Page 22 - AVN July 2025

WICKED’S ‘ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE VALLEY’ PREMIERES IN DTLA
On June 26, legacy adult studio Wicked Pictures hosted a theater premiere for its big summer release, Once Upon
A Time in the Valley, directed by Seth Gamble. The movie stars Jennifer White, Parker Ambrose, Blake Blossom and
Ken Feels—along with a stellar list of popular performers in its large ensemble cast.
Many were there to see themselves on the big screen, including Isiah Maxwell, Melissa Stratton, Lana Smalls, James
Bartholet and comedian Daniel Shar, among others. Wicked Head of Production Jessica Jasmin said she was glad
to see the results of the cast and crew’s heartfelt work.
Hosted at an independent theater event space in Downtown Los Angeles’ historic core, adult stars and industry
personalities turned out for the screening and enjoyed drinks and finger foods served on the rooftop bar, overlooking
the area around Main Street and 3rd.
Unusual for an adult movie to host a theatrical premiere, much less against the backdrop of recent civil unrest in
DTLA, the atmosphere was charged with energy and anticipation of the R-rated screening.
Industry personalities that were seen at the event included director Ricky Greenwood, Kira Noir, Wicked director
Claudia Ross, Dominique Simone, Will Ryder, Selena Ivy, writer Tod Hunter, publicist Alexander “Monstar” Raymond,
Jennifer White’s husband and producer, Deacon, Nicole Kitt, Ariel Demure, Lilly Bell, and director David Lord, among
others.
Written by Gamble and adult screenwriter Melissa Monet, the movie’s plot is based loosely on Gamble’s experiences
as a rookie talent, breaking into the industry during the heyday of gonzo content. Set in the ‘90s, the story has many
insider’s references to well-known figures of the era, when Jim South’s World Modeling was the premier talent agency
in “Porn Valley,” the fame of female contract stars—like the Wicked Girls—was fierce and sometimes fleeting, and for
male talent, the competition was literally stiff.
≠ STORY: JOANNE CACHAPERO
≠ PHOTOGRAPHY: KOGAFOTO
2 2 A V N . C O M | 7. 2 5 | N E W S