Chad Donovan - Porn Career (2001-present)

Porn Career (2001-present)

In 2001, although still performing occasionally, Donovan began to transition behind the camera. It was during production of the Men of Odyssey film "Carnal Intentions" that company president Bob East broached the idea of directing. "He asked me if I'd be interested in directing. He said I seemed to have a good knack for finding talent, I've been in the industry long enough, why don't I try putting a movie together? So I did." That film was titled "Movin' On," and it was during production that he met and began a relationship with cast member Antonio Madiera, which continues to this day. "I had no intention of getting a boyfriend out of it. I hired the kid, I really liked the way he looked, he performed like a champ, and every time I looked down—when I wasn't even shooting him, I'd be shooting other boys in a scene—he'd be looking up at me with these puppydog eyes. I just couldn't resist."

Although Donovan credits directors Chi Chi LaRue, John Rutherford and Steven Scarborough with influencing his career as a performer and director, he says the greatest influence has come from producer/director Jim Steel. "I could not have done it without Jim Steel, who is basically the person behind what made me what I am today."

He later joined Studio 2000 as a production manager and casting director. In August 2006, Studio 2000 owner David McKay hired veteran gay porn industry columnist and adult film director J. C. Adams as his new chief of production. Adams replaced Scott Masters, the award-winning director and co-founder of Studio 2000 who retired after selling the production house. McKay announced that Adams would manage all the studio's productions, while Donovan would handle talent development. Donovan left Studio 2000 later that year and briefly joined Falcon Studios in a similar capacity.

Donovan's final onscreen sexual performances (as of December 2007) were in 2004. One of those films, "Studs 'N Pups" for MSR Videos, was the first time he and boyfriend Madiera performed together. Madiera continues to act occasionally, usually in films that Donovan directs. In 2007, Donovan helmed Basic Plumbing 3 for Falcon Studios; the film starred Chase Hunter and brought them back together 16 years after Hunter introduced Donovan to the industry. Although essentially retired as a sexual performer, Donovan occasionally appears in nonsexual roles. His early roles remain in circulation as they are continually repackaged into compilation tapes.