The Answer to How To Become A Porn Star?
Liz Vicious
OK after getting 1000’s of people asking me this over the years I hope this will
help.
How To Become A Porn Star?
How It Really Works & How To Get Involved
Many
people write to ask how they can become a porn star or to produce
porn. The following is 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 do not hire MALE porn actors so please do not contact us asking
for a job.
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. However, if you look back on
your life with mountains of regret and feel that many of your choices ended-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. 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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.your energy level up. Sleeping
through an alarm clock is also considered unacceptable.
6. You Are Being Paid To Be CooperativeRemember
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Examples of OLD A-List Porn Stars-
Liz Vicious
