Few ladies in the world of adult entertainment are as busy as Tanya Tate. She’s well past the century mark of acting appearances and keeps adding more credits to her name whilst also padding her resume that includes multiple awards in MILF, Performer, Reality/Gonzo, Crossover, Website, and Supporting Actress categories. But Tate is much more than a pretty face and great body in front of the camera.
By Scooter McBooter
She has developed a keen eye for talent and style when it comes to directing movies for Filly Films specializing in ultra-hot all-girl action. And to top off her already hectic schedule, the Liverpool, England, native, recently took over operating Star Factory PR to coax more of her own interest in marketing. Still, Tate has time for cosplay, conventions, and this interview with LukeIsBack.com
SM: Obviously the biggest stars in adult entertainment are American and the industry’s main base is California, but is the British/European adult film industry getting bigger and better?
TT: It definitely is a smaller market. I don’t know if it will ever grow more than it is now. It would be great for everyone involved in the UK, but I don’t know if it’s going to be like it is in Los Angeles.
SM: There are some delectable talents from the UK now based in California. Do you ever get together for tea and crumpets with Sophie Dee or any of the others (LOL)?
TT: LOL, no I don’t have tea with Sophie, but I do love that girl and I have tasted her ‘crumpet’! To an extent, yes, we Brits are likely to be more chatty with each other. But that is not limited to adult performers. I seem to find people from England wherever I go in the US. I was at the Kick Ass 2 party at San Diego Comic Con and just happened to be introduced to Dave Gibbons, the artist of the Watchmen comic book. He’s from England and we ended up talking about it for awhile.
SM: As someone who has seen a good number of your scenes, my favorite work of yours is definitely G/G. Do you find yourself craving one or the other at any time? Are there any major shifts in your attitude or the way you approach a G/G scene vs. a B/G scene?
TT: I like doing both. Lately though I have been doing more Girl/Girl work and I think that comes with me directing now for Filly Films which is a lesbian-themed company. So, that is on my mind more – the different scenarios, what do I think is hot, who I would want to see in the scene … that type of thing. Inevitably, I would start desiring the touch of a woman because that is what I’m fantasizing about.
SM: You have done extremely well at the SHAFTA/XBIZ/AVN awards in the last three years. Do these awards mean a lot to you?
TT: Yes, they do mean a lot. It’s recognition for the work that I have done over the previous year. While I do put everything in to every scene I do, for people to take notice, be it a great review or an award, it’s really nice.
SM: I’ve interviewed Leia Down before and that gave me my first education in cosplay. What do you like about cosplay?
TT: I love cosplay and have been actively doing it since 2010. I love it. I always said that I love superheroes and live-action television shows and movies made an impact on me when I was very young. To see superheroes in “real life” is fun, it’s incredible. I don’t take on a persona. Rather, I enjoy dressing the character and feel the awesomeness of doing it. Cosplay is really a lot of fun and I’m glad that it’s becoming so popular now. I have my cosplay/superhero blog JustaLottaTanya.com which has nothing to do with my adult work, but focused on my hobby.
SM: Spartacus was a chance for you to be in parody and many of the G/G movies are more story-based. Do you enjoy those sorts of films with more of a story or do you prefer more of “just get at” scene?
TT: I like both. I have fun in either situation. I’m in the upcoming Game of Bones which is obviously a parody of Game of Thrones. I had a lot of fun with that.
SM: What do you look for as a director, specifically I’m thinking about what kind of girls and guys do you want in your movies? Is it a great body, an attitude, acting talent?
TT: There are a lot of things I look for, but mainly I look for a good attitude, professionalism and hygiene. As a performer, I know I want my talent on set to feel comfortable and give the best they have and to do that I want their partner and the conditions to be optimal. I have, on occasion, taking a chance and booked someone based solely on their looks, but that is rare. I listen to feedback from performers and agents I trust and go from there.
SM: Speaking of a look, what do you like best when it comes to guys and girls, not as a director but for someone who want to be with?
TT: Younger girls … I like them to look cute and sexy. Hot MILFs … I like them to have nice curves and be beautiful on both the inside and outside. Guys … I like them easy on the eye. Actually the most important thing is chemistry. If that is not there no matter how amazing I think the person looks, the scene is never 100% I would like it to be.
SM: Any horror stories so far as a director – temperamental actor, problem scene? TT: Not really, I have had the occasional flake, but generally, because I am careful when choosing talent, I have amazing experiences. SM: Do you have any favorite adult stars that you’ve been with? Do you have anyone mind that you haven’t been with that you’d like to be at some point?
TT: I love working with Julia Ann. I love Ava Addams, India Summer, Club Sandy, Lea Lexis … oh my god, there are so many hot girls. Girls that I want to work with are Teagan Presley, Lexi Belle and Sunny Leone.
SM: What are your favorite aspects of sex whether on camera or off?
TT: I loved to be touched in all the right places. If you can do that to me we are onto a winner.
SM: You’re clearly now one of the more powerful businesswomen in adult with your websites, directing, and running a PR firm. What prompted you to get into the PR side? Did you see a necessary fit or was it something else?
TT: Taking over Star Factory PR company was something of a fluke. I have always been interested in publicity and marketing, but the opportunity came about where I could acquire this company that has been around adult entertainment for almost a decade. The previous owners were hired by Digital Playground, so I went for it. There was a lot of fast learning involved and lots of consultations. I hired an assistant and we’ve been doing great ever since.
SM: With your businesses, when do you find time to relax or do your own thing, and what do you do when you’re relaxing or out on the town?
TT: I don’t relax (LOL). I’m up and at the gym first thing in the morning. Then power through my emails, have meetings with my publicity clients, work on the next movie I’m directing, manage TanyaTate.com, find time to still perform as talent and occasionally dress up as a sexy superhero. I’m full throttle all the time. But to me, either I’m in it all the way or not at all.
SM: Do you see yourself working in the adult biz for a longer while?
TT: I’ll be in the industry for awhile. My directing has been steady and Star Factory PR is strong. So if I’m not in front of the camera any more, I’ll be behind it.