Industry Perspective: Jeremy Babcock, Creative Mastermind of ASGmax

Here at Fleshbot, we have had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names both in front of and behind the camera. We have spoken to many great performers and directors, but rarely have we had a chance to get to speak with some of the professionals who run the "business" of the "show business." Enter Jeremy Babcock, the Chief Creative Officer for ASGmax. ASGmax is the corporate company that oversees such iconic adult brands as Disruptive Films, Next Door Studios, Active Duty, and many more. In only a few years, Jeremy went from freelance post-production tech to one of the leading executives of an enormous global industry. In his first-ever public interview, Jeremy shares his backstory, his process as a filmmaker and businessman, and how he manages the delicate balance of business and creativity.

*Photos courtesy of Jeremy Babcock*

How is 2026 looking for ASGmax?

SO FUN!  I am currently in the process of rolling out my latest project as Director, called “Almost Real.” It’s kind of an ’80s-inspired sex-robot rom-com.  It’s fun and quirky, and it was so fun to make.  We’ve got some upcoming collaborations with other studios, and some really cool features planned, including a sequel to “End of Your World,” currently being written by Micah Martinez.  We’re really putting our effort into creativity this year, and finding some unique approaches to telling gay stories.

Could you tell us about your background? What first brought you to the world of filmmaking?

Sure!  I graduated from college with a film degree from Montana State (Go Bobcats!), then did the Los Angeles grind for a couple of years, mostly doing audio work.  From there, I ended up in the video duplication department for an ad agency, eventually moving into creative editing for 10+ years.

How did this lead to the world of gay pornography?

Ironically, I was told that an editor can not advance to being a Creative Director, so I had decided to quit my ad agency job of 15 years to prove that wrong.  Before I’d even left the other job, I had picked up a freelance edit for Next Door Studios (a lifelong friend worked for the company and made the connection).  The brief edit job turned into a great working relationship, and I was hired to be on set doing BTS and social media half a year later - traveling to San Diego for shoots every 2 weeks for all of 2019!

And how did you rise through the ranks to become a creative director of one of the industry's major companies?

I’ve always been somebody who likes to get my hands on everything around me.  My big mouth creates a lot of work for me, honestly.  While on set doing BTS, I ended up filling in to direct scenes occasionally.  Halfway through my year on set, I was unexpectedly needed to fill in behind the camera full-time for a few months, eventually handing the role off to Walden Woods and Conrad Parker.  Once COVID hit, I was stuck at home, and ended up getting involved in casting, shoot planning, and brand strategy.  It happened to be at the same time as the previous owner was stepping away, and it all just happened very organically.

What is your current title? How do you see yourself in all of this? Director? Producer? Executive? etc.

Chief Creative Officer, with a slice of Operations Manager.  I wear a LOT of hats… I’m Executive Producer for most of our content on ASGmax, but I also like to be Director for a handful of scenes each year, my passion projects, and features.

Is it challenging to wear so many hats? How do you multitask? What do you prioritize in your role?

It’s kind of just how I’m built.  It’s a big company, but a much smaller operation than most people would expect.  I am surrounded by really talented people who are awesome at their roles, and I am the glue that keeps it all together.  Directors, content producers, editors, designers, marketing people - everyone is really great at what they do, and I just keep things moving forward with the focus always on member satisfaction.  Shout out to Micah Martinez, the unsung hero who keeps it all rolling with me.

As a studio head, what are your thoughts on the ongoing evolution of the studio world and content creator world? How are the studios, the performers, and the industry at large evolving?

In our case, the content creator world has pushed us to differentiate our work, which, for ASGmax, has been to tell stories and put the effort into the quality and entertainment aspect of the content.  Fan Sites provide that direct link to the model, but not always with the best lighting, quality, or partners.  Both platforms provide a great experience, but for very different audiences.  Studios have to lean into the production value of the work more than ever before.

Are you hopeful that both will be able to coexist and thrive? Why?

I came into the industry after tube sites, but before fan sites really took over.  I’ve always really appreciated the connection between Studio work and the model’s fan sites.  I think it allows models to do porn as a full-time job, which studio work alone doesn’t always provide.  I think both platforms help promote a performer in very different, but connected ways - giving really great exposure.

As a filmmaker, do you have a process? Could you take us through a typical day on one of your sets?

I really enjoy writing the content I direct.  For me, it helps to make it more personal, and I’ve generally had it play out in my head long before a camera starts rolling.  Even with our “Films” content, we shoot a scene in a single day – a wild accomplishment for a scene that can roll past 1 hour in length.

It can vary, but I’ll usually start the day by selecting locations and working with the crew to set up our shoot spaces and lighting.  While they prepare, I like to do a table read with the models.  Let them see how the story will unfold and start to understand the characters they’ll be playing.  I like the guys to get comfortable with the script so that they can personalize it for the actual scene.

Once paperwork and consent talks are done, we’ll usually start the day with sex.  I’ve always had the best luck starting the day with sex.  The story comes together way better when you don’t have a hungry bottom starving himself all day.  The energy is higher, the guys are fresher, and the sex just flows nicer.  It also lets you make sure that part is GREAT, and if you have to take story shortcuts later, it doesn’t hurt the part of the scene the fans want to see the most.

After sex are the story sections and b-roll for the scene, as well as photos.  We’ll usually do this four days in a row, so it’s rinse, wash, and repeat.

What do you want most from your performers? From your filmmakers?

ENERGY!  I tend to like making content that’s got a little humor.  Laughter on set makes the whole day better, and I like the guys to play a character that embraces some aspect of themselves.  When everyone is having fun, you can see it in the final scene.

Basically, the same thing for the crew.  I want to get the pieces I need, but also allow room for everyone to flex some of their creative skill and contribute something that’s their “style” to the project, as well.  Everyone should be super proud of anything they work on and feel some ownership of it.

Tell us a little bit more about yourself outside of porn. Interests? Hobbies? Beliefs? Passions? Who is the real Jeremy?

Where do I start?!  I guess you could say I’m a restless soul, an extroverted introvert.  I’m tied to a desk most days, so I have to do something active every day - usually running or gym.  I love to do anything outside.  Gardening, yard work, hiking, etc.  I’ve lived in Oregon for 14 years, and I LOVE it here.  It’s so green and lush, and the people are awesome.  I love exploring the area for great food and drinks, and just being around people.

Looking at all your previous work, are there any particular productions or scenes that really stand out among the rest that you are particularly proud of?

I don’t get to direct often, but I put a lot of myself into each scene that I get to create.  I’m so proud of all of them, and really appreciate everyone who goes into making them shine.  “Breaking Frontiers” was one of my biggest undertakings, and I loved telling a rural/cowboy story.  “8 Failed Dates” is usually what I’ll say is my favorite scene I’ve created.  I don’t even like to watch rom-coms, but I have an odd skill at creating them.  There’s something that really resonates to get to see a gay love story come alive on screen, and then follow it through the sex.  That scene has really become a style I go back to often.

What are some dream projects that you have yet to realize? Stories? Stars? Scenarios?

I’m really lucky to get to do what I do.  Telling gay stories has been one of the most fulfilling ‘jobs’ I could ever imagine having.  It’s funny, but most of my current dream projects are goals to work with other directors and other studios.  I love seeing different ways of doing things and getting to explore the fantasies of different audiences.  Collaboration was one of my big goals last year, and it’s one I’m really determined to continue for 2026.  Going beyond the boundaries of our studio and crossing over with new friends from other places.  We recently did a project in Spain with MenAtPlay, and I would LOVE to write and co-direct a project with them, to combine my sense of humor with their sense of style.  Hopefully someday!

What does it take to create the best gay sex on film?

A little preparation and a whole lot of luck.  I tell everyone that a perfect porn scene is a miracle.  On that given day, all the stars aligned.  You had model chemistry, bodies that worked as they needed to work, energy, the cameras were pointed at the right place at the right time, and the production team all nailed their roles.