T.J. DiReda Returns to Mainstream Roots With 'Pornstar'

LOS ANGELES — Adult industry veteran T.J. DiReda has produced his first feature film in more than a decade, an independent movie entitled “Pornstar,” as he taps back into his roots in mainstream entertainment.

DiReda recently teamed with producer Joel Viertel (“The Adjustment Bureau”) to make “Pornstar,” a fictional story about the X-rated industry that explores darker themes.

The movie is billed as “an unflinching exploration into America's obsession with sex, fame and money, and what cost people are willing to pay for these things, and the lies we tell ourselves to make it through the day.”

It stars Will Sasso (“Shit My Dad Says,” “The Three Stooges”), Matthew Gray Gubler (“Criminal Minds”), Mircea Monroe (“Episodes”) and Scottie Thompson (“Skyline”).

The film was written and directed by Stevie Long, whose writing credits include “Starsky and Hutch” and “Sons of Anarchy.”

DiReda worked in numerous facets of adult during the past decade, including roles as the marketing director for Vivid Entertainment, Club Jenna and NinnWorx. He also owned the production company American Hardcore and most recently the talent agency It Models before stepping away to pursue mainstream endeavors.

The L.A. native DiReda also worked as a Hollywood literary agent before porn. He said doing a movie like “Pornstar” was a good fit for his first project back.

“Having spent the amount of time that I spent in adult, it felt like it made the most sense,” DiReda told XBIZ. “I wanted to tell a story based on my experiences in the adult business in an effort to cross back over.”

Currently, he is collaborating with a well-established production firm on a new venture that is focused on making independent features with smaller budgets. DiReda previously produced the movie "Angels," which starred Neve Campbell.

“Most mainstream studios such as Paramount Digital have a mandate to do smaller movies with micro-budgets with the hope of hitting a ‘Paranormal Activity’ phenomenon,” DiReda said. “The adult industry is already a step away from using their resources and knowledge to move in that direction. I spent 15 years in mainstream and it is good to be back in the business again.”

“Pornstar” will be released this summer.

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

TeamSkeet Releases 1st Installment of 'Ripe for the Taking'

TeamSkeet has released the first installment of its latest feature, "Ripe for the Taking," starring TeamSkeet March AllStar Scarlett Alexis.

Pineapple Support Taps Kasey Kei as Brand Ambassador

Pineapple Support has named veteran performer and content creator Kasey Kei as its latest brand ambassador.

Eva Maxim, Katrina Colt Headline 'Cumming to LA' From Cherry Kiss

Eva Maxim and Katrina Colt star with Vince Karter in 2021 XBIZ Europas Female Performer of the Year Cherry Kiss' "Cumming to L.A.," from Evil Angel.

Skylar Snow Headlines 'Infidelity 4' From Sweet Sinner

Skylar Snow toplines "Infidelity 4," the latest release from Mile High Media studio brand Sweet Sinner.

Serenity Cox Stars in 'Enjoy It' From MILFY

Serenity Cox stars with Alberto Blanco in "Enjoy It," from Vixen Media Group studio imprint MILFY.

Melissa Stratton Stars in Finale of Wicked's 'So Extra'

Melissa Stratton and Robby Apples star in the final scene from Wicked Pictures' "So Extra."

BiPhoria Drops Jim Powers' 'Saying GoodBi'

BiPhoria has released director Jim Powers' "Saying GoodBi."

Jade Venus, Kasey Kei Star in 'Trans Rave' From GenderX

Jade Venus and Kasey Kei star in "Trans Rave" from GenderX, directed by Jim Powers.

TeamSkeet Debuts New Series 'Brat Tamer'

TeamSkeet has released the first episode of its new series, "Brat Tamer," titled "Three Cheers for Madi," starring Madi Collins.

Bella Rolland Stars in New Gangbang From Blacked Raw

Bella Rolland stars with Jax Slayher, Chocolate Rod and Rocket Powers in a new gangbang from Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Blacked Raw.

Show More