Adult video king showcases 'full splendor' of porn

It may have been the first time porn star Jenna Jameson was spoken about publicly in Houston Hall.

Adult film industry director, producer and actor Adam Glasser brought many new conversation topics to the full auditorium last night, with his discussion of both his adult film company -- which is run by his alter ego Seymore Butts -- and his Showtime reality series, Family Business.

"What I do is not some bump-and-grind fantasy," Glasser said, adding that he simply "make[s] money off of money shots."

Those money shots have generated over 300,000 DVD and video sales each year for Glasser and his 25-person company. The 12-year veteran of the adult film industry -- which generates $14 billion each year -- is currently starring in the second season of Family Business, a reality show which details his life as father, son and businessman.

Glasser said he also tries to incorporate this realistic aspect into his films.

"The movies have really been a running chronicle of my life for the past 12 years," he said.

His new TV venture further blurs the line between reality and fantasy.

But even scenes that show Glasser playing with his 7-year-old son or working with his mother may not succeed in purifying Glasser's image.

"I know the world doesn't see me as Mother Teresa," Glasser said. "I want to show people that everyone involved in this industry isn't sleazy."

Glasser highlighted some positive effects generated by pornography.

It's "some of the best sex education money can buy," he said. "Sex and the City can talk about it, but we can show it in all its full-frontal splendor."

Mark Guterman, co-director of Connaissance for the Penn Social Planning and Events Committee, praised the presentation.

"We thought it would be an interesting twist on business and entrepreneurship," the College junior said of Glasser's appearance.

When discussing business techniques, Glasser advocated vertical integration, stressing the importance of having "constant control of your product." He also recommended the expansion of traditional markets, specifically by venturing overseas.

But even though Glasser insists that the adult film industry is still a business just like any other, it does have to deal with issues that other industries may never face, such as the legal implications of its products.

"I've been in so many courtrooms that I could be on Law and Order," Glasser said, adding that his work has been attacked by the "crazy quilt of laws that govern what we can and cannot show."

Many disagree with the media censorship that affects the distribution of Glasser's films.

College sophomore Topher Brown said he supported open talk about the pornography industry and sexuality.

"I think it's relevant, and it's a topic that should be discussed," he said.

College senior Brian Dearnley appreciated Glasser's ability to relate to the audience.

"I love how normal he is," Dearnley said. "He's not a hard-core porn freak."

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