LOS ANGELES — Adult industry veteran T.J. DiReda has produced his first feature film in more than a decade, an independent movie entitled “Pornstar,” as he taps back into his roots in mainstream entertainment.
DiReda recently teamed with producer Joel Viertel (“The Adjustment Bureau”) to make “Pornstar,” a fictional story about the X-rated industry that explores darker themes.
The movie is billed as “an unflinching exploration into America's obsession with sex, fame and money, and what cost people are willing to pay for these things, and the lies we tell ourselves to make it through the day.”
It stars Will Sasso (“Shit My Dad Says,” “The Three Stooges”), Matthew Gray Gubler (“Criminal Minds”), Mircea Monroe (“Episodes”) and Scottie Thompson (“Skyline”).
The film was written and directed by Stevie Long, whose writing credits include “Starsky and Hutch” and “Sons of Anarchy.”
DiReda worked in numerous facets of adult during the past decade, including roles as the marketing director for Vivid Entertainment, Club Jenna and NinnWorx. He also owned the production company American Hardcore and most recently the talent agency It Models before stepping away to pursue mainstream endeavors.
The L.A. native DiReda also worked as a Hollywood literary agent before porn. He said doing a movie like “Pornstar” was a good fit for his first project back.
“Having spent the amount of time that I spent in adult, it felt like it made the most sense,” DiReda told XBIZ. “I wanted to tell a story based on my experiences in the adult business in an effort to cross back over.”
Currently, he is collaborating with a well-established production firm on a new venture that is focused on making independent features with smaller budgets. DiReda previously produced the movie "Angels," which starred Neve Campbell.
“Most mainstream studios such as Paramount Digital have a mandate to do smaller movies with micro-budgets with the hope of hitting a ‘Paranormal Activity’ phenomenon,” DiReda said. “The adult industry is already a step away from using their resources and knowledge to move in that direction. I spent 15 years in mainstream and it is good to be back in the business again.”
“Pornstar” will be released this summer.
T.J. DiReda Returns to Mainstream Roots With 'Pornstar'
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
XBIZ Miami's Host Hotel Sold Out, General Registration Now Open
Guest rooms at XBIZ Miami’s exclusive conference venue, Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach hotel in South Beach, are now completely sold out.
Leana Lovings, Aria Banks Front Latest From Reality Kings
Leana Lovings and Aria Banks star in the latest release from Reality Kings, titled "Synchronized Scissoring."
Penthouse Names Lennon Elizabeth April's 'Pet of the Month'
Penthouse Magazine has named model Lennon Elizabeth as Pet of the Month for April.
Bella Spark, Kelly Collins Star in Finale of VMG Cross-Site Feature 'Bang and Burn'
Bella Spark and Kelly Collins star with Vixen Media Group exclusive Jason Luv in the final installment of the cross-site spy feature "Bang and Burn."
Jade Kimiko, Cecelia Taylor Headline 'Women Seeking Women 199'
Jade Kimiko and Cecelia Taylor topline “Women Seeking Women 199” from Girlfriends Films.
Kaela Luna Makes Her TransAngels Debut
Kaela Luna has made her TransAngles debut alongside Parker Savage and Harrison Feels in “Jackhammering Kaela.”
Adult Time Marks April Fool's Day With 5 Satirical Releases
Adult Time is marking April Fool’s Day with the release of satirical scenes from five of its series.
Adult Time Wraps Production on Bree Mills' Feature 'Escape From Camp Conversion'
Adult Time has wrapped production on its latest feature, the Bree Mills-helmed "Escape From Camp Conversion," from its Girlcore studio brand.
Daisy Fox Makes Her TeamSkeet Debut
Daisy Fox makes her TeamSkeet debut in the latest episode of the studio series "She's New," titled "A Foxy Little Newcomer," with Nicky Rebel.
Elizabeth Skylar Performs Her 1st B/B/G in Latest From New Sensations
Elizabeth Skylar has performed her first B/B/G in the latest scene from New Sensations, with Codey Steele and Milan Ponjevic.