Abacus to distribute “Downfall of the Porn King”

Channel 4 explores the rise and fall of the world’s biggest porn star, Ron Jeremy, in a two-part documentary series from Argonon’s BriteSpark Films which is to be distributed by Amcomri Entertainment Inc, Abacus Media Rights.

Ron Jeremy was an American porn legend who crossed over into the mainstream. He became an icon who rubbed shoulders with Hollywood stars and performed in more than 2,500 films. But in August this year, Jeremy was indicted in an LA court for 30 counts of rape and sexual assault, against 21 women.

As Ron Jeremy awaits trial, a new two-part documentary series, “Downfall of the Porn King: The Ron Jeremy Story” (working title)from BriteSpark Films (part of Argonon) will explore the rise and fall of a man known around the world as the unlikely king of porn. With exclusive access to some of his alleged victims, key industry players and archive, the series will reveal the inside story of a world that most people know little about.

Looking back over four decades at an industry that has been transformed by the internet, the series will show how the porn industry has evolved from the ‘Boogie Nights’ era of the 80s to Porn Hub and Only Fans today. Now at a tipping point post #MeToo, performers in the porn industry are no longer afraid to stand up for their rights and finally feel empowered to speak out against one of the most powerful men in porn.

The series was commissioned by Channel 4 factual senior commissioning editor Anna Miralis and will be produced by BriteSpark Films (part of Argonon) with executive producers Nick Godwin and Tom Porter, producer Lisa Charles and director Storm Theunissen. International sales will be handled by Abacus Media Rights.

Anna Miralis said: “The access BriteSpark have gained to major players in this story will make the series a compelling watch. The porn industry is having to find a way to work in our post #MeToo world, but with a dark and complicated past it will be fascinating to explore through the eyes of many women involved in the industry.”

Nick Godwin added: “The case against Ron Jeremy offers an unrivalled opportunity to explore the dark side of porn over 40 years and we’re hugely grateful to the industry insiders who are helping us tell this compelling and timely story.”