In an industry often seen as transactional, a new mantra is taking over: connection is currency. It’s not just about the scenes anymore; it’s about the scene—the culture, the friendships, and the fanbases that feel more like family. At the recent AltStar Expo in Las Vegas, a powerhouse panel of creators, directors, and OGs gathered to spill the tea on how they’re building empires not just on content, but on community.
The panel, “Building Community with your Fans and Colleagues,” brought together some of the most dynamic names in the business: veteran director Ivan, camming power couple Anna Cherry and Richard Rall, pioneering producer Scott “Killshot” Owens, and breakout star Autumn Rain. Their message was loud and clear: if you want to last in this business, you need to build a tribe.
The ‘Porn Dad’ and His ‘Humanity First’ Rulebook
When people in the industry call you their “Porn Dad,” you know you’re doing something right. That’s the reputation of Ivan, the award-winning director and CEO of Alt Erotic. With a career spanning nearly three decades, Ivan has seen it all, and his biggest takeaway is simple: treat people like people.
“My reputation as ‘humanity first’ has created a moniker most models call me their ‘Porn Dad’,” Ivan has noted, a title he wears with pride.
This philosophy has been his secret weapon. By mentoring talent and fostering a safe, creative environment, he builds loyalty that lasts. He’s credited with helping launch the careers of legendary models like Christy Mack by focusing on their unique brands. Today, at Alt Erotic, he’s continuing that legacy by bringing on creative artists like Darcy Diamond, Sabien DeMonia, and Musa Phoenix to direct their own series, giving them ownership and a stake in the community. It’s a model that proves that supporting your colleagues is the ultimate way to build a stronger industry for everyone.
Rolling the Dice on Deeper Connections
What do you get when you mix Dungeons & Dragons with adult entertainment? You get Anna Cherry and Richard Rall’s brilliant show, TableTopless. The AVN-nominated couple has been in the camming game for over fifteen years, but they struck gold when they merged their nerdy passions with their work, creating a unique space for fans to connect on a whole new level.
Their show, where they and other cam stars play tabletop RPGs, isn’t just about the sexy cosplay; it’s about shared stories and collaborative fun. This approach transforms viewers from passive consumers into active participants in a shared hobby.
“As a couple that has been together and working together for many years, they have many useful insights,” notes their bio, highlighting how their personal partnership is the foundation for the wider community they’ve built.
From producing their own scenes to training other performers, Anna and Richard prove that community starts with collaboration and a willingness to share your authentic self—even if that self is a half-elf rogue.
The Cosplay Queen Building an Army of Fans
In just a few short years, Autumn Rain has gone from newcomer to one of the most decorated trans performers in the industry, racking up awards from Fleshbot, the TEAs, and more. Her secret? A chameleon-like talent for transformation and a genuine love for her fans.
Autumn’s dedication to cosplay—from Velma to Harley Quinn—does more than just create hot content; it taps into established, passionate fanbases. By embodying beloved characters, she creates an instant connection with viewers who share those passions. Her active presence on social media, where she engages directly with her followers, turns that connection into a loyal community.
Her feature in ASN Magazine and inclusion in the Grooby Girls calendar aren’t just career milestones; they’re proof that fans are hungry for creators they can relate to and root for. Autumn isn’t just a performer; she’s a personality, and in the modern adult industry, that’s everything.
The OG of Alt-Culture
Long before “niche” became a marketing buzzword, Scott “Killshot” Owens was building communities around them. As one of the original founders of the alt-porn scene, he understood something fundamental: people bond over shared subcultures. By launching sites like EroticBPM and RaverPorn, he merged the energy of electronic music and rave culture with adult content.
This wasn’t just about creating a new category of porn; it was about giving a home to a tribe that already existed. Killshot’s work demonstrates that community isn’t something you have to build from scratch. Sometimes, it’s about identifying an underserved audience and creating a space where they feel seen and celebrated.
The Takeaway: Your Vibe Attracts Your Tribe
The running theme from the panel was undeniable. In an age of creator-owned platforms and direct-to-fan engagement, success is no longer dictated by studios alone. It’s built through authentic interaction, shared passions, and mutual respect—both with fans and with fellow performers.
As Ivan’s “Porn Dad” wisdom suggests, fostering a supportive network is just as important as filming the perfect scene. Whether it’s rolling a 20-sided die on cam, embodying a fan-favorite character, or creating a safe space for colleagues to thrive, the future of the industry belongs to those who don’t just make content—they build worlds.
As one panelist might say, “The content might get them in the door, but the community is what makes them stay.”
