Alter Sin: Europe’s Top Man Behind the Camera

Alter Sin: Europe's Top Man Behind the Camera

The adult industry of Europe has absolutely exploded over the last few years. All the major studios like Falcon, Carnal, and MenatPlay have revved up their presence in the EU and produced some of their most successful movies. A master filmmaker taking on the bulk of this rapidly growing number of productions is Spain-based director Alter Sin. Before becoming a leading filmmaker in the adult industry, Alter was a successful photographer and filmmaker in Spanish television and commercials. He joined us for his first interview to share about himself and how he has helped with the industry's rise in Spain.

How did you become a filmmaker?

My contact with, and then passion for, photography began around age 13. By chance, while I was taking some studio photos, I asked the photographer if I could be his assistant for the summer. My family didn't have video or photo cameras. After the guy agreed but said no assistant lasted long, I spent about three years, going to his studio every day during the summer and after school, to learn from scratch. My first days were basically spent cleaning the studio and painting the cyclorama white. From then on, it became almost an obsession, with me thinking about dedicating myself to that profession every day of my life.

How did this lead to the world of adult entertainment?

Since I started as a studio assistant, I began assisting very good TV cameramen and learned a lot from them. I went from assistant to TV cameraman relatively quickly. I did all the jobs. I didn't say no to anything if it involved being with a camera (Betacam in those days). I did news, sports, worked in fashion, reality shows, documentaries, advertising...

Interestingly, around 2005-2006, there was a period in Europe, but especially in Barcelona, ​​when many adult productions were being made, which we now call features. Films with a more cinematic style. Back then, the preference was often to hire people who came from television and knew how to operate the camera more technically. From then on, I had my first contact with this business, and somehow, it became more and more common to see myself on a set.

Photo courtesy of Alter Sin

Could you share with us some of your background? Where are you originally from? What were some of your previous careers?

I was born in a small town in Barcelona. In a family environment with a limited educational level and few resources. In fact, no one in my family has gone to university. My parents must have thought I'd be the first, since after being so clear about wanting to dedicate myself to photography, we had many disagreements. I suppose they always saw a world far removed from the one they belonged to, and that, in some ways, it was going to be an unattainable dream for me.

In any case, this is my job. It's what I've been doing my whole life, and it's become my life. I don't know if I can do much else. I've been working nonstop near a camera since I was just 13. It was certainly a very hard path, but looking back over the years, I would definitely do it again to appreciate what I have today.

How does directing "mainstream" productions compare with directing porn?

Surely, some will say there are many. Actually, I don't think so. Both try to recreate something someone has imagined, and depending on the setting, actors, crew, etc., the final result will be different. In any case, it's still a recreation of something someone has imagined. One perhaps with more people, larger locations, more or less lighting...

Where there really are big differences is in the workflows and how to approach certain types of tasks. We have a handicap in having actors who need to work with their genitals and who aren't robots, and that requires significant time management to achieve the best results in a given timeframe.

Do you have a filmmaking process? Could you take us through one of your shoots?

My processes are ever-changing. I believe what makes a producer or director good at their job is knowing how to adapt their workflow depending on the circumstances they find themselves in and their ability to resolve issues. I believe that's where the real art lies: making things as efficient as possible with the resources available at a given time.

Photo courtesy Alter Sin

How do you create the best sex on film?

For me, it's essential to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. Basically, a space where there's good communication, respect, and people who are passionate about what they do.

Spain seems to have become one of the leading regions of the world for producing Gay Adult Entertainment. Why do you think this is? 

For many years, that has been one of the missions I've cherished. Once my work gained some impact outside of Europe, being able to work with local actors and unleash their potential for the rest of the world to see was a true blessing. We've also been very fortunate that many large companies and studios began to show interest in our country because of the climate and locations, all of which ultimately helped create more industry and synergies between professionals in the sector.

How do you look back on your work? What scenes and movies stand out and why?

I try not to live in nostalgia and believe that past times were better or worse. I think I can be proud that in every period of my life, I have always given my best. Times have changed, but the passion remains intact. I always try to think that the best film is the next one to be made.

In any case, there have been many productions that I am very fond of, like the superhero parodies we did years ago.

You have been at this for a long time. What has been the secret to your longevity?

Well, yes. About 20 years. I think the secret is, on the one hand, loving this job, and then, in my case, what's helped me a lot is never wanting to compete with anyone other than myself. I've seen many colleagues spend a lot of time talking about each other, and my way of being has always been trying to create an inclusive environment and treat people the way I would like to be treated. I think one of the first ways to gain respect is by offering respect. On the other hand, I think another thing that has kept me in this profession for a long time is surely disconnecting when I stop working. I think it's very difficult to live in this sector, thinking about it 24/7, and everyone needs their refuge. Mine in particular is nature and my animals. When I'm not recording, I'm in the mountains, away from the city and the noise.

Photo credit Alter Sin

How do you think the business has changed in all that time, in both good ways and not so good?

There are always changes. In the end, they're new transitions. Once you've gone through several, they become less daunting each time. I think, fortunately or unfortunately, this is one of the industries that moves most rapidly with change and always finds new ways.

How have you changed?

For me, personally, what has changed is that I've become a better professional. I've adapted to new times, learned to do more with less, often. I've continued learning and opened my mind to new production formulas that don't necessarily have to be worse.

Any thoughts about the ongoing competition between the studios and the creator platforms?

I think they're options. They're changes that have emerged organically, and content has become more democratized. Today, there are more options than ever to decide what a person wants to watch. At the same time, I think they can somehow feed off each other.

Tell us about you outside of your filmmaking career? Who is the real Alter Sin? Hobbies? Interests? Beliefs?

Alter Sin is probably much more extroverted than Josep. In my personal life, I'm much more introverted and even more antisocial. I think the fact that I've been working since I was so young has made me feel very secure in my role when I'm working, but with less experience in my social life. I don't miss anything from my youth, but it's a fact that when all my school friends were going out or on vacation, I was always working, and that's probably what made me the way I am today.

In my free time, what I like is enjoying nature. Going to the mountains, the beach, spending time with my animals and family, reading, watching good movies, and eating. I'm not a night owl, nor do I enjoy large crowds.

What are some things you still want to accomplish as a filmmaker? Scenes? Movies? Etc 

There are millions of projects in my head that I still want to do. Even things that are practically impossible right now, but I hope new technologies will allow us to do them soon. What's clear is that if I have the energy for it, I'll surely try to accomplish these and many others.