FILTHY!

In Lagina’s candid debut memoir, a man recounts his tumultuous years as a director/producer of pornographic content.

The author, a few years before adopting his Spoonerism alias, moved from Miami to Los Angeles armed with two film degrees. When his debt piled up, he took a job directing a pornographic video, which led to other gigs in that often-vilified field. He eventually settled in Las Vegas, where he earned a reputation for his work ethic, delivering solid content within the available budget. His personal life took a few hits over the years, as he failed in romantic relationships and developed a cocaine habit. There were professional reversals as well; rivals seemed intent on taking directing gigs from Lagina, and video sites offering free online porn cut into some of the adult industry’s profits. The author frankly depicts porn shoots, explicitly detailing which part is going where and all the sticky aftermath; in fact, he openly discusses all aspects of his life, from legal troubles to his beloved German Shepherds. Much of the prose is tongue-in-cheek, courtesy of his alter ego, “Osmodeus Zpaceball”; “OZ” periodically interrupts passages with knowing remarks and quips (“Gee, I wonder what happened next”). Lagina is brutally honest across the board, disparaging people at will, though he doesn’t use everyone’s real names. Nevertheless, this memoir also has its share of sincere moments, as when the author spotlights a handful of deceased adult stars. As the porn industry’s darker side, in this day and age, is more widely understood, this behind-the-scenes account isn’t exactly eye-opening. Moreover, Lagina seems a bit dismissive of the relevant #MeToo movement. His engaging candor regarding himself and his profession, however, makes for an absorbing personal tale.

An unapologetically unfiltered look at making a living in adult entertainment.