Known for his highly creative narrative approach to storytelling, writer and director Ricky Greenwood is one of the most respected figures in the adult film industry, with over 800 award nominations for directing, screenplays, cinematography and editing from AVN, XBIZ XMAs, TEAs, DSN, NightMoves, XRCOs, Urban X and more. Forbes magazine called him “the hardest working director in porn” and with over 500 titles on his resume, he’s more than earned the accolade.
Wet Ink caught up with the prolific filmmaker to discuss how he got his start, his preparation and process for making movies, the projects he’s most proud of, his influences and his advice for those aspiring to create and work behind the camera in adult cinema.
How did you get your start in the adult industry?
I actually got my start in the industry as a Production Manager at Mile High Media. My job was to oversee productions across all of their brands and help improve the way things were being done behind the scenes.
At some point, the owner came to me and said, “You have a lot of ideas about how these movies should be made, why don’t you direct one and show us?” So in 2017, I got the opportunity to direct my first feature, Confessions of a Sinful Nun. Honestly, I was just excited to prove myself and put my vision on screen.
The movie did really well, and that opened the door for me to direct more projects like Becoming Elsa and Talk Derby to Me the following year. Before I knew it, I had gone from managing productions to directing full-time.
How do you prepare for a shoot?
I’ll read the script multiple times and try to see the movie in my head before we ever get to set. I’m thinking about the tone, the visual style, the pacing, and how I want the audience to feel while watching it.
Once I have a clear vision, I’ll start watching movies that capture the mood or style I’m aiming for. It helps me get into the right creative headspace and often sparks new ideas for shots, performances, or visual storytelling. Whether it’s a classic film, a grindhouse movie, a thriller, or something more modern, I’m always looking for inspiration. By the time we start shooting, I want to have a strong roadmap in my mind.
What’s the most challenging part of your job that people on the outside would never expect?
One thing that people outside the industry probably don’t realize is how much of the job is adapting to unexpected changes. No matter how much preparation you do, things change constantly. A location falls through, an actor gets sick, the weather changes, a prop doesn’t arrive, or a scene suddenly has to be reworked on the spot.
As a director, that can be frustrating, especially when those changes affect the story or the vision you had in mind. But over the years, I’ve learned that filmmaking is really about problem-solving. You can spend weeks planning every detail, but once you’re on set, you have to be ready to adjust and find creative solutions. I always say that every movie throws a hundred curveballs at you. The difference between a good production and a great one is often how well you handle those challenges. Sometimes the best moments in a film come from adapting to something that wasn’t part of the original plan.
What do you look for in a performer that you choose to star in one of your big features?
When I’m casting someone in a big feature, I’m looking for a performer who’s ready to go on a creative adventure with me. Making a movie can be intense, demanding, and sometimes a little crazy, so I want someone who trusts the process, trusts the production and is willing to fully immerse themselves in the story we’re trying to tell.
I also look for people who genuinely love what they do. The performers who stand out the most are usually the ones who are passionate about their craft and excited to be part of something bigger than themselves. They’re not just there to collect a paycheck or chase attention, they want to create something memorable. From a performance standpoint, authenticity is incredibly important to me. I don’t like performances that feel forced or overly exaggerated. I always encourage performers to be natural and honest in front of the camera.
How has the industry changed since you started, and how have you adapted to those changes?
The industry has changed quite a bit since I started. One of the biggest shifts I’ve seen is the move from a studio-driven business to a performer-driven business. When I first got into the industry, studios had a lot more influence over careers, content, and distribution. Today, performers have more opportunities to build their own brands, connect directly with fans, and take control of their careers.
There are definitely positives to that change. Talent has more freedom, more independence, and more ownership over their work than ever before. They don’t have to rely exclusively on studios to find success, which has opened a lot of doors for many people. At the same time, I think something has been lost along the way. The industry used to feel a little more like a creative community, where everyone was focused on making fun, entertaining projects together. Today, it’s much more business-oriented, which is understandable, but sometimes that sense of spontaneity and collaboration isn’t as strong as it once was.
As for adapting, I’ve tried to embrace both worlds. I understand that performers are entrepreneurs now, and I respect that. At the same time, when I’m making a movie, I still try to create an environment where people can have fun and be creative.
What’s your relationship like with the performers you work with? How do you create a comfortable environment on set?
I try to maintain a professional relationship with the performers I work with while also making sure they feel respected, supported and safe on set. One of the positive changes I’ve seen in the industry over the years is the increased focus on performer safety and well-being. Studios now bring in more people and resources specifically dedicated to making sure talent feels comfortable throughout the production process. That’s been a great step forward for the industry as a whole.
As a director, I want performers to know what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and that they can speak up if they have concerns or questions. When performers feel safe and valued, they’re able to give more authentic performances and that’s ultimately better for everyone involved.
Is there a project you’re most proud of and why does it stand out to you above the rest?
If I had to pick one project, it would be The Bargain, a movie I made in 2021. That film is special to me because almost every studio I pitched it to turned it down. Nobody really believed in the project, but I believed in it enough that I decided to finance it myself and take the risk.
Thankfully, that risk paid off. The reaction from both fans and the industry was incredible, and the success of The Bargain completely changed my career. It gave me confidence in my instincts as a filmmaker and proved that sometimes you have to bet on yourself when nobody else will.
What also makes the movie important is that it helped establish a style that would become one of my trademarks: blending horror and sexuality together. At the time, it wasn’t necessarily a combination that everyone was chasing, but it connected with audiences and opened a lot of doors for me creatively.
What do you wish mainstream audiences understood about what it takes to make a quality adult film?
I wish mainstream audiences understood how much work, talent, and dedication goes into making a quality adult film. The reality is that the people working in this industry— directors, performers, writers, cinematographers, editors, makeup artists and crew members are putting in the same effort and passion as filmmakers in any other genre. What makes it even more impressive is that we’re often creating these movies with a fraction of the budget available to mainstream productions. In many cases, we’re expected to deliver entertaining, visually appealing and technically solid films with maybe 10% of the resources a Hollywood production would have.
I think there’s still a stigma attached to the adult industry that prevents people from recognizing the craftsmanship behind many of these projects. That’s frustrating at times because there are adult films being made today that are every bit as ambitious, creative and well-produced as many independent or B-movies in the mainstream world. I also believe our industry has influenced mainstream filmmaking more than people realize. Whether it’s storytelling techniques, marketing, technology, or the way content is distributed, adult entertainment has often been ahead of the curve. While we may not always get credit for it, our industry has played a role in shaping modern media in ways that many people don’t recognize.
At the end of the day, we’re filmmakers. We tell stories, entertain audiences and work incredibly hard to create something people will enjoy. That’s what I wish more people understood.
Who in the industry — director, performer, or otherwise — has influenced or inspired you the most?
One of the biggest influences on my career was director Robby D. Like a lot of people in the industry, I admired his work for years. He had a huge impact on adult filmmaking and helped define an era of the industry, especially through his work with Digital Playground, a studio that I have always respected and admired.
What makes that influence even more meaningful is that I was fortunate enough to become friends with him before he passed away in 2021. Getting to know someone whose work you admire is rare, and I learned a lot from both his creativity and his approach to filmmaking.
When I joined Digital Playground in 2023, it felt like a full-circle moment for me. My first movie with the studio was dedicated to Robby and the legacy he left behind. It was my way of honoring someone who helped shape the industry and inspired me as a filmmaker.
His influence can still be felt today, not just in my work, but throughout the entire industry. He showed that adult films could be ambitious, cinematic and entertaining, and that’s something I’ve always tried to carry forward in my own projects.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about you personally, or about directors in this industry in general?
I think one of the biggest misconceptions people have about directors and professionals in the adult industry is that we’re somehow lazy, untalented, or that we chose an easy path. The reality couldn’t be further from the truth. Making movies, regardless of the genre, takes an incredible amount of hard work, creativity, dedication and sacrifice. The people in this industry wear a lot of hats and often have to accomplish things with a fraction of the time and budget available to mainstream productions. That requires a tremendous amount of skill and problem solving.
Personally, I think some people assume that because I work in adult entertainment, the job is easy or that success just happens on its own. What they don’t see are the long hours, the planning, the stress, the constant challenges, and the years spent learning the craft. Like any filmmaker, I’ve had to work hard to build my career and earn opportunities. At the end of the day, most of us are simply passionate filmmakers who love telling stories and creating entertainment. We may work in a different genre, but the dedication, effort and love for filmmaking are exactly the same.
You’re one of the most prolific directors in the industry. How do you prevent yourself from getting burned out?
I think the key to avoiding burnout is making sure your entire life doesn’t revolve around work. I love making movies, but I also make a point of stepping away from filmmaking and enjoying the things that keep me grounded. For me, that means spending time with my dog, listening to vinyl records, going to concerts, or sitting back with a good cigar. Those simple moments help me recharge.
If you want to have a long career, you have to take care of yourself and make room for the things that bring you happiness outside of work.
What is your go-to camera to film with?
For me, it’s RED. I’ve always loved the look that RED cameras produce. I know they’re not for everyone, and I know some filmmakers prefer other systems, but for the way I like to shoot, they just work.
Even before I got into the industry, I had a lot of respect for the images people were creating with RED cameras. There’s something about the texture, color and overall cinematic feel that really speaks to me. When I see footage coming out of a RED camera, it often has the look I’m trying to achieve in my own work.
At the end of the day, there isn’t a perfect camera, it’s all about the right tool for the job and what inspires you as a filmmaker. For me, RED has always been that camera. It’s a creative choice as much as a technical one, and it’s a look that I genuinely love.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to do what you do?
My advice would be simple: don’t do it for the money or the fame. Do it because you genuinely love making movies. Filmmaking can be an amazing career, but it’s also a lot of hard work, long hours, stress and problem-solving. If your only motivation is money or recognition, it’s going to be very difficult to stay passionate when things get tough. The people who last in this industry are usually the ones who truly love the creative process.
Watch movies, study storytelling, learn every aspect of production and never stop improving your craft. Be willing to start at the bottom, listen to experienced people and learn from your mistakes. Every project, whether it’s a success or a failure, will teach you something valuable.
Most importantly, make the movies you want to see. Follow your instincts, take creative risks, and don’t be afraid to bet on yourself. Some of the best opportunities in my career came from believing in a project when nobody else did.
At the end of the day, if you love creating, telling stories and bringing ideas to life, you’ll always find a reason to keep going. That’s what filmmaking should be about.
