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How
To Become A
Porn Star?
How
It Really Works
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Many
people write to ask how they can become a porn star and
I wanted to write an article on the topic so that this information
can be shared with anyone interested.
The
first thing I want to say is that we are not porn producers
and do not hire porn actors so please do not fall under
the impression that we are a good place to contact for such
a job.
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Lisa S. Lawless, Ph.D., C.E.O.
Holistic
Wisdom Founder |
Secondly,
while we ourselves are not porn stars, we certainly know a great
deal about the industry and know many people in it. What I can
share with you is information that may help to discern if it is
right for you or someone you know.
Is
It Right For You?
The core issue
that must first be addressed is if it is "right" for
someone to do. This is certainly a choice that one should come
to on their own terms. What I do recommend is that if you are
considering it, you of course need to be over 18 in the USA to
even contemplate it.
Timing
For Making The Decision
However, beyond
chronological age it is important to think about the choices that
you have made in the past to make sure you are using the best
judgment for this huge, often life altering decision. If you feel
good about the choices you have made in the past and feel confident
in your decision making skills and maturity level then perhaps
you are in a "good place" to make the best choice now.
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However,
if you look back on your life with mountains of regret and
feel that many of your choices ended up backfiring, perhaps
it is not a good time to make this decision and a better
time for you to do some heavy soul searching to first address
why you have made unhealthy decisions in the past; address
those issues and then revisit this decision.
The
porn industry is a business and the actors or "talent"
in it are often not provided with much consideration. Unless
one becomes an "A-list" actor then most often
the money is not much and you are asked to perform much
more intense sexual acts like double anal penetration and
group sex.
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It may be
a better choice to try and volunteer as an assistant or "Fluffer"
before you dive in the deep end. For those of you who don't know,
a "Fluffer" is someone who stimulates the actors (mainly
males) to aid them in maintaining their erection for scenes.
You should
also know that most likely you will be asked to perform with both
sexes so those who are homophobic may want to think this through
more carefully.
Also remember
that most likely your family and friends will find out about it
and it may impact your ability to get a job in the future. We
all know about Vanessa Williams and her Playboy fiasco... just
think what a potential boss for an public relations or grade school
teacher will think if they find out about your porn history.
If you have
or plan on having kids you need to take into consideration that
while you may be able to explain to them what you do as a good
choice for you, the other parents, teachers and kids may not and
your child may have to face the stigma of their parent being a
porn actor.
These are
just a few of the things you need to think about before jumping
into the porn industry as it is important to make a well thought
out decision about something that can be potential controversial
for you in various aspects of your life.
How
Hard Is It To Be A Porn Actor?
It is very
challenging to become a professional porn actor so if you are
serious about making a career out of this be ready to really work
for your shot at it. You should also note that is much more difficult
for men than it is for women. However, women too are often shocked
at how hard it is for them to get involved with a legitimate company
and get paid well. For men, you have a very small chance at becoming
a successful porn star and if you are only willing to do heterosexual
scenes your chances are reduced even more.
Amateur
Porn Vs. Professional Porn-
It is obviously
much easier to become an amateur porn actor than it is to be a
highly paid professional porn actor. If you want to sell content
to people, make sure to only send a small sample and have a contract
and asking price ready. The best way to know what the industry
is like is to spend a lot of time researching content buyers,
distributors and don't forget the legal aspects of all of this.
These days
it seems that many people take their home movies to the web. Of
course selling them on their own site takes some eCommerce business
savvy and you can learn more about this through our Get
Rich Selling Amateur Adult Videos or Pics Online article.
Men
Who Want To Be Porn Stars
Although living
in California helps, it is not the old real estate adage of Location,
Location, Location that will make it possible for you
to become a porn star... rather it is Endurance, Endurance,
Endurance. You will not just be judged by how good looking
or well hung you are, in order to be successful as a leading man
you must be able to get hard, stay hard, and have orgasms on command.
It takes practice, stamina and you should know that once you audition,
you pretty much have one shot so get ready for performance anxiety.
Of course
most of the people who seem to want to become a porn star tend
to be men and they tend to want to be a highly paid professional.
Again, there really is not a lot of openings for men who want
to do professional porn and even less for all heterosexual porn.
Perhaps you may have noticed if you are an avid porn watcher but
there are only a few "A-list" guys and they get used
over and over in features because they are reliable and porn makers
don't like having to audition too often.
Insider
Tip-
Find an extraordinarily
beautiful girl who will let you (exclusively) ride her coat tails
into the Adult Film Industry. However, note that unless you have
a strong agreement, she needs to break into the industry herself
and may have to drop you to attain her own success. Remember,
this is a highly competitive field and hundreds of drop dead gorgeous
women attempt to break into the industry every year.
The
Cold Harsh Truth For Men-
If you do
make it, don’t expect to make a lot of money unless you do gay
porn and/or become an "A list" actor. Guys get paid
“peanuts” to perform (yes, the girls can make good money, but
keep in mind that most viewers look at the girl and could care
less about the guy. Guys in the industry of straight porn of often
seen as a prop by film makers.
Producers
and Directors usually will not accept new guys, no matter who
recommends them or what their “credentials." If you are fortunate
enough to be chosen for an audition if you desire one, you really
only get one chance and your critics will be harsh.
Remember that
there’s a lot of pressure on a man in this industry as he can’t
fake an erection or a cum shot, nor can he hide climaxing before
the Director tells him to cum; likewise, he has to have a solid
erection whenever the camera is rolling, and for as long as it
takes to film his portion of the scene (normally one-two hours)
and despite constant starting and stopping for such things as
changing camera batteries and/or film, relocating the lighting
and/or camera angle, shifting back and forth to foreplay and long
shots, potty, make-up, cigarette, water, etc. breaks, and on and
on!
How
Men Are Judged & Can Prepare-
Penis size,
looks, muscles, and acting ability are important but again, it
will ultimately boil down to your ability to get an almost-instant
erection, maintain it, control it, and orgasm only when told to
(and then do it quickly without wasting the time of the production
employees). Be prepared to have perfect personal hygiene, get
HIV tests every month, and be prepared to sit around on sets,
sometimes for hours, waiting for your scene to be filmed.
How
Women Are Judged & Can Prepare-
Facial appeal,
breast size (shape and overall appearance), vaginal appearance,
body (tone, body fat, skin tone), hygiene (pubically groomed,
long hair on head is preferable, nicely done nails, good natural
beauty with or without make-up) and finally your acting ability.
You have it easy compared to men because with a little lubricant
you can fake your way through the whole production. Be prepared
to get HIV Tests every month, and like men be prepared to sit
around on sets, sometimes for hours, waiting for your scene to
be filmed.
Get
An Agent-
Getting a
reputable agent is key. They will not only help you with advice,
bookings and providing a valuable resource but they can handle
negotiations for you by already having your needs in mind while
using their vast knowledge of the industry. You must find a reputable
Agent or you can get screwed before it gets filmed!
An AVN article
listed a top agent as Jim South of World Modeling (818) 986-4316.
But do not call until you are serious about doing this and are
prepared for a meeting. Calling an agent with too many questions
from not doing your homework will be a sure sign that you are
not ready to even get an agent let alone start your career in
porn.
Top
Ten Rules When Working In Porn-
| 1. |
Understand
Images Are Forever
Once you are captured on film your work is there for all
the world to see and will remain available should the distributor
choose. Even if your video is discontinued it will still
be out there and may even become pirated and viewable illegally.
Not only that but the pictures promoting the film may not
only be used by the distributors but may be easily copied
by anyone who visits the web sites selling them.
You
will always run the risk of someday having a friend or family
member and/or employer seeing your photo or video. Will
you be able to handle their reaction? Read about what happened
with us for simply becoming sex educators in our article-
Risks
Of Working In Sexual Health
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| 2. |
Be Current In Testing For STDs
When
you show up on a set you will be asked for your HIV test
and (possibly) for more STD test paperwork. Don't show up
without them and keep them current. Thirty days is the current
requirement. Don't work with anyone who has old paperwork
or who "forgot their papers." It's your health at stake.
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| 3. |
Have
Your Proper Identification
When you show up on a set you will be asked for at least
TWO forms of photo identification. Don't leave home without
them. The industry is required by Federal law to have a
photo copy of your ID on file. You will be required to "slate"
for the camera holding your ID. You will most likely be
sent home, unpaid, for not having your ID with you.
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| 4. |
Have
Good Personal Hygiene
Bathe, douche, keep your hair clean and trim. Keep your
nails manicured and above all, see your dentist regularly.
Your smile has to be captured. Close-ups during oral sex
scenes will pick up improper tooth care. Don't let decay,
chips and yellowing keep you from getting work.
When
you are on a set, freshen up between sex scenes. You'll
also want the performer you're working with to do the same.
Take the first step and be as fresh as you want him (or
her) to be.
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| 5. |
Be Punctual & Quick To Perform The Way You Are Asked
To-
Once
you commit to a time, place and project, get there early.
Remember, you are not the only person scheduled to be there.
In a video you have your co-stars, the gaffers, the camera
crew, the makeup crew, the wardrobe people, the director.
If they can make it to the set on schedule, so can you.
If
you blow off a shoot, or arrive very late, you will develop
a deserved reputation for being unreliable. An agent you
use will not want to risk recommending you as they too have
a reputation to protect.
That
will lead to less work, because time is money and the producer
will still have to pay everybody for waiting for you. One
of the best ways to be on time is to have your own reliable
form of transportation. That is especially true in Los Angeles
where over 80% of adult videos are made and where public
transportation is more of a nuisance than a blessing.
Don't
depend on anyone but yourself to get you to the set on time.
"My ride was late" is not considered an acceptable excuse.
Also, don't go out partying the night before a shoot. You
want to look fresh and have your energy level up. Sleeping
through an alarm clock is also considered unacceptable.
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| 6. |
You
Are Being Paid To Be Cooperative
Remember
that the screenwriter, producer and director have hired
you to do a project that they envision. Most of them have
spent hours developing a project that you could ruin in
minutes by being uncooperative. Although most film-makers
will listen to constructive criticism, or ask for some creative
input, be very tactful and never forget that they are paying
you to be in their project, not the opposite. Also be courteous,
friendly and respectful of your co-workers. Prima donna
attitudes are not tolerated easily.
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| 7. |
Do
Only The Sex Acts You Want To
When
you interview/audition for a part in a video, always ask
what sex acts you need to perform in the project. If you
have an aversion to a specific act, say so at the time and
turn down the role.
An
example of this would be, if you are asked to be in a video
called "Ass Attack," and you dislike anal sex, don't accept
the job. Do your homework. If you are an actress who doesn't
like to perform with women, a title such as "No Man's Land"
is definitely not for you.
Do
not wait until you are on a set to bow out of a scene. Time
is money to the producer. Let him know before you are hired
what or who you will not do. The only exception not to go
through with a scene that you agreed in advance to do is
the lack of proper HIV test papers by your partner.
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| 8. |
Don't
Perform Free Samples On A Producer
You
do not have to go the "casting couch" route to get a job.
Most of the legit agents, casting agents, directors and
producers are not required to get HIV tests done. You are
hired on the basis of your talent, appearance, reputation
and availability. Having free sex to get a part does not
guarantee you the job.
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| 9. |
Don't
Sign The Model Release Form Until You Have Payment
We
shouldn't have to explain this one, but you would be very
surprised to learn how many actresses have fallen for such
lines as "I forgot my checkbook, come back tomorrow." The
producer can't sell the footage until after has the model
release, don't give him one until you've been paid.
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| 10. |
Be
Loyal To Your Original Agent
This
is the person that helps your career with advice, contacts
with companies, gets you the auditions, books your road
trips and gives you a shoulder to cry on. Do not back stab
them or treat them badly. Treat your agent as you want him
to treat you.
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Examples
of A-List Porn Stars-
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Female
Porn Stars
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Male
Porn Stars
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Porn
Resources: Directories-
AVN Media
Network has the AVN Industry Directory (AVN-ID) which is released
every year. It is the adult industry's most comprehensive "who's
who" directory and business resource. Containing up-to-date contact
information for over 2,500 companies and is where you can find
porn studios to contact.
In addition
to verified and updated contact listings, the AVN Industry Directory
contains a wealth of information including a chronology of of
industry milestones, 2257 guidelines, a list of adult charitable
foundations and valuable tips for maximizing trade show exhibition
and video production in Los Angeles County.
The directory
is available for sale by phone at (818) 718-5788 or online at
www.avnid.com. Each directory
sells for $99 inclusive of tax and shipping.
We
Do Not Produce Porn-
As we are
not porn producers, you should not contact us for further information
on how to become a porn star as we will not be able to assist
you further and would only be able refer you back to this article.
This article is simply a resource for you of things to consider.
We wish you luck in your future endeavors.
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The
Holistic Wisdom Corporation