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Khris: For those who don't know you give us a little background about yourself?
Cole: Well
Khris, thanks for the interview, usually I don’t do things like this, because Alibi Entertainment Group & all the great companies and individuals we have the pleasure of distributing for and working with are what make us tick.
It isn’t about Cole Whitaker
its about the companies, the product & about how the end user relates to them. Now,
to answer your question. The Alibi Store, was founded in Grambling, Louisiana on the doorsteps of GSU in the year 2000 by L. Charles, R. Nelor,
& myself, it served not only as an adult store, but a speak easy for the 1st amendment at GSU, Louisiana Tech, & The
University Of Louisiana. In 2001, after assuming 100% ownership of the company through a buyout.
I founded The Alibi Direct which was
a direct mail outlet for the store. In 2003, After selling a tons of everyone else’s movies from WCP, Heatwave, T.T.
Boy & X-Level Video. Rayne Man of X-Level Fame, noting my marketing capabilities phoned me and said “Have you ever
thought of starting your own line.”
I recall saying something like, “why would I do that,” he outlined benefits and challenges and about 2 months later Phat Azz Butta Bootyz was born, The distribution network, VOD Sites, Alibi Phone Phuck (800)340.4ASS & other things have followed.
Khris: I heard of you a few years ago through my bud, Rayne Man.
Now you have a full lineup of companies under you. What companies do you currently handle?
Cole: Currently on the roster
are; See It All Productions, based out of Chicago, we have distributed
for them since 2003, they have proven themselves as a great ally in this business and this year got their first AVN Nomination for the Chicago XXX Series. J. Cannon Productions, based here in Atlanta, they
give you that down,
Home flavor that the “A”
has began to be known for, Peachez & Cream All Star Amateur Ass, shipped 1500 copies its first week out, charted well
with AVN Magazine and was the top producing movie on AlibiVOD.com for weeks. NeXXXus Entertainment also spear headed by Alex Garner is also based out of Atlanta, has delivered (2) solid products: Face Down Ass Up & Phat Black
Booty Delight, they are currently being featured in magazines across the country.
TriPleX Media is our West Coast based powerhouse, which will release there, first epic, Cherokee’s First Gang
Bang, Its titled: Phat Ass Gang Bang the Series #1, LOL, its sick. It was directed by Blak Speelburg & set up by B. Walker the owner’s. Lastly, in the upcoming months Sam Hayes and myself will introduce you to Exxxplicit Multimedia, a cross
breed phat ass’s and high quality production.
Khris: What happened with the D.C. Cherry distribution deal?
Cole: D.C.
Cherry is a company that everyone should be looking out for, Kev Kash is a brother with a great understanding of the flow of business and the importance of branding. We distributed his first (2) projects; In Azz We Trust #1 & Cum Bang My Phat Black Ass, after
that we no longer had a contractual obligation & he decided to try the distribution game out by himself, just as I did (4) years ago. If anyone can pull it off Kev Kash is the guy.
Khris: Now your currently based in the Atlanta area, but originally from Chicago.
What
sparked the move? Cole: I moved to
Chicago after college to explore opportunities working in the financial
arena, I worked in the Sear’s Tower for a short time.
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I would work 40 hours there and 40 hours at home with Alibi; I learned a ton from the people there. I have lived in Atlanta for about 2 years now and it’s
a great place to be, the spirit of progression motivates me.
Khris: Seems like you're not the only person relocating to ATL.
I've heard Lickwood
Lab, Mandingo and a 1/2 dozen pornstarlettes have also move there.
. Besides
those a few small companies like RSM/404 girls are there. What's your
opinion of
the ATL porn scene?
Cole: Indeed,
Atlanta is slowly evolving into a hub of the adult industry. Mandingo, whom I speak to
and run into from time to time, actually has a home near mine. My opinion of
the Atlanta porn scene is that of pride, there are some companies here really
vying for a position in the local landscape and in time can really accomplish some big things.
However, it is important in my opinion that people realize porn is larger than Atlanta, and to be seen as more than a local company, local attitudes must change.
Khris: You're one of the few blacks that advertise in the porn publications. Do you feel
that is a factor in your success?
Cole: I feel
like it has helped to a certain degree. Since our inception, we have spent thousands
of dollars on marketing. People must know who you are in order for them to like
or dislike your product. However, if you advertise a product that’s inferior
to the norm in the market place, it won’t sell.
Khris: A lot of pro-ams have sprouted up on the East Coast thinking it's just simple.Tell them tha real please?
Cole: LOL,
everyday, there’s a new company out, and that’s encouraging. However,
I think most people have it really twisted. Most people think, hey, find a girl
who will do it, find a guy who will do it. Have 2000 movies replicated, sell
each of them for $30, that’s $60k per movie. Do this twice a month & I can make a million dollars and some change, it doesn’t work that
way.
Some people have unrealistic expectations about this business and don’t have a clue as to pricing structure
and a realistic number of units being moved. I compare it to the music industry.
I have a well known recording artist who lives in my neighborhood & I was asked
recently, by a friend, “why is he never home.”
Some people have unrealistic expectations about this business and don’t have a clue as to pricing structure
and a realistic number of units being moved. I compare it to the music industry.
I have a well known recording artist who lives in my neighborhood & I was asked recently, by a friend, “why is he never home.”
I then explained that the record deal only serves to get his CD on the shelves and get his name in lights so that
he can go and make $50k - $100K on the road in concerts. The DVD game is similar, you don’t become wealthy from the distribution deals, you become wealthy from self promotion
in conjunction with alternative marketing strategies, as well as having a strong retail infrastructure.
Khris: Seems like everyone is claiming to shoot in HD what your opinion of it?
Cole: Well,
I know some people who use the format. Our producers are still shooting
mostly standard, Rayne Man,
our lead director, & Lee G have expressed different feelings about it. I leave it to those guys, who actually
know what they are doing, I’m
a numbers guy.
Khris: Being a black in porn what is your opinion of the current state of black porn today?
Cole: Black
porn is currently at the epicenter of the industry. When, I began black porn was considered a niche, there was WCP, Jake Steed, Rayne &
a couple more. Now, it’s a full fledged genre that’s employing a
ton of people, companies who wouldn’t have looked at this stuff 3-5 years
ago are spending crazy money on it.
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The only issue is that there are very few African-American owners. Just
as in pro-sports, most of
the athletes are African-Americans & most of the owners are not. This concerns
me a great deal…
Khris: What advice would you give to young men & women wanting to get into the game? Cole: DON’T…..No,
this game can be rewarding, but is full of people who will lie, cheat, steal, &
publish false things about you, to make themselves look favorable. If you can
stomach this, come one in the ring, if not get another gig..
Also, don’t go into this business
thinking you’re almighty and that you’re taking over the world after putting out your first movie or two. Have a slice of humble pie, build some quality relationships with people who matter
and your time to shine, if that’s what you’re looking for, will come. If
you are a lovely lady of African-American, or Latin decent and you would like to be in film.
Contact our talent department at Talent@TheAlibiDirect.com. If you’re a guy, “you need to have an attractive girl,”
I know it’s cliché, but that’s the game.
Khris: Now Alibi has represented lovely at AVN for the few years with hot booths.
What made you decide to do the booth ? Cole: The AVN represents
and opportunity for Alex Garner our National Sales Manager, Christian Stylz our Creative
Director, Mike Diamond of SIA Films and the rest of our team to promote brand awareness, mingle with our loyal buyers and
retail fans.
Also, we bring something different to an otherwise stale event in my opinion.
Though it is extremely expensive, it has been rewarding for the last few years.
Khris: Now not to take shots at the current companies you distribute for, but my only
grip with them is lack of branding. We know Alibi what about them?
Cole: Well,
most of the companies that we move product for are new and still developing, it takes time perseverance and a lot of money
to create brand recognition. See It All Productions however, is the largest Urban
Porn Company In the mid-west and have won accolades to numerous to mention including a 2007 AVN Nomination for Chicago XXX.
Khris: On a average how many titles do you release a month?
Cole: The
AEG Network, currently releases 4 titles per month.
Khris: Who are you a fan of porn wise?
Cole:
John Stagliano,
Lee G, Rayne Man, Mr. Larry Flynt, Alana Moore, Jazmine Cashmere, Aurora Jolie, Aliana Love, Unique LaSage, Jada Fire and
maybe a couple more.
Khris: Being a black distributor what roadblocks have you came across?
Cole: The
challenges, I faced initially were people not believing in my ability to market highly infused urban products to national
market.
Khris: Now if heads wanted to get at you how can they reach you?
Cole: Cole@TheAlibiDirect.com
Khris: Are you on Myspace?
Cole: http://www.myspace.com/AlibiEntertainment
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