Checking In with Wicked Director/Production Head Axel Braun

January 25, 2021
HOLLY-KINGSTOWN

Go In Raw With Wicked!

AVN Hall of Famer/Wicked Pictures production head Axel Braun has directed Wicked Pictures' Axel Braun's Going In Raw, Wicked's first non-condom production in 17 years. Here is what Braun had to say about making this historic porn production in the middle of a global pandemic.

Hello, Axel! How are you? How are things in your world?

"Hello to you! I’m great, and things are pretty wonderful in my world right now!"

Congratulations on the release of Wicked Pictures' Axel Braun's Going In Raw! How does it feel having it out there in the world?

"Thank you so much! I took a 9 month break due to the pandemic, which allowed me to spend some much needed quality time with my family, but it’s great to finally be back to shooting!"

How did the decision to remove condoms from Wicked movies come about? What made this the right time to make this change?

"The industry’s testing protocols have improved tremendously since Wicked went condom-mandatory two decades ago, and the PASS system set up by the Free Speech Coalition is extremely effective, so I grew fully confident that we could deliver a better product and align with the rest of the industry without compromising the safety of our performers. It was a logical step, and the Gamma acquisition made the timing just perfect."

Would you share what the testing process is like for performers on a Wicked set? I know Wicked has always made safety a priority for performers.

"We require a full-panel STD and HIV test, and of course a PCR-DNA COVID test for cast and crew before each shoot day. On top of that, our sanitizing procedures for all surfaces on set are very stringent, we check temperatures with a contactless thermometer, and our crew members are required to wear K95 masks and nitrile gloves throughout the shoot. We bring only packaged food, we social distance, and we stagger the arrival of performers so that there’s always the fewest people possible at the location. Safety is absolutely paramount for us, and we strive to create a work environment where everybody feels comfortable."

How is working with Gamma/Adult Time? How is that change going?

"I couldn’t be happier. They have a truly amazing team, and it’s more of an evolution than a change…you could call it “Wicked 2.0”. Preserving and furthering the legacy of a company that has been such a staple in the adult industry is as important to them as it is to me."

What do you have planned for Wicked 's movies as the company's head of production?

"In a nutshell, more quality and hotter sex."

What do you love the most about how Axel Braun's Going In Raw came out?

"Being the first Wicked non-condom shoot, everybody in the cast was super excited to be a part of such an important project, and I think it truly shows in the final product. There was an enthusiasm and a sense of freedom that really comes across in the scenes...and I was also lucky to have some of the most beautiful girls in the business so I’m very, very happy."

When will we get to see Wicked's brand ambassador jessica drake in a new movie? Any plans on that front?

"Well, I’ve got a very special project lined up for her which will remind people why she is a three-time AVN Best Actress award winner."