Changing Of The Guard at Falcon Studio Group

Today Falcon Studios Group announced that company president Chris Ward is retiring after twenty years in the Adult Industry. Ward, who co-founded Raging Stallion Studios with JD Slater in 1999, lead one of the world”s largest gay porn studios and built the Falcon Studios Group through a series of mergers that brought Falcon, Raging Stallion, Hot House, and various fetish brands under one umbrella. In 2015 the Falcon Studios Group had over 100 DVD releases, making it the largest single producer of Gay erotica in the world.

Amid Ward’s departure NakedSword CEO and Co-Owner of AEBN Tim Valenti, will assume the role of President of Falcon Studios Group. Ward will remain at Falcon in his current capacity till the end of the year, and then in an advisory role thru Spring of 2016.

Ward began his career as an actor and director at Hot House in 1996 and released his first film, The Hole Punch, that same year. He became one of the main Hot House directors, working directly with the legendary Steven Scarborough, who Ward considers his mentor. A few years later Ward and Slater (together with Kent Taylor) formed Raging Stallion Studios, which quickly became a major player in the industry. Ward became an owner of AEBN when the Charlotte-based conglomerate merged Raging Stallion into its larger company, keeping Raging as the gay production division. In subsequent years Falcon and Hot House were acquired, forming the current Falcon Studios Group.

Ward received over fifty industry awards directly for his own efforts, and several hundred more for films he produced over the years, making him one of the most recognized directors in the industry. He won best director at the GayVNs three years in a row, working with his co-directors Ben Leon, Tony Dimarco, and Steve Cruz. Of the many films directed by Ward, the standouts include Arabesque, Grunts, To The Last Man, Manifesto, Giants, Raiders of the Lost Arse, and many other noted blockbusters. He also directed more fisting films than any other single director.

“I have lived a dream working in our industry,” said Ward. “I started out in a basement and grew my company into something far larger than I ever thought possible. So many people helped me during these many years and I would not be able to be in a position to retire without their hard work and support. There are too many people to name, but without them my career would not have been possible.” ~Chris Ward

When asked about the key to his success, Ward quickly zeroed in on one thing: quality. “From the first movie I made with Raging Stallion, I was determined that we would only produce the highest quality products, and I am proud to say that we have made excellent films all the way thru. I personally trained most of my directors and always emphasized that the customer deserves the best product possible. As other studios have fallen by the wayside, I think our attention to quality has given us the ability to remain on top even in challenging times. We made more great movies in 2015 than in any year before.”

“I have a great respect for the legacy that Chris Ward is leaving behind and for the legacy of the Falcon brand in general. Chris and I have have worked together for many years and I know what it takes to run the group he has worked so hard to build.” ~Tim Valenti

Valenti will still remain CEO of NakedSword, and says he’ll be overseeing the day-to-day operations of both companies. “NakedSword is my baby and will always be a priority to me. In fact, we are working on a lot of new and exciting changes for 2016 and NakedSword is strongly positioned for a bright future.”

Ward says that he’s looking forward to spending more time with his partner, Mo Duran, and enjoying his cats and his wine cellar. With a PhD in history and several books under his belt, Ward plans to split his time between San Francisco and France and perhaps get back to writing.

Valenti closes by saying, “Myself and everyone at NakedSword wish Chris all the best the world has to offer during his well-earned retirement.”

The dynamic coupling of NakedSword Originals, the Falcon Studio Group and the ‘Netflix of gay porn’ that is NakedSword, guarantees that the very best in male erotica has both the perfect home and brightest future.

Back in the dial-up modem days, I actually got into the adult industry as a webmaster to earn enough to pay for my NakedSword membership. Over the years, Tim Valenti and I became more than colleagues, we became friends. Not “chums” as in the “Facebook” category, but the true meaning of the word always sought after, but seldom realized. Being part of the NakedSword team as Tim Valenti, NakedSword and the Falcon Studio Group architect the next generation in the very best adult entertainment is both an honor and privilege.

Thank you, Chris Ward. Best of luck, Tim Valenti. The Best is yet to cum!

Tags: Chris Ward, Falcon, Falcon Studio Group, Naked Sword, NakedSword Originals, Tim Valenti