Checking In With Jacky St. James, Sweet Sinner’s New Addition

Jacky Joins Sweet Sinner!

Top features director Jacky St. James has her very first feature for Sweet Sinner/Mile High Media coming out this week on DVD and VOD, titled "Interracial Family Needs". St. James is a creative, inspiring force within the industry - her Best Screenplay AVN Award that she won earlier this year for New Sensations' "The Submission of Emma Marx: Boundaries" was very well-deserved and her Showtime erotic series "Submission" is well-loved by viewers. I am truly very excited to see what she has on the way.

Congrats on joining Sweet Sinner! What made you decide to make the switch over from Digital Sin/New Sensations?

"New Sensations was my first home in adult, and one that I always will feel a deep sense of loyalty to and appreciation for. I haven't really left New Sensations, but I also don't have anything in the works for them at this time. For me, seeking out new companies came from my desire to continue shooting taboo storylines for a high quality studio, and Mile High was the first studio that came to mind. Jon Blitt was a name I'd heard often while in adult - always with high praise. The fact that he also employed some of the industry's top female directors was an added bonus. A studio owner that values the work of women and what they bring to table as artists was what lead me to him."

What about Sweet Sinner as an imprint to date have you enjoyed? How do you think that they will be able to support you creatively?

"I love the forbidden aspect of it. Forbidden storylines have always appealed to me and they are where I feel the most creatively inspired. Jon has been really receptive to my ideas and casting choices and I love that he’s given me freedom to explore some deviant, super taboo areas that some distributors might shy away from. Knowing that I have a level of freedom allows me to venture into some unknown territory and grow more as a director."

Do you have any favorite lines/titles from Sweet Sinner? Are you a fan of James Avalon's work? 

"James Avalon is one of the few men in the industry directing content that is geared more towards the couples’ market. How can anyone not be a fan of that? I’m still getting to know the Sweet Sinner brand, so I can’t yet pick a favorite, but I always enjoy a good Father/Daughter story."

How do you think that your fauxcest will evolve at Sweet Sinner? Do you think it will change at all?

"I'm always looking to evolve and right now I'm contemplating changing things up. I've been kind of the voiceover story gal. It was sort of my trademark thing, but with more studios using that, I’m looking to find another style that is unique to only me. It’s a work in progress!"

What kind of stories can viewers get ready to see in your upcoming Sweet Sinner movies?

"Everything from MILFs and stepsons, to cheating husbands and wives. I’m in pre-production for a Father/stepdaughter feature title that I’ve been wanting to do for years and a BDSM movie happening this month as well!"

What can you share about "Interracial Family Needs"? What inspired you to make it? What performances in it stood out most for you?

"Every cast member involved was incredible. Because it was my first project out of the gate, there were growing pains, but it was so lovely to have a cast that was patient and positive from start to finish. For me, the standout acting performance goes to Tyler Knight and he was the inspiration behind the movie. Tyler is an incredible actor and an incredible human being and when you have someone that just makes you want to write, you know it's meant to be. But, my high praise for Tyler doesn’t mean that the other actors didn’t carry their own. Cherie DeVille gives a very nuanced performance with complexity and depth and Sara [Luvv] will absolutely leave you guessing the entire way. Rachael Madori and Isiah Maxwell, although smaller roles, were absolutely memorable and a true pleasure to direct."

How has working with a new production crew been? What do you think the influence of that on your work has been?

"I started working with a new production crew after 'Interracial Family Needs' (which I worked with Avalon on). Since then, it’s been consistently the same core group of people. My new DP, Hank Hoffman (who worked with me on Showtime’s 'Submission') is going to be shooting all of my titles moving forward. I won't lie, it was incredibly difficult for me to work without Eddie Powell at first. It was one of those bittersweet moments where you realize that work/life as you know it won’t ever be the same. Eddie’s been my main guy for the last five years and I’ll likely never not miss working with him. However, sometimes in order to grow - you really have to take a giant leap and get out of your comfort zone. Working with a new crew requires that I spend a lot more time on technical parts of directing which I haven’t had to worry about previously - but learning how to lead technically will make me a better all-around director - so there’s a positive spin."

What are you proudest of from your time with Digital Sin/New Sensations?

"So many things. The Tabu Tales line for sure. When the market was saturated with fauxcest, I wanted Tabu Tales to put my own unique stamp on a very popular genre and I believe I succeeded in doing that. Other highlights would be 'Torn', which remains my best film to date. And probably, 'The Friend Zone' - which I still consider to be the best screenplay of my adult career."

You mentioned being happy to be in the company of female directors in the press release announcing this change in your career. What about their work has motivated/inspired your work to date?

"Mile High is a company that employs some of the industry's most successful women. Mason was one director that I looked up to from the moment I started in the business. She was one of the very first to do star showcases and she landed so many incredible 'firsts' from an overwhelming number of top performers. She made that a trend. Mason was the first female director to win Director of the Year (body of work) from AVN and her meticulous style completely reinvented what we consider 'gonzo' today. Dana Vespoli was someone who I admired both professionally and personally for years. Her stories are so unique - they should be their own genre. For me, Dana’s professionalism and all around good attitude inspires me to stay professional and respectful to everyone I know and keep pushing the envelop of good storytelling, the way she always does. And of course one of the most innovative lines to come out of the industry in decades - Icon Male - spearheaded by Nica Noelle is a testament to her own talent and creativity and the talent and creativity valued by Mile High."

Is there anything that you would like to say to your fans here at Fleshbot?

"If you’ve got questions or just want to check out what’s going on in my life - jackystjames.com or twitter.com/jackystjames. Oh yeah, and PAY FOR YOUR PORN! Thanks everyone for reading and much happiness to all."

All of the images and the video here (which highlights the Madori/Maxwell scene) appear courtesy of Sweet Sinner/Mile High Media. Click right here to go watch "Interracial Family Needs" right now!