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

Alina Lopez Performs 1st Anal in Her Tushy Debut

Alina Lopez has performed her first anal scene in her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint Tushy, alongside Milan Ponjevic.

Lilith Grace Makes Her Blacked Raw Debut

Lilith Grace has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint Blacked Raw, alongside Ashley Lane and Jason Luv.

Jennifer White, Octavia Red & Jewelz Blu Star in 'Red, White & Blu' Sequel From Elegant Angel

Reigning XMAs Female Performer of the Year Jennifer White stars with Octavia Red and Jewelz Blu in the sequel to Elegant Angel’s Fourth of July-themed featurette "Red, White & Blu."

Desiree Dulce Is Hustler's 'Cover Honey' for July

Desiree Dulce is the Cover Honey for the July issue of Hustler Magazine and appears in a 14-page centerfold spread shot by ThisYearsModel.com.

Bobbii Rose, Jake Switch Front New Release from Grooby

Bobbii Rose and Jake Switch star in the latest release from Grooby Girls, titled “The Aphrodisiac Plan.”

Krystal Sparks Makes Her MILFY Debut

Krystal Sparks makes her MILFY debut alongside Lexi Luna and Dan Damage in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint.

Emma Rosie Toplines Latest Release From Doghouse Digital

Emma Rosie headlines the latest release from Mile High Media studio imprint Doghouse Digital.

Aleksa Mink Leads 4th of July-Themed Release From West Coast Productions

Aleksa Mink stars with Mannie Coco in a July 4th-themed release from West Coast Productions, titled “A Hotdog in Her Buns.”

Leana Lovings Makes Her Vixen Debut

Leana Lovings has made her Vixen debut alongside multi-XMAs winner Alex Jones.

Zariah Aura, Dee Williams Front Latest From Transfixed

Zariah Aura stars with Dee Williams in the latest release from Transfixed, titled "Showing Her a Few Steps."

Show More