LA Direct Models
 LA Direct Models attending a fashion show by designer Tal Sheyn at the Cabana Club, Hollywood, California, February 2009. Founder Derek Hay (aka Ben English) in center of the bottom photo. | |
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LA Direct Models is a talent agency for pornographic performers that was formed in 2000 by pornographic actor Derek Hay.[1] Initially based in London, the agency booked adult film work in the United States for British females. The following year, once demand had grown, Hay and his then-girlfriend, porn actress Hannah Harper, moved the agency's headquarters to a one-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles, California.[1][2] Their offices have since moved to the Cahuenga Pass, Hollywood, in the same building as the offices of the adult film producer Vivid Entertainment.[3] In the fall of 2014, the agency opened a new office in Las Vegas, Nevada,[4] and departed the Vivid building.
LA Direct Models represents around 130 female and 30 male performers,[5] including Tori Black, Kagney Linn Karter, Alexis Texas and Lexi Belle.[1][6] Havana Ginger became the agency's first contract performer in 2005,[7] and in 2008 Kimber James became their first transsexual performer.[8] In 2008, LA Direct Models, Lisa Ann Talent Management and The Lee Network formed a network to handle bookings for feature dancers.[9] LA Direct Models now also represents production professionals such as directors and makeup artists.[1]
In 2008, the agency launched an adult entertainment news website, L.A. Direct News.[10]
As of 2020, several accounts of sexual abuse, trafficking,[11] and employment standards violations[12] have been lobbied against the agency and Hay. Derek Hay has also been personally indicted by the California Department of Justice on charges of involvement in an illegal prostitution scheme in connection with Dwight Cunningham and Karen Michmichian of The Luxury Companion.[13]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Dan Miller (2010-04-24). "LA Direct Models Reaches 10-Year Milestone". AVN.com. Archived from the original on 2010-04-30. Retrieved 2010-05-02.
- ^ Joe Zigfield (2008-03-06). "Book 'Em". XBiz.com. Archived from the original on 2009-01-22. Retrieved 2008-11-03.
- ^ "Move: adult talent agency L.A. Direct Models later moved to new offices in the Cahuenga Pass". San Fernando Valley Business Journal. 2008-04-14. Archived from the original on 2021-08-27. Retrieved 2008-11-10.
- ^ "Porn production moves to Vegas after condom law". USA Today. 17 January 2014. Archived from the original on 26 November 2015. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
- ^ Bob Preston (2005-12-12). "LA Direct Models Unveils Mobile Website". XBIZ. Archived from the original on 2008-11-20. Retrieved 2008-11-03.
- ^ "Female Models". LADirectModels.com. Archived from the original on 2008-06-11. Retrieved 2008-11-10.
- ^ LA Direct Models (2005-06-13). "Direct Models 1st Exclusive Contract, Signs Havanna Ginger". AINews.com. Archived from the original on 2008-09-15. Retrieved 2008-11-03.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ LA Direct Models (2008-11-01). "L.A. Direct Models first to sign TS Performer". AdultFYI.com. Archived from the original on 2009-01-09. Retrieved 2008-11-11.
- ^ Wade Garrett (2008-08-22). "Lee Network, LA Direct, Lisa Ann Talent Mgt. Form Dancer Network". AVN.com. Archived from the original on October 14, 2008. Retrieved 2008-11-03.
- ^ Tod Hunter (2008-03-06). "L.A. Direct Models to Launch News Website". AINews.com. Archived from the original on 2012-02-18. Retrieved 2008-11-03.
- ^ McDonell-Parry, Amelia; McDonell-Parry, Amelia (2018-07-11). "Four Porn Performers Accuse Top Agent Derek Hay of Sex Abuse, Trafficking". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2020-10-14.
- ^ XBIZ (15 June 2020). "Labor Commissioner Rules in Favor of Jane Does in Derek Hay, LA Direct Case". XBIZ. Archived from the original on 2021-08-27. Retrieved 2020-10-14.
- ^ "Attorney General Becerra Announces Criminal Charges in Alleged North Hollywood Prostitution Operation". State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General. 2020-03-05. Archived from the original on 2020-10-16. Retrieved 2020-10-14.