Chris Ward, company president of Falcon Studios Group, is retiring after twenty years in the adult industry.
Ward, who co-founded Raging Stallion Studios with JD Slater in 1999, built the Falcon Studios Group through a series of mergers that brought Falcon, Raging Stallion, Hot House and various fetish brands under one umbrella. NakedSword CEO and Co-Owner of AEBN Tim Valenti, will assume the role of President of Falcon Studios Group.
Speaking about his time in the industry, Ward said,” I have lived a dream working in our industry. I started out in a basement and grew my company into something far larger than I ever thought possible. So many people helped me during these many years and I would not be able to be in a position to retire without their hard work and support.
There are too many people to name, but without them my career would not have been possible.” Ward began his career as an actor/director at Hot House in 1996 and released his first film, The Hole Punch, that same year. He became one of Hot House’s main directors, working directly with the legendary Steven Scarborough, who Ward considers his mentor.
A few years later Ward and Slater (together with Kent Taylor) formed Raging Stallion Studios, which quickly became a major player in the industry. In subsequent years Falcon and Hot House were acquired, forming the current Falcon Studios Group.
So far this year Falcon Studios Group has released over 100 DVDs, making it the largest single producer of gay erotica in the world.
Ward has received over fifty industry awards for his own efforts, and several hundred more for films he produced over the years, making him one of the most recognized directors in the industry.
He won best director at the GayVNs three years in a row, working with his co-directors Ben Leon, Tony Dimarco, and Steve Cruz.
Of the many films directed by Ward, the standouts include Arabesque, Grunts, To The Last Man, Manifesto, Giants, Raiders of the Lost Arse, and many other noted blockbusters.
Ward is planning to split his time between San Francisco and France, spending time with his partner (Mo Duran), his cats and his wine cellar.