LOS ANGELES – Maitland Ward, the 2022 XBIZ Performer of the Year and 2023 AVN Best Leading Actress, has made her debut as both a performer and director for Vixen Media Group imprint Tushy in the new scene "Casting Couch." The scene, which also features Mick Blue and Dante Colle, is now available for streaming on Tushy.

"Casting Couch" Details and Narrative

In "Casting Couch," Maitland Ward takes on a dual role, both performing and directing. The scene co-stars 2022 XBIZ Male Performer of the Year Mick Blue and 2021 XBIZ Performer of the Year Dante Colle. A representative for Vixen Media Group described the scene as Ward putting "a spin on the stereotypical Hollywood auditions narrative — where men have all the power and dictate how women dress, behave and perform — except she plays by her own rules and directs what happens on the casting couch in an artfully, erotic way."

Ward elaborated on her motivation for creating "Casting Couch," stating that it "serves as a provocative take on the old Hollywood system and the power dynamics at play, but with a delicious twist—the actress is now in charge." She explained her desire to create the film, noting that it reflects her "own journey to a seat of authority and command." Ward also highlighted the rarity of seeing a woman in Hollywood portrayed in such a dominant light, expressing enjoyment in "being the one auditioning the guys and enticing them to give me everything I wanted." She added, "I loved being in this powerful position."

The scene is described as reflecting the Tushy brand with its powerful narrative and sophisticated style. "Casting Couch" is currently streaming on Tushy.

Ward's Directorial and Creative Journey

This new scene marks Maitland Ward's debut for Vixen Media Group banner Tushy as both a performer and director. It also represents the second project Ward has written and directed for Vixen Media Group. Ward reflected on the accomplishment of both directing and performing, stating that "Both scenes for Blacked and Tushy were a nod to my Hollywood past and also a metaphor for my own journey to the top where I now call the shots." She described the experience of writing a scene and then bringing it to life as a "Christmas morning feeling," and praised the Vixen team as "encouraging and phenomenal to work with."

Ward is a Vixen Media Group exclusive performer. She was named 2022 XBIZ Performer of the Year and 2023 AVN Best Leading Actress. She is also recognized as a model and author.

Industry Reactions and Collaborations

Kayden Kross, a director at Vixen Media Group and a frequent collaborator with Ward, expressed enthusiasm for the new release. Kross has worked with Ward on several award-winning features, including Drive, Muse 1 & 2, and Drift, the latter of which earned Ward an AVN Best Leading Actress award. Kross stated, "I am always excited for any announcement that involves Maitland's ongoing work with Vixen Media Group, and this is no exception." Kross further added, "I love the results of this project and am looking forward to her next directorial projects and everything else that is still to come. This woman has no ceiling."

Ward can be followed on Twitter.

Key Facts

  • Maitland Ward made her directing and performing debut for Tushy in "Casting Couch."
  • The scene co-stars 2022 XBIZ Male Performer of the Year Mick Blue and 2021 XBIZ Performer of the Year Dante Colle.
  • Ward, the 2022 XBIZ Performer of the Year and 2023 AVN Best Leading Actress, also wrote the scene.
  • "Casting Couch" is the second project Ward has written and directed for Vixen Media Group.
  • Vixen Media Group director Kayden Kross praised Ward's work on the project.
  • "Casting Couch" is currently streaming on Tushy.