Wicked Pictures Explores a New 'Horizon' at 29th AVN Awards

LOS ANGELES, Calif.—For adult industry powerhouse Wicked Pictures, 2011 will be remembered as a year of successful innovation. The company stayed true to its core vision as a purveyor of large-scale entertainment for couples by treating audiences across the globe to such groundbreaking features as adult futurist Sam Hain’s darkly erotic science fiction opus Horizon. But, like all successful pioneers past and present, the forward-thinking company gambled—both critically and economically—by tapping into new markets, specifically the white-hot parody and sexual wellness genres. This creative roll of the dice paid off handsomely in Las Vegas on January 21st, when Wicked was honored with eleven glittering prizes at The 29th Annual Adult Video News Awards. The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino's dynamic and sophisticated music venue The Joint provided an ideal backdrop for the star-studded gala, which saw veteran actor/director Brad Armstrong's initial foray into the parody genre, The Rocki Whore Picture Show: A Hardcore Parody, emerging as one of the true hits of the evening. A radical re-imagining of the gender-bending hit of yesteryear, Rocki Whore strutted to the front of the pack with nine major awards, including Best Parody – Comedy. Other trophies bestowed upon the title throughout the evening included Best Director – Parody, Best Editing, Best Screenplay – Parody, Best DVD Extras, Best Art Direction, Best Make-Up, Best Overall Marketing Campaign – Individual Project and Non-Sex Performance (James Bartholet). Of this witty and accomplished satire's sweep of the parody categories, Wicked Pictures President and Owner Steve Orenstein remarked, "We're very happy with the awards. With the Rocki Whore Picture Show: A Hardcore Parody being our only parody to date, we are especially pleased to have received both Best Parody – Comedy and Best Director – Parody. It really is a testament to why Brad Armstrong deserves to be the Director of the Year. He doesn't just shoot one type of movie. He can create winners in all categories." Wicked’s first production created for the sexual wellness market, Jessica Drake’s Guide to Wicked Sex: Fellatio, was richly acknowledged for its fresh and original insights, winning the top prize of its genre: Best Educational Release. "We are thrilled with this win," Orenstein stated. "This is the second awards show since the line was created and the second time it has won. This series is very important to us today and will continue to be in the future. Jessica Drake brings a fresh perspective to sex education and we look forward to the great career ahead of her in this field." In a fitting acknowledgement of Wicked’s ability to explore new technological trends successfully while continuing to serve traditional needs, the innovative science fiction hit Horizon was honored with a richly-deserved trophy for Best Special Effects. "We are very excited to see Sam Hain’s movie continuing to win awards," commented Orenstein. "This movie will be one that continues to perform well for us for years to come." The acknowledgment of director Hain's visionary commitment capped off an evening of significant success for the company. It is with great honor that Wicked Pictures thanks AVN's veteran editors and insightful reviewers for awards that speak not only to the quality of its product but to its efficacy in satisfying evolving audience needs.