Dave Naz, Paul Thomas Featured in L.A. Weekly's People Issue

LOS ANGELES — Vivid-Alt director Dave Naz and Vivid director Paul Thomas were featured in L.A. Weekly's People Issue, an annual compilation of profiles of Los Angelinos of note.

Naz's profile focuses on his work as an erotic photographer, having been featured in Taboo, Barely Legal and Leg Show magazines. His artier pictures are featured in gallery shows and a series of his own photography books.

Naz learned about the adult industry as New York erotic photographer Richard Kern's assistant, and Naz's unretouched photos feature models in their most raw form.

"The photos sometimes come out better when models are a little uncomfortable," Naz told reporter Jonathan Gold. "I can't explain it, but I am happiest when a feeling of uneasiness comes through in the work."

Thomas emphasized his passion for creating story-driven porn shot on film, giving it a texture that's "closest to dreams," rather than videotape that "looks as though it were recorded on surveillance tape."

Thanks to Vivid's high budget, Thomas is able to turn his mainstream-quality ideas into reality.

"People want some story with their eroticism," Thomas told reporter Steven Mikulan. "If you can make them believe in the characters and their conflicts, it heightens the inevitable sex in the screenplay."

Thomas also told of his "ambivalent outlook" toward screen sex, saying he even has trouble watching extended sex scenes because too much length makes the sex "gratuitous."

Thomas said he is dedicated to making his films stand out among the sea of low-quality, gonzo-style porn, setting a positive example for what porn offers the public that no mainstream Hollywood studio could ever hope to accomplish.

Copyright © 2026 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

X3 Expo 2027 All-Stars Unveiled, Dates Set for Jan. 8-9

X3 Expo will make its L.A. LIVE debut at the JW Marriott on Jan. 8-9, bringing together fans and industry insiders for North America’s largest assembly of stars, alongside a dazzling lineup of attractions spotlighting the cutting edge of modern media and pleasure tech.

Courtney Tillia, Girthmasterr Star in Latest From Brazzers

Courtney Tillia stars with Brazzers exclusive Girthmasterr and Kaiia Eve in the studio's latest release, "Yoga, Massage, Sex...In That Order!"

Adriana Chechik Returns to Dorcel for 'Dirty Game'

Adriana Chechik headlines the latest release from Dorcel, titled “Dirty Game.”

Keeley Kennedy Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Keeley Kennedy has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY alongside her husband Seth and Chocolate Rod.

On the Set: Ricky Greenwood Makes a Case for Dystopian Desire in 'The Tribunal'

Outside a warehouse on a scorching, treeless frontage road in Compton, there is little to suggest that a movie is being made behind its nondescript walls. Similar buildings across the Southwest frequently house adult productions, their unassuming exteriors concealing carefully lit sets where crews labor over every visual detail.

Leana Lovings Fronts Latest From Pure Taboo

Leana Lovings stars with Jason Sarcinelli in the latest release from Pure Taboo, titled "Swapping Students."

Reina O'Hara Is Hustler's 'Cover Honey' for September

Reina O’Hara is the Cover Honey for the September issue of Hustler Magazine and appears in a 14-page centerfold spread shot by Davide Esposito.

Angela White Returns to Deeper

Multi-XMAs winner Angela White stars with Alex Jones in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint Deeper, titled "More Games."

Lily Blossom Performs Her 1st Gangbang for Blacked

Lily Blossom has performed her first gangbang in the latest episode of “Hotel Vixen: Season 3” from Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Blacked.

Eva Maxim, Zariah Aura Headline Latest Volume of 'Salacious TS Encounters' From TransSensual

Eva Maxim and Zariah Aura topline “Salacious TS Encounters 4” from Mile High Media studio imprint TransSensual.

Show More