Porn Pros Weigh In on Possible Exodus to Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS — Porn pros weighed in on the possibility of the industry making a major move to Las Vegas in light of the Measure B crackdown in an article in the Las Vegas Sun.

Girlfriends Films' Dan O’Connel, performer Joanna Angel, LA Direct’s Derkek Hay and Evil Angel director Kevin Moore all talked the pros and cons of an industry-wide migration to Sin City.

Some things that would tempt porn to Vegas are lower productions costs, cost of living (no state taxes), and the proximity to the L.A. hub.

Regarding locations, O’Connel said the lower cost per hour to rent a house in Vegas is appealing and could benefit struggling locals. “If somebody’s losing a house, they can probably rent it out for two days a month (to us) and keep that house,” he said. “We don’t rent just any house; it has to be nicely furnished, good-sized rooms, no clutter and so on. Just very plain, average houses. So in this market, that would be huge.”

The article also pointed out that both producers and talent could benefit from no corporate income tax, no unitary tax and room tax abatement after 30 days (a plus for commuting talent).

Angel agreed. She said, “From strictly a production standpoint, it probably makes even more sense to be in Vegas than L.A. because everything is so expensive in L.A. and things are getting kind of difficult — living, renting out a studio, getting a film permit, production insurance, getting anything.”

But don’t expect Vegas to be the mecca of porn just yet.

Some downsides include the lack of Hollywood mainstream crews who often service adult who are not about to move from L.A.’s studio central. Angel noted, “People forget that there’s a lot more to porn than just people having sex and somebody shooting it.”

And although Measure B has become an annoyance, it is still legal to shoot porn in L.A. Producing real sex for film everywhere else — including Vegas — is a crapshoot.

“We could move to Vegas, but there is a chance that they could come after you in the same way back in the ’80s they went after a lot of producers, which is trying to charge them with pandering or prostitution,” Moore told the Journal. “Whether or not that would happen, I don’t know. Obviously porn is shot in other states and it’s never been an issue. But it’s different when you’re doing this and you’re trying to do it in a legitimate sense. That hanging over you is never a good thing.”

And then there’s the lifeblood of the business — talent — and the inherent challenges they present.

LA Direct’s Hay noted that talent follows the opportunities and he doesn’t see the majority of performers and support crews abandoning L.A. even if Measure B were enforced.

“There will always be a large number of studios here. People forget that there’s so much work that either does not involve sex at all or is not centered around (intercourse) between males and females,” he said. “And as long as that’s the case, there will always be a porn industry in L.A.”

Related:  

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

Yhivi Makes Her Tushy Raw Debut

Yhivi has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Tushy Raw, alongside Dan Damage.

Cubbi Thompson Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Cubbi Thompson stars with Small Hands in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "She’s Good with Her Mouth."

Elegant Angel Premieres Lilly Bell Showcase 'Lilly Loves Girls'

Reigning XMAs Girl/Girl Performer of the Year Lilly Bell gets the spotlight in a new four-part showcase release from Elegant Angel.

Chloe Amour: Recharged, Refocused, and Ready for Real Love

These days, getting ahold of Chloe Amour on the weekend can be tough. She might ditch her phone, as was the case on a recent weekend while celebrating her birthday with family at Disneyland, riding the rides and taking in some sun.

Isabella De Laa, Cherry Candle Star in Latest From MixedX

Isabella De Laa and Cherry Candle star in the latest release from MixedX, titled “Between Us.”

Tony Sting, Adira Allure & Dominic Pacifico Headline Latest From BiPhoria

Tony Sting, Adira Allure, and Dominic Pacifico star in the latest release from BiPhoria.

Proxy Paige, Wolf King Release 'I Kissed a Trans and I Liked It'

Evil Angel has released its latest title, “I Kissed a Trans and I Liked It,” co-directed by Proxy Paige and Wolf King.

Elly Clutch Stars in Latest From Brazzers

2024 XMAs Female Clip Creator of the Year Elly Clutch stars with Ricky Johnson in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Elly’s Evil Twin."

Liz Jordan Crowned Newest Vixen Angel

Vixen Media Group (VMG) has crowned Liz Jordan as its newest Vixen Angel.

Brittney Kade Headlines Latest From TransSensual

Brittney Kade stars in "Sweat Slut Licks Pretty Pits for Bear Fuck," from TransSensual.

Show More