campaigns alive and well in today’s billboards and adverts worldwide.

I know that a lot of big changes are in the works at COLT Studio. Can you tell me what some of them are?

John Rutherford:

Well, every day we’re building new ventures and new ideas while continuing with the production of COLT, Buckshot and Minute Man DVDs. But, in the last few years we’ve developed the COLT Gear line of novelties, COLT Leather line of apparel, continued the tradition of COLT and Buckshot full-color magazines, as well as the annual COLT Calendars, COLT Clothing line, COLT Basics underwear line and the like. We’re developing our new COLTstudio.com website this year, COLT Cash affiliate program for our members site and COLTstudiostore.com as well as our all-new COLT Bar live events with COLT Men in gay bars across the globe.

COLT Studio is known for its muscle. How does one go about becoming a COLT MAN?

John Rutherford: Well, it’s funny… COLT hasn’t always been about muscle per say – if you look back at the early years of COLT Studio, models like Erron and Al Parker were more naturally muscular and in great physical shape. Not until the 90’s did Jim start shooting more muscular body builder types… So, COLT is more about muscular, natural and exceptionally good looking, masculine men who care about themselves. If anyone reading this thinks they have the COLT or Buckshot look, please don’t hesitate to email us at talent@COLTstudiogroup.com. Manfred Speer, a long time COLT Man himself will answer all the emails and go over what it takes to be a COLT or Buckshot Man.

John as you know, I think that COLT model Doug Perry is the most beautiful man ever photographed. Do you know what he's doing these days?

John Rutherford:

I don’t know actually. I know he’s around, but not modeling nude anymore.

Why should a surfer choose COLT studio over some of the other big boys? There's a lot to choose from on the internet these days.

John Rutherford:

Well, as the most continuous producer of masculine, high quality all-male content period, there’s really no other trusted name for getting exactly what you’re looking for. Not only does COLT Studio Group create the best in all-male erotica, but we also have the best in customer service and making sure our fans are well taken care of in every way. We realize customers have a choice, but we also realize that COLT is household name and with that we MUST keep our reputation consistent – period. In this business it’s hard to find companies who will get orders out the same day, or make the effort to be sure a scene or photo shoot is well lit and erotically stimulating. It’s very easy now days for someone to pick up a camera and think they know how to create a masterpiece… Well, I know COLT Studio Group succeeds in this department. Our customers are very proud to be a part of the COLT family and are not afraid to tell us when we’re delivering what we promise.

I just got my reviewers copy of Man Country and I have to say that its one of my favorite COLT videos. I've been a Fan of Jake Andrews since Couples II and his scene with Chris Wide in Man Country is fantastic! I also love Jesse Balboa and hadn't very much of him until now. The Threeway with Luke Garret, Gage Weston and Carlo Masi is fantasic too! Carlo Masi on his back over a tire doing them both was White Hot. Can you tell me about the making of Man Country?

John Rutherford: Like all COLT Studio features, we only use the men of the world who have the COLT Man look. We know from looking at the years of archives we have here in the COLT vaults and from men all over the world, that COLT means something very special to them – the most common thing we hear from potential COLT Men is that they have always wanted to be a COLT Man and have worked very hard on their bodies to finally accomplish that goal. Carlo Masi is one of those people. He came to us and could not believe that his life-long goal of actually being a COLT Man finally had come true. He told me about how used to pose in the mirror after the gym when he was 18 years old and how he would use COLT magazines to mimic. Creating COLT features is easy – the COLT Men come to us with the desire to be great, so it’s not much effort on our part to make sure their dreams become a reality. All of the men in Man Country have similar stories… Jake, as you may or may not know has worked with me many times over the years. In my opinion, Jake has the absolute COLT look – he’s older, extremely masculine and his head in the right place. COLT Men usually have done it all in their lives and have finally reached the pinnacle – COLT.

You have a film school background, and your videos are always many steps above the competitors. How many videos have you made since the beginning and what do you think gives your films that edge?

John Rutherford:

That’s a difficult question… I know when I left Falcon I had shot, directed and produced over 280 movies. I’d say well over 300 now and each and every one of the guys I work with help me in making our high-quality features a reality. A director is never solely responsible for the end product. He only guides the team… I always use geese flying south as a reference when explaining to a team how important each and every person is on a movie to be successful. Each goose flies in V-Formation and there’s one goose in front leading, but if the geese on the ends and in between aren’t paying attention and doing their part they won’t be successful. I also believe in real scenarios that reflect safe, and hot sexual experiences. I like mind fucking, but also tenderness… I think being sexual is multifaceted and never should be mundane.

I attached a list of movies that I shot, directed or produced from my Falcon tenure.

I've heard rumors that you'll be working with Josh Weston. Is there any truth to that?

John Rutherford:

Yes, in fact he’s been in two movies so far. He and I are good friends and like Brad Patton, after their contracts expired we naturally gravitated to work together again. They’re good guys – they fit the COLT attitude – Men who know what they want and are comfortable being in their own (sexy) skin.

Do you have a favorite of all the fims you've made?

John Rutherford: I would have to say, that my favorite movie I have ever made is “Flashpoint” and more recently Buckshot’s “BuckleRoos” and then a few others that fall very close to it are Falcon’s “French Connections, Part 1 and 2,” “Absolute, Aqua & Arid,” and “The Renegade.” One movie that we just completed for Buckshot is “BIG RIG” that will be coming out in March of this year… It stars Colby Taylor, Gus Mattox, Jason Crew and Brad Patton. It’s a trucker type movie shot in the desert. I love the California desert… It’s a natural setting for sexy Americana. All of the movies I’ve worked on were labors of love and all of them took my blood, sweat and tears I can assure you.

BuckleRoos was an instant hit and I think it will go down as an adult video that all future gay adult videos will be judged by. Did you know when you were shooting it that something special was happening? That you were making a classic?

John Rutherford:

Yes, indeed. In fact we have a full-length documentary out now called “eXposed: The Making of a Legend” that documents the whole process from beginning to end. We (Jerry Douglas and I) knew we had something special from the very first casting and pre-production meeting. We created something very similar to “Flashpoint” exactly 10 years ago to the date. I guess I’m on a 10 year cycle. ;)

The government seems to be cracking down on the adult internet industry with 2257 compliance and there's even talk of placing all web sites with adult content behind .xxx domains. What do you think the future holds for adult sites on the internet?

John Rutherford:

This is all definitely difficult times for us all, but that’s nothing new. I was fortunate enough to work with industry pioneers like Chuck Holmes of Falcon. He taught me well in that we can never, not pay attention to the political climate of our country. It’s our responsibility to elect our governmental representatives that reflect our community. I have always believed in taking the safe route – we follow all the current guidelines and laws. I don’t want any trouble, we produce fantasies for people to enjoy and have a good time with in a good responsible light.

A lot of people don't know that I came to know you after I recieved a cease and desist order from you back in the Falcon days, lol. Since then we've done a lot of business and I continue to promote the COLT product, and always will but before I started placing preview galleries on my websites, as promotional tools I didnt see a lot of hosted galleries and free content available for gay webmasters.... Now it seems to be the norm. Do you think we changed the industry?

John Rutherford:

... I think it’s important to partnership with others who also have common goals. Therefore, I have always believed in working together so that all parties benefit. I, of course, do not condone illegal copyright infringements and will and have prosecuted those who exploit our owned content that we have worked hard and spent a lot of our own money to create to benefit their own without helping us. We encourage promoters, webmasters, bar owners and the like to join with us to expand the COLT Studio Group name and brand while building their own business too. After all, COLT is a brand that represents quality and consistency, so we are very careful who we chose as partners to attach on our 39 year, consistent history.

I know that you just used Brad Patton in Beyond Perfect - A great video! with Jason Kingsley! How was Brad to work with? and do you foresee working with him again?

John Rutherford:

Well, as I stated above, Brad worked with us on the new Buckshot feature coming out in March called “BIG RIG.” He also recently shot his very first COLT Minute Man Solo Series movie… he’s graduated to being a COLT Man now and has worked very hard on his body to achieve this. We have also created a website for him at www.BradPatton.net where he performs for his members a live-cam from across the globe. We’ve got some more things up our sleeves, but that will have to wait until we’re ready to announce it. ;) Let’s just say, that Brad is finally living the life of a true superstar, as he deserves.

Your old studio, Falcon always bills itself as the Falcon Family of Companies...yet when you contact them, you never seem to know who you'll be talking to. When I need something from COLT there always seems to be a core of three or four men who take care of everything, You, Tom, Kristofer, and Raymond...and it feels almost like a family operation. Is that intentional?

John Rutherford:

Well, considering I came up with the term “Family” I wanted people to feel as if they were included in our family, so I’m sorry to hear that is not the case any longer. Here at COLT Studio Group, we feel it’s very important to have a great relationship with everyone who contributes to our success. Like I said above, it’s not one person or one idea that makes a brand or company successful. Also, it’s important for people to feel like they “own” their jobs… If they enjoy what they’re doing and “own” or feel like their ideas matter and contribute, then people enjoy what they do… the outcome is success – period. I didn’t get to where I am today without the partnerships or relationships I’ve been fortunate to create. I have some rules that I live by and they are: 1. Lead by example, 2. my word and my name are all I have, 3. Treat others as you would have them treat you, and 4. Never burn your bridges. People, who know me well, can probably give you the other hundred items on another list! ;)

My next question is about Jim French. Jim's photographs are timeless, and seem to almost worship the beauty of the male physique. Can you tell us anything about Jim French that we don't already know? and what its like working with him. I would KILL to see the raw photos that he's taken of all the Colt Men!

John Rutherford:

Jim French is an extremely private person. Every time I go thru Jim’s photographs, I cannot fathom that one man shot so many amazing men. He’s truly a master at his craft. He’s one of the nicest, most sincere people I’ve even met.

No one ever hears very much about your life and your relationships. Is that a subject that you keep guarded?

John Rutherford:

Not really… I don’t think it’s relevant particularly, but I don’t hide anything.

What is your favorite thing about San Francisco?

John Rutherford:

It’s my home firstly and I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. It’s one of the most beautiful areas I’ve seen. It’s a very tolerant city and with being in the gay adult industry, it’s more tolerant than most other cities in the US.

Do you have any pets? If so what are they and what are their names?

John Rutherford:

I have a dog named Georgia. She appeared in “BuckleRoos.” I also have a cat named Fiona – she was a gift from Chuck Holmes 13 years ago.

Who would you like to work with in the industry that you haven't so far? and which of the COLT men do you enjoy working with the most?

John Rutherford:

I think I’ve worked with just about everyone in the business right now, so there’s really not anyone I can think of. I don’t have any favorite COLT Men, that’s like asking a father which child he likes the most.

I know that you've worked many times with Chi Chi LaRue. Are you friends and what's he like on the set?

John Rutherford:

Chi Chi and are very good friends and I have the utmost respect for him as an industry leader. I’m so happy for all his success at his own company and value our friendship like no other. Chi Chi is one of the only people I know who is truly himself all the time. He is what you see. He’s exactly that same person on the set. People love working with him and he makes the job easier being him.

John, I am looking for an EXCLUSIVE HERE! Can you tell me one thing that you haven't told anyone else in the many interviews you've done?

John Rutherford:

That’s a good question… Actually, I think I told you a lot of things that I have not told others before.

We're now seeing individual websites popping up for the COLT exclusives. What can a websurfer expect when he visits one of the model sites?

John Rutherford:

All the COLT Men are doing live-cams, video clips, exclusive images and soon we will be starting the COLT Cash Stores, so that fans can buy their favorite DVDs and COLT Studio Group products while the COLT Men can make a percentage of whatever they sell.

I love The Colt Store and COLT gear is awesome. Do you personally choose which items you offer?

John Rutherford:

Thank you. I do get involved with every creative decision… As the Creative Director I work closely with all the creative people we have on our team. I believe that there needs to be a focus and one person leading the team, while also listening to others suggestions and ideas.

and finally John what are you working on next?

John Rutherford:

I just shot a new COLT scene with COLT Man Exclusive Luke Garrett and all-new COLT Man Exclusive Skye Woods. We’re (Kristofer Weston and me) also currently location scouting for the next Buckshot movie being shot in April. I can’t go into details, but it’s going to be GREAT!

Thanks Very Much John! I'll be in touch!

John Rutherford:

You’re welcome Randy! Let me know if you need anything else.

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