From lukeisback.com

American Hardcore Launches



CHATSWORTH, Calif. - Vic Thomas and T.J. DiReda have sold their share in Vertigo Video and launched a new company, American Hardcore.

Partners in the new venture are The Booya Tribe, a hip-hop unit described by direda as “giant Samoan gangsta types.” He said that they will “help brand the company in other markets, such as the upcoming Warped Tour, where they will be playing dates with The Transplants.”

DiReda calls me Monday morning.

Duke: "What happened to you and Caballero [who owned most of T.J.'s former company Vertigo and distributed its product]?"

DiReda: "I have no desire personally or professionally to engage in any vitriolic behavior as it pertains to these guys [Danny Mamain and Tomer, who own and run Caballero]. Over the past year has been an incredible learning experience. They have a specific way of doing things -- comps. It's no secret that Tomer and I didn't see eye to eye on boxcovers, art work, etc... I'm not so much of an ego-based person. Tom is. It was a struggle to have our names on the product and it not be true to the way we see things. That head-butting ended in my early departure.

"My partner Vic and I had been planning to start this new company American Hardcore.

"Caballero wanted me to help them with Fever Pictures, Blue Pictures, but they didn't listen to any of my advice.

"I come from a creative family background. My parents are actors. I worked in the traditional movie business as a literary agent. Collaborating was something that came easy to me but it wasn't easy for these guys. I had been forewarned about that.

"We've partnered with the Booya Tribe, who are notorious and infamous for being intimidating guys. We've been friends for years.

"When I left [three months ago], I heard there was concern and interest by our former partners [Danny and Tomer]. I just want to be left alone. It's created tensions. There are a lot of questions coming from that direction. Some comments about sabotaging. It's a shame. It doesn't have to be this way.

"I don't want my partners to be affected by this. It would be no secret that these are not the kind of guys you want to incite."

Duke: "Are you saying you've been physically threatened?"

DiReda: "Not at all. There's been talk about sabotaging the company, messing with our sales.

"I worked for Joel Silver as a creative executive. I left and went to the [agency] Writers & Artists where I represented Details magazine sex columnist Anka Radakovich, Timothy White (Editor of Billboard), Snoop Dog, Warren G, Paul Hunter. Then I was partnered up with Neve Campbell and her brother running her production company. I burned out on the Hollywood business. Bill Asher, a friend of mine who was a President of Vivid, offered me a job at Vivid in marketing."

Duke: "What do you love and hate about being in the adult industry?"

DiReda: "I love not having to wear a suit and tie. I love the freedom to create. I like the ability to pull the trigger and get things done.

"A lot of people in this business are greedy and don't want to see people succeed.

"All the money in the world isn't going to buy happiness. It's whether your soul is in tact at the end of the day.

"Other things I don't like about the business -- there can be some misogynistic attitudes about women."

Well, I've tried two different Vertigo DVD's, and neither one would play on my DVD player. All others play fine.

AMERICAN HARDCORE PREPARES TO LAUNCH

Van Nuys, CA, August 22, 2005 -TJ direda and Vic Thomas have sold their share of Vertigo Video to partners at Caballero and prepare to unleash their new gonzo company, AMERICAN HARDCORE.

Direda and Thomas have also joined forces with the infamous Booya Tribe as they prepare to launch AMERICAN HARDCORE in September.

“The number one priority is quality control and hard hitting sex. Hardcore will focus on super high gloss and super hard sex. We have taken our time while spending all our energy in perfecting the look of the content, the box covers and the unique packaging. This company will be the result of intense focus and planning.

American Hardcore’s first two titles, ASS FUCK AND PROM TEAM are both in the anal and gangbang niche and speak to the company’s no bullshit approach to dirty, hard slick looking sex. AH’S directors will be MARTIN DEL TORO and new comer TOMMY JOE. Del Toro is no stranger to the team since he directs for Vertigo, and has been the topic of discussion in reference to his talent and bright future.

The Booya Tribe and their popularity in the music scene will aid in branding the company in other markets such as the up coming Warped Tour, where they will be playing dates with the TRANSPLANTS. Their reputation and image represent American Hardcore’s planned diversity and growth in other markets and business.

September will kick off with the release of Tommy Joe’s ASS FUCK and Del Toro’s PROM TEAM, while the company begins its aggressive and methodical marketing and branding of a name that speaks for itself.

For more info- www.info@americanhardcore.com

The Boo-Ya Tribe? That's funny. Never-where has-beens. I can't believe they're still around. Thay can't barely keep a career going let alone “help brand the company in other markets, such as the upcoming Warped Tour."