One of the most humble, accomplished executives in adult entertainment also happens to work for one of the most well-known companies, and she recently celebrated a career milestone.
In October, Marci Hirsch toasted 20 years at Vivid Entertainment Group, where she has managed numerous different aspects of the porn heavyweight. Marci, who is CEO Steven Hirsch’s sister, undoubtedly is part of the heart and soul of Vivid, which has evolved into a worldwide brand during her eventful tenure. While her job title is vice president of production, that would only be telling a portion of the story. In this exclusive interview, Marci reflects on her two decades of industry service and reveals some of the highlights along the way.
Everyone knows or should know that without the girls, there is no business. That makes the playing field more even than in many other industries. It might have started out as a boys club but not anymore.
Where were you born and raised?
Cleveland, OH
When you think about your 20-year milestone at Vivid, what comes to mind?
My children were 2- and 3-year-old little boys when I started. Today they are grown men. That is how fast 20 years flew by.
How has your role at Vivid evolved from what you were doing when you first started?
When I started working for Vivid, my primary job was to help come up with new ideas and create new Vivid product for the Adam & Eve catalogs. Although, that is still part of my job, I have acquired many other responsibilities along the way. I organize and prepare for the trade shows we attend, handle content and brand licensing, oversee the details of parties and appearances and do some international sales. I am the intermediary between Vivid and our VOD customers. I’m also involved with Vivid TV and Vivid cams but to a much lesser degree.
What types of production duties do you handle?
From scripts to box art and everything in between.
How has the content licensing landscape changed over the years?
Vivid does not license a lot of content other than to mainstream movies and TV shows so I can’t really answer that.
What’s your view of the video-on-demand market these days?
I believe that people want instant gratification. What is more instant than video-on-demand whether Internet or TV?
How would you describe your relationship with the Vivid Girls over the years?
As with any relationships, there were ups and downs. But I will say I am happy that I have sons at home!
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Being organized at all times.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Still seeing Vivid win “fan favorite studio” awards after 28 years in business.
Which Vivid movie was the biggest challenge to produce and why?
For me, the biggest challenges were the “Where the Boys Aren’t” shoots with only the Vivid Girls. Turns out girls have egos! Who knew?
What are three of your favorite Vivid movies of all time?
“Star Wars XXX: A Porn Parody,” “Bad Wives,” “Steamy Windows.”
What makes a great adult film?
The first answer that comes to mind is great sex, but there also must be a connection between the performers which then leads to great sex. Having a great director and an amazing script help, too.
What do you think is a popular misconception about the adult business?
People still think that the women in our industry are taken advantage of and objectified. Everyone knows or should know that without the girls, there is no business. That makes the playing field more even than in many other industries. It might have started out as a boys club but not anymore.
What’s an important lesson that you learned about doing business?
Listen and use experiences of others in ways that work for you.
What inspires you?
Laughter and someone who can make me laugh until I cry.
Name three people whom you admire …
Michelle Obama, Magic Johnson, Steven Spielberg.
What is a hobby of yours?
Really? See No. 3!
What is something that most people would be surprised to know about you?
I cry at everything.
Where would you like to visit that you’ve never been to?
Australia.
If you could have any other job you wanted, what would it be?
Surgeon …. I have very steady hands.
