If you’ve ever wondered if your yoga teacher is checking out your ass while your deep in your downward-facing dog, then the films of Human Chemistry might be what pushes your buttons.
Recently launched in London, Human Chemistry is the creative partnership of Danny Dagenham and Jeremy Darwin.
I caught up with Danny Dagenham for a behind-the-scenes look at the world of yoga porn.
What was your inspiration for launching Human Chemistry?
I really like old-school porn movies that had more of a storyline. I also like arthouse movies but they don’t go far enough. I wanted to do something that was a bit arty but was also something that you could really get off to – that you could wank to.
The films are an extension of my art – there’s a raw, unfiltered, punk quality in everything that I create.
I come from a filmmaking and acting background. I want to make something that is contained – that has a beginning, a middle, and an end. It has to have something of a story – they’re not just abstract clips. I want something that can stand the test of time.
What makes the scenes filmed by Human Chemistry different to what other porn studios are creating?
Our camera guy comes from a fashion background, so the filming is pretty polished, but what we produce also has this documentary feel – it can be a bit rough in places as well.
We’re trying to use the best elements of amateur and professional gay porn and make something new.
Is there a market for yoga porn?
Lots of people do yoga as part of their daily lives – whether it’s a class at the gym or a yoga studio. They might fantasise about their teacher or other students.
A yoga class is an intimate physical space – there are bodies everywhere – guys stretching out together, getting sweaty, breathing slow and deep, with all of the intimacy of partner work. It’s a pretty good prelude to a wholesome filthy fuck.
What’s the energy like when filming a Human Chemistry scene?
I like the energy really up when I’m directing. I’m very East End – saucy and cheeky.
I begin by interviewing the guys on camera – this helps them to relax and enables me to get to know them. It’s not a therapy session but I like them to be real and to drop their mask – it makes them more relatable.
From there, we take it into some yoga poses or a role-play improvisation using a character based on them.
All I ask is that they deliver the best fuck that they can give me. I want them to give it their all.
You’ve also filmed a scene featuring yourself – did you enjoy being in front of the camera?
I’ve taught naked yoga for years and always been in that sort of energy and environment.
My boyfriend was curious as to what was going on. I wanted to open the door and let him into that world – for us to expand our sexual repertoire, and also to make him the star of my movie.
He’s in great shape. I’m a bit chunky these days, but I feel good – I don’t care. It was fun to film together.
What’s the aspiration for Human Chemistry?
I would like to make it more filmic but still while keeping the hardcore content and our purpose of inspiring connection through filthy sex.
I like the idea of developing storylines and characters. It could be something like a porn soap opera or a Netflix series with explicit sex – that’s where I want to take it.
What do you hope that guys feel when they’re watching a Human Chemistry film?
I hope that they want to pull down their pants straight away and start wanking.
I want them to feel like I felt when I watched some of the formative porn films in my life – that this is what they want to see, that this is what they want more of, that this is the kind of film that really does it for them.
