Tootsie roles

Anthony FuscoPhoto: Talia Simhi

Anthony Fusco knows what he likes: "Smooth, well pedicured, wide." What about hairy? "Some guys like hairy," he says, wrinkling his nose. "Everyone likes something different. Some people like very large feet."

Fusco is the New York producer for the male-foot-fetish outfit Underfoot, which films hot foot action available on DVD, VHS and as online streaming video (www.underft.com). Those who appear in Underfoot's movies are paid about $100 for an hour of footcentric work—putting on and taking off socks, rubbing, stretching, etc. Anything racier (jerking off, foot worshipping) earns some extra green. Unlike regular gay porn, in which ripped abs and bulging pecs are the norm, average joes have a shot at becoming stars with Underfoot. "I don't discriminate against age or anything," Fusco says, "as long as they have good feet."

Fusco is constantly on the prowl for new hooves. On a recent late-summer night, he boarded the weekly gay party cruise Sea Tea, bringing along Kelmer, a hunky 28-year-old Brazilian who spent the evening lounging around shoeless next to Fusco. The goal was to find Underfoot's next big (smooth, well-pedicured) star. "This is my first big event," Fusco says, noting that he usually finds his models on Craigslist. Still, despite the relatively easy-to-meet standards, no one had signed up for foot fame as the Sea Tea boat finished its three-hour cruise. Fusco blamed the lack of interest at least in part on the distracting go-go boys, who came courtesy of the night's other sponsor, gay-escort website Rentboy.com.

So it's back to Craigslist for now. But perhaps the handful of flyers and cards Fusco handed out will result in a few takers. As Kelmer—who would be filming his video the next day—said, "It's pretty easy money, right?"