Black Widow Productions in Serious Financial Straits

CHATSWORTH, Calif. — Black Widow Productions is in serious financial trouble, and may need to discontinue business, according to its president Ric Williams.

“Money’s tight,” Williams told XBIZ. “I sent a letter out to a few of our producers in Europe trying to buy some time from paying them right away, so I could pay all my current bills around here. We’re out for some investors to sell the company or invest some money in it. If that doesn’t happen, then by the second quarter of next year we’ll probably have to shut the doors.”

Williams said the chief reason for his firm’s financial trouble is the sharp drop in its DVD sales. He also blamed a number of other businesses that owe Black Widow money but haven’t paid, causing the firm to spend more than it’s making.

“I’ve had some really big [bills],” Williams said.

Williams said he has been taking money out of his personal savings account to meet the Black Widow overhead, hoping for a turnaround.

“We’re not looking that great,” he said. “But we still have the talent agency, and that’s a totally separate company. The talent agency will march forward.”

Williams said he believes the financial troubles that Black Widow is experiencing now will be repeated with other companies in adult.

“This is just the tip of the iceberg,” he said. “I think you’re going to see a lot of the smaller independents folding, because the volume is just not out there on DVD sales.”

Black Widow has shot only five movies in the past two years, and has concentrated on DVD distribution during that time.

“We used to put out 2,000 to 3,000 pieces on new release,” Williams said. “Today we get 500 to 600 out on new release. The economics aren’t there because we up front all the money. I’ve got a quarter million dollars in inventory sitting out here that I can’t get rid of, and I’ve got another quarter million in receivable, so it’s not like we’re broke. We’re just cash poor right now, like a lot of people.”

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

Coco Bae Fronts Latest From Reality Kings

Coco Bae stars with Jordi El Nino Polla in the latest release from Reality Kings.

Eve Sweet Stars in Latest From Blacked Raw

Vixen Angel Eve Sweet stars with Vixen Media Group (VMG) exclusive Jason Luv in the latest release from studio imprint Blacked Raw.

Brazzers Drops Season Finale of 'MILF Quest'

Brazzers has released the final episode of the first season of "MILF Quest," hosted by Cherie DeVille.

Beca Barbie Makes Her Hookup Hotshot Debut

Beca Barbie has made her debut for Hookup Hotshot alongside Nade Nasty.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

Valerica Steele Headlines Jonni Darkko's 'DVP Sluts'

Valerica Steele toplines director Jonni Darkko’s “DVP Sluts,” from Evil Angel.

Michael Ninn Returns With 'Catherine' Sequel Made Entirely by AI

Veteran filmmaker Michael Ninn, though retired from the adult business for the past 10 years, recently unveiled a new episodic project titled "Catherine II: The Series," which serves as a sequel to his 2005 adult film "Catherine."

Alison Rey Stars in Latest From New Sensations

Alison Rey stars with Isiah Maxwell in the latest release from New Sensations.

Bad Bella Fronts Latest From MYLF

Bad Bella stars with Hayden Wild in the latest release from MYLF.

Abella Danger Opens Up Like Never Before in X3 Magazine

Powerhouse star Abella Danger lights up the latest issue of X3 magazine, the industry’s premier “authenticity first” publication spotlighting the real personalities, passions, and stories behind today’s top creators.

Show More