Construction worker, bartender and X-rated auteur - Mercenary Pictures director Jimmy Scaffnetti is a man of many talents.

Originally from British Columbia, Scaffnetti joined Mercenary Pictures in 2006 and directs “Nasty Universe,” “Climaxxx TV,” and “White Man’s Revenge.” His porn pedigree comes from his previous and solid work with accomplished male performer Erik Everhard and Mike John, widely considered to be one of the founders of the gonzo movement.

“Erik was having some issues getting what he wanted,” Scaffnetti said. “He had a distinct way he wanted his stuff shot, and I guess that it wasn’t being done the way he wanted. He called me - we were friends - and asked me if he thought I could do it. He knew I had an incredible work ethic and I think he knew I had a background in sports and automotive photography so he knew I could frame something and that I could be trained to do this.”

He quickly gained a reputation as a go-to director for all-sex projects and quickly met with critical praise as well. His first scenes, shot in Prague with Everhard, were part of a title that garnered an Editor’s Choice in AVN.

The other notables Scaffnetti’s worked with in the industry, since he began in 2002, is a who’s who of gonzo’s top tier: Steve Holmes, Manuel Ferrera, Sean Michaels and Vince Vouyer. After a brief hiatus, he returned to Los Angeles and the adult industry.

“When I came back in ‘04, I shot for John Strong, Steve Holmes and shot some behind the scenes for Manuel Ferrara and of course, Lex,” he said. “Basically, I’ve been under the wing of the right guys at the right time. I didn’t have to put up with too much bullshit and I didn’t have to whore myself out.”

Scaffnetti has nothing but praise for his work with Mercenary Pictures and appreciates being able to work with someone of Steele’s caliber and background.

“Lex is easy to work with and he’s very flexible,” he said. “There weren’t too many restrictions on what I could or couldn’t shoot. He told me to give him product with my vision. I can structure my scenes in any way. I can shoot them anywhere I want, when it comes to the location.”