Kay Brandt is a director unforgettable for her contributions to adult entertainment, having released the contemporary classic, Babysitting the Baumgartners, in 2016 to rave reviews. The sequel to that successful film, Adventures with the Baumgartners did similarly well, solidifying Kay Brandt’s status as a XXX director to be reckoned with. Brandt’s latest release, Unleashed, arrived at the HotMovies office yesterday, and Brandt was kind enough to grant us an interview detailing her directorial process, passions, and what goes into filming a memorable sex scene. Check it out below!
Hey Kay, we loved Unleashed! Unleashed features a lot of hot up-and-cumming starlets in the industry. What’s it like to work with so many fresh faces vs. directing more-seasoned performers?
Hello! First, let me state that the proper way to watch Unleashed is from start to finish without jumping from scene to scene. I added extra erotic content between the scenes for maximum enjoyment. I’m so happy you loved it! It was great to work with such an awesome group of young women who are driven to succeed and be the best at what they do. These starlets are already changing the industry as empowered women and it was an honor to show them off for all that they are. The only notable difference in directing these ladies as opposed to more seasoned performers is that they’re still experimenting with their craft and learning about who they are as professionals. They know the challenges, and they’re ready to conquer them, which is very inspiring.
A theme that seems to be running through Unleashed is the need for physical connection and the pleasure of touch. Is that what you were trying to convey through your sex scenes?
I’m ALWAYS trying to convey the themes of intimacy, connection, and the guilt-free enjoyment of carnal pleasure, regardless of the genre. But my goal in directing sex has been consistent since I directed my first adult film nine years ago, and that is to convey honesty. An honest, sincere expression of pleasure is the most important aspect of creating profound sex scenes. Authenticity, real passion, and a love for sex is what I hope comes across in my movies.
As a director, what do you find is the most effective way to get your performers warmed up before a scene?
Laughter. When a performer feels valued, happy, content, and safe on set, magic happens. I get them to relax, and not worry too much about how long a scene should go, or if I want this or that from them. I love when my whole crew is laughing and having a good time. Plus, laughter can induce an orgasm or sensations of orgasm, which ignites the fire and creates a sense of well-being. Laughter is good medicine.
Why do you think it was important to allow the performers to share their personal experiences and views with the audience?
Well, in Unleashed, just two share personal stories: Honey Gold and Riley Nixon. The rest of the interviews are shared in the “companion” movie coming out in September, Loving Myself. I think it’s interesting to learn about these daring young women for who they are as people, not just as insatiable sexual creatures. Plus, for the massage scene with Honey and Riley, I wanted to create a feeling of quiet introspection, of intimacy, in order to capture the intensity of what happens next in the scene.
You titled the project Unleashed. What does “Unleashed” mean to you?
Freedom. To be free to be who we are, mindful, yet willing to do what makes us happy without hurting others as we empower ourselves with honest expression. Free to be sexually authentic in the face of societal restraints and judgment.
What do you think goes into making a sexy and memorable lesbian sex scene?
I want the performers to enjoy themselves and have fun, bask in the glow of animal lust, and let deepest desires rule. And, again, honesty and authenticity.
Each scene in Unleashed has a uniquely different vibe: there’s a sporty-themed scene, a BDSM-themed scene, and even a lesbian strip club orgy scene. What made you want to shoot these different aesthetics with the same core group of performers?
When Adam & Eve told me they wanted me to make this movie, they suggested I use trending themes as setups for the sex, like massage, yoga, and squirting. I personally love directing BDSM scenes and hot-as-fuck orgies, especially with the theme of a “girls night out,” or women engaging in wild sex at nightclubs. It was important to show variety for Unleashed because, yes, I got to flex my directing chops and cover all the bases, but it also gave an awesome opportunity for the cast to show off their various skill sets.
The sex throughout Unleashed feels and looks authentic, which is a true testament to the stars, but as a director you’re the one tasked with pulling great performances for them. What was your approach in directing this one?
My approach was the same for this movie as it’s been for all of my (many, many) others. I connect as best I can with the performers through various techniques like just being myself, making them laugh, clearly defining my expectations and goals for the movie, creating a welcome, nurturing, supportive environment, then, setting the stars free to do what they do best. Even when my movies are scripted, I hope my dedication to authentic, passionate performances comes through.
How important is foreplay to you as a director when filming a scene?
Very. It always has been important to me. I learned early on in my career as an adult filmmaker just how important foreplay is to so many consumers and buyers of my work, too. I believe in letting intimacy find its own pace and rhythm with ample kissing and touching before the real action begins. And the performers enjoy it, too, which then resonates throughout the scenes.
The music during the opening and closing credits has a serious club “banger” sound to it that’s really fun and exciting, while the music during the scenes and talking points is softer. What went into putting together the soundtrack for this movie?
My editor, Hollywood Max, does excellent work scoring my films. For Unleashed, I worked with him to find just the right music tracks that went beyond what some might expect to hear in an adult film. I wanted music that was hip and energetic when appropriate and then other tracks that created a specific mood. I usually gravitate towards music that helps “set the stage,” and isn’t simply “filler” in the background. We also collaborated on when and where to use the tracks selected, and then I stepped back from the process and let him do what he does so well – making the entire movie perfect.
Who would you say are the unsung heroes on an adult movie set?
Everyone except for me and my director of photography. Gaffer, grip, sound, makeup and hair, production assistants… without these unsung heroes, we wouldn’t have movies at all. Or, just movies that aren’t made well and have no production value. Making movies is making magic and that is often not accomplished without a strong team.
Unleashed is a lesbian title, but we’ve seen you direct plenty of boy/girl scenes as well – like in Naked and Forked. Who are your favorite leading men to work with and why?
And the Baumgartner movies 🙂 (Babysitting the Baumgartners is the #1 most-watched movie for the past two years!) I hate to name favorites for male or female performers. In recent years, I’ve enjoyed working with Mick Blue, Ryan Driller, Derrick Pierce, Marcus London, Small Hands, Seth Gamble, Cody Steele, Xander, Charles Dera… I could go on and on. Men who show up to set with their A-games – they are the ones who get hired consistently.
What other projects do you have coming up that we should be excited about?
The Seduction of Heidi, which is my next book adaptation from the author who wrote the Baumgartner series, Selena Kitt. The movie went live on VOD yesterday! It’s a BDSM romance feature based on Selena’s bestselling novel, Heidi and the Kaiser. Then, in September, it’s Loving Myself – a solo mini-movie featuring the cast of Unleashed and Submissive Wives out in November – another kinky movie!
Watch Kay Brandt’s latest release, Unleashed, on HotMovies today
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