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

Anna Claire Clouds Leads Dorcel's 'Fusion'

Reigning XMAs Female Performer of the Year Anna Claire Clouds headlines the latest release from Dorcel, titled “Fusion.”

Elise London Makes Her Elegant Angel Debut

Elise London has made her debut for Elegant Angel in a new release titled “Raunchy Redhead Anal.”

X3 All-Stars Party Heats Up Hollywood Thursday Night

The X3 All-Stars Party, sponsored by Adult Time and Fleshlight, will take place Thursday, Jan. 15, in Hollywood as the official kickoff to X3 Expo.

Naughty America Launches AR Video Format

Naughty America has launched "Shows," a new AR video format, on its Real Girls Now platform.

Alexis James Makes Her Kink.com Debut

Alexis James has made her Kink.com debut alongside Vince Karter in "Three Hole Domination."

Eris Jolie, Leah Hayes Front Latest From TransAngels

Eris Jolie and Leah Hayes star with Baxxx in the latest release from TransAngels, titled “Varsity Vixens.”

Olivia Del Rio Returns to Dorcel for 'PL4Y Vol. 2'

Olivia Del Rio stars in the new Dorcel title “PL4Y Vol. 2.”

Eve Sweet Leads Dorcel's 'Couture No. 3'

Reigning Euro XMAs Female Performer of the Year Eve Sweet headlines the latest release from Dorcel, titled “Couture No. 3.”

AEBN Reveals Ariel Demure as Top Trans Star for 2025

AEBN has revealed its top 10 trans stars list for 2025, with reigning XMAs Trans Performer of the Year Ariel Demure landing atop the leaderboard.

Agatha Vega Returns to Dorcel for 'Agatha's Secrets'

2024 Euro XMAs Performer of the Year Agatha Vega stars in the new Dorcel title “Agatha’s Secrets.”

Show More