Joel Michael Anderson’s new film “Doxy” explores the dark underbelly of gay sex work
BY MARK ARIEL
Filmmaker/adult film star Joel Michael Anderson explores the dark underbelly of gay sex work in his first major short film “Doxy,” premiering online February 8th, 2023.
The mockumentary follows Johnny Ford (Anderson, using his real-life nom-de-porn) as he hustles over the span of a single evening. His exploits serve as a cautionary tale, exploring substance abuse, exploitation, and other issues plaguing this illicit industry.
“It’s good work for many, but a dangerous hustle,” says Anderson in an interview with THE FIGHT. “Workers risk drug contact, STD’s, rape, physical abuse, or just plain being taken advantage of, as well as all the stress on mental health that comes with it. And society’s inability to talk openly about it puts so many current and potential sex workers in the dark for resources on sexual health and warnings about drug culture.”
Anderson moved from conservative Indiana to LA after deciding to embark on a film career that he “dreamt of since childhood, watching behind-the-scenes of Star Wars…”
“I imagined go-go dancing could be a fun side job, but I got an ISSA Certification for personal training to be safe.”
During this time Anderson connected with various adult film actors. “I related to their sexual freedom and openness and friendly attitudes.”
“I made “Doxy” because I need to show the studios and other filmmakers two big things: that there’s a big audience for this content when it’s done well, and that I specifically can do it well.”
Four years ago, reveals Anderson, he “started dating a man who was already on onlyfans. We fell in love way too fast and wanted to live together in a new place… I wanted to go-go less so I could have time to start writing a TV series on LGTBT nightlife, one that I’m currently working on pitching. So we decided to start an onlyfans page as a couple… It was like ‘light porn’ to me, starting it with a partner. But eventually I wanted to keep going on to studio porn. Given my performance in independent videos as well as my numerous industry connections, it was very simple and easy for me to start doing studio shoots.”
“Since then,” says Anderson, “Covid hit and my relationship didn’t survive the shutdowns. But I’ve maintained the independent porn brand and I’ve been in many studio shoots.”
Anderson reveals that he created “Doxy” because he wanted to “make a big splash and get attention for the type of content I want to write (and direct). After Covid shutdowns many studios lost money on cancelled productions, so everyone is extra cautious to pick up new shows. They need to believe it has a guaranteed audience, which is why all we see is remakes… I realized the potential to leverage the character Johnny Ford and his industry presence, to tell a powerful and cathartic exposé on sex work.”
“I made ‘Doxy,’” states Anderson, “because I need to show the studios and other filmmakers two big things: that there’s a big audience for this content when it’s done well, and that I specifically can do it well. So hopefully that proves true.”
There will be a launch party at Rocco’s, West Hollywood, on February 7th from 9pm–11pm, with the viewing at 10pm. Q&A to follow.
For more info visit: instagram.com/DoxyShortFilm
