BC: I see connections to Banksy and iamamiwhoami and the photography of Tyler Shields and styling of musical artist Simon Curtis. Are any inspirations taken from those names? Who IS Black Spark inspired by? (The famous ass-spread shot reminded me of Mapplethorpe's shot with the bullwhip.)
Young whippersnappers
BS: None of the people you cited have been an inspiration. I’ve never seen Tyler Shields's work so that wasn’t an inspiration. I had to Google him.
Michael Jackson is an inspiration...he had a lot to do with Black Spark.
Not surprisingly, dudes named "Black Spark" aren't always Mary Sunshine
BC: The Black Spark is a contradictory character—he "comes from a place of love" but is not above snapping at people who question any aspect of his work. Is the negativity that sets you off the kind of totally dismissive or even troll-like stuff, or is any kind of criticism, however constructive, destructive toward this project?
BS: I have fun with it. I’m an ass sometimes. Some things are taken out of context. I'm really entertaining myself with this stuff, though. People should relax a little.
BC: Some of your fans seem to be behaving like religious followers in the intensity of their reactions, and you're not discouraging that with comments like "when they cut me, I bleed you guys." Is there a deliberate messianic theme to this character?
BS: No. I’m not the messiah, but I adore the fans and I think they want to support something positive and beautiful.
BC: Fans were disappointed to see most of the videos disappear. Were they pulled due to music-licensing issues or other reasons? Is there any way to get them back in their original forms, or would they have to be re-edited with new music?
BS: No the films are in their original form and they will stay that way. They’ll be back.
BC: Is the feature-length project going to be professionally scored with music whose rights are secured?BS: Yes.
BC: How is the music that's used selected?
BS: The song is selected before anything is filmed. What you see is usually filmed based around the song and I create a narrative from it.
Have a little SundayFaith
BC: Have any of the films so far stood out to you as the most important or meaningful?
BS: SundayFaith is probably the most meaningful because it’s as real as it gets. A look into a great morning.
All of Black Spark's films have satisfying climaxes
BC: You've insisted you're not making porn, but sex features prominently in all of your films. Isn't it fair to consider your work at least porn-adjacent if real sex is a requirement?
BS: Nope. I just consider myself a sex addict and an honest guy. The work is honest. My life is full of sex. I’m trying to inspire more than a sexual desire. You are intended to open your mind and heart to the possibilities.
BC: Stepping out of the artistic aspect and into practical matters: Was there ever any thought given to using condoms? Any thoughts on the debate that showing bareback sex—even among committed couples—encourages people to be less safe in real life?BS: No. You’re seeing my love life. Do people really need me to tell them what to do? I don’t think so. I’m not telling anyone to do anything I’m doing. Just showing my life as it is.
BC: What about when you have sex with people other than your lover, like the fan ("I fucked a fan last night") or people who submit their info to your site to appear in the films? Is anyone being screened for STDs?
BS: I did fuck a fan. I had a condom on, but that’s my personal life. It was safe and consensual and fantastic. I don’t run a porn company, though.
BC: On anonymity, is there any way possible to create a wholly anonymous character in this way without identities eventually being guessed? Was that ever the goal, to remain anonymous forever?
BS: That’s the goal if it is at all possible. Lord knows they definitely have me confused but that’s ok. I suspect they’ll keep talking which works for me.
A superhero of sexy-time
BC: You've implied that your need for anonymity stems from needing to keep your work from your family and/or to keep it from hindering outside, presumably more mainstream, professional interests. Can you clarify that at all? Is this a situation where your family has no idea you're bisexual or where they'd be upset about the graphic nature of your work? What kinds (in general) of mainstream projects are you pursuing?BS: I can’t clarify that. It is as it is. Like with most other superheroes, Black Spark wants his family left out of things. There are other film projects that don’t relate to Black Spark.
BC: How far along is the feature-length film, and in what venues do you see it appearing? (Online, DVD, arthouses?)
BS: It’s about half done, but I meet new people and I get inspired by new characters. It’s extremely organic. I don’t know what I’ll keep and what I’ll cut.
BC: Why are some of the people masked and some unmasked? Is that a strictly creative decision, a strictly practical one that is then addressed creatively? Do participants get to choose?
BS: They’re all masked. Whether you see it or not they’re all wearing a mask. I see it. Others see it.
The man behind the mask...or the men?
BC: Is Black Spark always in the same color bandana or mask, and are other characters also always garbed the same, or should viewers be on the look-out for changes in costume?
BS: Oh, they should definitely be on the lookout. The next video will show a new mask. He’s evolving and the mask evolves with him. You can’t expect things to stay as they are. He’s intriguing and his power is most definitely real.
Shockingly, lots of people are volunteering to tangle with this
BC: What kinds of people are volunteering to appear in the films? Any women? If you're mainly filming real sex, does that mean you would not accept anyone you aren't attracted to? I'm wondering if any diversity will appear in future works (something a fan of a film series might expect and hope for, but not something anyone would expect or hope for in a friend's sex life!)?
BS: Many types of people are volunteering. There’s something very cool at play here...the people who write to us aren’t just one-dimensional. They tell us about themselves, show us their heart, and really let us in. My fans are incredible. As far as diversity is concerned, I love all races. I’m attracted to all races. Men and women alike. That’s real talk. I have no preferences. People shouldn't assume.
A chip off the old Spark
BC: The story revolves around Black Spark and there are other Sparks, but is there a mythology yet to be revealed that will tie all of this together? Are there other Sparks?
BS: Certainly. There are definitely more Sparks and there is a story that will tie the randomness together. People have to stay tuned because it’s a wild ride.
BC: You've said no one has guessed correctly. Does that mean, definitively, that the person who appears to be Black Spark in the videos is NOT the same person known as "Josh Stark" of CollegeDudes.com?BS: I don’t know who that is, but I have Google...
BC: Black Spark has denied having done "porn" in the past. If you or anyone involved had been involved in traditional porn, what impact, if any, would that have on how your fans receive your work? Would it matter? Should it?
BS: I haven’t denied doing porn. I said if I had only Ray Charles could see it. I know what the the talk around town is. I see everything.
BC: There was some momentary controversy when brothers were mentioned on Black Spark's page, the implication being that perhaps you have a brother. Some have suggested that "Josh Stark" is a brother to Black Spark. Is that also completely not true?
BS: Yes. I do have a brother but we share one heart.
He will be your brother figure
BC: On the specific-guesses front, an anonymous but knowledgeable-sounding commenter at MaybeNow! has claimed to ID Black Spark and several other people involved with the project. Any truth to any of that?
BS: There’s truth to everything, isn’t there? I’m not understanding what makes them sound knowledgeable. “We” are a very small team. There are no outsiders.
We are all replaceable...
BC: Can complete exposure stop the Black Spark Project? Can anything?
BS: No. The Black Spark is completely replaceable. He can and may be replaced. He’s already been different people...he’s an idea...ideas change..
BS: Yes. People are incredible and I am grateful.
BC: Are you still doing private videos to raise money? How costly are they and what do patrons get?
BS: I haven’t but I’m still somewhat willing to if I feel like it. I’m focused on the bigger picture. Money isn’t a motivator. What it costs and what they get is kept private. Although, would you like one, Matthew?
[Editor's note: There goes my 401(k) plan. This is like when the go-go dancer singles you out and you don't know what to do with your hands. Or like when you meet the famous sex symbol and can't think of anything else to say but, "Yer...yer...hot!" Yes, BS, I of course I want one. I'm dirty and old. I mean, I am an art lover.]
BC: Finally, what can fans expect from the upcoming Web site? Will it have paid membership? Merchandise?
BS: No merchandise has been planned. People can expect a deeper look into the story. They can expect to know more about the project and become involved on a community level.
BC: Anything else you'd want fans to know?BS: People should know that we're organized and have a plan and they can't circumvent what we're doing. Trying to bypass my filters won't work. The people around me are around me for a reason and they should respect that. I want my fans to know that nothing is going to stop this project because it’s bigger than The Black Spark. There’s so much more. Join us now. No need to be a hater. To all the people who are putting up negative comments...Save yourself some embarrassment...you know you love it...you fucking love it.
Oh, geeze. What began kinda interesting and different is quickly fading into douchebaggery.
"He’s intriguing and his power is most definitely real."
"I want my fans to know that nothing is going to stop this project because it’s bigger than The Black Spark. There’s so much more. Join us now. No need to be a hater."
For real?
Those quotes deserve a:
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/cwordandcutlets/hbcslightsqint.gif
Posted by: Joshua | January 27, 2011 at 09:29 PM
^^^^ Apparently missed the part about having "fun" with this...
Posted by: JJ | January 27, 2011 at 09:33 PM
When I first saw the Black Spark videos I was incredibly intrigued. They were visceral, interesting, powerfully sexual without being blatantly or oppressively pornographic. There was something about them that even though they were clearly planned and artistic they felt real somehow. And they were hot. So hot.
And then....then I read some of his interviews. And read some of his tweets. It's starting to come across as a little much and a lot contrived. The idea of masks and different personalities is interesting, but it speaks for itself and isn't especially groundbreaking. And honestly until we see something that isn't straight up gay porn, or rather, filmed graphic sex between men - because I do think this is, or at least could be, more than porn - the whole "I'm not doing porn" thing is tiresome.
Posted by: SKOC211 | January 27, 2011 at 09:39 PM
Thank you, Matthew, for letting Black Spark have his say. Great interview! Just like with Britney during her crazy late night gas station runs a few years ago that I would see on dlisted.com first thing at work the next morning, I breathlessly await Black Spark's next coordinated move.
Posted by: bobby | January 27, 2011 at 09:42 PM
These turds hating on his work are old and jealous we love you black spark.
Posted by: Dave | January 27, 2011 at 09:54 PM
Nice job Matt! And bravo to The Black Spark(s) for such cryptic responses. Why spill everything, I suppose, when half of the fun is in the guessing game?
This Q&A both answers questions while, of course, inviting new ones.
Crafty devil(s).
Posted by: Keith | January 27, 2011 at 09:56 PM
If Joshua at the top isn't a hater I don't know who is if you don't like his work don't watch it. No one cares about your jealous rant.
Posted by: Dave | January 27, 2011 at 10:10 PM
Only two of the videos are back on xtube. :-(
Posted by: bobby | January 27, 2011 at 10:15 PM
@bobby: Click the word "collegefuckboy" in my intro; several videos are there.
Posted by: Matthew Rettenmund | January 27, 2011 at 10:19 PM
You know, I love this stuff. It is a very blurry world and nothing is quite what is seems when you compound the interests of all involved where raw sex is involved. The model always has his agenda, but it is usually not about money if he's thinking about something else. The interviewer wants to be involved, but not exactly, as demonstrated when he called your bluff and he said "come on down" And your were, like ummmm maybe I can't do that? Right Jose? And the readership is another thing in the equation. We love this drama and there are, of course, detractors who participate by saying they are not interested or participating - but they are both. So I would say that this is perfect for Boy Culture and I hope that this isn't the end of the saga. Plus, I didn't get my fill of his videos, just saw two posted and then they wouldn't load.... ugh, the photographer voyeur was so thwarted on this but I will keep looking. Blog on Matt. Thanks for making the internet more fun and rewarding than it usually is.
Posted by: Don Hanover | January 27, 2011 at 10:20 PM
My fave video with (I think it was) Seven Spark dancing across LED Christmas lights is missing everywhere. So sad. It is such a beautiful video with perfect music.
Posted by: bobby | January 27, 2011 at 11:12 PM
I'm glad both sides talked. After our exchange this morning i didn't think you would have cared to know the truth or to listen to Black Spark's side. They were good questions and the answers let us a little bit more into the world that is this project and Black Spark's life, without giving away everything. Look forward to future videos and honest reviews from this site. For everyone who doesn't like Black Spark or his work, you have a choice stop watching, stop reading about it....you're almost as obsessed as those fans you complain about.
Posted by: Steven | January 27, 2011 at 11:12 PM
"Save yourself some embarrassment"?
I am sorry, but that's pretty fucking rich coming from a guy who doesn't want his family to know about what he does. When that day comes (and "you fucking know" it will soon, you-know-who-you-are), I'd just love to hear what other cracked-up tune he will be singing then. Something from his Piles of Lies, I am sure.
Posted by: Greek Chorus | January 27, 2011 at 11:18 PM
The dude is awesome he has talked to me on skype for hours. He isn't a diva he isn't anything they make him out to be its sad that you cant just be happy for someones success. He is beautiful inside and out and he has been more then just some online figure he has been a better friend then some of the people around me. I wish him much continued success and you old jealous queens are so fucking pathetic.
Posted by: Jacob L | January 27, 2011 at 11:20 PM
Black Spark is Josh! Soon as I saw the initial article I posted it on his Facebook wall. A string of comments ensued and then Black Spark 'Joshy Boi' logged on and deleted the post I stuck on and removed me as a friend. Talk about being a bitch! :)
Posted by: NK | January 27, 2011 at 11:24 PM
Agree 100% w Jacob I've been talking to him for over a month about this project and general friend talk. He is a great guy to get to know. You may not like his work but enough of the personal attacks and the ill wishes. Again if you don't like it stop keeping up with it.
Posted by: Steven | January 27, 2011 at 11:33 PM
There is a curious pic in his Facebook album. Two Scrabble Tiles "B" and "S". All around the pic, the hyperlinks are connected to several Facebook profiles: Francisco Bonacic, CorVette Summer, Jorge Marrufo, Black Spark (photos), Jeffrey Stephen Clarke, EunYoung Cho, Dustin Anderson (photos)
Hmmm...a clue, maybe? Are they the "we" in Black Spark?
Posted by: bobby | January 27, 2011 at 11:57 PM
Thanks for this wonderful interview! You asked some really well-thought questions and his replies were satisfyingly vague to the point that they didn't really confirm or deny anything ("There’s truth to everything, isn’t there?" "I haven’t denied doing porn. I said if I had only Ray Charles could see it.") Haha these are pretty clever answers that allow him to keep the mystique alive without really having to say for sure if he is or isn't "Josh Stark"
Although out of curiosity...ahem...I did a side by side "analysis" from both the two videos from collegedudes and the videos from colby keller's blog (albeit they were low quality) and obviously the eyes and brows are strikingly similar, and they have the same belly button. Beyond the two prominent freckles around his left nipple and the freckle above his right nipple, there is also a noticeable freckle under his right butt cheek that also appears to match Black Spark. Black Spark appears to be a lot less hair down there than Josh Stark, and possibly has more muscle definition, but that could be b/c the collegedudes videos were filmed in late summer/early fall (I assume) and these videos are newer perhaps?
I personally don't care if they are the same person or not, it doesn't diminish the fact that the videos are hot and definitely stay with you after you watch them. I think it is smart that he is sticking to his guns with saying his work is art and not porn, b/c especially when he monetizes it, that will be a great selling point (it already has started many a debate.) My feeling is once he puts it out there it is no longer his to decide how it is interpreted and it really shouldn't matter to him one way or the other. He is set to make quite a profit if he keeps the game going, and I for one will definitely be checking in to see what he has in store.
I think he was smart to remove his original xtube account "collegefuckboy" and go with "theblackspark" instead. That would have made an already hard sell of an argument even more difficult for him to win if he claimed his work was art with that original handle of a user name. I just hope he doesn't put anymore videos up on xtube - it is difficult to think about interesting artistic erotic thoughts when you have sausage party ads flying at your face. Hopefully a much more clean presentation of his videos and film are being considered to allow them to stand on their own that much more.
Posted by: Mike | January 28, 2011 at 12:14 AM
You see how mad you are making them that means you are doing something right. I love your work keep doing you and fuck all these nay sayers. If i did not like something i wouldn't waste my time commenting on blogs about it. Everything they say is just to get a reaction they wish they were you. Please keep making your amazing films.
Posted by: Henry | January 28, 2011 at 12:25 AM
oh and if i did do it only ray charles can see it omg CLASSIC i am in love with you.
Posted by: Henry | January 28, 2011 at 12:42 AM
I wsa just insulted by Black Spark over not being able to see the movies with my frinds before sending the child $300.00. I have as to be unfriended and will help the next new and great artist. One that is not a arrogant egotistigal and will have a sense for business. He loves his sparks more than his fans, so I hope the sparks have alot of money!
Posted by: BigMack | January 28, 2011 at 01:52 AM
First, yeah- I'm an old queen.
Second- any kind of stuff like this that's more style than substance gets old faster than me. The pompous interview didn't help my opinion.
Posted by: Roy | January 28, 2011 at 02:07 AM
I can't even finish the interview. All it does i try to poke holes in what Black Spark truly is. The essence of Black Spark is the mystery. I get off to his work more than I do porn, and I love porn. What he shows is love, maybe for a minute at a time, and sexual being. I think the problem here for most people is that they are intimidated by his effortless ability to achieve what they have been trying to do for years. If you ever reveal Black Spark, you will kill everything that he and his work is. Why would you want to kill something so pure and beautiful, and deprive so many people of so much enjoyment and happiness.
Ironically, the man who is not a pornagrapher is redefining how movies are made.
Posted by: Mike | January 28, 2011 at 03:00 AM
@Mike -- "sausage party ads flying at your face." LOLOL!
Posted by: Keith | January 28, 2011 at 03:01 AM
First of all, I love the videos done so far by TheBlackSpark.
Secondly, like Matt said: he is the word person, while TheBlackSpark is the visual person.
Thirdly, I HAVE always thought that TheBlackSpark like later Tori Amos albums are in need of a good producer/editor. The vids so far seem to be him searching for his voice and a narrative, and I hope that as he makes more, that will become more apparent, more "mature". But as they are, they really lack substance and flit from one thing to another.
So I hope a more finished product will bring it all together.
Lastly, let's see what happens. :)
Posted by: J.P. | January 28, 2011 at 11:24 AM