LOS ANGELES — Casey Calvert has exited her exclusive directing contract with Lust Cinema and ERIKALUST, and is moving forward as a free agent pursuing other opportunities.
According to a rep, the move was mutual and cordial, due largely to changes in the way the Spanish producer is making films.
The two-time crowned XBIZ Director of the Year said through a statement, "Lust is focusing less on features in the immediate future, and that's really what my value is to them. I still hope very strongly that we can work together again, but a contract just doesn't make sense for either of us this year."
Calvert also praised Erika Lust and her team.
"I feel incredibly privileged for the creative opportunities Erika has given me," she explained. "The movies I made for Lust were wonderful and dear to my heart. They are much more like little indie films than porn, and doing that work has been an incredible experience."
Calvert is still very active as a performer, and added that she is looking forward to more time in front of the camera. However, the noted director has already begun filling her 2024 directing slate. She directed "Everything Butt" and "Whipped Ass" for Kink.com earlier this year, and already has features confirmed with two other studios.
"I'm currently talking to several companies about how we can work together," she revealed. "I'm keeping those details under wraps for now. I think it's going to be a really busy year!"
Speaking exclusively with XBIZ, Calvert elaborated on this period of professional transition.
“Over the past few years, I’ve built a brand around prioritizing character and story above most else,” she said. “My goal this year is to see how far I can stretch that brand while tackling genres I haven’t had the opportunity to work on.”
As she takes directing jobs with other companies, she added, she remains excited about showing the industry — and herself — that she can do more than just "little indie films."
"My career as a performer has been all about versatility," she said. "I’m excited to bring that versatility to my directing career as well."
For more information, follow Casey Calvert on X.