 TDV: How long have you been working with Harmony Productions?
Cass: I have never really considered my association with Harmony
as work:). Tying, gagging, lingerie wrestling and much more is
far from work.
Matt: I think our first video B-162 was released in 1998 as an
amateur video. After seeing it on their part and large bribes on
our part, we were then asked to head to Harmonyland and that was
our start.
TDV: What made you choose Harmony over other production companies?
Cass: The California sunshine!
Matt: Well at the time Harmony was the largest and best company
in the world. They had the number one selling bondage magazine
and material in the world. Their style really appealed to us, was
classy and showed bondage in a tasteful high-end look. But I guess
the real reason is that no one else would have me! To me they will
always be the best.
TDV: How would you describe your style? Does that same style cross
over to both movies and photography?
Cass: Black and shiny with a little girl next door. Actually I
try have many looks from the classy heels, stockings corset look
to outdoor cowgirl to slick backed domme. The style in looks we
try to match with the outfits and environment around us. That is
a fun part.
Matt: Now that’s a good question. I will leave it to others
to decide what that style would be. With kink or fetish being such
a wide spectrum, I would definitely say we are on the milder side.
My goal would always have ‘vanilla’ guys and gals look
at our material and say that’s pretty cool that would be
fun or I could try that. Material that makes the average person
shudder and say “those people are wacked” is what we
try to stay away from lol. In reality we ARE the average people
and think we have a pretty good grasp of wants and likes of outward
appearing conservative folks.
Comparing movies and photography
is pretty hard. They are wildly different animals. The pro pics
we take basically are selling points for the movie. The looks can
be very different from still cameras as to rolling cameras. For
stills I try to concentrate more on the image that I clearly view,
while with video I basically just have a rough idea and let the
girls run with it.
For example the stills with Cass and Jewell
I really wanted a true dark hair domme with blonde sub look that
was high end. Jewell dolled in tight black PVC and Cass in snug
corset hit the mark perfectly in true ‘tough look’ domination.
I got the clear looks I was looking for. For the video the only
direction I gave was for the one line I wanted Jewell to slip in “I
have always wanted my own Barbie doll” and to really do tight
on  screen tying. Letting the girls go their own way, turned into
more of a sensuous, soft domme.
So while the video and pics were
done at the same time they are complete contrasts in style. Besides
in stills you cannot hear me laugh like I did on camera in that
video and look like a complete goof.
TDV: Who set that style? Matt or Cass?
Cass: I like to let Matt thinks he runs the show but like everyone
knows the chicks are really in command. When Matt really shoots
he knows what he wants in makeup, hair and outfits which is really
easy to follow. For quickies or relaxed stuff I get more chances
to do what I would like.
Matt: I think when doing a serious shoot I have solid ideas with
the looks and images I want to capture. The basic premise of no
markings, welts and other things that show or imply pain we stay
clear of. There are plenty of places to get that. I never stray
from the principles that we believe in and I think that has really
helped. I guess I have interviewed about 15 to 20 girls with just
a couple quick adds in an alternative magazine. After seeing my
sample portfolio everyone from different walks had positive feedback
and wanted to try it. I think that speaks volume for the style
of work that we are fortunate enough to follow.
TDV: Does Cass work exclusively with you Matt, for videos? Photography?
 Matt: Like she said before everyone knows that chicks run the
show lol. She is pretty picky about who she dolls up for but
she will work for anyone if she feels comfy and safe with. If
they paid her off in chocolate I am sure she will work for just
about anyone. She has a great sense of humour and loves to laugh
so people who like to make things fun are a big plus as well.
Looking at my looks everyday she has to have a sense of humour.
TDV: Many people believe that the adult entertainment industry
is a big cash cow. In your experience, would you say that is a
realistic view?
Cass: Let’s say I have increased my own fetish wardrobe
10 fold due to working in the adult industry so any extra shopping
I get to do is a GREAT thing. Money has never been the overriding
factor for me. It is nice but the whole experience and the relationships
is key to me.
Matt: In my experience I have to say we kinda got lucky being in
the right place at the right time. In terms of a cash cow all I
say is we do better than a greeter at Wal-mart but not yet been
able to retire. I have tricked enough people in thinking I have
talent to be sellable. Seriously, like in any business it is supply
and demand. Just look alone at 10 years ago compared to today.
The internet has a deluge of material much of it may be free or
stolen. Sites come and go with many more paysites going these days.
The money is not there like it used to be for sure and you better
be able to adapt with the changes like in any business. Many have
wanted to go in a site with us or have us open our own but that
was never our goal and would not be a cash cow.
TDV: Same question for both of you. Which do you prefer? Videos
or photography?
Cass: Hmmm probably for the most part photography,
but really depends on the  person you are shooting with. A couple
of videos
we did, we were laughing so much that it ended up being a lot of
fun. And you’ll really notice that my acting skills shine
through. lol I guess with photography you have a much better chance
of deleting pictures that you don’t like, but video you’re
stuck with scenes where your hair is a mess, or there is a wide
angle of your butt that isn’t very flattering. Video does
let my er quiet side kinda disappear for a bit.
Matt: I love
both. Videos are so much fun when you allow personalities to
flow and shine. Cass can be pretty quiet but shine a video camera
and watch out! Chelsea walked in during a video, close to the end
with Cass and kinda looked at me with that ‘WOW’ look.
Those are fun times.
With photography it gives me more of a chance to expand a bit.
I like 35mm for true photography, but do enjoy fooling around with
Photoshop with digital pics. Trying different looks and lighting
is always something that appeals to me.
TDV: Cass,
your first shoot where Matt wasn’t
at the helm, what was that like for you?
Cass: Well that was pretty simple. It was a bet video. Chelsea
has stated in different magazines that she could do an inescapable
hogtie in 6 minutes. Hands, elbows, chest, knees, feet and gagged
to boot within 6 minutes. It was MM-6 I think. It was pretty simple,
as I love Chelsea I thought it would be like normal, very playful.
Before the shoot she says (with a pile of laid out rope) that she
is really going to tie hard and tight and for me to try to escape.
She said it will not happen. So the camera rolls and off goes one
of the best female bondagers in the world and my goal is to truly
try to escape. No roleplay just a goal of getting out. The thing
is Jewell arrived during the shoot and she then got her to trickle
me to death. So it was easy as there was no acting! Did I escape
hmmmmmmm you will have to check that out.
TDV: Matt, your first shoot with someone other than Cass (or with
Cass and another model), what was that like?
Matt: After a long time with Cass you realize that she is
the best of the best. Great to shoot on appearance and even better
with
attitude. Class, looks, and great persona, is hard to beat. She
will do anything to get the shot and has the ability to shoot any
type of video. The very first time we shot with another model was
with Eve Ellis. Hand picked for us, for her ability to take a really
good tie and easy to work with and spend time with. At first I
was nervous but after a few minutes she had me pretty relaxed.
Right off the bat she said “you guys must be Canadian”.
I have no idea how she figured that out eh? In fact they got along
so well they just laughed so much we had to retake scenes over
and over. It was decided that Cass would look at Eve’s forehead
and Eve would look at Cassidy’s chin so there would be no
eye contact to send them into another laugh fest. So it was very,
very fun and a great icebreaker. Actually there is a full description
interview on that in Bondage Life #77.
TDV: Now
that you’ve got experience
under your belt, is the experience different?
Cass: Yes and No.
Yes in the fact that each time is different with different outfits,
different locations,  different ties and meeting different people.
Sometimes it’s an adventure just meeting new people. There
have been times where we’ve met people at restaurants before
a shoot and we’ve never met them and they’ve never
met us. It sometimes feels like a blind date because you never
know what you’re going to get. Sometimes you feel a little
ridiculous trying to figure out if the person over on the other
side of the restaurant, looking over is the person you’re
meeting or not. What can you say? “Hi, are you the person
I’m meeting to do the bondage photography/video shoot with?
Did you bring the extra rope?” You might get a few odd looks.
No in the fact that even though we try to be creative it’s
hard to find new and interesting poses etc. Without looking like
you’re doing the same thing over and over.
Matt: I think at first it was more like an adventure. Everything
new and we were pretty bright eyed and bushy tailed. As time goes
by things like value and getting as much footage with time management
is front and foremost in my mind. The wonder of it all has long
since gone, but not forgotten.
TDV: Are
there models/riggers/photographers that make you wonder “How
the hell did I get here?” (in a good way).
Cass: Yikes have you seen some of my first videos? I’d say.
What did Robert Harmon see in those first videos we sent down to
Harmony. I’ll never know!
Matt: At first I wondered what the heck is Matt Meyers doing here?
My very first tie I almost forgot how to do a simple knot. lol.
I know they just kept using me for the pity factor of being short
and Canadian while laughing at the accent. Actually I have always
been confident in anything I do. Riggers and the larger than life
supermodels just become friends in a relaxed atmosphere. I have
never thought of the big picture until you see the finished product
on the net, magazine or streaming video or such and then it kinda
hits. These people make Matt Meyers and then you realize how great
they are and how lucky I am.
TDV: On the personal side of things, are you involved with your
local BDSM community?
Cass: We have been to a few outings but I feel more comfortable
in a smaller crowd, besides Matt would look a little ridiculous
in PVC shorts and suspenders! I think I would be much more at home
in the community. I guess with a little nudging I could jump in
with both feet but it would have to a perfect fit. Some things
make you think 'oh brother' and makes me roll my eyes while some
things make me think 'oh boy' and makes me want to try it.
Matt: I would say we are fringers at best.
 TDV: If so, how much participation?
Cass: No matter what Matt says I don’t always like to be
the center of attention, so sometimes I don’t mind just laying
low. But if there are any cool guys or gals out there who would
can really tie and play in a fun manner I can say my participation
will rise! Give me a note! Love wrestling mainly due to my love
of the Rock and can go both ways in tight bondage and creativity
is a big plus.
Matt: We are a lot better in small groups than big parties and
we try to stay out of any politics or drama which always seems
to arise in groups. As good as Cass looks in leather or PVC, I
would not. There are enough of those pasty white guys with harnesses
and stuff, seeing me there as well would not be good. I am a cross
between Don Knotts and the elephant man taking the best parts of
both. Have been to a show and since I had no fetish wear, I was
a cowboy while Cass was encased in PVC and looked great! Our friend
was a pro domme who ran the show so I got in with no problems lol
though I kinda stood out even though I try to stay under the radar.
TDV: Are
you treated differently? (ie is there a feeling of being a ‘celebrity’ at
all?)
Cass: To me that would be ridiculous as we are just regular
people and to tell the truth most people don’t know that
we do this or who we are. Matt is a very smart guy and does his
best to make
me look better than I am.
Matt: Actually we don’t discuss who we are or what we have
done. Matt Meyers is just a regular shmuck with a very great looking
woman on his arm. Though as payment for things I have seen Cassidy
hand out an autographed Bondage Life and faces kinda drop. Sometimes
Cass has dropped into chat rooms as cassidyb and said nothing but
her name has raised eyebrows. People who say they have every BL
magazine 5 years or have her videos have really kind words. At
first you think they are pulling your leg but then point out something
that could only be seen there and say they favorite part or look
and it’s nice. Some really nice people out there.
TDV: What are you plans for the future in regards to modeling/videography/photography?
Cass: For the immediate future not much, as I have to work off
all that Christmas binging. Looking forward to stepping back
up in the early new year with new clothes and new ideas.
 Matt: Matt rubs
his crystal ball. It’s hard to say as we
never really make solid plans. We take things as they come. Sometimes
Cass wants to pull the camera out or try a certain look and there
we go. Sometimes we get offers from people or sites that interest
us and we consider that. Cass has never met a camera she didn’t
like and she is a lot of fun. The day the fun or excitement disappears
will be the day I shoot sunsets and flowers full time. I still
have ideas that I want to do. Even if that never happens I will
be pretty content on the achievements we have made. We got a cover
on the worlds best selling magazine with the worlds biggest and
best bondage company. I have far surpassed any expectations or
goals that we could accomplish in this business.
TDV:
Anything else you’d like to say?
Cass: Thanks for the chance to do this interview with
us. You’ve
made me remember how it all started, the people we’ve met
along the way and the fun we’ve having.
PS I have a cute French maid outfit that hopefully we will be photographing
with soon!
Matt: Ditto on
the thanks to Kayla. It’s been a pleasure
in dealings we've had and to me associating with great people in
every aspect is the most important thing. You are that Kayla. Thanks
also the Harmony Concepts for allowing the pics to be released
and shared. The friends are too numerous to thank but I tip my
white Stetson to those who have made things so good for us.
As
Cass said we are always open to new people and new adventures.
A couple plans on the horizon with a trip in the works to Texas
for a new site, and perhaps to Arizona for a friend’s site
which we have added pics. A trip down I-5 to see the best rope
artist in the Northwest with Lew is high on Cassidy's wish list.
We have been supposed to shoot in LA for a bit with a couple of
models for their sites, it is always being put off due to time,
but this year looks promising. We have gotten a lot of new coloured
ropes and a couple wild outfits over the holidays which are screaming
Cassidy's name.
Speaking of screaming I hear her in the other room
squealing with laughter at the TV. She looks pretty great even
lounging in a ponytail and shorts. I know my camera is charged
hmmmm. I think that black rope contrast to her red outfit would
look great under the Christmas tree setting. Perhaps you might
want to keep some space open in your next edition!
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