Craft Chat: Rex Marco. Director & Editor of Capo Dei Capi

Looking forward to the third installment of “Capo Dei Capi,” the epic first collaboration between ASGmax and MenAtPlay, we hooked up with the man who brought all the pieces together. Rex Marco served as both Director and the Editor on this project, which combines the suits and style that MENatPLAY is known for, together with three sexy ASGmax Exclusive models.  

Read on for our fun chat with the multi-talented Rex Marco!

We’re really excited to have you on board directing our big collaboration between ASGmax and MENatPLAY! Tell us a little bit about your history with MENatPLAY.

First of all, it has been an absolute honor for me to collaborate with ASGmax. I’ve known the brand for a long time and always wanted to work with you. And what a perfect way to do it than through Menatplay, my home. I started working at Menatplay almost 16 years ago, back when the headquarters were still based in London and run by the two founders, Matt and Rico. Without a doubt, they built one of the most iconic and fetish-driven empires of the golden age of gay porn. I’m very grateful to them.

I began working as an editor after finishing my Cinema Studies. Over the years I also started operating the camera, and for more than two years now, I’ve been directing almost all of their films under the leadership of their new CEO, Hector Camacho, to whom I’m immensely grateful for his trust, and my partner, Álvaro Santana, for joining me on this journey.

How was this project different for you than your usual MENatPLAY productions? What was it like blending these two well-known brands together?

It’s been an incredible experience! For me, it was a challenge to step out of my comfort zone. It’s not the same working at home with your own rules and habits as it is being exposed to other perspectives and a bigger team. Naturally, with a larger budget and a more extensive technical and creative crew, you can do more interesting things.

I’ve always been someone who takes on challenges. They scare me, like they do everyone (I’m human!), but it’s important to seize opportunities when they come. I believe directors always face new projects with respect and a bit of fear. I don’t think that’s a bad thing — quite the opposite. It makes you take things seriously, to aim for something original and creative.

How was it working with Ryder, Vincent, and Trevor (the ASG guys)?

I’m always impressed when I work with American models, but I have to say that ASGmax exclusives Ryder, Vincent, and Trevor are on another level. No wonder they’re exclusives. It’s not just that they’re professional and talented performers — in both the acting and sexual aspects — but they do it all with a smile and in record time.

There’s a lot of intrusiveness in the porn world these days. Many guys think they’re porn stars just because they have an OnlyFans. But real professionals — like these three — know how demanding it is to shoot a film. It takes hours and requires precision and professionalism. And these three absolutely nailed it!

You had to navigate not one, but TWO Executive Producers on set for this. What was it like working with Jeremy Babcock for the first time?

I have to admit that before meeting Jeremy in person, I felt the pressure. He’s not only a producer but also a director and editor with a lot of experience, and that can be intimidating — I won’t deny it! But all of that tension disappeared the moment we met. Jeremy is a great guy — the kind you not only enjoy working with but also grabbing a drink with afterward to talk about film, music, etc.

He’s approachable, respectful of others’ work, and brings a lot of wisdom and energy to the set. I know — because we’ve talked about it — that as a director himself, it was sometimes hard for him to hold back his instincts, but he was professional enough to let me do my thing. And I really appreciate that. It was a joy to work with him and learn from him.

This project is BIG, covering several different locations and a giant group of models, who natively speak a variety of different languages. What were some of the unique challenges on this project?

The main challenge was organization. Without a good foundation and planning, nothing works, even if things need to change later. Language wasn’t a major issue — Spanish is my native tongue and English, even when I stumble a bit, is enough to get my ideas across. It’s often less about language and more about attitude.

Treating people with respect, being generous with the team, and setting a positive tone makes everything flow better — and leads to incredible results. 

What were some of the exciting moments directing this feature? Moments where you captured the magic and got excited?

For this project, I had designed a series of slow-motion clips to define each character and include some symbolic elements. I remember when we made fake dollar bills rain down over the models. They had to look up and laugh while the bills fell over them. It was a really fun moment — the whole crew throwing money in the air — and the final result looks great!

Another exciting moment was seeing the models transform into their characters thanks to Álvaro Santana’s styling. It was funny watching them come in wearing casual modern clothes and then walk out dressed like gangsters, especially with the hats. I remember Ryder looked like he’d stepped straight out of Peaky Blinders with his cap — and of course, he looked fantastic!

Any fun, funny moments you recall from shooting this project?

In Episode 5, Cosa Nostra, you’ll see a very funny scene involving food. MrDeepVoice, the big boss, gets mad at Trevor and Vicent for being late and throws spaghetti all over their suits. Filming that was a blast! The look on their faces as their outfits got covered in pasta was hilarious. What’s a mafia movie without a good plate of spaghetti bolognese?

One cool thing about this project is that you are also the editor. What was it like seeing all this content come to life in post production?

It was really rewarding — and also challenging. Editing separate films is one thing, but working on five episodes shot in a row within the same series is a different task. Cutting a trailer for five episodes can be tough — each chapter has its own great moments, and sometimes it’s hard having to leave out some strong scenes to make a single trailer.

Plus, the production included various voiceovers by MrDeepVoice, and his appearances in almost all episodes were shot at different times and locations, which made editing a real challenge. But in the end, there’s nothing more satisfying than being a director who gets to edit his own film.

So much to say about this project! Wrap this up with any other thoughts, sentiments, or hype for this awesome feature!

It’s been an incredible journey. We’ve tried to combine the best of both studios: an original, bold script with a theme rarely explored in the world of porn. We worked with the top models from both brands and an amazing technical and creative team. All that’s left now is for you to subscribe to ASGmax and Menatplay and enjoy this spectacular series that will definitely leave you wanting more!

I also want to take this moment to acknowledge all the professionals working in this industry — especially the studios and production teams. We’re often considered “second class,” but there are many talented people out there committed to creating a more cinematic kind of porn — with fantasy, tension, imagination, and new stories to tell. Now more than ever, we need to work as a team!

Last thing. Where can our fans find you online, on the socials?

REX MARCO

Twitter and Instagram: @RexMarcoX

Read more about the ASGmax and MENatPLAY collaboration