Vivid Wins 1st Round Over 'Throat' but Breach-of-Contract Suit Continues

LOS ANGELES — Vivid Entertainment on Friday was given the green light to distribute “Throat," its movie based on classic adult film "Deep Throat,” but Arrow Productions' breach-of-contract claim continues.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge David P. Yaffe rejected an argument by Arrow Productions principal Ray Pistol that Arrow would be damaged irreparably if Vivid released its version of the famous Linda Lovelace film.

Arrow Productions was seeking a temporary restraining order that would have barred Vivid from distributing the movie, which stars Sasha Grey and is directed Paul Thomas, both of whom also are pivotal characters in the Showtime series about the remake produced by World of Wonder.

The suit, however, is not over, XBIZ learned Monday.

Gary Kaufman of the Kaufman Law told XBIZ that the breach-of-contract suit at Los Angeles Superior Court continues.

“While the judge did find that Arrow would not be irreparably harmed by ‘Throat’s release, he also opened the door for Arrow to pursue significant monetary damages from Vivid,” Kaufman told XBIZ. “This is a blatant breach of contract and we are confident that we will prevail on the merits.”

Vivid's Steven Hirsch said he was pleased with the ruling that allows his company to continue the release of the movie slated for March 18.

"Ray Pistol's attorneys spent a full half hour before the judge trying to make their case, but he essentially told Arrow they can't stop this movie from being released,” Hirsch, the cofounder, said.

Arrow, which is the owner of the “Deep Throat” franchise, claimed Vivid prematurely screened scenes from the new Showtime reality show, "Deeper Throat," at AEE in January, which is based upon its remake of "Deep Throat," the Linda Lovelace movie produced in 1972 that is the highest-grossing porn film of all time.

Vivid planned to release the remake in March under the title, "Throat: A Cautionary Tale."

Vivid was supposed to submit an “exclusive first-look” copy of the finished movie to Arrow before showing it to anyone else, according to the suit. But Arrow never received the copy, it claimed.

Arrow claimed the contract gives it 10 days to decide whether to release the film, and gave Arrow the option to buy the rights to the remake.

Arrow said Vivid's breach also fouled up the parties' reality TV show about the remake, produced by World of Wonder and is currently airing on Showtime.

Arrow, Vivid and World of Wonder Productions struck a licensing deal in January 2008 over several production ideas spurred from the companies’ involvement in remaking the legendary adult film.

Copyright © 2025 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

Octavia Red Stars in Latest From Deeper

Octavia Red stars with Manuel Ferrera in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint Deeper, titled “She Done Him Wrong.”

Canadian Senator Revives Push for National AV Law

Sen. Julie Miville-Dechêne, whose previous multiple attempts to legislate national age verification requirements all failed, has introduced a new bill that would impose fines of up to $500,000 on adult sites that do not implement age verification for Canadian viewers.

Sarah Arabic, Vicki Chase Topline Dorcel's 'The Next Step'

Sarah Arabic and Vicki Chase star with multi-XMAs winner Seth Gamble in the latest feature from Dorcel, titled “The Next Step.”

FSC Submits Statement to House Committee in Support of FIRM Act

Free Speech Coalition has announced that it submitted a statement to the House Financial Services Committee in support of the Financial Integrity and Regulation Management (FIRM) Act.The announcement follows:

Sabien DeMonia to Drop 'Sabien Ass Fuck'

Evil Angel has announced “Sabien Ass Fuck,” the first title from director/performer Sabien DeMonia.

Trump Tariffs Remain in Effect Pending Appeal of Trade Court Ruling

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on Thursday stayed an injunction by the U.S. Court of International Trade, delaying the trade court’s order blocking the Trump administration’s sweeping tariffs, which have significantly impacted the pleasure industry.

Bree Mills on Directing 'Escape From Camp Conversion' for Adult Time's Girlcore Banner

Bree Mills was out running one day when the title of her next movie came to her: "Escape From Camp Conversion." The chief creative officer of Adult Time had been thinking about how to combine her love for queer cinema and lesbian pulp fiction with the distinct aesthetic of the 1980s.

Ricky's Room Signs Willow Ryder to 1-Year Deal

Ricky’s Room has signed Willow Ryder to a non-exclusive, multi-scene contract for one year.

Ariel Demure Headlines 'TS Chronicles' From TransSensual

Reigning XMAs Trans Performer of the Year Ariel Demure toplines “TS Chronicles” from Mile High Media studio imprint TransSensual.

Adult Time Debuts Bree Mills Thriller 'Escape From Camp Conversion'

Adult Time has released the first installment of the Bree Mills-helmed thriller "Escape From Camp Conversion," from studio brand Girlcore.

Show More