HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Premiere adult talent agency LA Direct Models celebrated its 10th anniversary here last night at Les Deux packed with over 200 of the adult industry’s elite and some surprises.
The gala event’s red carpet ushered in hip hop artist X2 and the host of gorgeous LA Direct girls including XBIZ New Starlet of the Year award winner, Kagney Linn Karter.
Karter said, "I am having an amazing time here tonight at the 10th anniversary party for LA Direct Models. The company is family to me. I want to to tell all my XBIZ fans that this year I'll be doing more anal and interracial so stay tuned 'cause Kagney will keep you coming!"
One of the night's highlights was LA Direct's announcement of the signing of porn star Angelina Armani. Armani told XBIZ that the party was great, especially because she's now with the best agency in the business. "Derek [Hay] always looks out for me. He's my shark," Armani said.
LA Direct’s President and owner Derek Hay told XBIZ that the party marked the 10 year birthday party for his agency that started in 2000 in London after he departed the music business for an opportunity to join a fledgling agency called Direct Models.
“I was in the music business as a stage manager for 18 years with many artists including the Rolling Stones and Metallica in 1991. I later met two porn stars — Tonisha Mills and Lynn LeMay — in Los Angeles at a show at the L.A. Forum. They introduced me to other girls and I ultimately dated a few porn stars. That’s basically how I was introduced to the industry, “ Hay said.
The agency executive said that after some time he began dating other girls in the business and began meeting studio heads and other influential industry people. By the end of the ‘90’s Hay, now close to star T.J Hart, was offered to do a few scenes by big boob studio and publishing company, the Score Group in London.
“In the ’97, ’98, ’99 time frame I was doing about 10 scenes a year. This gave me quite a good background on the workings of movies and agents and what is essentially important to talent," Hay said.
By 2001, Hay got LA Direct in gear with his then companion Hannah Harper and no specific plans but to start moving forward.
Now out of his Universal City offices Hay manages between 110 and 120 girls and about 30 male talent clients at a time, averaging close to 40 bookings a day. "We don't always have the best girls — other agents have great finds — but we focus on career advancement. The models are happy here because of that and they stay for long periods of time," Hay said.
He added, "We like to attract talent who have significant long-term career goals and potential."
LA Direct is also diversifying its business by representing makeup artists, directors and other film production professionals. Hay said his company also manages the websites and webcam operation of over 20 girls with the help of top web companies including Premium Cash, Brand Dodger, Blazing Bucks, IMLive, CAMZ and MyFreeCams.
Among some of the talent who benefit from Hay’s web services include Alexis Texas, Lexi Belle and Hanna Hilton. Belle's young girl appeal, according to Hay, has made her site a front runner for his company.
XBIZ also caught up with LA Direct girls Tanner Mayes and Breanne Benson at the bash.
"It's off the hook man, great party. They deserve a party like this," Mayes said. Benson added, “What an amazing crowd of people! Everyone looks fucking sexy."
LA Direct male talent and XBIZ award winner Dane Cross commented that since his winning his award his career has ramped up. "I've been doing a lot for Hustler and have a Wicked feature I'm working on. It's great to be here," Cross said.
Also on hand was XBIZ President and Publisher Alec Helmy. He congratulated Hay and said, "On behalf of everyone at XBIZ, I congratulate Derek Hay on the tremendous growth and success of LA Direct. It's the trials and tribulations that come with achieving such a milestone that made this a very special evening. Gauging by the energy at Les Deux, it would be safe to say that a blast was had by all."
Legendary adult director and now Senior Agent Bud Lee has been with the agency for the last two years. He told XBIZ that all of the agency’s parties are a blast but the 10 year gala was exceptional.
“We’re so glad that our trusted clients came out to play. We can’t wait until our next exciting milestone so we can do it all over again,“ Lee said.
