Mason's Diary     15/06/08 - 30/09/07

Taking stock, 15/06/08

Diary entry No. 117

Well, it’s been a pretty tough time around here of late. Lucas has been off on holiday, leaving me to do everything so I haven’t had much free time to write here. Then several models decided not to turn up for shoots which sent the release schedule out the window, and then everything kicked off in the member’s forum too! Talk about a major headache ;-)

So, having tried to get through the last 4 weeks as best I could, I thought I’d spend a few minutes this Sunday evening writing a diary update that I know is well overdue. So let’s begin with porn. It’s actually a very personal thing as to what people like to watch. There’s no magic formula – one person will like it hard and rough, the other gentle, caring and passionate. I have always tried to provide variety here, and as we approach our 300th film release that still holds true to this day.

Did I say 300? Indeed, Thursday will see another milestone fly by and to think, we’ve hit this with less than 3 years live on the web. I guess what I’m trying to say is not every film will appeal to everyone, but I bet at least 50% do appeal to you as an individual! Even when a new release hits number 1 people write that it’s not to their own taste on the forum… but hey, a wise man once said “you can please some of the people some of the time… but not all of the people all of the time.”

Meanwhile, I do what we Brits do best. Aside from making some of the best adult entertainment available anywhere in the world, I turn that stiff upper lip and get on with the job at hand regardless. It may not always be easy, but as someone else very wisely said, “don’t let the bastards grind you down.” No doubt many of you reading this know just how I feel… the real world isn’t always an easy place to live in. But at least here, people can express themselves freely… others in this world are much less fortunate. And that truly is something we should all complain about…

Have a good one,

Mason

Being adventurous, 20/04/08

Diary entry No. 116

I received an email this week that made me feel really angry. It was all about models who shave or trim their body hair, but went on to blame producers and film-makers for insisting that models should look that way! Well, I had to reply with a slightly terse email… whether a guy trims and shaves is down to him and not me. I encourage the more natural look… just look at the changes you’ve seen in Nathan B, Tristan, Jack and RJ to name a few! Grrrrrr…!!!

On a lighter note I went out for dinner with a couple of friends on Thursday evening. After eating we went on to a bar where we first met two lovely ladies named Sarah. I think they were a little shocked to meet a porn producer in Plymouth, and after a few drinks they had to leave as they were meeting other friends elsewhere.

During our first encounter with the two Sarah’s, another couple had walked in and sat down opposite us. I couldn’t take my eyes off the guy… he was super fit and it was clear he was on a first date with an attractive young lady. They were evidently very in to each other, but neither was making a “move” so off I went and introduced myself!

Needless to say he was a Captain in the Royal Marines and I have to admit that I fell in love all over again (it’s an occupational hazard). But they were both great fun and we drank and chatted until the bar closed several hours later. Moral of the story? Never be afraid to go and talk to a handsome guy in a bar… he got a card too ;-)

Finally, just to round up this update, I got summoned for Jury service this week. While I know it’s my duty etc, if I get stuck on a two week trial (or worse) then the filming and editing schedule is going to be a nightmare! Oh well.

All the best,

Mason

I hate technology, 13/04/08

Diary entry No. 115

Well, I guess what with so much going on recently I forgot to tell you about some improvements that we’ve made (other than the site re-design!). Number 1, we now have multiple servers in both the USA and Europe, so any film download requests will now be routed to a server closest to you. The result? The fastest possible downloads / streams - how’s that for commitment to quality, eh?

Not only that, but I’ve finally taken the plunge and ordered 3 new High Definition cameras. There’s been so much hype about HD but often there’s so little substance… I mean, you can buy an HD camera for £300 but the picture quality can be way worse than standard definition! So me being me, I could have bought a new car for the same amount I’ve just spent on the cameras, but then you expect the best from us ;-)

Anyway, I’ve been playing around shooting some HD film and editing it on the PC. Thank god I bought the mother of all PC’s last year… it handles the workflow just like SD. But I am having one problem… exporting a 20 minute film is taking 8 hours! It used to be 25 minutes and no matter how I play with the settings, I either have to wait 8 hours or I get a film without picture! Now I know why I put it off for so long… but I will crack it sooner or later.

So, on the filming front, well, we’ve been so busy that I’ve had to employ a new part-time film editor so that we can keep you entertained with the good stuff! And just think, when we start releasing HD films the file sizes are going to be bigger too… but hey, that’s not the only thing we deliver in XL size… did you catch Neil’s solo? What a guy… my constant night-time dreams of him are still causing my laundry bills to rise ;-)

Have a great week,

Mason

Amazing men, too little time, 06/04/08

Diary entry No. 114

How is it that time just seems to fly by faster and faster these days? It’s been 4 weeks since my last diary entry and so much has happened that I can’t quite remember what I should be sharing with you. Mmmm, well first off, here’s the animated film I promised a while back to help us promote the new look site. There are 2 versions – this one leaves it to your imagination… and this one doesn’t! The story is real… thanks to a friend for sharing it with the world ;-)

I’ve also spent a week over in the USA recently, attending an adult webmasters convention in Phoenix. Unlike last time I went, the temperatures were much more reasonable and I had a really great time meeting with other people from this business. I was pretty tired by the time the whole thing was over… I don’t function too well on just 4 hours sleep a night! But hey, thanks Daniel ;-)

So while I was away working 20 hours a day (!!!) Lucas carried on finding and filming several hot guys… eyes to the right! To be fair though, I had given Lucas a real hard time to make sure this fella got on the train while I was away, and I had the absolute pleasure of editing it together this afternoon. Oh man… I haven’t been this sore since, well, never you mind!

But I guess last night had something to do with that too. I went over to a friends place for a barbeque and was somewhat surprised at just how many people were there! Mingling as you do, being introduced as the man who owns BLAKEMASON is always a bit of a talking point to say the very least. OK, so I now have to concede that may be I do have one of the best jobs in the world, but I did get talking to this very fit straight guy who had also heard of the site...

Anyway, I wonder, if after our conversation, he’s reading this diary post. If so, yes, you really could earn that much money and have some great fun doing it. Simply click on “Contact Us” at the top of this page and drop me an email ;-)

Public Service Announcement over, it’s time for me to get some food…

All the best,

Mason

Time for reflection, 05/03/08

Diary entry No. 113

Life, it never gets any easier, does it? Just when you think you have it all sorted, a little devil just has to come along and ruin it for you. Not only have I had to deal with my much loved grandmother dieing recently, but the frantic filming and subsequent film release schedule never let’s go. Sometimes you can never escape the realities of the modern world.

Even so, we are, at times forced to put a brave face on for the benefit of others even though we ourselves just want to turn away and hide. I don’t know just how to put in to words what I feel sometimes, let alone share my innermost thoughts with my family or friends.

Death and taxes… the only two things you are supposed to be guaranteed in life. But how about joy, love, sex and sexual understanding, eh? Life is life, it’s supposed to be enjoyed, relished and lived. So please, raise a glass and share your happy memories of those who have now left this world, and let’s celebrate what they meant to us.

Cheers,

Mason

Sunny days, 10/02/08

Diary entry No. 112

Well, what a lovely sunny few days we’ve had, eh? Far too nice to stay indoors, so we decided to make a few films out in the February sunshine… eyes to the right ;-)

Anyway, I guess the big news is the newly designed site finally went live 10 days ago and I’ve had plenty of emails saying how much more people prefer it. We stayed with the same great functionality but changed to a more vibrant look, which I think shows off the guys and their talents much better!

We did add a “Members Top 50 Films” section but the results aren’t necessarily quite what I expected! There are some stunning films that haven’t made it in to the top 50 – Sam & James for example – which really deserve your attention, but then the back catalogue is pretty huge so make sure you go exploring and vote!

On a slightly different note, UK based internet service providers have been experiencing network problems over the past few months, most notably to servers based across the Atlantic in the United States. Generally, this has meant that some people have been experiencing slow download problems.

Despite plenty of emails and telephone conversations, they have been really bad at getting things fixed! Never one to accept poor service, we’ll be setting a new European film server live later this week! This should resolve any slow download issues for our European customers… :-)

Have a great week,

Mason

Falling in love... again, 20/01/08

Diary entry No. 111

Mmmm, why is it that things can never go to plan? Right when I thought the new site was almost ready to go live, one of the developers informed me they were off on holiday for the week. Needless to say I was somewhat “surprised” given that we had planned to go live that week, but there you go!

Anyway, providing all of the final amendments are completed fairly soon we should be able to launch the new site sometime in the coming year. Please keep your fingers crossed for me, eh?

As for filming, well last Sunday Nathan and Robbie were here and the shoot was just so hot I had to put it straight up on the site. Maybe it’s just me but I find these two guys just so beautiful and sexy… in fact if you watch the bonus film you’ll find out Lucas was even more flustered than I!

Not only that, but the guy to your right popped down to see us too, and what a total spunky hot fella he was. I just can’t help watching the footage over and over… he’s just got one of the most perfect cocks I’ve seen in a while and his personality and body are simply fantastic too. Man, I might even have to propose when I see him next… :-)

Sweet dreams until Thursday!

Mason

The change is coming, 13/01/08

Diary entry No. 110

It’s been a very odd ten days for me. First, I had to spend some 50 hours re-sizing and cropping all of the film promo and biography images for the new site. It was quite a trip down memory lane looking back and remembering all the fun that happened on each individual shoot, not to mention some of the bizarre events that occurred along the way!

From the lust and passion of Adam and all his conquests to the light-hearted playfulness of Ryan B, the humour and hi-jinks of Matt M & Sammy, the cute but mischievous Leo M, the ever-horny Tim, the cheeky Kai out on the boat with stunners Nathan and Grant, Matt H with his huge manhood, Lucas… Mark W… RJ… Mike… Dave… the list is endless. So many hot guys in so many hot films, it proved quite a challenge for me to stay focused ;-)

Anyway, the point of this diary update is to let you know that sometime in the coming week the new-look site will be launched. The existing muted colour scheme will be no more and a fresher, more vibrant look (that reflects how good the films are!) will replace it. A slightly sad time saying goodbye to a nice familiar face, but all things must evolve and I’m pretty sure you’ll like the changes.

All the best,

Mason

Another year, 30/12/07

Diary entry No. 109

Well, I hope everyone safely made it through the Christmas holiday period and is looking forward to the New Year. I personally had a nice, quiet Christmas, a fab Boxing Day and a rather drunken birthday so I’m a little dazed by the whole thing! Still, just 2 more days to go before normality resumes ;-)

December was an absolutely crazy month for Lucas and I – we made something like 15 films in 23 days and finding the time to edit all the recent releases has been pretty tough. Still, Lucas got his Christmas bonus and we kept our promises as usual! We also have a stack of hot modelling applications to follow up so if you’ve not heard from us yet, we’ll be in touch very shortly.

January should be equally as busy on the filming front and we’re hoping to get some really hot updates edited too. Films with some of your favourite BM studs are already in the can and I promise you they are scorchers… just like today’s update with Adam & Kai! So, I guess all that’s left is for me to wish you all a very safe and happy New Year :-)

Mason

Check out GI Jonny, 02/12/07

Diary entry No. 108

So here we are in December all ready, with the wind and the rain lashing all around the UK. You gotta love living here in the winter, eh? Not only did I get thoroughly soaked while walking Monty in the park today, the same happened when I went down to the marina to check on the boat. Adjusting lines and fenders in gale force winds is not nice, especially as the pontoons were jumping up and down as much as the bloody boat! After 30 minutes I felt quite sea sick and had to retire for a little lie down – some sailor I am, lol ;-)

Anyway, on a far more important topic yesterday was World AIDS Day. I have spoken here at length about people practicing safer sex yet recently, within the adult industry the prevalence of bareback DVDs and websites seems to have increased dramatically. It’s almost as though the lessons we learnt back in the 80’s have been forgotten. Indeed, it would seem that many young people simply don’t know or understand the risks of HIV so I’d like anyone who’s unsure to visit www.gijonny.co.uk and take a look around. It's a fun site with some cool features as well as being a good source of information - go on, check it out!

I was personally blessed (and no doubt saved) from the government’s HIV / AIDS awareness campaign back in the late 80’s and early 90’s.  Please make sure you know the facts and how to protect yourself too. Meanwhile, I think we should all stop and raise a glass to all those living with or having died from this terrible disease.

On a more happy note, Lucas and I have a very busy filming schedule coming up over the next few weeks. The site redesign is coming along well and I’ve also employed a new member of the BM team. More news to follow soon ;-)

All the best,

Mason

Charity & Honesty, 05/11/07

Diary entry No. 107

Well, after my un-supportive remarks about Lucas a few weeks ago, I too have now gone down with a slightly different variant of man-flu. I know, that’ll teach me for being less than charitable but hey, being a real gay man, I continue working and struggle onwards ;-)

Talking of charity, I made another donation over the weekend to our nominated organisation. Members can see where there money went by checking out the member’s forum. Thanks for your continued support guys and gals – I’m sure the cash is making a real difference to those in need.

On a slightly different track, I nearly checked out of sanity HQ a few weeks ago for good! After months of meetings and emails about the redesign of the site, my new web developer told me the redesign was too difficult for him and so he was pulling out. However, after a few stiff gins I came to the conclusion that here was a man who wasn’t going to promise what he couldn’t deliver and for that I am truly grateful. I now have a new team working on the project… fingers crossed you’ll see the results pretty soon!

As for the filming side, well, we’ve been pretty busy. There are more films of your favourite guys (Adam, Jack, Grant, Tristan, Kai, Leo M, Matt H, Scott and RJ to name just a few) in the can… and while Lucas may be on vacation in Switzerland right now, there’s a ton of stuff in the diary for when he returns ;-)

Have a great one,

Mason

A quiet week, 07/10/07

Diary entry No. 106

It’s been a strange old week. Lucas has been off ill (nothing serious... man flu!) and there’s been no filming (which always depresses me!) so I thought Jason and I would have a nice day out together. Off we went for a very jolly adventure and it was lovely to get away from it all, although it did result in me having to make some very tough decisions.

I won’t go in to the details but it really made me question what I want to get out of life. The short answer I finally came up with is more quality time for myself and more rigid working hours – f*** knows how I’m going to achieve it! But there has to be a way and I’m determined to try and find it…

Anyway, over the next few months I know I’m going to be crazily busy making a ton of films. There are so many totally hot new guys coming on board to play with your existing favourites that I’d be mad not too, and after all it’s what I set out to do! But perhaps I might just get far enough ahead to take a little holiday in February ;-)

In the meantime I’ll leave you with a little teaser in the form of the pictures to the right. Which other “straight” guy is having fun with Matt H? I wonder…

All the best,

Mason

Busy as ever, 30/09/07

Diary entry No. 105

It’s been a little crazy over at the new apartment during the last few weeks. Lucas has been busy arranging plenty of shoots and I’ve been getting used to commuting to work again! Well, OK, I’ve given him some freedom with the solo shoots while I’ve been working on other things, but I’ve been there for all the duo’s…

We’re still waiting for a load of furniture to arrive but on a brighter note, we do now have a broadband internet connection - it’s been absolutely horrible trying to live and work without one. Sometimes it’s easy to forget what life was like back in the dark ages… when it took over a minute to view a page with a few hot images and video downloads took an entire afternoon for a 30 second blurred clip!

Anyway, we’ve been thinking up a host of different shoots we can make in the new pad and with a little luck these should start hitting the BM pages pretty soon. Talking of the site, I finally managed to sit down with my web designer on Friday afternoon and iron out all of the minor quibbles with the new look site. The build will commence very soon :-)

Oh, I’ve also commissioned a fun piece of animation to help promote the site. I’ll post it here when it’s finished and it’s sure to bring a smile to your face…
 
Have a great week,

Mason