JULI ASHTON

Juli Ashton is a woman on a mission. Never satisfied with the current state of affairs despite an impressive list of contributions and universal recognition as a leader in her field, Juli remains almost evangelical in her commitment to bring her message of sexual enjoyment, fulfillment, acceptance and liberation to adults around the world.

Regarded as a “sex-pert” by her colleagues from both the adult and mainstream media, Ms. Ashton's background in the adult film industry coupled with her study at The Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Sexuality in San Francisco and over a decade of interaction with everyone from renowned sex specialists to corporate executives to the general public has given her the unique combination of knowledge and skills that complement her passion and enthusiasm on the subject.

For example, as the hostess of Playboy TV 's most popular and longest-running original series, Night Calls Live, Ms. Ashton brings her personal flair and extensive knowledge of human sexuality into the bedrooms of over 15 million viewers per broadcast. The show, which is currently in its tenth season, is a fast-paced, interactive call-in program where the hosts and guests talk candidly about all things sensual without any taboos or off-limit topics.

It was her immediate success on Night Calls Live that lead to Juli's selection as the first host for Playboy Radio, an expanded version of Night Calls , broadcast exclusively on XM Satellite Radio. On XM Radio Juli could be heard live daily from coast–to-coast sharing erotic stories, dispensing sex and relationship advice or just interviewing celebrities, authors, sexologists, doctors and a variety of sexy guests.

However, Night Calls Live not only made Juli the first adult film star with her own TV and radio shows, it also gave her unprecedented media access and, as her role as a barrier-breaking, adult-advocate continued to expand, Juli realized that she could use her position as an industry icon to inform and educate as well as entertain. Her limited licensing agreement with legendary sex toy and marital aid manufacturer, Doc Johnson , includes the infamous Pink Pocket Rocket along with over a dozen other products that bear her image and are sold in retail outlets all over the world. Plus, during her tenure as the first corporate spokesperson for Adam and Eve , America's largest sex-related mail order company, Juli lobbied on behalf of the Free Speech Coalition at the California State Legislature in Sacramento.

It was for these accomplishments, as well as her many other ongoing efforts to present a positive, wholesome image of sexuality while promoting new standards of acceptance and self-awareness to the public, that Juli received the first, highly-prestigious Positive Image Award from her peers in the adult entertainment business.

Topping her own list of ground-breaking “firsts”, Ms. Ashton became one of the first adult film actresses to own and operate a production company, Ashton View Promotions. Due to her extensive production experience, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes, Juli was well-qualified to manage the company's diverse needs, from producing, directing and editing to sales, distribution and marketing. In addition, her industry contacts and affiliations included leading manufacturers, distributors and retailers, both from the mainstream and adult genres— all with worldwide recognition and reach. With Juli at the helm as founder and CEO, the successful and influential film and video production company has already produced over two-dozen titles for home, cable and broadcast release.

Today, Juli continues to bring her positive attitude and energy to every project she touches— never avoiding the spotlight, controversy or opportunity while consistently proving that it is possible to be first and best in every endeavor. “Whether it's creating products that will help improve sexual relationships, orientation and intimacy or discussing the subject in an open, honest, practical way, my goal is to increase wellness and elevate our quality of life,” Juli says. “Narrowing the gap between amateurs and experts, that's my message and my mission.”

Following in the footsteps of such legendary photographers as Helmut Newton and Chris Von Wagenheim, Richard Avery is one of the brightest, most gifted new stars to appear on the adult and erotic scene in over a decade. Although his style and abilities continue to evolve, Mr. Avery's fresh approach to the use of models, lighting, camera angles, wardrobe and make-up along with today's most advanced digital imaging technologies allow him to capture the beauty and seduction of the human form in the most artistic, erotic yet unexpected ways.

After first surfacing in New York in the mid 1990's, Avery's early photography was described as brilliant, innovative, imaginative, ageless and hip by both art and fashion critics the world over; bringing him instant commercial success as well as a growing reputation and legions of fans.

One such admirer, world-renowned adult entertainment icon and head of Ashton View Promotions, Juli Ashton, discovered Avery's work during one of her many visits to New York and was able to arrange a meeting with the young artist. Ashton had initially been attracted by Richard's remarkable fashion photography that always seemed to have an erotic twist and immediately sensed that the young artist's future might lay in a slightly different, somewhat more provocative direction. Juli was excited when the opportunity to not only work with Richard, but to represent him presented itself and, based on Avery's recent film and photographic efforts, their relationship has flourished beyond their wildest expectations.

Today, Richard remains based in New York, but constantly travels the globe seeking and shooting new and established talent for a variety of Ashton View's erotic film, web and publishing projects.

“My camera and I love the girls,” comments Richard following a particularly intense session. “And in return, it seems that the girls love me.”