Dave Naz, Paul Thomas Featured in L.A. Weekly's People Issue

LOS ANGELES — Vivid-Alt director Dave Naz and Vivid director Paul Thomas were featured in L.A. Weekly's People Issue, an annual compilation of profiles of Los Angelinos of note.

Naz's profile focuses on his work as an erotic photographer, having been featured in Taboo, Barely Legal and Leg Show magazines. His artier pictures are featured in gallery shows and a series of his own photography books.

Naz learned about the adult industry as New York erotic photographer Richard Kern's assistant, and Naz's unretouched photos feature models in their most raw form.

"The photos sometimes come out better when models are a little uncomfortable," Naz told reporter Jonathan Gold. "I can't explain it, but I am happiest when a feeling of uneasiness comes through in the work."

Thomas emphasized his passion for creating story-driven porn shot on film, giving it a texture that's "closest to dreams," rather than videotape that "looks as though it were recorded on surveillance tape."

Thanks to Vivid's high budget, Thomas is able to turn his mainstream-quality ideas into reality.

"People want some story with their eroticism," Thomas told reporter Steven Mikulan. "If you can make them believe in the characters and their conflicts, it heightens the inevitable sex in the screenplay."

Thomas also told of his "ambivalent outlook" toward screen sex, saying he even has trouble watching extended sex scenes because too much length makes the sex "gratuitous."

Thomas said he is dedicated to making his films stand out among the sea of low-quality, gonzo-style porn, setting a positive example for what porn offers the public that no mainstream Hollywood studio could ever hope to accomplish.

Copyright © 2026 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

Little Puck Makes Her Deeper Debut

Little Puck has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Deeper, alongside Hollywood Cash, in “Respect.”

Rocco Siffredi Stars in Mainstream Italian Drama 'Blue'

Multi-XMAs winner Rocco Siffredi stars in the new Italian mainstream drama "Blue," directed by Eleonora Puglia.

Penthouse Names Natalie Grace March's 'Pet of the Month'

Penthouse Magazine has named model Natalie Grace as Pet of the Month for March.

Jessi Rae Makes Her MILFY Debut

Jessi Rae has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint MILFY, alongside 2025 XMAs Male Performer of the Year Alex Jones.

Stephanie Love Performs 1st Anal Fisting for Evil Angel

Stephanie Love has performed her first anal fisting scene alongside director and newly-crowned XMAs Male Performer of the Year Vince Karter in the latest scene from Evil Angel, titled “Stephanie Love Anal Gaping & Squirt.”

Penelope Reed Returns to Adult Time in New Pure Taboo Release

Penelope Reed has returned to Adult Time for the first time since 2018, starring in the latest release from studio imprint Pure Taboo, titled "The Family Ritual."

Cherry Candle Makes Her Elegant Angel Debut in St. Paddy's Day Release

Cherry Candle has made her Elegant Angel debut alongside Danny Mountain in a St. Patrick’s Day-themed scene titled "For Fucks Sake!"

Brazzers Debuts New Series 'Glory House: Next Penetration'

2026 XMAs Best Lead Actor Ryan Reid, Tia Maria, and Beca Barbie star in the first episode of a new Brazzers limited series, “Glory House: Next Penetration.”

Andylynn Payne, Sasha Tatcha Lead Latest From TransSensual

Andylynn Payne and Sasha Tatcha star with Derek Kage in the latest scene from Mile High Media studio imprint TransSensual, titled “Gym Jail Bangarama.”

Jennifer White Reflects on a Breakthrough Year in X3 Magazine

Newly crowned XMAs Female Performer of the Year Jennifer White takes center stage in the March issue of X3 magazine, the premier publication spotlighting the real personalities, passions, and stories behind top stars.

Show More