T.J. DiReda Returns to Mainstream Roots With 'Pornstar'

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.

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

Ryan Keely Fronts Latest From New Sensations

Ryan Keely stars with Victor Cruz in the latest release from New Sensations.

Zariah Aura Stars in Latest From Transfixed

Zariah Aura stars with Kenna James in the latest release from Transfixed, titled "Feeling Her Way."

Brittney Kade Fronts 'Couples Loving Trans 2' From GenderX

Brittney Kade stars with Adira Allure and Sage Roux in the second volume of GenderX Films' "Couples Loving Trans," directed by Jim Powers.

Eve Sweet Makes Her Brazzers Debut

Eve Sweet has made her Brazzers debut alongside Xander Corvus in “Horny Gymnast.”

Penny Barber: The Fit Mommy Domme Reveals Her Auteur Side

When Penny Barber took home the 2025 XMAs trophy for MILF Performer of the Year, she was 39 — but she’d already been telling people she was a MILF for almost 20 years.

Summer Starz Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Creator Summer Starz has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint WIFEY alongside her husband Dean Darkhole and Sheem.

Jewelz Blu Stars in Latest From Ricky's Room

Jewelz Blu stars with Mazee the Goat and site honcho Ricky Johnson in the latest release from Ricky’s Room, titled “Two Inside Of Jewelz Blu.”

Adult Time Releases New Installment of 'MILF Overload'

Adult Time has released the latest installment of director Jim Powers' series "MILF Overload."

River Lynn Toplines Pat Myne's 'Phat Ass for Days'

River Lynn headlines director Pat Myne's latest release, "Phat Ass for Days," from Evil Angel.

Kitana Lure, Angelika Grays Star in Latest From MixedX

Kitana Lure and Angelika Grays star in the latest release from MixedX, titled “The Power of Lust.”

Show More