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| company_logo = [[Image:Vivid logo.png]]
| company_logo = [[Image:Vivid logo.png]]
| company_type = Private
| company_type = Private
| industry = [[pornography|Adult]] Entertainment
| foundation = 1984
| founded = 1984
| founder = [[Steven Hirsch]]<br> David James
| founder = [[Steven Hirsch]]<br> David James
| location = {{flagicon|United States}} [[Los Angeles, California]], [[United States]]
| location = {{flagicon|United States}} [[Los Angeles, California]], [[United States]]
| key_people = Steven Hirsch (co-[[CEO]])<br>David James (co-CEO)<br>Bill Asher (President)<br>Marci Hirsch (VP of Production)
| key_people = Steven Hirsch (Founder/Co-Chairman)<br> Bill Asher (Co=Owner/Co-Chairman)<br> Marci Hirsch (VP of Production)
| products = Adult films plus a brand licensing program that extends to [[sex toys|sex toys]], books, skateboards, snowboards, condoms, apparel, etc.
| industry = [[Pornography]]
| Website = [http://www.vivid.com/ Vivid.com]
| products = [[Pornographic film]]s and [[sex toys|sex&nbsp;toys]]
| homepage = [http://www.vivid.com/ Vivid.com]
}}
}}


'''Vivid Entertainment Group''' is the world's largest [[pornographic movie|adult video]] [[Film production|producer]],<ref name=Forbes>[http://www.forbes.com/free_forbes/2005/0704/124.html "The (Porn) Player"] by Matthew Miller, ''[[Forbes]]'' magazine, July 4, 2005. Retrieved February 1, 2007.</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Adult film studio blames Google |url= http://digitaledge.excite.co.uk/news/1481/Adult-film-studio-blames-Google |publisher=digitaledge.excite.co.uk|date= 4 March 2009}}</ref> featuring a popular catalog of [[VHS]] and [[DVD]] titles and [[Internet pornography|internet content]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Vivid Entertainment corporate website |url= http://www.vividentertainment.com//|publisher=Vivid Entertainment|date= July 2008}}</ref> In 2006 it was described by [[Reuters]] as one of the handful of studios that dominate the [[Pornography in the United States|U.S. porn industry]].<ref name=tvnz>{{cite web |url=http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/411423/646884 |title=Porn stars strut their stuff at awards |publisher=[[TVNZ]] |accessdate=2009-03-11}}</ref>
'''Vivid Entertainment Group''' is the world's largest [[pornographic movie|adult video]] [[Film production|producer]],<ref name=Forbes>[http://www.forbes.com/free_forbes/2005/0704/124.html "The (Porn) Player"] by Matthew Miller, ''[[Forbes]]'' magazine, July 4, 2005.</ref><ref name=digitaledge>[http://digitaledge.excite.co.uk/adult-film-studio-blames-google-N1481.html Adult-film-studio-blames-Google] DigitalEdge, Mon 18 February 2008.</ref> featuring a popular catalog of [[VHS]] and [[DVD]] titles and [[Internet pornography|internet content]]. In 2006 it was described by [[Reuters]] as one of the handful of studios that dominate the [[Pornography in the United States|U.S. porn industry]].<ref name=tvnz> [http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/411423/646884 Porn stars strut their stuff at awards] Source: Reuters. Published: 12:00PM Monday January 09, 2006.</ref>


Vivid specializes in high-production-value movies, shot in exotic locations with professional lighting and quality cinematography. Vivid also produces [[gay pornography|gay porn]] movies under the names "Vivid Man" and "Vivid Video." Currently, co-CEOs [[Steven Hirsch]] and David James, along with President [[Bill Asher]] all serve as co-Chairmen of Vivid.<ref name="CBS">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/11/21/60minutes/main585049.shtml|title=Porn In The U.S.A.|last=Leung|first=Rebecca|date=Sept. 5, 2004|publisher=CBS News|accessdate=11 December 2009}}</ref><ref name="BW">{{cite web|url=http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/people.asp?privcapId=959496|title=Vivid Entertainment LLC: CEOs and Executives|publisher=BusinessWeek|accessdate=11 December 2009}}</ref>
Vivid specializes in high-production-value movies, shot in exotic locations with professional lighting and quality cinematography. Founder [[Steven Hirsch]] is co-chairman, along with Bill Asher, who is also a co-owner.<ref name=BUSINESSWEEK1>[http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/people.asp?privcapId=959496 "Vivid Entertainment LLC: CEOs and Executives"], BusinessWeek.</ref>


Vivid celebrated its quarter century anniversary in 2009.<ref name=25v>[http://25yearsofvivid.com 25 Years of Vivid]</ref> In 1984 Vivid changed the perception of the adult industry forever with the box cover for its first VHS, '''''Ginger''''' starring [[Ginger_Lynn|Ginger Lynn]], by making it look like a glamorous and sexy magazine cover rather than the typical gritty and low-end porno cover.<ref name=25v80s>[http://25yearsofvivid.com/80s THE 80s - FROM ROLLING PENNIES TO ROLLING IN DOUGH: THE GINGER EFFECT]</ref> Lynn was a wholesome, girl-next-door beauty and the cover of her VHS literally stopped traffic in the aisles of both the adult stores and mainstream retailers, which for the first time were willing to display an XXX title.

In the 1990s Vivid began to win industry honors, and today has more [http://avnawards.avn.com/winners '''AVN Awards'''] (described as the "Oscars" of the adult business) than any other studio. Vivid Girls in the 90s included the legendary actresses who were known by their first names alone: [[Janine_Lindemulder|'''Janine''']], [[Lexus_Locklear|'''Lexus''']] and the late [[Savannah_(pornographic_actress)|'''Savannah''']], plus stars such as [[Christy_Canyon|'''Christy Canyon''']],[[ Nikki_Tyler|'''Nikki Tyler''']], [[Racquel_Darrian|'''Racquel Darrian''']] (the "brunette goddess of porn"), [[Chasey_Lain|'''Chasey Lain''']], [[Heather_Hunter|'''Heather Hunter''']] and [[Kobe_Tai|'''Kobe Tai''']]. Those who have attained fame in more recent years include [[Jenna_Jameson|'''Jenna Jameson''']], [[Tera_Patrick|'''Tera Patrick''']], [[Savanna_Samson|'''Savanna Samson''']], [[Sunny_Leone|'''Sunny Leone''']] and others.

When Vivid began its [http://business.avn.com/articles/Steve-Hirsch-Talks-Celeb-Sex-Tapes-on-E-55060.html '''Vivid-Celeb'''] imprint the world literally began to get an armchair look at the sexual exploits of the rich and famous. Vivid became the first studio to introduce celebrity sex tapes – '''''Pamela Anderson & Tommy Lee: Hardcore & Uncensored''''', '''''Janine & Vince Neil: Hardcore and Uncensored''''', '''''Kim Kardashian Superstar''''', '''''Jimi Hendrix The Sex Tape''''' and others.

Through multiple distribution channels around the world Vivid today reaches over seven million consumers every month.<ref name=25v00>[http://www.25yearsofvivid.com/00s THE 00s: VIVID BLOSSOMS]</ref> The company's first reality TV series, [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0391680 '''''Porno Valley'''''], gave fans an inside peek into the business and reinforced the Vivid brand internationally. A second series, [[Debbie Does Dallas ... Again|'''''Debbie Does Dallas...Again''''']], was a big ratings success on [http://www.sho.com/site/index.html '''Showtime'''] premium cable TV as was the series [[Deep_Throat_(film)|'''''Deeper Throat''''']] that followed the drama behind the remake of the classic XXX film.

Additional brand-name awareness has been created with marketing and licensing programs for Vivid condoms, snowboards, skateboards, tee shirts, playing cards, advertising, calendars, comic books and book publishing. [http://www.harpercollins.com/books/How-Have-Xxx-Sex-Life-Vivid-Girls/?isbn=9780060581480 '''''How to Have a XXX Sex Life: The Ultimate Vivid Guide'''''], co-authored by the Vivid Girls and published by [[HarperCollins|'''HarperCollins''']], was a best seller. Vivid products are sold in mainstream retail outlets and adult stores and many can be purchased directly through the ShopVivid.com website. A comprehensive history of the company is available at [http://www.25yearsofvivid.com www.25yearsofvivid.com].


==Vivid Girls==
==Vivid Girls==
The company is known for the pioneering 'Vivid Girls'<ref>[http://www.voyeurz.tv/VividEntertainmentCompilation.WMV Vivid Entertainment Video Sample]</ref> concept of contract stars that inspired other studios to follow suit.<ref name='GameLinkProfile'> {{cite web|url=http://www.gamelink.com/display_studio.jhtml?id=236 |title=Vivid Studio Profile |accessdate=2008-08-13 |publisher=GameLink.com }}</ref> Vivid is often the first studio that the girls have worked with.<ref>{{cite news |title=Vivid Entertainment corporate website |url= http://www.vividentertainment.com//|publisher=Vivid Entertainment|date= June 2008}}</ref>
The company is known for the pioneering 'Vivid Girls' concept – [[Movie_star|contract stars]] that perform exclusively for Vivid. <ref name=VividGirls>[http://vivid.com/vivid-girls Vivid Girls]</ref> Vivid is often the first studio that the girls have worked with, but already-popular adult stars such as [[Jenna_Jameson|Jenna Jameson]]<ref name=JENNA>[http://vivid.com/vivid-girls/jenna-jameson Jenna Jameson]</ref> and [[Tera_Patrick|Tera Patrick]]<ref name=TERA>[http://vivid.com/vivid-girls/tera-patrick Tera Patrick]</ref> have also become Vivid Girls.


==Vivid and Alt-Porn==
==Vivid and Alt-Porn==
In February 2006 Vivid made its first foray into [[Alt porn]] with the signing of Director [[Eon McKai]] and the formation of the Vivid-Alt imprint <ref>[http://fleshbot.com/sex/news/eon-mckai-goes-vivid-155393.php "Eon McKai Goes Vivid"] [[Fleshbot]], February 16, 2006</ref>. Vivid-Alt in turn hired erotic photographers— [[Dave Naz]] and Octavio "Winkytiki" Arizala<ref name=xcritic>{{cite web | title = Behind The Scenes at Vivid-Alt | author = Chris Thorne | url = http://www.xcritic.com/columns/column.php?columnID=147 | accessdate = 2008-01-04 | publisher = [[XCritic]]}}</ref> to direct features for the imprint.
In February 2006 Vivid made its first foray into [[Alt_porn|Alt porn]] with the signing of Director [[Eon_McKai|'''Eon McKai''']] and the formation of the [http://vividalt.com '''Vivid-Alt'''] imprint. <ref name=EON>[http://fleshbot.com/sex/news/eon-mckai-goes-vivid-155393.php "Eon McKai Goes Vivid"] [[Fleshbot]], February 16, 2006</ref> Vivid-Alt in turn hired erotic photographers—[[Dave_Naz|'''Dave Naz''']] and '''Octavio "Winkytiki" Arizala'''<ref name=xcriticalt>{{cite web | title = Behind The Scenes at Vivid-Alt | author = Chris Thorne | url = http://www.xcritic.com/columns/column.php?columnID=147 | accessdate = 2008-01-04 | publisher = [[XCritic]]}}</ref> to direct features for the imprint.


The first film directed by Eon McKai under that imprint "Girls Lie"<ref name=xcritic /> was nominated for a 2007 AVN Award under the Best Director Non-Feature <ref>[http://ainews.com/Archives/Story12710.phtml "Vivid Lands 168 Noms"] Adult Industry News, November 28, 2997</ref>. There were a total 13 nominations for various Vivid-Alt imprint releases.
The first film directed by Eon McKai under that imprint, "'''Girls Lie'''", was nominated for an '''AVN Award''', one of 13 nominations in 2008 for various Vivid-Alt imprint releases.<ref name=AINEWS>[http://ainews.com/Archives/Story12710.phtml Vivid Lands 168 Noms]</ref> In 2009 the company won the '''AVN Award''' for Best Music Soundtrack for "'''The Bad Luck Betties'''"<ref name=AVN09/> and in 2010 for the musical soundtrack of "'''Live in My Secrets'''".<ref name=AVN10/>


==Vivid Ed==
==Vivid-Ed==
In March 2007 Vivid signed award-winning author, columnist, editor and sex educator [[Tristan Taormino]]<ref>[http://www.avn.com/index.cfm?objectId=DB7D7018-A034-F218-5FC635CC52298750 "Tristan Taormino Debuts Vivid Ed Line"] by Eddie Adams [[AVN (magazine)|AVN]] Mar 30, 2007</ref> to head up the Vivid-Ed imprint whose line has produced several how-to DVD sex guides including "The Expert Guide To Anal Sex," "The Expert Guide to Oral Sex, Part 1: Cunnilingus" "The Expert Guide to Oral Sex, Part 2: Fellatio" and "The Expert Guide to the G-Spot."
In March 2007 Vivid signed award-winning author, columnist, editor and sex educator [[Tristan_Taormino|'''Tristan Taormino''']] to head up the [http://vivid-ed.com Vivid-Ed] imprint<ref name=VividEd>[http://www.avn.com/index.cfm?objectId=DB7D7018-A034-F218-5FC635CC52298750 "Tristan Taormino Debuts Vivid Ed Line"] by Eddie Adams [[AVN (magazine)|AVN]] Mar 30, 2007</ref>, which has produced several how-to DVD sex guides including "'''The Expert Guide To Anal Sex'''", "'''The Expert Guide to Oral Sex, Part 1: Cunnilingus'''", "'''The Expert Guide to Oral Sex, Part 2: Fellatio'''" and "'''The Expert Guide to the G-Spot'''". In 2010 Vivid Ed's director Tristan Taormino received several '''AVN Awards''' as well as the '''Trailblazer Award''' from the '''Feminist Porn Awards''' in Toronto, Canada on April 9, 2010.<ref name=FPA2010>[http://www.goodforher.com/fpa_2010 "The Fifth Annual Good For Her Feminist Porn Awards"]</ref>

On April 4, 2008 Vivid Ed's two oral sex instructional titles and director Tristan Taormino received an Emmy Award from the Feminist Porn Awards in Toronto, Canada.<ref>[http://www.nakedcity.com/2008/04/good_for_hers_feminist_porn_awards.php "Vivid-Ed Wins Emma Award"] at Feminist Porn Award show in Toronto April 8, 2008</ref>
==Vivid-Celeb==
In 1998 Vivid pioneered the development of the celebrity sex tape, when it distributed
[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0158062/combined '''''Pam & Tommy Lee Hardcore & Uncensored''''']. Some of the sexually explicit [http://vividceleb.com '''Vivid-Celeb'''] videos are obtained directly from the celebrities while others are acquired through third parties. Vivid's collection of celebrity sex videos includes [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0238327 '''''Janine & Vince Neil Hardcore & Uncensored'''''] '''(1998)'''; [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001744 '''''The Tom Sizemore Sex Scandal'''''] '''(2005)'''; [[Karrine_Steffans|'''''Karrine Steffans Superhead''''']] '''(2006)'''; [http://www.adultfilmdatabase.com/video.cfm?videoid=68454 '''''Lil Jon's Vivid Vegas Party'''''] '''(2006)'''; [http://www.toasteeexposed.com '''''Toastee Exposed'''''] (Jennifer "Toastee" Toof) ''' (2007)'''; [http://kimksuperstar.com '''''Kim Kardashian Superstar'''''] '''(2007)'''; [http://jessicasuperstar.com '''''Jessica Sierra Superstar'''''] '''(2008)'''; Former '''Miss USA Kelli McCarty''' in [http://kelliusa.com '''''Faithless'''''] '''(2009)'''; [http://mindymccreadybaseballmistress.com '''''Mindy McCready Baseball Mistress'''''] '''(2010)'''; [http://the11thhole.com '''''The 11th Hole'''''] '''(2010)''' starring '''Tiger Woods'''' mistress '''Joslyn James'''; [http://kendraexposed.com '''''Kendra Exposed'''''] '''(2010)''' featuring TV personality '''Kendra Wilkinson''', and [http://montanaexposed.com '''''Montana Fishburne'''''] '''(2010)''' starring the daughter of the famed actor '''Laurence Fishburne'''.

==SuperXXXHeroes==

In 2010, following the successful distribution of [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1653823 '''''Batman XXX: A Porn Parody'''''] from [http://axelbraun.net '''Axel Braun Productions'''], Vivid announced it would launch an on-going series of parodies under the '''Vivid SuperXXXHeroes''' imprint with '''Axel Braun''' as lead director. The first title is '''''Superman XXX: A Porn Parody'''''. Vivid will also continue to distribute parodies from Braun's production company. The initial lineup includes '''''Star Wars XXX: A Porn Parody''''', to be followed by spoofs of the popular TV shows '''''Law & Order''''', '''''Starsky & Hutch''''', and '''''The Addams Family''''', as well as classic movies like '''''Grease''''', '''''Clockwork Orange''''' and '''''The Godfather'''''.


==Policies and production values==
==Policies and production values==
Vivid produces over 60 titles a year. The company has a small number of high budget movies that it produces and aggressively [[Marketing|market]]s.<ref name=titles>[http://www.vividentertainment.com VIVID ENTERTAINMENT GROUP is the world's leading adult film company.].</ref> This is different from many other [[San Fernando Valley]] production companies, who routinely film, edit and release a two-hour title in less than a week, spending relatively little on advertising or promotion.{{Citation needed|date=February 2007}} According to ''[[Forbes Magazine]]'' Vivid produces 60 films per year and its annual revenue is $100&nbsp;million USD.<ref name="Vivid Revenue">{{cite web|last=Pulley|first=Brett|url=http://www.forbes.com/business/2005/03/07/cz_bp_0307vivid.html|title=The Porn King|date=2005-03-07|publisher=Forbes|accessdate=2005-03-07}}</ref> The same estimate was given by ''[[Business Week]]'' in June 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_25/b3989088.htm|publisher=Business Week|title=The Pornographers vs. The Pirates|date=2006-06-19|accessdate=2006-12-31}}</ref> However, Vivid also aggressively repackages its original material in compilations which are relatively inexpensive to produce. ''Forbes'' also claimed that approximately one third of all the titles sold in U.S. adult DVD stores are Vivid films.
Vivid produces over 60 titles a year. The company has a small number of high budget movies that it produces and aggressively [[Marketing|markets]]. This is different from many other [[San_Fernando_Valley|San Fernando Valley]] production companies, which routinely film, edit and release a two-hour title in less than a week, spending relatively little on advertising or promotion. According to [[Forbes_Magazine|'''''Forbes Magazine''''']] Vivid's annual revenue is estimated to be $100 million USD. <ref name=pornking>{{cite web|last=Pulley|first=Brett|url=http://www.forbes.com/business/2005/03/07/cz_bp_0307vivid.html|title=The Porn King|date=2005-03-07|publisher=Forbes}}</ref> The same estimate was given by [[Business_Week|'''''Business Week''''']] in June 2006.<ref name=PiratesRevenue>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_25/b3989088.htm|publisher=Business Week|title=The Pornographers vs. The Pirates|date=2006-06-19}}</ref> However, Vivid also aggressively repackages its original material in compilations, which are relatively inexpensive to produce. Forbes also reported that approximately one third of all the titles sold in U.S. adult DVD stores are Vivid films.


Its titles are sold through retail stores across the United States, the rental market and direct to consumers through its online [[mail-order]] site. Vivid also distributes the films to [[cable television|cable]] and [[satellite television|satellite]] channels and offers its [[Internet]] subscribers full access to hundreds of titles. Steven Hirsch and David James started the company in 1984.
Its titles are sold through retail stores across the United States, the rental market and direct to consumers through various online [[Mail-order|mail-order]] sites. Vivid also distributes the films to [[Cable_television|cable]] and [[Satellite_television|satellite]] channels and offers its [[Internet|Internet]] subscribers full access to the largest archive of titles in the adult industry.


In February 2006 Vivid changed its condom-only policy to a condom-optional policy that lets performers decide whether or not to use them.<ref name=LAWEEKLY_CONDOM>[http://www.laweekly.com/2010-01-28/news/rubbers-revolutionary-aids-healthcare-foundation-s-michael-weinstein Rubbers Revolutionary: AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s Michael Weinstein] by Patrick Range McDonald, LA Weekly. January 28, 2010</ref> <ref name=AIDSHEALTH>[http://www.aidshealth.org/news/in-the-media/la-weekly-profiles-ahfs.html "LA Weekly: Profiles AHF's "Adult Film Condom Campaign"]by Patrick Range McDonald, LA Weekly. January 28, 2010</ref>
In February 2006 reports alleged that Vivid had terminated their condom-only policy and would let performers decide whether to use condoms or not. Main competitor [[Wicked Pictures]] retained their condom-only policy.<ref>{{cite web|last=Fishbein|first=Paul|url = http://www.avn.com/index.php?Primary_Navigation=Articles&Action=View_Article&Content_ID=257928?
|date=2006-02-01|accessdate=2006-12-31|title=Vivid Quietly Goes Condom-Optional|publisher=AVN News}}</ref> Director [[Chi Chi LaRue]] left Vivid due to this change.<ref name="ChiChi-leaves">{{cite web|last=Romaine|first=Jason|url=http://www.xbiz.com/news_piece.php?id=13242|title=Chi Chi Leaves Vivid Over Condom Policy|date=2006-02-02|publisher=xbiz|accessdate=2006-03-14}}</ref>


Vivid also runs several websites, including websites featuring its "Vivid Girls." These websites prominently promote the "Vivid Girls" and their various videos. The site also allows users to view scenes from various Vivid productions, as well as much internet-only content.
Vivid also runs several websites, including [http://www.vivid.com/ Vivid.com], featuring its [http://vivid.com/vivid-girls Vivid Girls]. These websites prominently promote the "Vivid Girls" and their various videos. The sites also allow users to view scenes from various Vivid productions, as well as much Internet-only content.


==Legal Controversy==
==Legal Controversy==
On December 6, 2007, Vivid Entertainment filed a [[Copyright_infringement|copyright infringement]] lawsuit against [[PornoTube|PornoTube]]. .<ref name=LAT_PornoTube>{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-vivid11dec11,1,2232727.story |title= Porn producer sues YouTube knockoff | accessdate=2007-12-11 | date=2007-12-11 | author = Joseph Menn | publisher=Los Angeles Times}}</ref><ref name=GuardianUK>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2007/dec/16/film.usa "Home porn gives industry the blues"], guardian.co.uk, 16 December 2007. Accessed 04 March 2009.</ref>. The lawsuit alleged that the YouTube-like site profits from the illegal posting of Vivid's copyrighted films, and failed to comply with the [[Child_Protection_and_Obscenity_Enforcement_Act|'''''Child Protection and Obscenity Enforcement Act''''']], a federal age-verification and record-keeping law that applies to the adult film industry.<ref name=FINDLAW>{{cite web|url=http://news.findlaw.com/hdocs/docs/ip/vividaebn120607cmp.html|title=Adult Film Company's Copyright Lawsuit Against PornoTube|accessdate=2007-12-11 | date=2007-12-11 | publisher=FindLaw}}</ref> The case was settled out of court.<ref name=NEWTEEVEE>[http://newteevee.com/2008/10/24/copyright-lawsuit-against-pornotube-withdrawn Copyright Lawsuit Against PornoTube Withdrawn] by Janko Roettger.s Oct. 24, 2008.</ref>
On December 6, 2007, Vivid Entertainment filed a [[copyright infringement]] lawsuit against [[PornoTube]].
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-vivid11dec11,1,2232727.story |title= Porn producer sues YouTube knockoff | accessdate=2007-12-11 | date=2007-12-11 | author = Joseph Menn | publisher=Los Angeles Times}}</ref><ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2007/dec/16/film.usa "Home porn gives industry the blues"], guardian.co.uk, 16 December 2007. Accessed 04 March 2009.</ref>. The lawsuit<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.findlaw.com/hdocs/docs/ip/vividaebn120607cmp.html|title=Adult Film Company's Copyright Lawsuit Against PornoTube|accessdate=2007-12-11 | date=2007-12-11 | publisher=FindLaw}}</ref> alleges that the YouTube-like site profits from the illegal posting of Vivid's copyrighted films, and failed to comply with the [[Child Protection and Obscenity Enforcement Act]], a federal age-verification and record-keeping law that applies to the adult film industry.


On January 15, 2010, allegations from DubberPackers Entertainment, a subsidiary of HavartiProvolone Films, has led to a international legal melee involving the copyright of several well-known titles including the "Soaked Mattresses" series, amongst others.
On January 15, 2010, allegations from DubberPackers Entertainment, a subsidiary of HavartiProvolone Films, have led to a international legal melee involving the copyright of several well-known titles including the "Soaked Mattresses" series, amongst others.


In April 2010, country singer [[Mindy_McCready|'''Mindy McCready''']] sent Vivid a cease and desist letter ordering them not to distribute copies of her sex tape.<ref name=MindyMcCready>{{Cite web |url=http://www.nationalledger.com/artman/publish/article_272631155.shtml|title=Mindy McCready Sex Tape - Troubled Country Singer Fights Back|work=National Ledger|date=Apr 3, 2010|accessdate=Apr 7, 2010}}</ref><ref name=AVN_CeaseMcCready>[http://business.avn.com/articles/Mindy-McCready-Wants-Vivid-to-Destroy-Her-Sex-Tape-391487.html Mindy McCready Wants Vivid to Destroy Her Sex Tape] posted March 31, 2010.</ref>Vivid produced proof that it had a signed release form from McCready.<ref name=AVN_PROOFMcCready>[http://business.avn.com/articles/Vivid-Moves-Forward-with-Release-of-Mindy-McCready-Sex-Tape-395263.html Vivid Moves Forward with Release of Mindy McCready Sex Tape] posted April 28, 2010.</ref>
In April 2010, country singer [[Mindy McCready]] sent Vivid a cease and desist letter ordering them not to distribute copies of her sex tape.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=http://www.nationalledger.com/artman/publish/article_272631155.shtml
|title=Mindy McCready Sex Tape - Troubled Country Singer Fights Back
|work=National Ledger
|date=Apr 3, 2010
|accessdate=Apr 7, 2010
}}</ref>


==Awards==
==Awards==
According to AVN, Vivid has won more of its awards than any other studio in the history of the industry. A selection of some of them follows:
The following is a selection of some of the major awards Vivid films have won
*1987 AVN Award - 'Best Video Feature' for ''Blame it on Ginger'' <ref name=AVN/>
* 1987 AVN Award - 'Best Video Feature' for ''Blame it on Ginger''<ref name=AVN87>[http://avnawards.avn.com/winners/1987 1987 AVN Award] - 'Best Video Feature' for ''Blame it on Ginger''.</ref>
*1991 AVN Award - 'Best Vignette Release' for ''Beat the Heat'' <ref name=AVN/>
* 1991 AVN Award - 'Best Vignette Release' for ''Beat the Heat''<ref name=AVN87>[http://avnawards.avn.com/winners/1991 1991 AVN Award] - 'Best Vignette Release' for ''Beat the Heat''.</ref>
*1992 AVN Award - 'Best Vignette Release' for ''Scarlet Fantasy'' <ref name=AVN/>
* 1992 AVN Award - 'Best Vignette Release' for ''Scarlet Fantasy''<ref name=AVN92>[http://avnawards.avn.com/winners/1992 1992 AVN Award] - 'Best Vignette Release' for ''Scarlet Fantasy''; Renting Release of the Year' for ''The Masseuse''; 'Best Film' for ''On Trial''.</ref>
*1992 AVN Award - 'Top Renting Release of the Year' for ''[[The Masseuse]]'' <ref name=AVN/>
* 1992 AVN Award - 'Top Renting Release of the Year' for ''The Masseuse''<ref name=AVN92/>
*1992 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for ''On Trial'' <ref name=AVN/>
* 1992 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for ''On Trial''<ref name=AVN92/>
*1997 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for ''Bobby Sox'' <ref name=AVN/>
* 1997 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for ''Bobby Sox''<ref name=AVN97>[http://avnawards.avn.com/winners/1997 1997 AVN Award] - 'Best Film' for ''Bobby Sox''.</ref>
*1998 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for ''Bad Wives'' <ref name=AVN/>
* 1998 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for ''Bad Wives''<ref name=AVN98>[http://avnawards.avn.com/winners/1998 1998 AVN Award] - 'Best Film' for ''Bad Wives''.</ref>
*2000 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for ''Seven Deadly Sins'' <ref name=AVN/>
* 2000 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for ''Seven Deadly Sins''<ref name=AVN00>[http://avnawards.avn.com/winners/2000 2000 AVN Award] - 'Best Film' for ''Seven Deadly Sins''.</ref>
*2002 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for ''Fade To Black'' <ref name=AVN/>
* 2002 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for ''Fade To Black''<ref name=AVN02>[http://avnawards.avn.com/winners/20022002 AVN Award] - 'Best Film' for ''Fade To Black''.</ref>
*2003 AVN Award - 'Top Selling Release of the Year' for ''Brianna Loves Jenna'' <ref name=AVN/>
* 2003 AVN Award - 'Top Selling Release of the Year' for ''Brianna Loves Jenna''<ref name=AVN03>[http://avnawards.avn.com/winners/2003 2003 AVN Award] - 'Top Selling Release of the Year' and 'Top Renting Release of the Year' for ''Brianna Loves Jenna''.</ref>
*2003 AVN Award - 'Top Renting Release of the Year' for ''Brianna Loves Jenna'' <ref name=AVN/>
* 2003 AVN Award - 'Top Renting Release of the Year' for ''Brianna Loves Jenna''<ref name=AVN03/>
*2004 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for ''Heart of Darkness'' <ref name=AVN/>
* 2004 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for ''Heart of Darkness''<ref name=AVN04>[http://avnawards.avn.com/winners/2004 2004 AVN Award] - 'Best Film' for ''Heart of Darkness''.</ref>
*2005 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for ''The Masseuse'' <ref name=AVN/>
* 2005 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for ''The Masseuse''<ref name=AVN05>[http://avnawards.avn.com/winners/2005 2005 AVN Award] - 'Best Film' for ''The Masseuse''; 'Best Video Feature' for ''Bella Loves Jenna''.</ref>
*2005 AVN Award - 'Best Video Feature' for ''Bella Loves Jenna'' <ref name=AVN/>
* 2005 AVN Award - 'Best Video Feature' for ''Bella Loves Jenna''<ref name=AVN05/>
*2006 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for ''[[The New Devil in Miss Jones]]'' <ref name=AVN>{{cite web |url=http://www.avnawards.com/index.php?content=pastwinners |title=AVN AWARDS PAST WINNERS |publisher=[[AVN (magazine)|AVN]] |accessdate=2009-03-13}}</ref>
* 2006 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for ''The New Devil in Miss Jones''<ref name=AVN06>[http://avnawards.avn.com/winners/2006 2006 AVN Award] - 'Best Film' for ''The New Devil in Miss Jones''; 'Top Renting Release of the Year' for ''The Masseuse''.</ref>
*2006 AVN Award - 'Top Renting Release of the Year' for ''The Masseuse'' <ref name=AVN/>
* 2006 AVN Award - 'Top Renting Release of the Year' for ''The Masseuse''<ref name=AVN06/>
*2008 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for ''Layout'' <ref name=AVN08>{{cite web |url=http://business.avn.com/articles/2759.html |title=2008 AVN AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCED |publisher=[[AVN (magazine)|AVN]] |accessdate=2009-03-12}}</ref>
* 2007 AVN Award – 'Best Gonzo Release' for ''Chemistry''<ref name=AVN07>[http://avnawards.avn.com/winners/2007 2007 AVN Award] – 'Best Gonzo Release' for ''Chemistry''; 'Best Interactive CD-ROM - Game' for ''Virtual Vivid Girl Sunny Leone''.</ref>
*2008 AVN Award - 'Best Pro-Am Series' for ''Filthy's First Taste'' <ref name=AVN08/>
* 2007 AVN Award – 'Best Interactive CD-ROM - Game' for ''Virtual Vivid Girl Sunny Leone''<ref name=AVN07/>
*2008 AVN Award - 'Top Renting Title of the Year – 2007' for ''[[Debbie Does Dallas]]...Again'' <ref name=AVN08/>
* 2008 AVN Award - Top Renting Title of the Year – 2007' for [[Debbie Does Dallas ... Again|''Debbie Does Dallas ... Again'']]<ref name=AVN08>[http://avnawards.avn.com/winners/2008 2008 AVN Award] - Top Renting Title of the Year – 2007' for ''Debbie Does Dallas...Again''; 'Best Film' for ''Layout''; 'Best Pro-Am Series' for ''Filthy's First Taste''.</ref>
* 2008 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for ''Layout''<ref name=AVN08/>
*2009 AVN Award - 'Best Educational Release' for ''Tristan Taramino's Expert Guide to Oral Sex 2'' <ref name=AVN09>{{cite web |url=http://www.avnawards.com/index.php?content=winners09 |title=THE 2009 AVN AWARDS WINNERS |publisher=[[AVN (magazine)|AVN]] |accessdate=2009-03-07}}</ref>
*2009 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for ''Cry Wolf'' <ref name=AVN09/>
* 2008 AVN Award - 'Best Pro-Am Series' for ''Filthy's First Taste''<ref name=AVN08/>
* 2009 AVN Award – 'Best Music Soundtrack' – ''The Bad Luck Betties''<ref name=AVN09>[http://avnawards.avn.com/winners/2009 2009 AVN Award] – 'Best Music Soundtrack' – ''The Bad Luck Betties''; 'Best Educational Release' for ''Tristan Taormino's Expert Guide to Oral Sex 2''; 'Best Film' for ''Cry Wolf''.</ref>
* 2009 AVN Award - 'Best Educational Release' for ''Tristan Taormino's Expert Guide to Oral Sex 2''<ref name=AVN09/>
* 2009 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for ''Cry Wolf''<ref name=AVN09/>
* 2010 AVN Awards – ''Throat: A Cautionary Tale'' won 5 awards<ref name=AVN10>[http://avnawards.avn.com/winners/201 2010 AVN Awards] – ''Throat: A Cautionary Tale'' won 5 awards; 'Best Overall Marketing Campaign – Company Image'; 'Best Music Soundtrack' – ''Live in My Secrets''; Vivid Ed for 'Best Educational Release' – ''Tristan Taormino's Expert Guide to Threesomes''; 'Best Pro-Am Series' ''Brand New Faces''.</ref>
* 2010 AVN Award – 'Best Overall Marketing Campaign – Company Image'<ref name=AVN10/>
* 2010 AVN Award – 'Best Music Soundtrack' – ''Live in My Secrets'' – Vivid-Alt<ref name=AVN10/>
* 2010 AVN Award - Vivid Ed for 'Best Educational Release' – ''Tristan Taormino's Expert Guide to Threesomes''<ref name=AVN10/>
* 2010 AVN Award – 'Best Pro-Am Series' ''Brand New Faces''<ref name=AVN10/>


==List of Vivid Girls==
== List of Vivid Girls==
The following is a list of notable current and former Vivid actresses.
The following is a list of notable current and former Vivid actresses.
* AJ BAILEY
{{col-begin}}
* ALEX TAYLOR
{{col-break}}
* ASHLYN GERE
*[[Ashlyn Gere]]
* ASIA CARRERA
*[[Asia Carrera]]
* AUTUMN
*[[Briana Banks]]
* BARBARA DARE
*[[Cassidey]]
* BREA LYNN
*[[Cheyenne Silver]]
* BRIANA BANKS
*[[Christy Canyon]]
* CASSIDEY
*[[Dasha (porn star)|Dasha]]
* CELESTE
*[[Devon (porn star)|Devon]]
* CHASEY LAIN
*[[Ginger Lynn]]
* CHELSEA SINCLAIRE
*[[Heather Hunter]]
* CHEYENNE SILVER
*[[Janine Lindemulder]]
* CHLOE JONES
*[[Jenna Jameson]]
* CHRISTY CANYON
*[[Jenteal]]
* DASHA
*[[Julia Ann]]
* DAYTON
*[[Kayden Kross]]
* DEVON
*[[Kira Kener]]
* DIEDRE HOLLAND
*[[Kobe Tai]]
* DYANNA LAUREN
{{col-break}}
* GINGER LYNN
*[[Lacie Heart]]
* HANNA HILTON
*[[Lanny Barbie]]
* HEATHER HUNTER
*[[Lexie Marie]]
* HYAPATIA LEE
*[[Lexus Locklear]]
* JAMIE SUMMERS
*[[Love Twins]]
* JANINE
*[[Nina Mercedez]]
* JENNA JAMESON
*[[Meggan Mallone]]
* JENNIFER STEWART
*[[Monique Alexander]]
* JENTEAL
*[[Nikki Dial]]
* JULIA ANN
*[[Nikki Tyler]]
* JULIANNE JAMES
*[[Raquel Darrian]]
* KAYDEN KROSS
*[[Savannah (porn star)|Savannah]]
* KELLY JAYE
*[[Savanna Samson]]
* KIRA KENER
*[[Sky Lopez]]
* KOBE TAI
*[[Stefani Morgan]]
* KODY
*[[Sunny Leone]]
* LACIE HEART
*[[Sunrise Adams]]
* LANNY BARBY
*[[Tawny Roberts]]
* LIA
*[[Taylor Hayes (porn star)|Taylor Hayes]]
* LENE
*[[Tera Patrick]]
* LESLIE GLASS
*[[Tiffany Taylor (porn star)|Tiffany Taylor]]
* LEXIE MARIE
{{col-break}}
* LEXA (FKA LEXUS)
*[[Alex Taylor]]
* LORI MICHAELS
*[[Barbara Dare]]
* LYNDSEY & LACEY LOVE
*[[Chasey Lain]]
* MADELYN KNIGHT
*[[Chloe Jones]]
* MALEZIA
*[[Deidre Holland]]
* MEGGAN MALLONE
*[[Dyanna Lauren]]
* MERCEDEZ
*[[Hyapatia Lee]]
* MONIQUE ALEXANDER
*[[Jamie Summers]]
* NIKKI CHARM
*[[Jennifer Stewart]]
* NIKKI DIAL
*[[Kelli McCarty]]
* NIKKI JAYNE
*[[Leslie Glass (model)|Leslie Glass]]
* NIKKI RANDALL
*[[Lexus Locklear|Lexa]]
* NIKKI TYLER
*[[Nikki Charm]]
* RACQUEL DARRIAN
*[[Nikki Randall]]
* RAYLENE
*[[Tori Welles]]
* SAVANNA SAMSON
* SAVANNAH
* SKY
* STEFANI MORGAN
* SUNNY LEONE
* SUNRISE ADAMS
* TAWNY ROBERTS
* TAYA
* TAYLOR HAYES
* TERA PATRICK
* TIA BELLA
* TIFFANY TAYLOR
* TORI WELLES
* VERONICA


==Bios of Principles==
{{col-end}}
===STEVEN HIRSCH===
'''Founder and Co-Chairman'''

When [[Steven_Hirsch|'''Steven Hirsch''']] founded Vivid Entertainment in 1984<ref name=25v/> he became the creative visionary who saw the potential to change the nature of the adult entertainment industry. He is now Vivid’s co-chairman, along with two partners, and his company is recognized worldwide as the adult industry leader.<ref name=BUSINESSWEEK1/>

Early on Mr. Hirsch differentiated Vivid by developing movies that could be enjoyed by couples because of high production values, well-written scripts and plotlines, gorgeous actresses, all packaged with unequaled sensuality. He created the "'''Vivid Girl'''" concept, which revived the Hollywood studio system of signing beautiful and talented adult stars to exclusive contracts. His glamorous cover girl packaging for Vivid video box covers made them the first to be suitable for display in mass-market retail stores. The faces of Vivid Girls began appearing on billboards in high traffic venues such as Sunset Boulevard<ref name=TIME>[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,139893,00.html "Porn Goes Mainstream"] by Joel Stein, June 24, 2001. TIME.</ref> and Times Square. <ref name=TIMESQ>[http://interaliainc.blogspot.com/2007/11/vivid-places-holiday-billboard-in-times.html Contract Girls Featured On 'Sexiest Billboard Ever']. By David Sullivan, Nov 07, 2007.</ref> The Vivid brand was further extended through advertising, product licensing and innovative marketing, and the company has been the industry pioneer in many technological advances that have broadened distribution channels and content delivery systems.

In recent years Vivid has brought adult into the mainstream through image-building programs such as multiple series on [http://www.sho.com/site/index.html '''Showtime CABLE TV'''] and frequent appearances on popular television and website venues such as '''TMZ''' and articles in '''''The New York Times''''', '''''The Economist''''', '''''Forbes''''' and in many newspapers throughout the world. He developed separate imprints such as '''Vivid-Ed''', '''Vivid-Alt''' and '''Vivid-Celeb''', the enormously successful concept that has marketed sexually explicit videos "starring" '''Pamela Anderson''', '''Kim Kardashian''', '''Jimi Hendrix''', '''Kendra Wilkinson''', '''Montana Fishburne''' and many others. In addition to a hardcover book with '''HarperCollins'''<ref name=HARPERCOLLINS>[http://www.harpercollins.com/books/How-Have-Xxx-Sex-Life-Vivid-Girls/?isbn=9780060581480 '''''How to Have a XXX Sex Life: The Ultimate Vivid Guide''''']by Vivid Girls from HarperCollins.</ref>, Hirsch developed '''Vivid Comix''' and graphic novels with edgy '''Avatar Press'''<ref name=avatar>[http://www.avatarpress.com/2003/09/vivid-comix-launches-line-featuring-vivid-girls "Vivid Comix launches line featuring Vivid Girls"], by Avatar Press, September 19, 2003</ref> and erotic novels with '''Thunder’s Mouth Press'''<ref name=TMP>[http://www.avatarpress.com/2003/09/vivid-comix-launches-line-featuring-vivid-girls "Vivid Valley' takes reality TV to local adult industry"], by Jeff Weiss (San Fernando Valley Business Journal), October 10 2005.</ref>. He has overseen a licensing program that has extended the brand name to snow boards, action figures, fine photographic art, cigars, high performance wheels, condoms, virility supplements and many other products, all of which are cross-promoted with Vivid's DVDs, video-on-demand offerings, Internet sites and other marketing programs.

===WILLIAM ASHER===
'''Co-Chairman, Co-Owner'''
'''Bill Asher''' is Co-Chairman and Co-Owner of Vivid Entertainment, the world's leading producer of adult films. He helps direct overall operations, including the company's, world-wide internet, television, DVD, wireless and broadband video-on-demand businesses.<ref name=BUSINESSWEEK1/>

Asher became an owner and operator of Vivid in 2001, when he merged his successful adult television company, '''Califa Entertainment''', with Vivid. Prior to the merger, Vivid was the main supplier of video content to the Califa networks. Califa was sold post-merger, along with various television rights to Vivid movies, to '''Playboy Enterprises''' for well in excess of $100 million.

Since his arrival at Vivid Asher, together with his partner and company founder '''Steven Hirsch''', has overseen tremendous growth in Vivid’s revenues and stature, helping steer Vivid to the top of the adult business during a period of dramatic change in both technology and the acceptance of adult entertainment. <ref name="CBS">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/11/21/60minutes/main585049.shtml|title=Porn In The U.S.A.|last=Leung|first=Rebecca|date=Sept. 5, 2004|publisher=CBS News|accessdate=11 December 2009}}</ref>

Bill Asher is a graduate of Dartmouth College and holds an MBA from the University of Southern California. He founded Califa Entertainment in 1999 after leaving Playboy Enterprises (NYSE: PLA), where he held the title of Executive Vice President and helped establish the Playboy cable and satellite networks in the U.S., Europe and Latin America.

==See also==
* [[List_of_male_performers_in_gay_porn_films|List of male performers in gay porn films]]
* [[List_of_pornographic_movie_studios|List of pornographic movie studios]]


== See also ==
* [[List of male performers in gay porn films]]
{{wikinews|Preview of sex tape starring former 'American Idol' finalist Jessica Sierra is released}}
{{wikinews|Preview of sex tape starring former 'American Idol' finalist Jessica Sierra is released}}
* [[List of pornographic movie studios]]


== External links ==
== External links ==
*[http://www.vivid.com Official Vivid Site]
*[http://www.vivid.com Official Vivid Site]
*[http://www.vividentertainment.com Vivid Entertainment Corporate Site]
*[http://www.vivid-ed.com/ Vivid-Ed Site]
*[http://www.vivid-ed.com/ Vivid-Ed Site]
*[http://www.vividalt.com/home.php Vivid-Alt Site]
*[http://www.vividalt.com Vivid-Alt Site]
*[http://www.vividceleb.net Vivid-Celeb Site]
*[http://www.vividceleb.net Vivid-Celeb Site]



==References==
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist}}


[[Category:Pornographic film studios]]
[[Category:Pornographic film studios]]

Revision as of 18:42, 12 October 2010

Vivid Entertainment
Company typePrivate
IndustryAdult Entertainment
Founded1984
FounderSteven Hirsch
David James
HeadquartersUnited States Los Angeles, California, United States
Key people
Steven Hirsch (Founder/Co-Chairman)
Bill Asher (Co=Owner/Co-Chairman)
Marci Hirsch (VP of Production)
ProductsAdult films plus a brand licensing program that extends to sex toys, books, skateboards, snowboards, condoms, apparel, etc.

Vivid Entertainment Group is the world's largest adult video producer,[1][2] featuring a popular catalog of VHS and DVD titles and internet content. In 2006 it was described by Reuters as one of the handful of studios that dominate the U.S. porn industry.[3]

Vivid specializes in high-production-value movies, shot in exotic locations with professional lighting and quality cinematography. Founder Steven Hirsch is co-chairman, along with Bill Asher, who is also a co-owner.[4]

Vivid celebrated its quarter century anniversary in 2009.[5] In 1984 Vivid changed the perception of the adult industry forever with the box cover for its first VHS, Ginger starring Ginger Lynn, by making it look like a glamorous and sexy magazine cover rather than the typical gritty and low-end porno cover.[6] Lynn was a wholesome, girl-next-door beauty and the cover of her VHS literally stopped traffic in the aisles of both the adult stores and mainstream retailers, which for the first time were willing to display an XXX title.

In the 1990s Vivid began to win industry honors, and today has more AVN Awards (described as the "Oscars" of the adult business) than any other studio. Vivid Girls in the 90s included the legendary actresses who were known by their first names alone: Janine, Lexus and the late Savannah, plus stars such as Christy Canyon,Nikki Tyler, Racquel Darrian (the "brunette goddess of porn"), Chasey Lain, Heather Hunter and Kobe Tai. Those who have attained fame in more recent years include Jenna Jameson, Tera Patrick, Savanna Samson, Sunny Leone and others.

When Vivid began its Vivid-Celeb imprint the world literally began to get an armchair look at the sexual exploits of the rich and famous. Vivid became the first studio to introduce celebrity sex tapes – Pamela Anderson & Tommy Lee: Hardcore & Uncensored, Janine & Vince Neil: Hardcore and Uncensored, Kim Kardashian Superstar, Jimi Hendrix The Sex Tape and others.

Through multiple distribution channels around the world Vivid today reaches over seven million consumers every month.[7] The company's first reality TV series, Porno Valley, gave fans an inside peek into the business and reinforced the Vivid brand internationally. A second series, Debbie Does Dallas...Again, was a big ratings success on Showtime premium cable TV as was the series Deeper Throat that followed the drama behind the remake of the classic XXX film.

Additional brand-name awareness has been created with marketing and licensing programs for Vivid condoms, snowboards, skateboards, tee shirts, playing cards, advertising, calendars, comic books and book publishing. How to Have a XXX Sex Life: The Ultimate Vivid Guide, co-authored by the Vivid Girls and published by HarperCollins, was a best seller. Vivid products are sold in mainstream retail outlets and adult stores and many can be purchased directly through the ShopVivid.com website. A comprehensive history of the company is available at www.25yearsofvivid.com.

Vivid Girls

The company is known for the pioneering 'Vivid Girls' concept – contract stars that perform exclusively for Vivid. [8] Vivid is often the first studio that the girls have worked with, but already-popular adult stars such as Jenna Jameson[9] and Tera Patrick[10] have also become Vivid Girls.

Vivid and Alt-Porn

In February 2006 Vivid made its first foray into Alt porn with the signing of Director Eon McKai and the formation of the Vivid-Alt imprint. [11] Vivid-Alt in turn hired erotic photographers—Dave Naz and Octavio "Winkytiki" Arizala[12] to direct features for the imprint.

The first film directed by Eon McKai under that imprint, "Girls Lie", was nominated for an AVN Award, one of 13 nominations in 2008 for various Vivid-Alt imprint releases.[13] In 2009 the company won the AVN Award for Best Music Soundtrack for "The Bad Luck Betties"[14] and in 2010 for the musical soundtrack of "Live in My Secrets".[15]

Vivid-Ed

In March 2007 Vivid signed award-winning author, columnist, editor and sex educator Tristan Taormino to head up the Vivid-Ed imprint[16], which has produced several how-to DVD sex guides including "The Expert Guide To Anal Sex", "The Expert Guide to Oral Sex, Part 1: Cunnilingus", "The Expert Guide to Oral Sex, Part 2: Fellatio" and "The Expert Guide to the G-Spot". In 2010 Vivid Ed's director Tristan Taormino received several AVN Awards as well as the Trailblazer Award from the Feminist Porn Awards in Toronto, Canada on April 9, 2010.[17]

Vivid-Celeb

In 1998 Vivid pioneered the development of the celebrity sex tape, when it distributed Pam & Tommy Lee Hardcore & Uncensored. Some of the sexually explicit Vivid-Celeb videos are obtained directly from the celebrities while others are acquired through third parties. Vivid's collection of celebrity sex videos includes Janine & Vince Neil Hardcore & Uncensored (1998); The Tom Sizemore Sex Scandal (2005); Karrine Steffans Superhead (2006); Lil Jon's Vivid Vegas Party (2006); Toastee Exposed (Jennifer "Toastee" Toof) (2007); Kim Kardashian Superstar (2007); Jessica Sierra Superstar (2008); Former Miss USA Kelli McCarty in Faithless (2009); Mindy McCready Baseball Mistress (2010); The 11th Hole (2010) starring Tiger Woods' mistress Joslyn James; Kendra Exposed (2010) featuring TV personality Kendra Wilkinson, and Montana Fishburne (2010) starring the daughter of the famed actor Laurence Fishburne.

SuperXXXHeroes

In 2010, following the successful distribution of Batman XXX: A Porn Parody from Axel Braun Productions, Vivid announced it would launch an on-going series of parodies under the Vivid SuperXXXHeroes imprint with Axel Braun as lead director. The first title is Superman XXX: A Porn Parody. Vivid will also continue to distribute parodies from Braun's production company. The initial lineup includes Star Wars XXX: A Porn Parody, to be followed by spoofs of the popular TV shows Law & Order, Starsky & Hutch, and The Addams Family, as well as classic movies like Grease, Clockwork Orange and The Godfather.

Policies and production values

Vivid produces over 60 titles a year. The company has a small number of high budget movies that it produces and aggressively markets. This is different from many other San Fernando Valley production companies, which routinely film, edit and release a two-hour title in less than a week, spending relatively little on advertising or promotion. According to Forbes Magazine Vivid's annual revenue is estimated to be $100 million USD. [18] The same estimate was given by Business Week in June 2006.[19] However, Vivid also aggressively repackages its original material in compilations, which are relatively inexpensive to produce. Forbes also reported that approximately one third of all the titles sold in U.S. adult DVD stores are Vivid films.

Its titles are sold through retail stores across the United States, the rental market and direct to consumers through various online mail-order sites. Vivid also distributes the films to cable and satellite channels and offers its Internet subscribers full access to the largest archive of titles in the adult industry.

In February 2006 Vivid changed its condom-only policy to a condom-optional policy that lets performers decide whether or not to use them.[20] [21]

Vivid also runs several websites, including Vivid.com, featuring its Vivid Girls. These websites prominently promote the "Vivid Girls" and their various videos. The sites also allow users to view scenes from various Vivid productions, as well as much Internet-only content.

On December 6, 2007, Vivid Entertainment filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against PornoTube. .[22][23]. The lawsuit alleged that the YouTube-like site profits from the illegal posting of Vivid's copyrighted films, and failed to comply with the Child Protection and Obscenity Enforcement Act, a federal age-verification and record-keeping law that applies to the adult film industry.[24] The case was settled out of court.[25]

On January 15, 2010, allegations from DubberPackers Entertainment, a subsidiary of HavartiProvolone Films, have led to a international legal melee involving the copyright of several well-known titles including the "Soaked Mattresses" series, amongst others.

In April 2010, country singer Mindy McCready sent Vivid a cease and desist letter ordering them not to distribute copies of her sex tape.[26][27]Vivid produced proof that it had a signed release form from McCready.[28]

Awards

According to AVN, Vivid has won more of its awards than any other studio in the history of the industry. A selection of some of them follows:

  • 1987 AVN Award - 'Best Video Feature' for Blame it on Ginger[29]
  • 1991 AVN Award - 'Best Vignette Release' for Beat the Heat[29]
  • 1992 AVN Award - 'Best Vignette Release' for Scarlet Fantasy[30]
  • 1992 AVN Award - 'Top Renting Release of the Year' for The Masseuse[30]
  • 1992 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for On Trial[30]
  • 1997 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for Bobby Sox[31]
  • 1998 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for Bad Wives[32]
  • 2000 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for Seven Deadly Sins[33]
  • 2002 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for Fade To Black[34]
  • 2003 AVN Award - 'Top Selling Release of the Year' for Brianna Loves Jenna[35]
  • 2003 AVN Award - 'Top Renting Release of the Year' for Brianna Loves Jenna[35]
  • 2004 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for Heart of Darkness[36]
  • 2005 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for The Masseuse[37]
  • 2005 AVN Award - 'Best Video Feature' for Bella Loves Jenna[37]
  • 2006 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for The New Devil in Miss Jones[38]
  • 2006 AVN Award - 'Top Renting Release of the Year' for The Masseuse[38]
  • 2007 AVN Award – 'Best Gonzo Release' for Chemistry[39]
  • 2007 AVN Award – 'Best Interactive CD-ROM - Game' for Virtual Vivid Girl Sunny Leone[39]
  • 2008 AVN Award - Top Renting Title of the Year – 2007' for Debbie Does Dallas ... Again[40]
  • 2008 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for Layout[40]
  • 2008 AVN Award - 'Best Pro-Am Series' for Filthy's First Taste[40]
  • 2009 AVN Award – 'Best Music Soundtrack' – The Bad Luck Betties[14]
  • 2009 AVN Award - 'Best Educational Release' for Tristan Taormino's Expert Guide to Oral Sex 2[14]
  • 2009 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for Cry Wolf[14]
  • 2010 AVN Awards – Throat: A Cautionary Tale won 5 awards[15]
  • 2010 AVN Award – 'Best Overall Marketing Campaign – Company Image'[15]
  • 2010 AVN Award – 'Best Music Soundtrack' – Live in My Secrets – Vivid-Alt[15]
  • 2010 AVN Award - Vivid Ed for 'Best Educational Release' – Tristan Taormino's Expert Guide to Threesomes[15]
  • 2010 AVN Award – 'Best Pro-Am Series' Brand New Faces[15]

List of Vivid Girls

The following is a list of notable current and former Vivid actresses.

  • AJ BAILEY
  • ALEX TAYLOR
  • ASHLYN GERE
  • ASIA CARRERA
  • AUTUMN
  • BARBARA DARE
  • BREA LYNN
  • BRIANA BANKS
  • CASSIDEY
  • CELESTE
  • CHASEY LAIN
  • CHELSEA SINCLAIRE
  • CHEYENNE SILVER
  • CHLOE JONES
  • CHRISTY CANYON
  • DASHA
  • DAYTON
  • DEVON
  • DIEDRE HOLLAND
  • DYANNA LAUREN
  • GINGER LYNN
  • HANNA HILTON
  • HEATHER HUNTER
  • HYAPATIA LEE
  • JAMIE SUMMERS
  • JANINE
  • JENNA JAMESON
  • JENNIFER STEWART
  • JENTEAL
  • JULIA ANN
  • JULIANNE JAMES
  • KAYDEN KROSS
  • KELLY JAYE
  • KIRA KENER
  • KOBE TAI
  • KODY
  • LACIE HEART
  • LANNY BARBY
  • LIA
  • LENE
  • LESLIE GLASS
  • LEXIE MARIE
  • LEXA (FKA LEXUS)
  • LORI MICHAELS
  • LYNDSEY & LACEY LOVE
  • MADELYN KNIGHT
  • MALEZIA
  • MEGGAN MALLONE
  • MERCEDEZ
  • MONIQUE ALEXANDER
  • NIKKI CHARM
  • NIKKI DIAL
  • NIKKI JAYNE
  • NIKKI RANDALL
  • NIKKI TYLER
  • RACQUEL DARRIAN
  • RAYLENE
  • SAVANNA SAMSON
  • SAVANNAH
  • SKY
  • STEFANI MORGAN
  • SUNNY LEONE
  • SUNRISE ADAMS
  • TAWNY ROBERTS
  • TAYA
  • TAYLOR HAYES
  • TERA PATRICK
  • TIA BELLA
  • TIFFANY TAYLOR
  • TORI WELLES
  • VERONICA

Bios of Principles

STEVEN HIRSCH

Founder and Co-Chairman

When Steven Hirsch founded Vivid Entertainment in 1984[5] he became the creative visionary who saw the potential to change the nature of the adult entertainment industry. He is now Vivid’s co-chairman, along with two partners, and his company is recognized worldwide as the adult industry leader.[4]

Early on Mr. Hirsch differentiated Vivid by developing movies that could be enjoyed by couples because of high production values, well-written scripts and plotlines, gorgeous actresses, all packaged with unequaled sensuality. He created the "Vivid Girl" concept, which revived the Hollywood studio system of signing beautiful and talented adult stars to exclusive contracts. His glamorous cover girl packaging for Vivid video box covers made them the first to be suitable for display in mass-market retail stores. The faces of Vivid Girls began appearing on billboards in high traffic venues such as Sunset Boulevard[41] and Times Square. [42] The Vivid brand was further extended through advertising, product licensing and innovative marketing, and the company has been the industry pioneer in many technological advances that have broadened distribution channels and content delivery systems.

In recent years Vivid has brought adult into the mainstream through image-building programs such as multiple series on Showtime CABLE TV and frequent appearances on popular television and website venues such as TMZ and articles in The New York Times, The Economist, Forbes and in many newspapers throughout the world. He developed separate imprints such as Vivid-Ed, Vivid-Alt and Vivid-Celeb, the enormously successful concept that has marketed sexually explicit videos "starring" Pamela Anderson, Kim Kardashian, Jimi Hendrix, Kendra Wilkinson, Montana Fishburne and many others. In addition to a hardcover book with HarperCollins[43], Hirsch developed Vivid Comix and graphic novels with edgy Avatar Press[44] and erotic novels with Thunder’s Mouth Press[45]. He has overseen a licensing program that has extended the brand name to snow boards, action figures, fine photographic art, cigars, high performance wheels, condoms, virility supplements and many other products, all of which are cross-promoted with Vivid's DVDs, video-on-demand offerings, Internet sites and other marketing programs.

WILLIAM ASHER

Co-Chairman, Co-Owner Bill Asher is Co-Chairman and Co-Owner of Vivid Entertainment, the world's leading producer of adult films. He helps direct overall operations, including the company's, world-wide internet, television, DVD, wireless and broadband video-on-demand businesses.[4]

Asher became an owner and operator of Vivid in 2001, when he merged his successful adult television company, Califa Entertainment, with Vivid. Prior to the merger, Vivid was the main supplier of video content to the Califa networks. Califa was sold post-merger, along with various television rights to Vivid movies, to Playboy Enterprises for well in excess of $100 million.

Since his arrival at Vivid Asher, together with his partner and company founder Steven Hirsch, has overseen tremendous growth in Vivid’s revenues and stature, helping steer Vivid to the top of the adult business during a period of dramatic change in both technology and the acceptance of adult entertainment. [46]

Bill Asher is a graduate of Dartmouth College and holds an MBA from the University of Southern California. He founded Califa Entertainment in 1999 after leaving Playboy Enterprises (NYSE: PLA), where he held the title of Executive Vice President and helped establish the Playboy cable and satellite networks in the U.S., Europe and Latin America.

See also

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References

  1. ^ "The (Porn) Player" by Matthew Miller, Forbes magazine, July 4, 2005.
  2. ^ Adult-film-studio-blames-Google DigitalEdge, Mon 18 February 2008.
  3. ^ Porn stars strut their stuff at awards Source: Reuters. Published: 12:00PM Monday January 09, 2006.
  4. ^ a b c "Vivid Entertainment LLC: CEOs and Executives", BusinessWeek.
  5. ^ a b 25 Years of Vivid
  6. ^ THE 80s - FROM ROLLING PENNIES TO ROLLING IN DOUGH: THE GINGER EFFECT
  7. ^ THE 00s: VIVID BLOSSOMS
  8. ^ Vivid Girls
  9. ^ Jenna Jameson
  10. ^ Tera Patrick
  11. ^ "Eon McKai Goes Vivid" Fleshbot, February 16, 2006
  12. ^ Chris Thorne. "Behind The Scenes at Vivid-Alt". XCritic. Retrieved 2008-01-04.
  13. ^ Vivid Lands 168 Noms
  14. ^ a b c d 2009 AVN Award – 'Best Music Soundtrack' – The Bad Luck Betties; 'Best Educational Release' for Tristan Taormino's Expert Guide to Oral Sex 2; 'Best Film' for Cry Wolf.
  15. ^ a b c d e f 2010 AVN Awards – Throat: A Cautionary Tale won 5 awards; 'Best Overall Marketing Campaign – Company Image'; 'Best Music Soundtrack' – Live in My Secrets; Vivid Ed for 'Best Educational Release' – Tristan Taormino's Expert Guide to Threesomes; 'Best Pro-Am Series' Brand New Faces.
  16. ^ "Tristan Taormino Debuts Vivid Ed Line" by Eddie Adams AVN Mar 30, 2007
  17. ^ "The Fifth Annual Good For Her Feminist Porn Awards"
  18. ^ Pulley, Brett (2005-03-07). "The Porn King". Forbes.
  19. ^ "The Pornographers vs. The Pirates". Business Week. 2006-06-19.
  20. ^ Rubbers Revolutionary: AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s Michael Weinstein by Patrick Range McDonald, LA Weekly. January 28, 2010
  21. ^ "LA Weekly: Profiles AHF's "Adult Film Condom Campaign"by Patrick Range McDonald, LA Weekly. January 28, 2010
  22. ^ Joseph Menn (2007-12-11). "Porn producer sues YouTube knockoff". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2007-12-11.
  23. ^ "Home porn gives industry the blues", guardian.co.uk, 16 December 2007. Accessed 04 March 2009.
  24. ^ "Adult Film Company's Copyright Lawsuit Against PornoTube". FindLaw. 2007-12-11. Retrieved 2007-12-11.
  25. ^ Copyright Lawsuit Against PornoTube Withdrawn by Janko Roettger.s Oct. 24, 2008.
  26. ^ "Mindy McCready Sex Tape - Troubled Country Singer Fights Back". National Ledger. Apr 3, 2010. Retrieved Apr 7, 2010.
  27. ^ Mindy McCready Wants Vivid to Destroy Her Sex Tape posted March 31, 2010.
  28. ^ Vivid Moves Forward with Release of Mindy McCready Sex Tape posted April 28, 2010.
  29. ^ a b 1987 AVN Award - 'Best Video Feature' for Blame it on Ginger. Cite error: The named reference "AVN87" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  30. ^ a b c 1992 AVN Award - 'Best Vignette Release' for Scarlet Fantasy; Renting Release of the Year' for The Masseuse; 'Best Film' for On Trial.
  31. ^ 1997 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for Bobby Sox.
  32. ^ 1998 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for Bad Wives.
  33. ^ 2000 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for Seven Deadly Sins.
  34. ^ AVN Award - 'Best Film' for Fade To Black.
  35. ^ a b 2003 AVN Award - 'Top Selling Release of the Year' and 'Top Renting Release of the Year' for Brianna Loves Jenna.
  36. ^ 2004 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for Heart of Darkness.
  37. ^ a b 2005 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for The Masseuse; 'Best Video Feature' for Bella Loves Jenna.
  38. ^ a b 2006 AVN Award - 'Best Film' for The New Devil in Miss Jones; 'Top Renting Release of the Year' for The Masseuse.
  39. ^ a b 2007 AVN Award – 'Best Gonzo Release' for Chemistry; 'Best Interactive CD-ROM - Game' for Virtual Vivid Girl Sunny Leone.
  40. ^ a b c 2008 AVN Award - Top Renting Title of the Year – 2007' for Debbie Does Dallas...Again; 'Best Film' for Layout; 'Best Pro-Am Series' for Filthy's First Taste.
  41. ^ "Porn Goes Mainstream" by Joel Stein, June 24, 2001. TIME.
  42. ^ Contract Girls Featured On 'Sexiest Billboard Ever'. By David Sullivan, Nov 07, 2007.
  43. ^ How to Have a XXX Sex Life: The Ultimate Vivid Guideby Vivid Girls from HarperCollins.
  44. ^ "Vivid Comix launches line featuring Vivid Girls", by Avatar Press, September 19, 2003
  45. ^ "Vivid Valley' takes reality TV to local adult industry", by Jeff Weiss (San Fernando Valley Business Journal), October 10 2005.
  46. ^ Leung, Rebecca (Sept. 5, 2004). "Porn In The U.S.A." CBS News. Retrieved 11 December 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
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