There’s always a lot of spotlight on performers in this industry… as it should be…

But it’s the people behind the scenes that can make or break a scene or film. At the helm of it all is the director and without a good one, you’re relying on the “gods” to make something that’s high quality.

Speaking of “gods” this week I get to sit down with industry legend, Jonni Darkko who just took home Fleshbot’s 2023 Best Director of the Year Award. A mainstay in the biz, Darkko has consistently delivered top-notch work for more than two decades – and that’s no easy feat. An inductee in the AVN Hall of Fame, he also knows what it’s like to be in front of the camera having starred in over 150 films giving him an edge in knowing how to work with talent.

Find out more about Darkko in this YNOT interview where he gives us the down-low on his incredible career, what he enjoys about the industry, the difficulties in delivering great content which he overcomes, and more.

Find Savannah Bond on X @savannahbondxxx

What brought you to the industry and how did you get your start?

I came to Southern California to follow a girlfriend I was into.

I was working in Chicago as a photographer and when I came to LA, I thought it would be like Chicago. Find some new clients and go! Well, that was not happening here. No commercial fashion work was going on here.

So, I started working for Stephen J. Hicks and crew. I got to meet and shoot with Jenna Jameson and Jill Kelly. Jill was starting her video company at the time, so she asked me to help her. It was super fun, hell, we were shooting in Hawaii when 9-11 happened. Then I met up with Scott Taylor owner of New Sensations and we clicked. I started producing lots of videos for Scott. Caught the eye of John Stagliano and the rest is history.

Find Summer Vixen on X @SummerVixxxen

What’s the most difficult thing about directing for porn?

Consistency.

I produce a lot of niche content so having a product that is consistently solid from start to finish is not easy. I really want it to have a vibe and flow.

Another thing that can be difficult is egos and attitudes!

You have to deal with a lot of different people in their most vulnerable state so knowing how to deal with that so you have a productive and fun shoot can be challenging. People think porn is just fucking…. it’s so not. Just like any other type of film you have to know how to work with talent and get them to be at their best.

Lastly, you always have to watch for burnout. I’ve been producing porn for over 20 years. And burnout, it’s a thing, burnout is real. So, I take a lot of small trips to remote locations to clear my head and come back fresh with new titles and concepts and music. Getting away from the grind is important to me to help keep me going.

Find Alexis Tae on X @AlexisTae

What do you love most about directing for the industry and what are you most proud of?

Freedom!

I do what I want to do. I don’t have someone telling me “shoot stepson’ videos. I have the ultimate say which I like a lot. If I feel like doing something wild, I can. I love doing showcase movies. Working with brilliant female performers and coming up with ideas is a lot of fun. I am proud of it because I am pretty sure I came up with the concept in 2005 with Tiffany Mynx. When you are a fan of someone, the last thing you want to purchase is a comp. You have seen all those scenes! Old news! So, I wanted to produce all new scenes that fit the star. I was fortunate enough to produce my first – it was called Tiffany & Company. Having it progress to what it is now, it even has its own category for the AVN Awards.

Find Jennifer White on X @jenwhitexxx

Who are your influences?

For film, John Carpenter, David Fincher, Andrew Blake, and Greg Dark. For music, Brian Eno, and Richie Hawtin. I have so many it’s hard to scale it down.

What do you know today that you wish you knew when you started?

Hmmm… that’s a big one.

I was fortunate to be surrounded with solid businesspeople like Stephen J. Hicks and Scott Taylor and John Stagliano. They provided me with a pathway to success. Keep investing in your brand or business. Invest in yourself and treat yourself well because you will be doing a lot of work so it’s important to take care of you and your business.

Find Adriana Chechik on X @AdrianaChechik

What are your goals?

To continue to create adult content that strikes a chord with the viewer.

I think getting older has helped me get more refined in my perversions. I am always keeping myself up to date with technology in film and music so I can do the best that I can do. I have a few new ideas that I’m excited to work on in 2024.

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For more information on Jonni Darkko check out his website at Darkkotv.com, and follow him on X @Darkkotv, and Instagram @darkkoproductions.

Main Photo: VickiChase – find her on X @VickiChase