#Shrink Films Industry

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Exploring Emerging Trends in Shrink Films Procurement Intelligence

The shrink films category is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6% from 2023 to 2030. Three primary types of films are used in shrink wrapping or packaging: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyolefin (POF), and polyethylene (PE).  Shrink films can be converted into bags, flattened roll stock, overwrap, tubing, and banding. Shrink films can also be segregated into centerfold and single-wound films. These are mainly made from POFs and PE. PVC shrink films are extensively used for non-food goods such as CD and DVD packaging, game and software boxes, and other packaging. This is because PVC is banned in many countries due to its chemical composition and the hazardous by products that are generated during its synthesis and decay. Hence, companies such as Walmart take extra precautions and ensure the highest standards for use and disposal when certain manufacturers use this chemical in their packaging.

In the plastics packaging industry, the key trend is the increasing focus on sustainability. Considering the increasing momentum of the anti-plastic movement, there are significant concerns about the usage of shrink wrap/films in the packaging industry. However, most of the films are produced using LDPE, the production of which does not emit polluting agents and is recyclable in most cases. As a result, companies are increasingly trying to implement environmental-friendly plastics or recycled content while manufacturing films or wraps. One such instance is the use of green polyolefin film, which can help companies achieve more than 25% in annual savings.

Strong robust demand from the F&B, electronics, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics sectors has contributed to the increasing requirement for shrink films. By consumption, the F&B sector accounts for the largest share, between 45 - 55% of the total. The rise in canned, packaged, and frozen food and the growing concerns about products during transit has led to the further expansion of shrink-wrap/film packaging. In addition, rising awareness among consumers about packaging is also positively impacting the industry. For instance, in 2022, it was found that 74% of customers are prepared to pay extra money for packaging that is fully recyclable or sustainable.

According to industry experts, as of April 2023, the PPWR proposal particularly in the European region could have a tremendous negative impact on the shrink films/wrap market. The proposed regulation intends to eliminate or drastically cut down on the usage of pallet wraps, shrink wraps, and stretch films made of polyethylene for transit packing. This poses a risk to all European Union producers and users of these wrapping products.

Order your copy of the Shrink Films Procurement Intelligence Report, 2023 - 2030, published by Grand View Research, to get more details regarding day one, quick wins, portfolio analysis, key negotiation strategies of key suppliers, and low-cost/best-cost sourcing analysis

The global shrink films category is fragmented. Regionally, plastics, polymers, and in turn, the shrink films industry is highly fragmented. As a result, the bargaining power for most of the suppliers is moderate to low. Large corporations having long-term agreements with their approved vendors may have higher negotiation power. Most of the manufacturers prefer using POFs due to their excellent durability and versatility properties. It is made of 100% recyclable material, which further helps companies contribute to sustainability. POFs have replaced PVC in many applications, and it also has received FDA certification for food packaging applications. In July 2023, Amcor announced the introduction of a new sustainable production line in its Swansea, U.K. “Flexibles” facility. The line is mainly for shrink films and bags for cheese and meat items. It is produced using thinner material with a formulation that is devoid of PVDC and has a high barrier.

Some of the key cost components associated with the category include raw materials, energy and equipment, labor, facilities and storage, transportation, and others. Other costs can include marketing, repairs, utilities and administrative expenses, tax, etc. The key raw materials for films include POF, PE, or PVC. POFs fall under the thermoplastics family and hence can utilize multiple raw materials such as ethylene, and propylene. These are again obtained from oil and natural gas. As a result, fluctuations in the prices of the raw material can have a significant impact on the cost of shrink film. For instance, price increases in the resin markets at the end of 2021 caused shrink wraps and film prices to increase by 8 - 12%. In the European region, the majority of polymers followed the increases in monomer prices, and polyolefin prices continued to grow in October 2023. Propylene C3 increased by EUR 60/ MT, while ethylene C2 increased by EUR 65 / MT.

The total cost is also impacted by certain variables such as the width and thickness of the film, package height, type of material used, etc. In addition to the unique formulations of the films, there is an increased cost when companies want printed designs. Printed shrink wraps/films are considered a premium option with branding, typography, logo, and graphic dynamics. It is more expensive than transparent or clear films. For instance, clear centerfold shrink films can cost on average between USD 100 - 250. Prices can vary based on roll orders. The cost of a printed pallet wrap order can easily range between USD 5,500 - 6,000, assuming the minimum order is 40 rolls (for machine pallet wrap).

According to Volza's October 2023 estimates, the top exporters of shrink films are China, India, and Vietnam, accounting for 38,769 shipments, 18,349 shipments, and 18,043 shipments respectively. The majority of the world's shrink films are exported to Vietnam, India, and the U.S. APAC dominated the shrink wraps and films category as it held 43% of the share in 2022. Most of the companies procure raw materials from China owing to its huge network of plastics and polymers supplier base coupled with manufacturing capacity. Under sourcing, most of the packaging companies such as Amcor, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, and Berry Global have their complete in-house plastics or dedicated flexibles manufacturing plants. Such corporations may have procured raw materials from their approved suppliers, however, film manufacturing from start to finish is done by the in-house team. 

Shrink Films Procurement Intelligence Report Scope

• Shrink Films Category Growth Rate: CAGR of 6% from 2023 to 2030

• Pricing Growth Outlook: 10% - 15% (Annually)

• Pricing Models: Volume-based, contract-based pricing model

• Supplier Selection Scope: Cost and pricing, past engagements, productivity, geographical presence

• Supplier Selection Criteria: Material type (PVC, PE, or POF), application (food, bottles, sensitive products), features (tamper resistant, moisture and oxygen barrier), certifications, operational and functional capabilities, technology used, and others

• Report Coverage: Revenue forecast, supplier ranking, supplier positioning matrix, emerging technology, pricing models, cost structure, competitive landscape, growth factors, trends, engagement, and operating model

Browse through Grand View Research’s collection of procurement intelligence studies:

• Polyethylene (PE) Film Procurement Intelligence Report, 2024 - 2030 (Revenue Forecast, Supplier Ranking & Matrix, Emerging Technologies, Pricing Models, Cost Structure, Engagement & Operating Model, Competitive Landscape)

• Conveyor Procurement Intelligence Report, 2023 - 2030 (Revenue Forecast, Supplier Ranking & Matrix, Emerging Technologies, Pricing Models, Cost Structure, Engagement & Operating Model, Competitive Landscape)

Key Companies Profiled

• Amcor Plc

• Berry Global Inc.

• Bolloré Group

• Sealed Air Corporation (SEE)

• The Dow Chemical Company

• Bonset America Corporation

• Allen Plastic Industries Co., Ltd

• Barbier Group

• Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation

• American Eagle Packaging

Brief about Pipeline by Grand View Research:

A smart and effective supply chain is essential for growth in any organization. Pipeline division at Grand View Research provides detailed insights on every aspect of supply chain, which helps in efficient procurement decisions.

Our services include (not limited to):

• Market Intelligence involving – market size and forecast, growth factors, and driving trends

• Price and Cost Intelligence – pricing models adopted for the category, total cost of ownerships

• Supplier Intelligence – rich insight on supplier landscape, and identifies suppliers who are dominating, emerging, lounging, and specializing

• Sourcing / Procurement Intelligence – best practices followed in the industry, identifying standard KPIs and SLAs, peer analysis, negotiation strategies to be utilized with the suppliers, and best suited countries for sourcing to minimize supply chain disruptions

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Asia-Pacific Region will Aribute Towards the Polyolefins Market Growth through Forecast Period| MarketsandMarkets™

Asia-Pacific Region will Aribute Towards the Polyolefins Market Growth through Forecast Period| MarketsandMarkets™

The report “global Polyolefins Market by Type (Polethylene, Polypropylene, and Functional Polyolefins, Application (Film & Sheet, Injection Molding, Blow Molding, Fibers & Raffia), and Region – Global Forecasts to 2021”, The market size of PO is estimated to grow from USD 206.81 Billion in 2015 to USD 297.09 Billion by 2021, at a CAGR of 7.82% between 2016 and 2021. The Polyolefins market size is…

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Bloodborne PSX One of the best fanworks on the web

Though the PS4 boasted and still boasts an impressive library of releases, for many (myself included) the system served to be bought for initially one purpose, to be the Bloodborne Machine. Most of the people in my life who had a PS4 during its generation either bought one exclusively to play Fromsoftware’s Nightmare Hunting Adventure or had initially got one solely to play the game and ended up getting more games afterward. It’s a phenomenon the game industry sees time and time again, with previous generations having swathes of fans buying entire consoles for one or two games. As far as games go though, Bloodborne is at the very least worth the price of entry. At the time, it was heralded as Fromsoftware’s most cutting-edge and impressive game to date. A gorgeous gothic world filled with creatures ripped straight out of H.P Lovecraft’s nightmares, a haunting soundtrack showcasing beautifully composed choral scores and a combat system that incentivized aggression and speed to achieve brutal and bloody efficiency. It’s no wonder then why Bloodborne still has such a large following behind it. Fans of Fromsoftware have hoped for a sequel or PC port year after year to largely disappointing results. But where the community shines is in its fanworks. 

From fanart, comics, music, animations, and even fan-made video game spinoffs, the game has been shown a monumental amount of love since its debut in 2015. One of these fanworks was released back in 2022 and has since become one of the most famous pieces of fan-made content surrounding the game, this of course, being BloodbornePSX by LWMedia. An incredibly impressive feat of coding and art direction, the game serves as a “Demake” of Bloodborne’s first Yharnam segment, made to look like and play as if it were made on the very first PlayStation console. With some custom-made areas and an entirely unique boss to boot the perfectly paced experience is both a treat to fans who have been orbiting the game since its earliest days and new fans looking for the best and brightest fanworks to interact with. 

The game has since gone on to be covered by a variety of news outlets all over the web, along with its creator receiving much-deserved attention for her efforts. One Lilith Walther (AKA b0tster on social media) holds the title of developer for the project. A long-time video game enthusiast and FromSoftware fan herself, she’s had quite an impact on the community I’m sure she’s very proud to be a part of. Later in the article, we’ve got an interview with Lilith herself about both Bloodborne PSX and her current project, “Bloodborne Kart”, but first, let’s talk a bit more in-depth about BBPSX.

(Official launch trailer for Bloodborne PSX, uploaded January 31, 2022 by LWMedia on Youtube)

Bloodborne PSX:

So, what exactly is Bloodborne PSX? To start, let’s answer what precisely a “Demake” is first. Demakes often have the goal of remaking the likeness of a game either stylistically, mechanically, or both, as if it was developed on retro/outdated hardware. Famous examples of Demakes include “The Mummy Demastered” developed by Wayforward as a sort of tie-in to the 2017 film “The Mummy” in the stylings of a 16-bit run and gun adventure against armies of the undead, and “Pixel Force Halo” by Eric Ruth games which take the prolific XBOX franchise and shrinks it down to a Mega Man-esque platformer reminiscent of the NES’ 8-bit days. Demakes are intensely attractive looking, not only into the past of video games and their developments but just how creative developers can be with games that they love and appreciate. Bloodborne PSX hits as hard as a Demake can in my opinion, blending masterfully recreated graphics with perfectly clunky early PSX gameplay quirks that go above and beyond to make the game not only LOOK like it belongs on the nearly 30-year-old console but feel right at home on it as well.

(A screenshot depicting the player character “The Hunter” facing off against two fearsome Werewolf enemies. Screenshot sourced from the Bloodborne PSX Official itch.io page)

Gameplay:

Starting off with the masterfully recreated clunk in the gameplay, Bloodborne PSX “shows its age” by hearkening back to a time when being seamless just wasn’t an option. Much like adventure action games of the past (and much UNLIKE its modern inspiration), you’ll be cycling through your inventory delightfully more than you’d expect. Equipping keys, checking items, and even the trademark weapon transformations are all done through the wonderfully nostalgic menu and inventory screens. Taking one of the foundational parts of Bloodborne’s combat system and making it such a more encumbering mechanic is nothing short of sheer genius when it comes to ways to really make you feel like it’s 1994 again. On top of this, the Hunter’s movement itself has been made reminiscent of classic action titles. Somehow, both stiff enough to feel dated and fluid enough to make combat that same rush of bestial fun found in the original, it goes a long way towards the total immersion into that retro vibe the game sets out to give the player. Anyone who grew up with Fromsoftware’s earlier titles like Armored Core and the King’s Field series will be very familiar with this unique brand of “well-tuned clunk”.

(A delightfully dated looking diagram showing off the controller layout for Bloodborne PSX’s controls. Image sourced from the Bloodborne PSX Official itch.io page)

Graphics:

Speaking of old Fromsoftware games, though, let’s talk about the absolutely bit-crushingly beautiful graphical work on display. As I’m sure you’ve seen from the videos and screenshots included in the article, BBPSX’s art style and direction are nothing short of perfect for what it aims to be. While playing, I couldn’t help but notice every little detail (or lack thereof) in the environments meant to emulate the experience of a game made on 30-year-old hardware. Low render distances, chunky textures, blocky polygonal models, just the right amount of texture warp, it all blends together to create an atmosphere that I can 100% picture being shown off on the back of a jewel CD case with a T for Teen rating slapped into the lower corner. While playing, something rather specific that called out to me was the new way enemy names and health bars were displayed in the bottom right corner of the screen while fighting. As a big fan of the King’s Field games, this small detail went (probably too much of) a long way toward my love of how everything’s meant to feel older. Other games trying to match the more specific feel of King’s Field, like “Lunacid” created by KIRA LLC, also include this delightful little detail, a personal favorite for sure. 

(A screenshot depicting the second phase of Father Gascoigne’s boss fight, showing off the game’s perfectly retro art style. Image sourced from the Bloodborne PSX Official itch.io page)

Sound design/Soundtrack:

But where would a game be without its sound and score? No need to fear, however, because Bloodborne PSX comes complete with a chunky soundscape that will make you want to check and see if your TV is set to channel 3. A haunting set of tracks played by fittingly digital-sounding MIDIs ran through filters to sound just as crackly as you remember backs up crunchy sounds of spilling blood with low-poly weaponry. Original sounds from Bloodborne have been used for an authentic sounding experience, but have also been given the CRT speaker treatment and sound like something you remember playing on Halloween 20 years ago. If you watched the launch trailer featured above then you know exactly what I’m talking about. The Cleric Beast’s trademark screech and Gascoine’s signature howl after his beastly transformation have never sounded so beautifully dated, and I’m here for every bit of it. Even the horrific boss themes we know and love from the original Bloodborne have been brought through this portal to the past. One of my favourite tracks, the Cleric Beast boss theme, might just sound even better when played on a 16-bit sound chip. It really cannot be understated just how much weight the sound design of the game is pulling. In my opinion, the only thing missing is that sweet sweet PSX startup sound before the game starts crackling through the speakers of a TV in the computer room.

(The Bloodborne PSX rendition of the Cleric Beast’s boss theme. Created by and uploaded to Youtube by The Noble Demon on March 20, 2021)

Interview with the developer:

Before writing this article, I had the absolute pleasure and privilege of talking with Lilith Walther about some developmental notes and personal feelings about inspirations and challenges that can come with the daunting task of being a developer. Below are the nine (initially ten, but unfortunately, a bit of the interview was lost due to my recording software bugging out) questions I posed to Miss Lilith, along with her answers transcribed directly from the interview. 

I’d like to start this section of the article by saying Lilith was an absolute joy to talk to. During the interview, I really felt like she and I shared some common ground on some topics regarding how media can have an impact on you and what sorts of things come with video games as an art form. After some minor technical difficulties (and by that, I mean my video drivers crashed), I started off with something simple. The first question posited was: “What got you into video games initially?” Lilith’s response was as follows: “When I was a kid, the family member of a friend had a SNES lying around. I turned it on and didn’t really understand. I was a guy on top of a pyramid, I walked down the pyramid, and some big ogre killed me. Later I learned that was A Link to the past.” and after a brief laugh continued, “A couple years later my parents got a Nintendo 64 with Mario64 and Ocarina of Time and that was it. Never put the controller down since then.” 

She then went on to describe what precisely about Nintendo’s first foray into 3D Zelda had hooked her. “I’ve heard this story so many times. It’s like you’re not even playing the game. You’re just in the world hanging out in Kokiri forest collecting rupees to get the Deku shield, and the game expects you to! It was just, ‘run around this world and explore,’ and that really hooked me.” I couldn’t agree more with her statement about her experience. Not just with a game as prolific as Ocarina of Time but many experiences from older console generations that could be considered “the first of their kind”, or at the very least some of the earliest. Lilith also described her first experience with a PlayStation console, stating: “Later on I got a PS2 which played PS1 games. I didn’t end up getting a PS1 until around the PS3 era, so I guess I’m a poser. I remember my sister bringing home Final Fantasy 9 when it was a relatively new game. If it wasn’t my first PS1 game it was definitely my first Final Fantasy game. Of course I went back and played 8 and 7 afterwards.” A solid answer to a simple question. 

The second question I asked was one starting to move toward the topic of Bloodborne PSX and its namesake/inspiration. Or at least the family of systems it was released on: “What PlayStation console was your favorite and why?” Lilith’s answer surprised me a bit. Not because I disagreed, quite the opposite, actually. But with such a big inspiration for her work being games from the PSX-PS2 generations, what followed was a pleasant bit of insight into one of her favourite eras of gaming, to quote: “I can give you two answers here.” To which I assured her she was more than welcome to, but she was set on having something definitive. “No no I’m only going to give you one answer. I can give you the correct answer that I don’t want to admit, but it was the PlayStation 3. It’s so embarrassing but I genuinely was hooked into the marketing of the whole ‘The cell processor is the smartest thing in the world’ and all that. It really seemed like the future of gaming and I was all about it. I think I owned an XBOX360 before but I did eventually get it and really enjoyed it. It took a couple years for some of the best games to come out but I really did.” A few examples she cited as being some of her most memorable experiences on the console were Uncharted 2, Journey, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, and Warhawk. All games I’ve seen on several top 5 and top 10 lists throughout my life within the gaming space. A delightful show of affection for a generation personally very dear to me as well, in which she ended the segment by declaring “Hell yeag”, a bit of a catchphrase she’s coined online.

Getting into the topic proper, my third question was one about her personal relationship with Bloodborne: “How did Bloodborne impact/appeal to your interests?” A question that received perhaps my favourite answer of the whole interview. From her response: ”Oh that’s a big one. Going to the opposite end of the poser spectrum, I was a Fromsoftware fan before it was cool. One of the games I played religiously on my PS2 was Armored Core.” A statement which made more sense than perhaps anything else said during my time with her. “Then later in the PS3 era everyone was talking about Dark Souls, this was when I was in college. I finally caved and got it and saw the Fromsoftware logo and thought ‘Oh it’s the Armored Core people!’ I played and beat it, really enjoyed my time with it. I skipped Dark Souls 2 because everyone told me to hate it, I still need to go back to that one.” 

It’s something I would recommend anyone who hasn’t played Dark Souls 2 to go and do. “Then Bloodborne came out and I thought ‘Alright this is the new one, gotta play this one’ and I was a huge fan of all the gothic stuff in the aesthetic. And how do I explain this, I do really like Bloodborne. I like the design, and the mechanical suite of gameplay, as a video-gamey video game it’s very good.” The tone shifted here to something a bit more personal. “But as well, I was playing it at a specific time in my life. I came out in 2019, I know Bloodborne came out in 2015 but I was obviously just playing it non-stop. It was just one of my ‘coming out games’, you know?” For those who maybe don’t understand the statement there, “coming out” is a very common term used within the Queer community to describe the experience of revealing your identity to those around you. Whether it be to family, friends, or co-workers, almost every queer person has some sort of coming out story to tell. Lilith is speaking in reference to her coming out as a trans woman. She elaborated: “Obviously I can only speak for myself, but I just feel like when you make a decision like that, that part of my life just ended up seared into my brain, you know? Bloodborne was there, so now it’s just a part of me. And it definitely influenced some things about me. It was there because I was working on Bloodborne PSX at the time, but it had an impact on something I’ve heard a lot of other Trans people describe.” She went on to describe the concept of “Coming out a second time” as sort of “finding yourself more within your identity” and becoming more affirmed in it. She described both Bloodborne and her development on Bloodborne PSX influencing large parts of her life, a good example being how she dresses and presents. As a trans woman myself, this answer delighted me to no end. I, for one, can absolutely 100% relate to the notion of media you experience during such a radical turning point in your life sticking with you. There are plenty of games, shows, music, and books that I still hold very near and dear to me because, as Lilith stated, they were there. All the right things at the right time.

Halfway through our questions, we’ve finally arrived at one pertaining specifically to the development of Bloodborne PSX: “What are some unique challenges you’ve faced developing a game meant to look/play like something made on retro hardware?”

Lilith answers: “So there’s two things, two big things. One is rolling back all of the quality of life improvements we’ve gotten over the years in gaming. Not automatically using keys is always my go-to example.” Something as well I mentioned in my short talk about the game’s gloriously dated feeling gameplay above. “That was definitely very very intentional. Because it’s not just the graphics, right? It was the design sensibilities of the 90s. Bringing that to the surface was very challenging but very fun. Another big part was, since it was one of the first 3D consoles, I wanted to recreate the hype around the fact that ‘ITS IN 3D NOW!’ So if you go into your inventory you’ll see all the objects rendered in beautiful 3D while they slowly spin as you scroll through them.” This is a feature I very much miss seeing in modern video games. 

She continued, “I think the biggest one was the weapon changes. Bloodborne’s whole thing was the weapon transformations. Like, you could seamlessly change your weapons and work them into your combo and do a bunch of crazy stuff, and I kind of said ‘that needs to go immediately.’ So now you have to pause and go to your weapon and press L1 to transform it, that was extremely intentional. So once I had those three big things down it all just sort of fell into place. Like the clunky UI and the janky controls. You need jank and clunk, and I think that’s why Fromsoft games scale down so nicely, because they are jank and clunk.” 

A point I couldn’t agree with more. Despite all the modern streamlining and improvements to gameplay, Fromsoft’s ever-growing catalog of impressive experiences still contains some of that old-school video game stiffness we’ve (hopefully) come to appreciate. She went on to make a point I was very excited to share here in the article, “It was just a lot of trying to nail the feel of the games and not just the look, right? Like I’m not trying to recreate a screenshot; I’m trying to recreate the feeling of playing this weird game that’s barely holding together because the devs didn’t know what they were doing.” In my humble opinion, something she did an excellent job with. 

Fifth on the list was a question relating to her current project, Bloodborne Kart, a concept initially drawn from a popular meme shared around social media sites like Tumblr when the buzz of a Bloodborne sequel was keeping the talking spaces around Fromsoft alight: “Anything to say about the development of Bloodborne Kart or its inspiration?”

Lilith answers: “So first off Bloodborne Kart is less trying to be a simulation of a PS1 game and more just an indie game. It’s not trying to be a PS1 game, I just want it to be a fun kart racer first. Starting off of course is Mario Kart 64, that’s the one I played back in the day. But I looked at other games like Crash Team Racing and Diddy Kong Racing, but also stuff like Twisted Metal of course. I always used those as a template to sort of look at for design stuff like ‘how did they handle what happens to racers after player 1 crosses the finish line.” The next portion of her answer was initially a bit confusing but comes across better when you consider certain elements present in BBK’s battle mode. “And also Halo, like for the battle mode. I had to do a battle mode and it kind of just bubbled to the surface. Split Screen with my sister was such a big part of my childhood. Thinking about Halo multiplayer while I was making the battle mode stuff.” 

Her answer to the previous question began to dip into the topic of our sixth question: “Are there any unique challenges or enjoyable creative points that go into making something like Bloodborne Kart?”

As she continued from her previous answer: “One of the biggest quirks of the battle mode I had to figure out was how to tell what team you were on at a glance, and that came back to Halo again. I started thinking about how you could tell in that game and it hit me that the arms of your suit change to the color of whatever team you’re on. It was just something I never even thought of because it’s so seamless. So that gave me the idea to change the kart colours, and that’s the most recent example of me pulling directly from Halo. It’s wild how a small change like that can turn your game from something unplayable to something fun.” I would agree. Tons of small details and things you don’t think about go into making seamless multiplayer experiences. Some of which we take for granted nowadays. She then made a point about one of the most challenging aspects of BBK’s development, “The most challenging thing was definitely the Kart AI. AI is just my worst skill when it comes to game development among the massive array of skills you need to make a game. It’s really hard to find examples of people coding kart driving AI, You know? You need to make a biped walk around you can find a million tutorials online but if you need to make something drive a kart, not really. I was really on my own there. A lot of the examples out there are very simulation oriented. Like cars using suspension and whatnot, but I’m making a kart racer. So I started simple, I put a navpoint down and if it needs to turn left, turn left, if it needs to turn right, turn right. And I just kept adding features from there.”

Moving onto our last three questions, we started to get a little more personal. Question seven being: “What’s your favorite part of Bloodborne Kart so far?”

Her answer was concise in what she was excited about most, quote: “The boss fights.” Short and sweet but she did elaborate. “Translating a big part of Bloodborne is the boss fights. So I made a short linear campaign which is basically AI battles and races strung together. Some of those stages are just boss fights which are unique to the rest of the game. When you make a video game you sit down and you make all your different modes of interactions, and then you make a multi-hour experience mixing and matching all those different modes in more complicated ways. I think the most interesting part is when that style tends to fall away and it ends up building something entirely unique to that experience.” An example she gave was the infamous “Eventide Island” in Breath of the wild, it being a unique experience where the game’s usual modes of interaction are stripped or limited, forcing you into a more structured experience that ends up being a majorly positive one. “That’s what the boss fights are in Bloodborne Kart. They do multiple game mechanics like a chase that ends in a battle mode. Like Father Gascoine’s fight where he chases you, and after you blow up his kart he turns into a beast and picks up a minigun.” That sounds absolutely incredible. It’s very easy to see why she’d pick the boss fights as her favorite element when they’re clearly intended to be such unique and memorable experiences. 

Our last two questions veer away from the topics of development proper and focus more on our dear dev’s personal thoughts on the matter. Question eight posits: “What’s your personal favorite part of being a game developer?”

After some thought, she gave a very impassioned talk about something she considers to be the best part of the experience: “When people who aren’t game developers think about game development they think of things like ‘oh well you just get to play video games all day and have fun’ but it’s not! Except for the 2% that is, and it’s near the end of development. When all the pieces fall into place and you start actually ‘making the game.’ Game development, especially solo, you’re so zoomed in on specific parts. Because you’re not making a game you’re programming software that’s what making a game is. You spend months working on different systems and then you actually sit down and make a level, and you hit play and it you go ‘Oh my god, I just made a game’. That part is what sustains me. It’s magical. That’s the best part when it comes to true appreciation of the craft aside from the reception.” An answer that I don’t think I could’ve put better if I tried. 

My last question is one that I consider to be the question when it comes to interviewing anyone who works on video games. Perhaps a bit basic, but heartfelt nonetheless: “Anything to say to anyone aspiring to be a game developer?”

Lilith’s answer: “Yes. Just do it. For real. This is what I did and it always felt wrong until I looked at more established devs echoing the sentiment. You cannot plan a game before you’ve started making one. The example I always bring up is the team behind Deus Ex wrote a 500 page design document for the game and almost immediately threw it out when they started development. Just start! You’re going to have unanswered questions and I think that trips people up. Don’t start with your magnum opus idea, start with something simple and achievable. I feel like a lot of people set out with the goal of making a triple-A game, and that’s good! But it can’t be your first game. Game development is creating art, just like any other form of art, and it’s like saying ‘my first drawing is going to be the Mona Lisa’ and it just doesn’t work like that. You need practice and development, and it’s difficult to see that because games take so long and so much, so it’s definitely seen as a bigger undertaking. But it’s still art. You’re still making mistakes and learning from them for your first project. Your next game will be better. View your career as a game developer as a series of games you want to make, and not just one big game.” A perfect response to an otherwise unassuming question. 

Lilith’s passion and love for video games were reflected very clearly in every response she gave during my time with her. Her dedication and appreciation for the art form can be seen in every pixel of Bloodborne PSX, as well as the development logs and test builds of Bloodborne Kart. I really do think that the way she answered my final question speaks volumes to the type of attitude someone should take up when endeavoring to make art as intensive as a video game. Whether it’s fanwork of a game that’s important to you or an entirely new concept, do it. 

(developer of Bloodborne PSX Lilith Walther, image provided by Lilith Walther via Twitter)

Closing:

If you’d like to check out the positively phenomenal experience that is Bloodborne PSX  I’ve included a link to the official itch.io page below the article, as well as a link to the official LWMedia Youtube page where you can check out Lilith’s dev logs, test videos, and animations about her work and other art. Thank you so much for reading, and another very special thank you to Lilith for setting aside some of her time to talk to me about this article. Now get out there and cleanse those foul streets!

Links:

Bloodborne PSX official itch.io page: https://b0tster.itch.io/bbpsx

LWMedia Official Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/@b0tster

Lilith Walther Twitter page: https://twitter.com/b0tster

[my-fandom-mania]

People being upset that Joseph Quinn is going to be in MCU movies for at least another three years is so funny to me.

He’s THIRTY.

Harrison Ford was in Star Wars when he was 33, and he’s still acting! One of my favorite roles of his is in Shrinking which came out last year. He’s 82.

Joseph Quinn has LOTS OF TIME to find more projects, and after this he can do EVEN MORE passion projects because he’ll have that kind of power behind his name even more than he does now, which he already has a lot of!

SUPPORT ACTORS DOING PROJECTS THEY ENJOY.

And if that’s a blockbuster Gladiator movie even he didn’t think they could make a good sequel for at first, a short film or three movies in the biggest cinematic franchise in the world, everyone - him, the fans, the industry - only benefits!

[simply-ivanka]

Tim Walz’s Progressive Tax Experiment

The Minnesota economy is no success story on the Governor’s watch.

By The Editorial Board - Wall Street Journal

Our friends in the press don’t seem to care about Tim Walz’s economic record as Governor of Minnesota. But Americans might be interested since it foreshadows where a Kamala Harris-Walz Administration would take the country with their policies.

Minnesota boasts a low employment rate (2.9%), but that’s less impressive than it seems. Nearly all of its job growth under Mr. Walz has been in industries that rely on government spending. Since he entered office in January 2019, Minnesota has added a net 41,500 jobs. This includes 43,900 in healthcare and social assistance and 12,600 in government.

Private industries have lost jobs, including finance, information, professional and business services, retail, manufacturing and leisure and hospitality. Such job losses started before the pandemic but accelerated during Mr. Walz's prolonged lockdowns and have increased during the last year.

Manufacturing employment has declined by 7,500 over the past 12 months, while professional and business services have shed 22,700 jobs. This is especially notable since Mr. Walz last spring signed a giant tax increase, including a 1% surcharge on investment income over $1 million. He also reduced standard deductions for businesses such as for net operating losses.

At the same time he expanded myriad tax credits such as for rent, film production, dependent care and families. Minnesotans can even get a $150 refund for contributing to state political parties and candidates. Such tax credits shrink the tax base so much that Democrats have to keep rates high. Minnesota’s top rate is 9.85% not counting his one-percentage point surcharge—which sends the rich or retired out of state.

Households with roughly $5 billion in adjusted gross income left Minnesota between 2019 and 2022, according to the most recent IRS data. Minnesota in 2022 ranked eighth in income loss among states as a share of overall AGI, after Illinois, New York, California, New Jersey, Alaska, Maryland and Massachusetts.

Top destinations for Minnesota refugees include zero-income tax Florida, Texas and South Dakota. South Dakota’s rate of job growth has been more than four times higher than Minnesota’s since Mr. Walz took the helm. At least overtaxed and jobless Minnesotans can vote with their feet. If Ms. Harris wins, all Americans might have to live by California and Minnesota rules.

[ohtobeleah]

Switch // Jake Seresin & Bradley Bradshaw

Part Two of Kink.com Summary: A year on and a catastrophic sub-drop later, Jake and Bradley do everything in their power to bring you back into the business.

Warnings: Jake Seresin x F!reader. Bradley Bradshaw x F!reader. SMUT!! BDSM-type scenes. Unrealistic representation of the porn industry but it’s what you’re getting. Overstimulation, orgasm denial, anal, double penetration, subspace x subdrop.

Word Count: 7k

Author Note: This is strictly porn with a plot. There is no critically acclaimed literature here. But vibrators are encouraged. Part One linked Here!

One Year Later:

“And how did you manage to score this gig beautiful?” Jake asked, winking as you sauntered into the break room. Leaning against the countertop, Jake's eyes were trained on the way the black lace corset your wore hugged your curvy silhouette in all the right places. Your hair pulled back in a slick as all hell ponytail and your makeup done to perfection. It was your mask, nobody could see how nervous you were underneath the thick layer of foundation that hid every pour and every imperfection. Everybody except Jake that was, he’d seen you at the lowest of lows. You were as easy to read as a children’s book.

“I guess someone pretty generous recommended me for the job.” You were quick to shrink before Jake's tall stature even if he was sitting on the countertop of the break room kitchen, instantly feeling smaller than the man who would soon be sitting pretty behind a camera as he watched you dominate his best friend, Bradley. 

“Don't know what youre talking about?” Jake grinned ear to ear, his signature Hollywood smile made your heart skip a beat as he pulled you in to stand between his legs. You just sighed in response. 

“Don’t pretend you didn’t have anything to do with this, I heard you and Bradley last week talking about how I needed to get back into the game.” Walking two of your fingers up from his lower abdomen to his chest – sadly clothed with a minimalistic white button-up. A real shame, you liked Jake Seresin better shirtless.

“You’re gonna be great.” Jake jumped off the bench he’d been perched on as he purred, a small smirk gliding across his slightly scuffed cheeks as he watched you lick your lips with such confidence. The red a nice pop of colour amongst the sea of different tones of black that adorned your body.

“I am great, Seresin, always have been, always will be.” Jake's hands came to pull you closer by your ass – clothed in the leather skin-tight pants you had brought for the occasion. Wanting something to make you feel extra confident for your main return. This would be the biggest shoot since your not so amazing sub sense with Ryan Cherry-Louise, the good for nothing low life who nearly killed you with his vicious brutality. Safe to say he was never allowed to show his face in the industry again – blacklisted for life.

Long story short, it didn’t go well. Either the guy wasn’t given the changes or he ignored them. And he clearly didn’t know how to actually deal with a submissive. You left the shoot that day feeling used, and useless, like you weren’t good enough. You were in so much pain from hot wax and whippings and pinching, so deep in subspace you couldn’t think properly.

Four days later, neither Jake or Bradley had heard from you. You hadn’t read their messages or answered their calls and to say they were worried was an understatement. Jake had spoken to someone in the industry the day after you and Ryan filmed, and they said that the guy was a piece of shit. So naturally, they went to your house. The second you opened the door they both went into full panic mode, you were so clearly in subdrop, far deeper than either of them had seen you, and to be quite honest you were just a mess. The wax in your hair was enough to indicate you hadn’t even showered since the shoot.

You had whip marks all down your back, and both Jake and Bradley were immediately pissed, knowing full well that you explicitly said no whipping anywhere but your ass, chest and legs in all your contracts because it’s too much for you when filming. The welts looked raw and close to infection.

‘Can you look at me Y/n ? Jake cooed, waiting for you to turn and make eye contact, mumbling a signature good girl to your saddened expression when you did, “Bradley is gonna get in the shower with you okay, help clean you up all good for us, and help treat those marks yeah? I’m gonna make some phone calls, okay, beautiful?’ Your small nod was enough, Jake gently leaned down and picked you up, walking to your ensuite.

While Bradley helped you shower, Jake, on the other hand, was making phone calls to every possible industry person he could think of, ensuring that the piece of shit never worked another fucking day in his life. People asked why, and he sharply explained that the guy had left you, a professional, Y/n fucking Lavender, uncared for, injured and in subspace, safe to say everyone was appropriately horrified and pissed off. But it wasn’t an easy comeback. You almost left the industry entirely. But Jake had other plans.

“Why don’t you remind me how great you are?” Jake groaned as he leaned in to close the gap between the two of you – his hand wrapping around your ponytail, giving it a slight tug as you ghosted his lips. His perfect lips that had many times before been wrapped around your throbbing clit. The sensitive bundle of nerves that he loved to tease.

“You’re just the cameraman today, someone else gets to have all the fun.”

“Fun huh, is that what you call it?” Jake teased before he spun you around, whisking you up and placing you on the countertop – Standing between your legs as he smashed his lips against yours. Hungry for your touch, not wanting to wait any longer than a second to feel your lips on his. His cock aching with desire for you. tongues dancing with one another in the desperate and needy moment.

Your hand came to wrap around his neck, constricting his airways slightly – enough for him to stop his assault on your mouth and open his eyes, pulling away from you slightly as he shivered under your touch – your control.

“You do as I say this time, Seresin.” Applying more pressure to Jake's neck as he moaned and shut his eyes. “And I say get behind the camera and try not to cream your pants.” Running your tongue across Jake's swollen bottom lip you felt him tremble. A small giggle escaping your mouth as you oh so enjoyed the way you felt so in control. “I’ll deal with you when we get home, you and your other half too.” You smirked, pushing Jake away softly as you hopped off the countertop, swaying your hips with confidence as you looked back over your shoulder.

“Depending on how much trouble he gives me, something tells me I'll be gagging his submissive ass.”

****************************************************

As much as you enjoyed being a submissive – especially for your favourite dynamic duo, you couldn’t help the feeling you got when you were dominating. You loved a good workday which consisted of back to back girl on girl BDSM scenes, you knew how to please just as much as you knew how to tease. But it had been a while since you had really gotten your feet wet. You had dipped a toe in here and there, worked with a few friends and written a few scenes up but this would be your first day back as a permanent on the list of Kinks employees – if that’s what you could call yourself.

After having cooled yourself off from your heated moment with Jake, you checked yourself in the mirror once more before you sauntered out to the set, a very tied and bound Bradley Bradshaw awaiting your entrance – for someone who never subbed he was extremely excited to have you be his dominatrix for this evening. Honestly, a blessing if he was being honest – he’d watched your work, seen your skills but he’d never experienced it in all the time you’d particularly lived together.

Ever since you’d met Jake Seresin and Bradley Bradshaw, the relationship you shared grew quicker than the blink of an eye–you were honestly a power trio. Although you had an apartment of your own you found yourself spending more and more time in either Jake's or Bradley’s bed - sharing you, like their little toy. But a very loved and cared for toy.

Bradley sent a devilish smirk your way, you noticed his hard cock twitch against his perfectly chiselled lower abdomen as you walked closer towards him. His wrist and ankles tied to the wooden chair surrounded by a few studio lights and your selection of torturous toys.

With Jake situated behind the camera, on-site reading Bradley’s face for his signs of distress - a job he saw pointless due to the fact you would never go too far. You cared too much, especially since your mistreatment. You always made sure to triple check the sense, read the contract twice, memorise the do’s and dont’s and recite the safe word. Bradley was no exception to the rule.

“And what do we have here?” You Purred. Running your nails up Bradley’s arm that were tied behind his back to the old wooden chair. “Isn’t this a twisted turn of events.” Your smile was wicked and beaming with glee. You were so excited to tease and torture Bradley ‘Rooster’ Bradshaw after all the times he’d denied you.

He didn’t speak when you wrapped your hand around his thick throat - whispering in his ear.

“Why don’t you tell everybody who I am Bradley?” Forcing him to look up into the camera as the hairs on the back of his neck stood to attention.

“Mistress'” He whined. The same hand that restricted his airways coming up to slap his slightly scruffy cheek softly - But still with enough force to leave a sting in its path.

“Aren’t you a good little boy?” You teased - the sound of your heels clicking against the floor echoed off the walls as you sauntered around him. Dropping down before him to get eye level with his cock. The cock which had destroyed you many times prior. The cock which gave him the nickname akin to well–a massive cock. 

Wrapping a hand around his shaft as the camera panned - Bradley let out a timid hiss. Your hand was cold against the vein that ran from the bottom of his shaft to the tip. The same tip that was red and sensitive as you circled your finger softly around it.

“S’okay Bradley, tell mistress what you want.” You cooed as you started your slow stocks– beginning to milk Bradley’s cock. He hadn’t cum in a week. A requirement for a submissive sense like this. His balls were already so tight, so full. Your other hand coming up to softly fondle them as you bobbed down in front of him - balancing on your heels.

“Wanna cum m-mistress” Bradley sighed–his head leaning back as he exhaled deeply. The feeling of your hand working his cock feeling like heaven. But you stopped.

“Not so fast.” You hissed, coming up to squeeze Bradley’s cheeks together as you straddled his lap - his cock sitting nicely between your thighs. “Suck” You ordered as you shoved your index finger into his mouth - Bradley’s tongue working circles around the digit.

“You're my toy.” You spat, making sure Bradley’s eyes never left yours - remembering to read him, make sure he was okay. He was most definitely okay–his only problem was holding back his load, already ready to explode with the softest touch. “I own you, you’ll cum when I say and when I say it better be a big load I mean it or else I’m putting you in a cage.” Pulling your finger out of Roosters mouth as you pushed off. “Understand?”

“Yes, mistress!” Bradley sighed as you walked away–his cock twitching for your touch as he watched you go through all your toys, only settling for the gag. A smirk dawned on your face as you sauntered back and placed the red ball in Bradley’s mouth from behind him - securing it in place before working quickly to wrap your hand around his length and begin your milking process.

Bradley’s moans filled the room. They echoed off the walls and made your clit tingle between your legs. It wasn’t every day you got the opportunity to dominate over Bradley Bradshaw–his best friend was the reason behind it. Jake had set the entire thing up with kink, knowing that you needed something special to help bring you back.

But he was jealous - oh so jealous of his best friend. Watching from behind the camera as you made Bradley squirm - practically try and jump from his restraints. Twitching and whining as you teased his sensitive cock.

Jake wished it was him, wished so badly that he was the one under your control. He had started to believe his feelings ran deeper than the initial attraction he had towards you, having gotten to know you over a prolonged period of time, having helped you recover and get back to normal. He was desperate to get his hands on you, a jealous ball forming in the pit of his stomach as he watched on.

“Are you gonna cum for me Bradley? Huh, are you gonna cum all over my hand?” You teased as you continued jerking Bradley off. His arms near bursting through the ropes as his entire body tightened. The vein in his neck bulged as his face turned a deep shade of red. He was ready to blow.

“You hold it, you don’t have my permission to cum.” Squeezing Bradley’s balls as he whimpered. He couldn’t control it - his cock twitching uncontrollably as a tiny spirit left his tip. “Naughty boy.” You sighed, letting go and standing up completely as you shook your head. Watching Bradley cum - ruining the first orgasm he’d had in a week.

A little saliva had dripped down his scruffed chin from the gag - you couldn’t help it. Smirking as you ran your finger through the mess he made on his perfectly toned abdomen - collecting some as your other hand worked to release the gag.

“Taste” You ordered as Bradley took your index finger in his mouth again - only this time it was not only the taste of you he was swallowing, it was his own cum. His mess. “Good— boy” You ran your hand through his slightly sweaty hair. His eyes filled with the need for praise. “You made such a mess for mistress, but I forgive you.” Bradley’s eyes closed with relief as he found comfort in your words. A smirk plastered on your face as you ran your manicured thumb across his bottom lip - smearing his cum across it like gloss.

“But you’re still getting the cage.”

**********************************************

Y/n!!” Bradley shouted after you as you ran into the house, squealing as he was hot on your heels. “Get it off!”

“No! You came without permission Bradley fucking deal. with. it!” You shouted as you ran into the kitchen - a butter knife in your hand as Bradley rounded the corner after you. Eyes wide when he saw you had a weapon.

“Really? Kinda over dramatic don’t you think?” His eyebrow raised as he stood there - watching your face turn upwards slightly into that smug smirk.

“I’ll do it” You teased. “Don’t tempt me, Bradshaw.”

“Just unlock the fucking thing! It hurts! I need to fucking jerk off because you just had to be a bitch and ruin it!” Bradley pleaded as you laughed.

“Alright! Alright, I’ll take it off.” You tried talking as you caught your breath, still laughing at Bradley’s predicament. You sauntered down the hall into Bradley’s room - fishing the key from your back pocket as he raced in after you. Unbuckling his belt as he walked.

“You’re evil, you know that right?” He sighed as his dress pants dropped to his knees, his briefs quickly following as Bradley stood in front of you as you sat comfortably cross-legged on the side of his bed. “Just you wait till tomorrow princess.” He smirked as you worked to unlock the metal cage that clothed his flaccid cock.

“Oh yeah? Talk dirty to me Bradshaw, tell me more.” You raised an eyebrow at Bradley. Biting your bottom lip as you slid the cage from his cock. Instantly his cock started to thicken, started to grow as the blood rushed through his veins down to the place he needed it most.

Bradley’s hand went straight for his shaft, gripping his recently freed member with a sigh of relief as he began pumping himself - Standing before you. It was most definitely a sight you’d never get tired of.

“Need some help?” You offered as you reached out to grab his balls, playing with them softly as Bradley groaned in response - not sure if he should allow it or deny it.

“N-no” He stuttered. “Still mad at you.” He breathed out as you uncrossed your legs and got off the bed, Bradley wasting no time in taking your place.

“You’re such a bitch Bradshaw, maybe learn to last a little longer?” You teased as you threw the cock cage up in the air before catching it like a baseball.

“Fuck you Y/n.” Bradley laughed as he pumped his shaft aggressively fast. You couldn’t help but bite your bottom lip - holding back a small moan as you watched his hand move up and down his beautiful thick cock, the tip so pink and sensitive from your recent torture.

“Tomorrow.” Was all you said before you shut Bradley’s door - only to run straight into Jake.

“Jesus Hangman! Give a girl a fucking heart attack!” You held your chest feeling your heart beating at an incredible rate. The new nickname falling from your lips effortlessly, like it had been designed only for you. 

“You were right.” His voice was low and raspy as he walked closer to you–pushing you up against the wall as one of his hands held your hip while the other softly wrapped around your throat. Something he knew you loved more than anything. “You are great, but I think I want a demonstration.” Jake's lips attached themselves to your neck right below your ear. Sending a flood wave of arousal to your core. If there wasn’t already a tsunami there after seeing Bradley get himself off.

“I’ll need a volunteer.” You whispered as Jake picked you up. Your lips meeting his in a lust-filled kiss. His tongue dancing with yours as he blindly carried you away from Bradley’s bedroom door back to his, where you would spend the night in a twisted mess of limbs and sheets.

*********************************************************

Sex was your job. It’s what paid your bills and provided you with all your nice materialistic things. Sex was different on and off camera - even if you only ever had sex with the same two people for the past few months.

It was no secret in the industry that since your horrid treatment with Ryan that you had gone exclusive with the pair of best friends and them? You. If one company wanted to book you for a scene? They either booked Jake or Bradley or both. Kink had signed you on as a permanent but they still allowed you to book jobs with other porn companies as long as it didn’t conflict with your standing schedule. Which led you to this... two scenes... one day.

“So I’m a student and you're playing what? My teachers?” You asked as you read over the plot for your first shoot. Something for CUM4K. Not typically your style but Jake had always encouraged you to branch out and take on projects you normally wouldn’t. He wanted you to feel comfortable in the industry again – and what better way than to feel comfortable by taking a job with Jake Seresin where he gets to fuck you one on one?

“Pretty sure that’s what the script said.” He mumbled as he turned right – something Jake did that was always a weird turn on was the way he only drove with one hand. He’d turn the wheel with his palm and it always looked so effortless. “I’ve never worked for them before so it’ll be a first for both of us.”

Jake was right, it was a first for the both of you. There were no ropes or whips. Not chains or gags. Just a set that looked like a classroom. You walked around the set for a moment while the camera crew set up their stations. This was different. It made you incredibly nervous. But you had Jake and if you knew anything it was that not only would he fuck you good but he’d take care of you.

“Ready?” Jake asked as his hand fell to the small of your back.

“As I'll ever be, let's do this.” You smiled, turning to look at Jake as he drove, watching as he leaned over a little to place a small kiss to the apple of your cheek, leaving a rush of heat in its wake.

*****************************************************

The camera rolled and you entered the room. Two pigtails atop your head as a skanky school girl outfit clothed your curvy silhouette. a cherry lollipop in between you recently glossed lips. Jake sat behind the teacher's desk looking all kinds of mad. Furrowing his eyebrows as you swayed your hips, walking towards your designated desk. It was always fun to play make believe. 

Even though the scene had read that you were late for an afternoon detention, you knew you looked overly excited to be here.

“Sorry, I’m late Mr. Seresin, I was taking care of an issue I had.” You giggled as you pulled the lollipop from your mouth with an overexaggerated pop.

“No talking Miss. Lavender.” Jake growled. “Just pull out your work and get started.”

You did as we were told with a smirk plastered on your face. The cameras zooming in as you pulled out a body wand from your bag. Jake's eyes widening at the sight. He knew what was happening, but Jake knew how to work a character for the sake of the camera.

“What the hell is that?” He snarled, getting up from behind his desk and walking over to where you sat a giggling mess.

“What I’d usually work with at home?” You cooed with a curious tone. “Wanna see what I’ve taught myself Mr. Seresin?” You asked with a wicked smile as you got up from your seat and walked over to his desk – your ass cheeks practically hanging out of the tiny plaid school skirt. In a normal situation any teacher with a moral compass would have stopped you, most likely get the principal involved and have you expelled for trying to seduce a teacher. However, this was pron. And anything can happen in porn.

You sat on top of the desk and spread your legs, revealing you had no panties on. The ‘issue’ you had previously mentioned being you had soaked them thinking of all the things you’d do to Jake. your ‘teacher’. Biting your bottom lip you placed the vibrator in between your soaked folds on high speed. Causing your thighs to tremble and your jaw to open wide.

“Ohh—fuck!” You moaned as the camera panned to capture you in all your beauty. Masturbating on the teacher's desk in detention like the little schoolgirl slut you were pretending to be. Jake grew harder in his slacks as he approached you.

“I guess I could think of another type of punishment, something more tailored to your needs Miss. Lavender.” Jake hissed with conviction in his tone as he watched you tremble at the feeling of the vibrations right against your clit. His hands working to unbutton the white button-up shirt you wore to reveal you weren’t wearing a bra. Your perky tits on full display.

Dipping his head with a soft moan Jake attached his lips to your nipple – his hand coming down in a brisk motion to smack your other tit. A sharp stinging sensation radiating over the skin his hand had contacted.

“Yes-!” You sighed allowed with a wild smirk as you worked yourself towards your first orgasm. Moving your hips in motion with the vibrator as Jake continued his assault on your chest. His tongue rolling over the perky buds as you moaned at the approach of your first orgasm–the vibrator doing its job and doing it quickly.

“Yess sir! Watch me cum for you.” Pleading as Jake watched with dark eyes as you came for him. He hadn’t even touched you yet.

With a quick change in positions and a little time between takes the next thing you knew you were on your back–legs thrown up over Jake's shoulders as he tapped his cock against your clit.

“I bet your so fucking tight Miss. Lavender? How about I test that theory?” Jake moaned as he slid his cock inside your pussy. Your head fell back as he bottomed out–only giving you a few seconds to stretch out before he began thrusting his now arousal coated cock in and out of your slick folds.

“Ugh—! Fuck yes—!” He moaned.

“God fuck Mr Seresin h-harder!” You whimpered as you reached down to rub your trembling clit. Already one orgasm deep you were oh so sensitive. Your wish was Jake's command, he fastened his pass and began fucking deeper and harder into you–but you still needed more. With one quick motion - Jake pulled out, leaving your pussy fluttering around thin air. He pulled you up off the desk and laid himself down on his back - gesturing for you to hope on top. So you did. With your back to Jake's chest, he slid himself back inside you - holding your legs up under your knees and connecting his hands behind your head. Fucking fast and hard into your stretched out cunt.

“Oohhh m-my god!!” You whimpered as you rubbed your clit. “Mr Seresin! Fuck! Yess fucking my pussy sir–!” 

“You love this fucking cock don’t you baby girl? Always such a slut, I know you’ve been with nearly every teacher here.” He growled in your ear - feeling you clenching around him he knew you were close. So was he, he was gonna spill a load inside you for that close up he knew they needed. It was their brand after all. 

“None as good as your sir!” Your legs trembled and Jake bucked his hips - his balls so tight as he twitched, feeling his orgasm ravaging through his body–pooling at the base of his shaft. “Fuck im gonna flood this tight little cunt– ahhhhhh–yes yes yes.” Spilling his seed deep inside your fucked out pussy as you worked yourself to your own high. So much liquid spilling from you as Jake fucked his cum deeper and harder inside you as you rubbed your fingers across your throbbing clit. It was such an intense orgasm. 

“Mmmm show them how much cum you took you fucking slut.” Jake growled through gritted teeth as he squeezed your ckeeks as he slowly pulled out, the camera zooming in to see his cum dripping from your core. Near white from the volume he produced. “Push it out of them.” Jake ordered and you did just that. Pushing his cum from your core. A thick cream pie before someone yelled cut.

****************************************************

You and Jake booked it through the lobby of Kink, not even stopping to wave at the receptionist who directed you both to the elevator that would take you to the floor Bradley was already waiting on. Both barely dressed after you had raced out of the shoot with the CUM4K crew.

Once in the elevator - you both let out a sigh as you looked at the time. You still had six minutes to spare.

“See! Told you we’d make it!” You laughed as you leaned against the wall.

“You’re still dripping cum Y/n and I didn’t get to make sure you were alright before we had to leave.” Jake ran his hand through his hair as he cornered you. Resting his forehead against yours. “Are you alright?”

“Promise I’m fine, that was so vanilla Jake.” You bit your lip as you watched his emerald eyes scanned every inch of your face. Wanting to make sure you were truly alright, scanning for any evidence, any sign of subspace that could be lingering behind your beautiful eyes. “You really care though don’t you?” You asked as you parted your lips. 

“I think I’m falling for you, more than I should be.” Jake admitted as the evaluator continued its journey up. Closing the gap that came between you as he stepped toe to toe with you, a gentle hand coming to cup your cheek. The pad of his thumb softly caresses your supple cheek. 

“I think, maybe I am too.” You were scared to admit it, that you’d unintentionally fallen in love with your coworker and friend, but as your eyes closed as Jake leaned in for a soft peck—it felt right to speak into existence. This kiss was different, it wasn’t rushed or heated, instead Jake took his time, he kissed you like he wanted to kiss someone he wasn’t in front of a camera with. It wasn’t full of lust... but love.

Before you could really begin to comprehend what was happening the elevator dinged and doors went flying open - letting you both know you had one more job to finish before you could even begin to discuss the nature of your friendship or relationship? Whatever you’d call porn stars who fuck not only for money but off the clock as well. Co-workers who eat, sleep and breathe together. 

As you both walked towards Bradley who sighed with relief when he saw you both, you couldn’t help but let out a giggle at his frustrated demeanour.

“One” He started as he pointed to you. “I’m gonna fuck your brains out and two!” He pointed to Jake. “The fuck are you guys late for? That shoot should’ve been done an hour ago?” Jack laughed as he made up an excuse, a small jab at you.

“This one wouldn’t get off my dick bro s’not my fault.”

“Oh! You wish, Mr. Seresin.” You teased as you walked away towards the bathroom to freshen up—leaving both Jake and Bradley to stare at your ass as you walked away.

“Did you tell her?” Bradley asked as he wrapped an arm around Jake who only sighed.

“Kinda.” Is all he said before the producer came over for a quick rundown. Jake wished he had more time, but he knew he’d have all the time in the world to tell you how he really felt after he fucked your brains out with Bradley.

*********************************

When you first worked with the pair of best friends, Jake read through a list of questions he needed to know. If you were over eighteen? Your safe word? Your preferences? Your dislikes? Things off-limits? He knew everything now. They both did. So with every scene you did together they got to skip that part.

“This good?” Bradley asked as he tightened the rope.

“Going soft on me Bradley? You can tighten it more.” You cooed. You liked the banter you and Bradley could throw around. But he had a look in his eyes that said he had plans.

“Oh,” he said as he tightened the rope “I’m definitely not soft.”

The scene started with you on your knees. Naked and blindfolded—your wrist tied in front of you with the classic bondage rope all three of you preferred to use.

Bradley walked over to you with a devilish smirk plastered across his beautiful face. His scruff made him look so much more irresistible. His moustache thick and tailored. But Bradley had a bone to pick. He was ready to dish out what you had served him yesterday.

Crouching down beside you, you already knew it was Bradley - you couldn’t see him but you could smell the minty freshness of his breath. Remembering the mints he’d eaten right before shooting began.

“Look at you,” He snarled as he reached out to grab your chin. Only for you to pull away. You were feeling extra bratty. You were already fucked out from Jake and your patients had begun to wear increasingly thin.

Bradley squashed your cheeks together, forcing your lips to pucker as he drew you closer to him.

“Are you gonna be a fucking good girl? Or am I gonna have to show you what happens to naughty little girls who don’t do as they're told?” He hissed before he spat in your face - pushing you away. Grabbing you by your hair before standing up. “Up!” He hissed as you got up on your feet - your heels clicking against the marble concrete.

You felt Bradley suspend you with something, hooking your wrist on either side of something. You didn’t know it at the time but you’d find out later when watching the footage back that it was a giant hook. Without your heels on you wouldn’t be able to touch the ground.

“Now, I’m gonna ask again.” His voice was lower. Softer as you listened to him. He was walking around you, you could hear the position of his voice changing. But you didn’t answer. Bad move. Because when you didn’t answer Bradley slapped your bare chest with one of his favourite whips.

“Ah! Y-yes! I’ll be good!” You cried. The sting radiating over your chest sent a wave of arousal dripping down your thigh. But someone was there to catch it - someone slowly dragged their index finger up the inside of your thigh before tapping your chin. Asking you to open your mouth which you happily did.

It was Jake. His arousal coated finger sliding past your plump lips. “Good girl” He whispered as you tasted yourself before he pulled away. Bradley pulled back on his whip before hitting you once again. 

“Why don’t you tell everybody who I am, Y/n?” Bradley smirked as he asked you the same question you asked him yesterday. When you were in control.

“Mmm, sir!”

“Very good, Jake give her a treat.” Bradley ordered as Jack picked up one of your legs, a vibrator on low-speed dancing against your clit.

“Ohhhh yes—!” You sighed as you let your head dip. Jake slowly moved the vibrator around, hitting all the right points of pleasure—tingling in your feet to the tight sensation in your thighs.

Jake chuckled to himself as he turned up the intensity as you squirmed, Bradley lightly slapping your chest in a few consecutive whips as Jake held you around your stomach. Stopping you from moving.

Once again he turned up the speed, holding it right against your clit as your muscles tightened and breathing hitched in your throat.

“Uuuhhhh—! Fuck, please! Please, sir!” You begged. “Make me c-cum!” 

You could feel it. You were about to cum, already? No, they fucking wouldn’t - you held it for as long as you could. The feeling so painful as you held back your orgasm, only for Jake to pull away seconds before you combusted.

“You aren’t gonna cum, understand princess?” Bradley growled as he untied the blindfold as Jake lowered the hook so you were down on your knees with your arms still above your head. “What’s gonna happen now? is while I fuck that pretty pussy of yours Jake's gonna fuck your sassy ass mouth - put it to some good use.” Bradley chuckled as he walked away. Only to return with a big silver butt plug.

“But you’ll be wearing this too.”

**********************************

A close up of Bradley slowly stretching your puckering ass with the butt plug opened the next scene. He had already positioned himself underneath you reversed cowgirl style. His fingers working to slowly glide the silver bud shaped plug into your ass as you moaned from the pleasure of being so stretched. So full.

Jake, on the other hand, was just inches away from your face - his dangerously hard cock throbbing at the thought of being inside your mouth for what felt like the twentieth time today. But he would never get over the way your lips felt wrapped around his girth. When he saw Bradley had successfully placed to plug inside your tight ass Jake grabbed onto the back of your head and tapped his tip along your bottom lip - asking you to open your pretty little mouth so he could fuck your face.

You accepted, and Jake wasted no time. He shoved his cock deep inside your throat. Forcing you to produce excess silica that coated his cock immediately, so much so that even if he pulled away it would leave lines connecting your lips to his tip. Your eyes watered as you gaged and moaned. Jake was huge and you needed time to adjust your throat to his size. But soon enough? You felt him sliding down the back of your throat with ease.

“Yes Y/n,  oh fuck! Your mouth is so fucking good baby.” The way Jake moaned would never not sound like a symphony to you. His teeth clenched together as he closed his eyes and thrust his hips back and forth - keeping your head still with his hands.

Meanwhile, as Jake used your mouth as he personal fuck hole, getting himself off to the feeling of his cock begging buried in your throat—Bradley circled the tip of his throbbing cock around your entrance. Only to allow you to sink down on his shaft when he bucked his hips slightly.

“Fu—!” You gagged around Jake's cock. The feeling of Bradley and the plug making you feel so incredibly full. It was euphoric.

With one quick slap to your ass, Bradley began fucking up into you. He could feel Jake's cum still coating your walls from the previous scene you two had done. It made him fuck you faster, harder.

“My fucking god you’re a tight little thing.” He moaned as he fucked into you, his cock being coated in a mixture of your own arousal and Jake's previous load.

It was a sight, to say the least. Bradley Bradshaw  fucking up into you - Jake Seresin fucking your throat. All the while your ass was being stretched by a silver plug that seemed to work itself deeper inside you whenever Bradley bottomed out. However? This was only a warm-up. If you knew these two at all you knew there would be more. More torture, more toys.

“Ahh—! Fuck I’m gonna cum Bradley, stop for a second so I can give her a pretty facial.” Jake ordered as Bradley bottomed out— stilling himself inside you while Jake jerked his cock right in your face till his load was spewing out all over your  tear-stained face. “So pretty Y/n.” Jake cooed as you took his load. “So fucking pretty all for me baby.” 

****************************

When the camera panned back to you after Bradley and Jake had untied and retired you in a different set - they found you on a table. Legs held apart by the same rope that had previously tired your wrists. Your tailbone right on the edge of the table, your sensitive and fucked out pussy on full display for the camera. Arms held down by the cuffs that were bolted to the table.

It was so easy for Jake to slide his cock inside your slick folds.

“Mmmm fuck!” You sighed as he slowly pushed himself out before slapping his tip against your clit.

“You want me to fuck you?” He asked, slowly burying himself again as Bradley stepped behind you. Reaching over the clasp some nipple clamps onto your perky buds. The chain heavy as he tugged on it.

“Answer him!” Bradley growled in your ear before he slightly slapped your cheek. “Go on.” 

“Yes! Yes, fuck me please sir!” You begged. You had already been denied an orgasm once. Jake trusted his hips back before slamming them forward - holding onto your thighs to gain more leverage as he fucked his cock deeper inside you.

Bradley sitting at your head reaching over to press the vibrator against your clit while he simultaneously played with the heavy chain that connected your nipples.

“Ahhh!! My god! Fu—ucking god! Yesss—!!” You screamed. Jake's cock pushing the plug that still called your ass home deeper inside you with every thrust.

“Such a little cock whore.” Jake moaned as he slapped your thigh, earning himself a wince from you.

“You're our little slut aren’t you Y/n, all ours?” Bradley asked right next to your ear - letting go of the chain to twist your head to face him. “Aren’t you!?” He asked again. You bit your lips as you shook your head yes. Unable to speak due to feeling so full. Your clit on fire from the overstimulation.

“Open” Bradley ordered. You opened your mouth only for him to spit straight inside it. “Good girl, Jake make her cum.” It didn't take much for Jake to speed up his thrust. His balls slapping against the curve of your ass as he fucked hard into you. Bradley turned the vibrator up to full ball as he tugged on the heavy silver link chain.

Your eyes rolled and back arched, hands curling into fists as your breath hitches in your throat.

“Fuck fuck fuck yes—-! M’c-cumming!” You screamed out as your body shook. Jake pulled out at just the right time before you gushed everywhere—squirting intensity in one long stream as Bradley worked the vibrator on your clit. Your orgasm forcing your walls to clench around nothing.

“Uhh, fuck thank you, sir, thank you!” You sighed as you started to come down. Knowing that the scene was drawing to a close. Camera’s fading as Bradley and Jake stepped aside for the camera to get a close up of you. All fucked out and extremely tired.

*******************************

When you walked in the door of Jake and Bradley’s home later that evening. You were sore, tired and just wanted to go to bed. But either Jake or Bradley could let that happen - not without showering you with praise and affection and reassuring you how no matter what you were always their good girl.

It was different when you were a dominant - you felt an overwhelming sense of power, but the second you switched into a submissive? It’s like you need all the affection you could get - and ever since you were treated so poorly? It had gotten worse. Much worse.

But Bradley and Jake knew how to handle you, knew you’d want a bath, some chocolate, a massage and tones of affection. And Bradley was kind enough to let Jake take over the workload for this evening. Giving him that much needed time to spill his guts about how he’d fallen for you. Hard.

After an hour-long bath together and some cuddles in his bed, Jake finally swallowed his fears and asked the all important question that had been bugging him since the little elevator moment you two shared.

“Hey, gorgeous?” He cooed, running his hand through your damp hair as you laid between his legs - head in his lap.

“Hmm?” You responded, so tired from all the fucking you’d done on camera. Nearly 100k between the two scenes alone.

“Do you wanna be more?”

***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~**

Tags: @phoenix1388 @avaleineandafryingpan @bradshawseresinbabe @cherrycola27 @bradshawbabes @desert-fern @jstarr86 @a-serene-place-to-be @sweetlittlegingy @teacupsandtopgun @marvelshauntedhouse @weirdothatwritess @darkheartcherry @elijahmikaelsonbitch @je-suis-prest-rachel @untoldshortsofthefandoms @chunkiwhunki @whatislovevavy @roosters-girl @endofdays56 @ccristata @emorychase @averyhotchner @xoxabs88xox @krismdavis @creativitybeware @afterglowsb-tch13 @hotch-meeeeeuppppp @ladscarlett @onlyheretowastetime @sometimesanalice @twsssmlmaa @onethirstyunicorn

[drvirgus]

Behind bars

Non Idol! Minji X Convicted! Reader

Description: Coming out of Jail is never easy. Y/n even would say its harder then even getting into Jail. What happens when she lives with a Person that absolutely hates Criminals? What even got her into Jail? and what happens if she starts to like the person that hates her?

Chapter: you have friends?

Masterlist

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Amazed by the vast selection, I looked at each one. Minji and Hanni were right across from me, with Hyein sitting beside. Danielle and Haerin were in their own little world, which I found quite adorable.

"So, where should I start exactly?" I asked with a light laugh, my cheeks visibly blushing. Hyein smirked, and Hanni was the first to respond, while I could feel Minji's eyes on me.

"It doesn't matter. Begin with what you like," Hanni answered with a smile, gesturing for me to start, probably because I was the oldest at the table. So, I simply grabbed one of the pancakes.

"And? Did you throw up?" Danielle asked curiously, with Hyein immediately complaining that we were eating and this wasn't a suitable table conversation.

I chuckled softly and just nodded at Danielle. This made Dani smile, but she turned her attention back to her girlfriend, as Haerin seemed to want something passed to her.

"I guess I never asked... what do you all do?" I inquired as I looked around. Mainly, I focused on the three whose professions I didn't know.

Danielle smiled at me, pouring orange juice for herself and Haerin. "I'm a model. My mom is a designer, and I model for her clothes," she replied, and I nodded in understanding.

"I'm a writer," Haerin revealed, and my eyes widened. Intrigued, I leaned forward, "Really? Have you published anything?" I asked, and Haerin nodded proudly, sharing details about the four books she had written.

My attention turned to Hanni, who grinned immediately. She set her utensils aside, saying, "I'm a producer," and my eyebrows raised. "I mainly produce music, but I'm also involved in the film industry," she added, leaving my mouth slightly agape.

"Wow... seems like I'm in the company of some high achievers here," I quipped, though I could feel my self-esteem shrinking.

"What about you, Hyein? What are your plans for the future?" I asked, looking at the younger one. "I'm going to be an idol! I got scouted a few years ago, and soon I'll debut. But apparently, only after I graduate," Hyein shared with a big grin. I smiled immediately.

Yes, Hyein was destined to be an idol. She was always singing and dancing, showing interest in Korean idols. While I wasn't particularly interested, I did listen to a few songs from Twice back then.

I turned to Minji, asking, "And you want to be a lawyer?" Minji looked at me, finished chewing, and swallowed her food before answering.

"No. I want to be the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court," Minji replied ambitiously. Her eyes sparkled with determination, leaving me momentarily breathless. I smiled and nodded in understanding.

Everyone had such ambitious goals or challenging professions...

And me?

I'd probably have to work forever in a 7/11 store... maybe even at a gas station.

Nobody would hire someone with a criminal record...

"How about Mimosas?" Hanni asked with a slight smile, glancing around. Danielle declined immediately, with Haerin agreeing. However, I looked at Hanni inquisitively.

"It's Champagne with orange juice. There are different flavors too," Hyein explained as she noticed my questioning gaze. I nodded in understanding.

"Not for me, thanks," I replied with a smirk, but Hanni almost immediately complained. Haerin also voiced her discontent. Dani and Minji remained mostly quiet.

"Okay. But just one glass," I said, laughing lightly.

————————————————————————————

"Here you go," I heard a voice I recognized quite well, and immediately looked up from my meal. My eyes landed on the waitress, and my mouth opened automatically.

The taller woman also glanced at me as she placed the Mimosas on the table. Her eyes widened. I swallowed visibly nervous. "Thank you," I heard Danielle say to the waitress.

The familiar person forced a smile and gave a brief bow. She looked at me once more before disappearing from our table. My eyes followed the waitress.

"What's up? Do you like her?" Hyein asked with a grin, nudging me with her elbow. I blinked, perplexed, and looked at the woman beside me.

"What?" I asked, but I had to clear my throat immediately as my voice broke. Haerin looked at me questioningly. I noticed Hanni and Minji also glancing at the waitress.

"Um, I need to use the restroom real quick," I said, laughing lightly, and stood up from my seat. Everyone looked at me with questioning expressions, making me sigh slightly.

"I won't take long. Feel free to start drinking. Don't wait for me," I said with a smile on my face. I glanced briefly at the familiar waitress before making my way to the bathroom.

The others' eyes were all on my back.

Nervously, I bit my lip as I stood in front of the restroom door. I immediately looked around. Fortunately, a wall obscured the view from our table to the bathrooms.

"What are you doing here?" I heard the familiar voice of the waitress say as she hurried towards me. A smile on her lips as she tightly hugged me. She sighed in relief as she let go.

"Wonyoung," I said, smiling, looking at the taller woman. I appraised the slightly younger one. "The uniform suits you," I quipped, but I almost immediately received a light smack from the taller one as she started giggling.

"Since when have you been out?" I asked, a bit more serious now, leaning against the wall. The waitress mirrored my stance. "Want to smoke while we're at it?" she asked with a light laugh, and I just nodded.

I followed her through the kitchen and out the back door, where most of the staff seemed to be smoking. She grabbed a pack and offered me a cigarette.

"I've been out for about a week," the younger one replied as she exhaled the smoke from her lungs. I nodded, looking around. We were in an alley, next to the business's trash bins.

The street was as lively as ever, with honking cars, people talking, and even the barking of a dog.

"Are you doing okay?" I asked, and Wonyoung chuckled humorlessly. "Well, aside from serving and pleasing these damn rich people," she began as she took another drag, "I'm doing pretty well. I'm out of all that crap," she added, visibly relieving me.

"And you?" she asked after a brief silence. I exhaled the smoke. "I got my diploma... now I'm job hunting," I replied, glancing briefly at my cigarette. "But it'll be tough... Nobody wants to hire someone with a prison record," I sighed, running my left hand over my face in frustration.

"Hey, you're brunching on a Thursday. Can't be all that bad, especially in a place like this, not exactly cheap," Wonyoung remarked, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, I got lucky," I replied with a slight smile, finally looking at the taller one. "My mom's best friend. She took in Hyein and me," I explained, prompting a nod from Wonyoung.

"Hey. Do you have a phone? Let's exchange numbers," Wonyoung suggested, placing the cigarette between her lips as she took out her phone.

I did the same, and we proceeded to exchange numbers. Smirking, I put my phone back in my pocket.

"Wony," I said, speaking a bit softer, causing her to hum. She noticed my expression and stamped out her cigarette on the ground.

"Yeah. She'll be released soon," she murmured, speaking a bit quieter, making me tense. "But that doesn't mean anything! You have a completely new life. No one would expect to find you in places like that," she quickly added, sounding more panicked than before.

"Don't worry. She won't find you," she reassured, placing her hand on my shoulder.

I smiled a bit through her attempt to cheer me up. "Thanks," I said as I headed toward the staff door. "Oh, definitely download Twitter. It's pretty fun," I added, laughing lightly as I disappeared through the door.

With quick steps, I returned to the table where the others were sitting. "Sorry, I'm back," I said, sighing as I took my seat.

Minji furrowed her brow as she scrutinized me. "Did you smoke, Unnie?" Hyein asked, waving her hand to disperse the air around her. "Oh. Do I stink?" I asked, smelling myself a bit, but I couldn't detect any odor.

I chuckled, probably in an attempt to ease my tension, which unfortunately didn't work as well as I hoped.

"So, what did you talk about?"

[peachy-panic]

BBU: Hollywood

This idea took root and wouldn't let go. Can't say for sure if this will be A Thing, or just a one-off teaser of a thing, but here it is nonetheless.

WARNINGS: BBU, implied noncon, implied noncon drug use, the fucked up film industry

“Cut!”

He doesn’t realize the cameras have stopped rolling until the shrill ring of the bell jolts him back into his body, and out of the one he’s been inhabiting since the last call of action. He doesn’t move, doesn’t blink for a few moments, still caught in the blurry line between characters. Sometimes it takes a few seconds to remember which mask he's wearing.

There is a flurry of movement around him; PAs rush past, murmuring into their headsets, toting plush robes and glass bottles of sparkling water. Hair and makeup swoop in to invade everyone’s space, making their minute adjustments before rolling begins anew. 

When he returns to himself, Henry's cheeks are cold with drying tear tracks, and his heartbeat pulses lightly in his lips. 

His scene partner is already turned away, her attention attuned to the phone in her hand while a woman with frizzy hair attends to her smudged lipstick. Distantly, Henry knows if he touches his fingertips to his own mouth, they will come away in the same shade of red. Seconds ago, they were locked in an embrace, their tears mingling in the neckline of her silk gown, whispered words of affection spilling between them, and now Henry doesn’t exist. He won’t again until the cameras are pointed at him. Only then does he become alive.

A cold, acrylic nail hooks his chin and turns his head. His personal makeup artist is a woman named Kat in her late thirties with a sleek, blonde bob and smile lines around her eyes. She’s worked on every one of Henry’s films, and she has never spoken to him directly. On instinct, Henry lets his eyes fall shut, slipping back from the surface as she goes through the familiar routine of touching him up. 

From behind the wall of his own little world, he allows himself the indulgence of tuning into the conversations around him. A couple of new production assistants—not much older than him—talk about the food truck that production ordered as an end-of-week treat. (This doesn’t apply to Henry. He is on a strict diet of kale and boiled chicken while he's filming. He is always filming). The wardrobe team talks about grabbing a drink at Stanley’s after wrap today. (He knows that Stanley’s is everyone’s favorite spot because it’s less than a mile from the studio, but he’s never seen it for himself). The assistant director comments on her third cup of coffee of the day. (Henry wishes he could ask for some).

The voices fade and flutter until one cuts through the rest.

“One last take, and we’re calling it, David.”

Henry opens his eyes, and Paul stands directly in front of him.

His sleek, black suit stands out among the crew's workwear, and probably costs three times as much combined. It’s hard not to notice the ways everyone’s demeanor changes the moment the Executive Producer steps onto set. In a way, it’s almost reassuring to know Henry isn’t the only one who shrinks in this man’s shadow. But that’s where the commonality ends. They may fear him, too, but at the end of a fourteen hour day, they are not the ones who return home to Paul Maxwell’s bed. 

“Our star needs to be red-carpet ready in an hour-thirty.” Though he’s addressing the director, Paul stares directly into Henry’s eyes. “Be sure that he is.”

He doesn’t need to nudge the makeup artist away so much as she instinctively pulls back when Paul lifts a large hand and touches the tips of his fingers to Henry’s jaw. Henry keeps his eyes where they’ve been beckoned and pretends not to notice the assistants in his periphery who duck their faces away from the display of ownership. Paul’s thumb swipes across the corner of Henry’s mouth, taking with it a smear of Eliza Darling’s expensive lipstick. Then, wordlessly, he releases him. 

There’s a renewed sense of urgency as Paul retreats from the chaos, but also one of relief that comes with the last shot of the day—for everyone except Henry. 

He was up before the sun, and he knows he’ll be out long after it has set. The worst part about interior days: he doesn’t get to see daylight once. Normally, even the call of his Keeper’s bedroom feels like a reprieve after this many hours of shooting. But tonight, his previous film is set to premier on the other side of Los Angeles, and there is no premier without Paul Maxwell’s shining star.

More importantly, there is no after party without him.

There is no time for exhaustion, not for him. When the caffeine pills have run their course, he’ll be given something stronger, and he’ll take it. Whatever it takes to get through the night that will inevitably become a very long weekend.

“You heard the boss,” David says, running a hand through his salt-and-pepper hair. “Let’s make it a good one. Clear frame.”

The makeup brushes make a few last frantic swipes across his skin before they scurry away. Liza Darling tucks a blonde curl behind her ear and presses her phone into a nameless PA’s hand. Henry closes his eyes and slips into another man’s skin.

People tell Henry all the time that he’s lucky to lead the life that he does, in his position. It is only in these fleeting intervals of fiction between reality that he might just agree with them.

For the next three minutes, he does not have to be Henry, nor is he the boy with the name from a life he is not allowed to remember. For the next three minutes, he is Brock Layton: twenty-three, rich, and madly in love. 

For the next three minutes, he is as free as he’ll ever be again. 

“Sound speed,” the mixer calls out, raising the boom pole over his head. 

“Rolling,” camera echoes back. 

“And, action.”

[the-commonplace-book]

Just a reminder to anyone who wants to get into acting or screenwriting to absolutely under no circumstances accept any offers (no matter how good) from any studio that is normally SAG-AFTRA and WGA approved until the strikes are over. Don't cross the picket line. The actors' and writers' unions are currently fighting for fair pay, fair contracts, and ethical working conditions.

Production companies within the AMPTP have started putting out casting calls and screenwriting calls to new talent to try and undermine the strikes. If you take these jobs you are actively helping them continue their unethical pay and treatment of entertainment industry workers and also, once the strikes are over (which they will eventually be), you will likely be blacklisted from the WGA and SAG-AFTRA in the future which will prevent you from acting or writing for future projects. Whether for ethical, financial, or career reasons, it's not worth it.

Don't cross the picket line. Support the strikes. Support the ethical treatment of entertainment industry professionals.

Writers' rooms have been shrinking while the speed and quantity of content they're being asked to produce has been increasing at a rapid rate. They're hiring writers to workshop, then laying them off with no pay or credit for their contributions to preliminary work. In some cases they're using AI to mimic writing styles to fill in the gaps. In some cases they're using AI and just hiring writer's to touch it up. Writers aren't being paid appropriate residuals for streaming service exclusive media, meaning they're getting paid pennies to begin with and then nothing after that no matter how popular shows are (while producers rake in millions).

Actors have been subject to unethical working conditions for ages, from verbal abuse to 24-hour shoots with little to no breaks to other poor working conditions that under the current SAG-AFTRA contracts with the AMPTP are now disallowed. The AMPTP is also pushing for a contract change that would allow production companies to hire actors for a day of filming to train AI, then use their likeness in perpetuity with no compensation for the use of their voice and likeness. Many actors are underpaid and overworked, struggling to make rent, on Food Stamps, and unable to afford health insurance. The AMPTP is pushing for new contracts that would even further exploit and already exploited workforce in a multibillion dollar industry as they line their own pockets.

Stand by the strikes. Don't cross the picket line.

For those who aren't connected to the industry professionally or recreationally, be patient as new shows come to a halt. Be patient as productions get shut down. There's decades of media backlog you can watch instead. No new show is worth the unethical treatment of those who make it. Your new shows can wait. Real people matter more than fictional ones.

[davidmariottecomics]

The 6 Figure Theory

Hello! 

In today's blog, I'm getting *spicy*! In that I have a hot take that is of course related to the current state of the entertainment industry, but isn't as directly about comics or writing or editing or what you might usually expect. Anyway, let's get to it! 

The 6 Figure Theory The 6 Figure Theory states that once an individual is earning $100,000, to maintain that level of pay, they must sacrifice some level of morality. It only applies to individuals making over $100K annually--not families where multiple incomes may combine to be over $100K. And the level of morality sacrificed is hard to quantify, both because morality is deeply personal and often hard to quantify for an individual and because the extremes one is willing to go to are likely tied to the level of money being brought in. 

So, for example, let's say you're a big shot Hollywood executive who has been paid $500 MILLION over the course of about 5 years. Let's say you're making "384 times the average pay of a Hollywood writer." Chances are you are out of touch with reality and willing to make a bunch of business decisions that make you look like an incompetent asshole. Maybe you'll cancel competed and even released work as a way of getting tax write-offs. Maybe you'll attempt to sell your film music catalog. Maybe you'll repeatedly not come to the table in any sort of reasonable way in such a way that multiple unions go on strike. Maybe you'll spend your time at a retreat for some of the wealthiest people in the world turning down Venmo requests from the people whose projects you've canceled to save a dime. Maybe you'll be described as the most hated man in Hollywood.

Now, that's just one extreme example. He's so incredibly highly paid--if he was willing to just not take a salary for 5 years, he could single-handedly pay out the proposal amount from the WGA. And, let me check my notes, he would still be incredibly, unjustly wealthy and live his extravagant life. That's the sort of money that allows true ignorance. 

I don't know anyone making David Zaslav money, personally. And I'm pretty glad to not. But even at the lower side of that 6 figure theory, there are people who are being paid to make decisions that may compromise their morals--from freezing pay rates to letting people go to instituting AI. Or, maybe you're making that and can remain morally upright in your work, but like... become an anti-vaxxer or something. 

It's easy to look at the wealthy and famous and see issues. Humans are inherently fallible and scrutiny goes harder with more public visibility. But I have to wonder, truly, to what extent higher wages correspond with lower ethics. And I think that's a question a lot of folks are asking on the picket line now too. Make sure you send them your support, whether through the Entertainment Community Fund or direct action with SAG-AFTRA or the WGA. I have not specifically seen picketing actions at SDCC, but obviously, be aware and supportive if they happen. And I saw things like the Venture Bros creators pulling out of the show (though I'm unclear on if the new movie will still be debuting regardless). You don't have to cancel your streaming platforms--in fact, largely the request has been the opposite because the concern is fewer people on a streamer will be used as data justification that the work of actors and writers doesn't make enough difference to maintain an audience and therefore their labor is less valuable. And, finally, there are other unions going on strike, like UPS, and they deserve your support too. 

Passing $5 Back-and-forth Infinitely Forever

It stinks that this has to come back to those of us who are making less to support each other. But whether it's because there's increased morality for folks making lower wages (and, I'd describe the shrinking middle class as that) or, maybe, it's less a matter of morality than community and solidarity (though... I'd contest those are inextricably linked), it does come to us standing together. And sometimes, it means doing what little we can, supporting each other back-and-forth with the same $5. 

With that rant out of the way, see ya at SDCC next week! 

What I enjoyed this week: Blank Check (Podcast), Craig of the Creek (Cartoon), Honkai Star Rail (Video game) Yu-Gi-Oh: Duel Links (Video game), My Adventures with Superman (Cartoon), the beach, Girly Drinks by Mallory O'Meara (Book), The Broken Room by Peter Clines (Book), Crime Scene Kitchen (TV show), all the folks I've seen being supportive of the joint WGA/SAG-AFTRA strike--including the many folks changing their SDCC plans, getting closer to finalized on SDCC plans myself! Oh, and I forgot to mention it a couple weeks ago, but Poison Ivy: Thorns by Kody Keplinger & Sara Kipin slaps. 

New Releases this week (7/12/2023): I didn't have any new releases this week, but it was a pretty big week for IDW as a whole!  Eddie Campbell's The Second Fake Death of Eddie Campbell & The Fate of the Artist, Van Jensen & Jesse Lonergan's Arca, the first issues of Stephen Mooney and David Messina's The Rocketeer: In the Den of Thieves, G. Willow Wilson, Chris Wildgoose, and Msassky's The Hunger and the Dusk, and the second issue of Andrew Wheeler and Ilias Kyriazis's Cat Fight, the My Little Pony 40th Anniversary Special, plus more TMNT and Trek than you can shake a stick at! 

New Releases next week (7/19/2023): Also an off week, but there's somehow even more TMNT to check out, plus the start of our big Star Trek event: Day of Blood! 

Final Order Cut-Off next week (7/17/2023 - AKA Preorder Deadline) Godzilla: Monsters & Protectors - All Hail the King! TPB (Editor)

Announcements:

I'll be at San Diego Comic-Con! I'll see you at Sonic the Hedgehog: Speeding to the 900th Adventure on Sunday at 10, room 25ABC! If we've planned something, I'll see ya there too! And if not, y'know, at least let me know you'll be around and hopefully we run into each other! 

I'm now on Patreon! A big part of it is a new way of accessing this very blog! But I'm also going to be updating it with some other cool stuff soon--from exclusive blogs to old scripts and pitch materials that I can share to funky one-off videos/podcasts (?) to group funded new comics pages! And there'll even be updates during SDCC (thanks, pre-scheduling)! 

Do you not want to read this pitch for my Patreon? Good news: If you subscribe to it, this is cut out from the blog! Ooo aah!

Lastly, because of SDCC, expect no or a very short blog next week. And Becca's Twitch stream won't be back until the 25th, I believe. But in the meantime, Becca's own Patreon has been very active, including some stuff they recently drew on stream! And their webshop is current (though orders won't ship til after SDCC). It's Non-Binary Awareness week and San Diego Pride, so now's a good time to support them! 

Pic of the Week:

I was in Old Town earlier this week and saw this very fun display of "Sonic" hats. Love that they come in every color. 

[panelshowsource]

the way the 'the rest is entertainment' podcast has a vicegrip on me...maybe it's the combination of my interest in film + my working in the film & tv industries (the episode about FAST distribution a few weeks ago!!! hello!!! they are speaking TO ME) + my unrelenting love of celeb gossip = this is just the perfect podcast for me...but in this day and age when our attention spans are shrinking by the day and we all have internet brainrot...nothing keeps me sat and paying attention like this fuckin pod. and i know i complain about marina. she is so stuck up and she hogs the mic and sometimes i just need to pause in the middle of her ten-minute-long rants and do a lap. but she also speaks at x2 speed and she will say the meanest shit lmfaooo idk anyways i'm just listening to the new ep about the emmys and thinking about how it's actually cute how engrossed i am lmaooo

[mariacallous]

Hollywood has an inclusivity problem. How is this possible, in 2024, you wonder, when films like King Richard or Sound of Metal or Everything Everywhere All at Once—all nominated for Best Picture Oscars—suggest otherwise. They are films rich in story, dimension, and purpose. They are also exceptions to a long-established rule: White men still run Hollywood. Women remain almost entirely shut out, compared to their male colleagues, while disabled and Black actors are underrepresented in all major employment arenas for theatrical film, according to UCLA’s most recent Hollywood diversity report.

In the face of this, Kamala Avila-Salmon wants better for Hollywood and its storytellers. Avila-Salmon is the head of inclusive content at Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, where she began her stint in 2020 and has since leveraged her experience as a marketing savant (she has held top-level roles at RCA, Universal Pictures, Google, and Facebook) to shift how the studio makes movies. At Lionsgate, her main directive is simple: to create a creative economy that allows for more attentive storytelling. Stories of magnitude and conviction, yes, but also ones with as much reach as possible. It begins, she tells me, by having an “audience-first” mindset.

This month she launched Story Spark, an online tool that helps creatives understand the limits of their scripts and hiring choices by pushing for inclusivity in all aspects (it resembles a BuzzFeed-style multiple-choice questionnaire). As AI threatens a shrinking workforce and streaming upends traditional viewership, Avila-Salmon believes Story Spark can be a bridge to a healthier future for Hollywood. “Story Spark isn’t telling you if the movie is good,” she jokes when we chat over Zoom. “I have no idea.” You don’t upload a script. There is no secret counsel of industry insiders judging your work behind the scenes. Story Spark is simply meant to challenge writers and filmmakers to create their most audacious work possible. And, yes, there will be plenty of notes.

[wavesoutbeingtossed]

Because I know few people will see this and it’s getting late and the dash is crazy

Just a reminder that a certain someone (like someones in the past) also chose a public kind of life. To the supernova extreme that Taylor’s is, no, but this is the industry they chose as their vocation too, and this is the partner they chose to love from the outset.

Does that mean this someone deserves hate or harassment from her fans? No. Even if he had done something truly heinous which there is no indication of yet. But to also act as if he or any of her past partners are shrinking violets plucked out of obscurity as truly private citizens and her fame was a noose around their necks is completely disingenuous. These are not accountants or teachers or doctors who relinquished privacy upon meeting her. These are professionals in the entertainment industry who are seeking a level of public life to further their careers, in the sense that they have work in film and music and modeling and sponsorships and public appearances in service of those careers. Should commenters online be civil to any of these subjects when interacting with them? Absolutely. But let’s not pretend they haven’t chosen part of this life, and a certain public life would be an expectation of any they chose.

To act like Taylor’s dedication if not outright embracing of some of these aspects for her own career is a loaded gun is hurtful to her. (And to women in general in the industry.) I said this the other night, but Taylor has been mega-famous for over a decade; even if she were in a lull post-1989, that was still more attention than any human will ever experience in their lifetime. Choosing to jump into a relationship with her is an inherent acceptance of that, and forcing her hand in an effort to remove that — the intensity of which she for the most part has no control over — is unfair, and no wonder she’s pissed if it came down to that. I used an analogy that it’s like choosing to date someone with kids: they’re a package deal and by choosing them, you’re also accepting the full package. If you can’t handle it at that point of your life, the greatest kindness you can offer is to move on gracefully before everyone gets more hurt. Taylor’s life is no mystery in this respect, and choosing to date her but reject the core parts of what make her her — the appearances, the performances, the collaboration, the constant churn of projects to keep the creative juices flowing, etc. — truly could be death by a thousand cuts. Especially if for every inch she gave the person took a mile.

What I’m trying to say is: people shouldn’t be flooding these subjects’ social media accounts and dragging them, or harassing them on the street or whatnot. But, these are all grown ass men. Part of them (yes, even that one) want parts of this kind of life. If not, they would stick to plays in the west end or truly indie flicks, and not starring in leading roles in hyped tv shows or chasing after Hollywood movies with Oscar-darling directors. Or attending promotional events or participating in ad campaigns. They have agents and publicists and managers and all the trappings of celebrity. Everyone deserves their privacy absolutely, and I certainly sympathize with that level of intrusion because it seems unbearable to a dull normal like me. But, the parts that are a fundamental foundation of your career — performing, networking, supporting each other at events — shouldn’t be weaponized against Taylor because she’s at least honest about wanting it. We really don’t need to be protecting these men for the things Taylor is villainized for. These men may not admit it, but they chose to do the same kinds of events Taylor does, albeit on a much smaller scale.

I’m not saying it isn’t awkward that Taylor may be airing some dirty laundry in her upcoming music. But, for all we know, she may have reason to be pissed. And again: this isn’t new behaviour for Taylor. She’s always written music about her life. If someone isn’t comfortable with that from the outset, maybe they should have rethought their motivations. I don’t want to make assumptions, but thoughts are definitely thinking.

In short, stop babying men who choose this life to take down the women who embrace it.

[maxellminidisc]

I really do think people need to start building an awareness of consumption around art. Like if you're talking about reading and film in pure numbers a year, music in how many sales you contributed, how many likes or follows your art gains you on social media, etc, you're absolutely falling into that consumptive mind set. And you need to step back and realize how uncomfortable and evil it is that you are ALSO being exploited there along with the art you're consuming.

And I'll be sympathetic and say it's not your fault! It's the result of capitalism, it's a result of carefully built and perfected strategy by industries decade after decade to reduce art into a product that you move on from one to the next. It's no longer about giving art its proper enjoyment, it's time to get up close and personal with you, to induce a passion for artistic curiosity, or inspire at the capacity it could. I'm not saying none of these things are possible anymore, but that the space for art to do these things feels like its shrinking from what I see and hear around me regardless of generation!

And I mean regardless of generation! I'm frankly sick of people blaming kids for the consumption of music and subculture especially when like whats to blame is the exploitation and sort of prepackaged shell of art and subcultures being the standard for most of what they engage with, especially online. And let's not act like people older than them havent fallen under the draw of short form formats for everything from videos, music, and literature. The lack of absorption alone I see in people my age and older in art they engage with as well as a lack of meaningful engagement as it is worries me sometimes.

My point is, I think we should at the very least think about how we engage with art and especially industries in the arts. I'm not saying never to buy an album, watch a movie, or read a book. But like consider why you feel like doing any of these things needs to be a numbers game for you, be it sales numbers you're increasing or how much media you can cram in as little time, instead of a personal transformative interaction! Idk I guess with every passing year that one Brian and Roger Eno quote gets more and more relevant to me and I guess I'll end with it. It goes:

"I think being slow is a gift to the world,” says Brian. “To say to people: you can enjoy things that are slow, where nothing much appears to happen. That’s a very important, anti-capitalist message. Capitalists want you to be constantly stimulated, consuming, and doing something different from what you were a minute ago – it’s about distraction. Stopping you staying in one place for a length of time because that doesn’t make any money.”

He continues: “So to have music, or forms of art, that say, ‘You don’t need very much,’ during a time when we’re harvesting the results of over-consumption, those are actually very important messages – you can make do with less.” Roger echoes this: “It allows you time to put distance between yourself and the frenetic.”

[ourquietman]

To survey the film and television industry today is to witness multiple existential crises. Many of them point to a larger trend: of Hollywood divesting from its own future, making dodgy decisions in the short term that whittle down its chances of long-term survival. Corporations are no strangers to fiscal myopia, but the ways in which the studios are currently squeezing out profits—nickel-and-diming much of their labor force to the edge of financial precarity while branding their output with the hallmarks of creative bankruptcy—indicate a shocking new carelessness. Signs of this slow suicide are all around: the narrowing pipelines for rising talent, the overreliance on nostalgia projects, and a general negligence in cultivating enthusiasm for its products. Writers and actors have walked out to demand fairer wages and a more equitable system, but they’ve also argued, quite persuasively, that they’re the ones trying to insure the industry’s sustainability. Meanwhile, studio executives—themselves subject to C-suite musical chairs—seem disinterested in steering Hollywood away from the iceberg. This is perhaps because the landscape is shifting (and facets of it are shrinking) so rapidly that they themselves have little idea of what the future of Hollywood might look like.

Inkoo Kang in THE NEW YORKER