Speaking of Christopher Melic, the prototype of the film, his experience is more complicated than that shown in the film. From Texas, he used to run a medical and health company, and there were some problems with the account funds, but the company later closed down; He also has a pornographic website on the Internet, but he has also been involved in credit card fund disputes and lawsuits. In 2007, Meilicke set up her own entertainment and production company. In 2008, he named this production company Oxymoron Entertainment, and invested in and produced a series of regular films, including The Middleman, which was adapted from his own business experience.

George Gallo, the screenwriter and director of the film, said: "merrick's experience is fascinating enough. He started as a businessman with a formal business, ran an online porn company, got involved in shady lawsuits, and finally got away successfully. This experience is a movie in itself. Moreover, he first engaged in Internet enterprises in 1995. At that time, most of us knew nothing about the Internet, websites and downloads. I admired him for investing in a website with this sense of smell and foresight. What do you think now? Internet has become a part of life. This is a legendary story, and now the online porn industry is very developed. I think we should tell the story of a pioneer. "

However, Christopher Melic, who has such a legendary experience, has always felt that he is just a businessman, not a "pioneer" or a "porn emperor". He said, "I'm just a businessman, doing some profitable business." I only invested in the Internet because I thought it was fresh. I didn't expect it to bring such a big change to my life. Of course, at that time, I didn't think this thing could bring much benefit, but the subsequent development of the website really exceeded my expectations. Until now, I am still running an internet company, and this industry is very promising. "

Shoot a legend

Faced with such a story and a life we have never heard of, George Gallo set a "chaotic" tone for the film. It can be said that the whole movie was spent in chaos and comedy. Gallo said: "The only adjective I can think of for such a life and story is chaos. Only when business and life are in chaos can we show the fierce life of this businessman. When shooting, I always reminded myself that he is the stationmaster of pornographic websites, not a priest. " After setting the tone for the film, Gallo visited many women engaged in pornography. Through the interview, he felt that the woman who made porn was the smartest person he had ever seen. He said, "These girls are the smartest people I have ever met. They know what they need and who to ask for them. Like all actresses, they feel that they are actors, not inferior people. "

However, according to andy weiss, another screenwriter of the film, these girls only do this job to earn money. He said: "I don't think they are smart people at all. If I give them more 10 yuan, they can do 20 more disgusting things. " But it is really because of the differences of opinion between the two screenwriters that the girl in the film has more deductive potential and rich personality. Maybe this is an unexpected result.

In order to better show the characteristics of the times of 1990, the film is relatively conservative in music selection. According to director George Gallo's request, the music of the film should not only have distinct characteristics of the times, but also be very emotional. He said, "Brian Taylor's music meets my requirements very well. Whether it is the ready-made songs or original music, it can show the character and have the characteristics of the times. I like the soundtrack of this movie very much. There are songs by the Rolling Stones, Moby and OMC. This is really great. " Taylor, who arranged the film, said, "Because this story is true, I chose a lot of old rhythm and blues music and songs. Even if you don't watch movies, such a soundtrack is worth enjoying alone. "

This film is adapted from the true story of Christopher merrick. Merrick is also one of the producers of this film. The pornographic website founded by Christopher Meilicke is the first paid pornographic website in Internet history. Up to now, Christopher merrick still runs an Internet company.

This film is the first collaboration between directors George Gallo and John Aston after the filming of Trouble in Paradise. At the same time, it is also the first time that he and robert forster have cooperated again after "The Lotto of Unexpected Wealth".

The film was shot in Phoenix, Arizona.

The film was shown at the Santa Barbara Film Festival.

The film cost $20 million to make and took only 37 days to shoot.

Born in 1980, porn star Jesse Jane played herself in the adult version of Pirates of the Caribbean 2.

Ron Cadville plays the driver in the film. He is a real-life friend of Christopher Meilicke and also runs an Internet company.