from
http://www.vanitybookings.com/adultindustry101.html-----------------------
Here it is: the controversial top 12 list that has been copied and ripped off by more adult sites then I care to mention. I guess "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." But let there be no doubt, these words come to you exclusively from MJ Christensen and Vince DeCarlo Productions!
ADULT INDUSTRY 101
The following page should be required reading for anyone considering entering the adult industry in any capacity. Vince DeCarlo Productions has a reputation for telling the truth. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
The following information is the result of over three decades of combined experience. We know what we're talking about and new performers would be well advised to listen and learn.
The adult entertainment industry is filled with so many half-truths, myths, and blantant lies that it would take a lifetime to cover everything. So for now we will simply examine a few of the more popular issues. As always, the best advice is to use the brain God gave you. If something doesn't feel right, take a walk. There is a tomorrow . . . there always will be.
1. The Jenna Jameson Myth:
At least two or three times a week we get emails or calls from girls who honestly believe they are destined to be the next "Jenna Jameson", the next great American Porn Star. Why? Well, they watched the E! Hollywood True Story and saw the biography of Jenna and her rise to the top of the adult video world, etc. And they're convinced they can do the same. Look, Jenna is a pretty girl. She is smart. She has managed to parlay her name into a multi-million dollar enterprise. But truthfully, people win the lottery in this country, too. For every Jenna Jameson there are thousands of other girls who don't make it past their first film. I have no problem with "Jenna" being your role model, but please don't base your career decisions around her success. Because ultimately, the only person who is going to keep you safe in this business is YOU. When you show up in some hotel room to shoot your first video, YOU are the one who will have sex with some stranger on camera. Not Jenna. She's not gonna pay your bills or explain to your mom and dad why their "little girl" is doing porn etc. YOU are the captain of your own destiny . . . don't ever forget that.
2. "Don't Worry Kid, Your Parents Won't Find Out" = LIE!:
This is one of the oldest lies in the business, usally told by some fringe producer who is trying to convince the former high school prom queen to do a video. Truth is, we live in the information age (or the internet era if you will). Everything ends up on some website, it's as self-evident as death and taxes! Don't fall for the other great con job that goes like this: "We only shoot for private collectors. We only shoot for overseas clients like Russia or China etc. No one in America will see it." Bullshit! The internet doesn't have borders last time we checked! Listen up, before you ever do your first video--- repeat the following: "Anything I ever shoot can and mostly likely will end up being seen by someone I know!" If you can't handle the idea of Aunt Tilly or Uncle Fudd watching your naked ass on their screen, adult video isn't for you.
3. Bait and Switch Bookings:
For those of you who have been in the industry for awhile, this scam might be something you've experienced. You are booked for girl/girl scene or a standard boy/girl shoot. That's what the producer tells you anyway. Or maybe that's what he tells your agent or manager etc. Problem is, when you show up on the set, the scene has been changed! And usually it's been changed to the "extreme." I know one young lady who was booked for a solo and ended up doing a double penetration shoot (for the same money!) because she was new to the business and thought she was being professional! NOT! There was nothing professional about that particular booking and the producers should be ashamed of themselves. Do not ever take a booking without knowing exactly what the scene is and how much it pays. And never negotiate on the set. All those details should be worked out before you arrive. And if any producer tells you that "the scene has changed", either take a walk or make sure that your performance fee reflects the new scene if it is more involved than what you were booked for originally.
4. Prima Donnas/Boyfriends:
You know who you are. You've never done much of anything in the industry, but you think you're bigger than Jenna herself! You place a listing on sites like Sexyjobs.com and it reads like this: "My name is Julie. I only work with my old man. I want lots of money. I will expect roses in my dressing room. I demand a make up artist. I am really doing the world a favor even being alive much less shooting a scene for you! Blah Blah Blah." Screw you, Julie! Because no producer is going to bother working with you. Why should they? I encourage all performers to present themselves in a professional manner. But don't come across like the world should give a shit about you--- because in the end, this is still adult video. There are a million girls out there better looking than you and a whole lot easier to work with.
Boyfriends: Listen, you're a cute 19 year old girl who has just entered the business. Your boyfriend Rick thinks it's "hot" that his babe is gonna be a porn star. At first. But after awhile the jealousy thing starts to kick in because Rick really doesn't much like the fact that you make more money then him and are having sex on camera with some guy who has a cock big enough to choke a horse etc. So Rick starts to get a bit posessive. He decides he wants to hang around on MY set and help ME film MY movie. Sorry, I am not interested in your boyfriend and his dreams of being my assistant director. And most likely I won't be interested in booking you either after an afternoon with "Rick". My point: This is a job. Treat it like one. Keep Rick at home or get rid of him all together. Because no one on my side of the camera has time to babysit him and/or deal with his insecurities.
5. Sleeping With Don Juan:
This is a common myth many young performers believe. You have an active sexual life. You love sex! And you like the idea of getting paid to have sex on camera with all these good looking young studs etc. Stop! Truth is, you'll most likely be having sex on camera with guys old enough to be your father and many look like your gym teacher from highschool! Remember him? The fact is, the older guy/young girl scenario is here to stay. It sells videos. If you can't see yourself performing oral on some 40 something guy, this is not the business for you.
6. Condoms/Testing:
Personally, I don't shoot any boy/girl scene without a condom. It's a required element on any Vince DeCarlo Production. Granted, I also require current AIM testing (or the equivelent) for all talent. Truth is, I trust the condoms more than any "piece of paper." There will come a time when you'll be forced to make a decision whether you do scenes with or without Mr. Trojan. Personally, it's your life and I know there are many producers who don't utilize them in their shoots, but then again, it's not their life at stake. If a producer won't book you because you demand your male partner to wear said condom during a scene, I would walk. Just my opinion.
7. Sniffing Out the Bullshit:
You're new to the business. And we all know there isn't a book out there called "Become a Porn Star for Dummies" etc. How can you be sure the guy who calls you back is legit? How do you know if he's a real producer or some whack job from the sticks? Well, sometimes you don't. But other than using your female intuition, and that's actually pretty reliable for some of you, here are a few things to look for. These are a few things any legit producer will require or ask for, a few of which are legal requirements. Two forms of ID, a model release, and some form of current HIV/STD testing. This should be obvious, but believe it or not, I know girls who haven't been asked for ANY OF THESE THINGS! I would literally trip over my own feet running out the door in this case! The fact that you haven't heard of a producer doesn't mean he's not legit. Many people in this industry simply don't want the publicity. That's understandable. Nonetheless, they should have a working phone number, a valid email address, and preferably a website of some kind. More importantly perhaps, they should come across to you like they have a fucking clue about the adult industry rather than like they're attempting to make a date with you. Remember, you're an actress, not a hooker. They should sound professional and give you specific details regarding the type of shoots they do and the pay for same. Will they handle your travel expenses? Hotel if needed? Can they provide you with a couple of references, girls who they have shot in the past etc.? Again, be professional yourself and ask questions. If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. That's ultimately the best litmus test.
8. Managers/Agents:
Truthfully, this is the one industry where it's often worth it for a new performer to secure some type of reputable booking agent. Sure, they'll grab a percentage of your bling, but a good agent can simplify your life and keep you safe by booking you for reputable producers. But again, there are a lot of bottom feeders in the agency business too, so use your discretion and do the research. Some agents will do the "double dip." This basically means they will charge you a percentage of your take (usually 15-20%) and then they charge a referral fee to the producer, also known as a kickback. This can be as little as $100 bucks up to $300. Keep in mind also that 90% of the so-called agents in the adult industry (even the reputable ones) aren't exactly regulated and many aren't even liscensed. Bottom line is this, if you're going to let anyone take any percentage of your hard earned money, make sure you are getting equal or better value in return. Keep in mind that there are also agents that charge the performer nothing as they earn their "fee" directly from the producer they book you with. (Note: We are NOT an agency and do not have any vested interest in who you choose to sign with. We do cover a few recommended agencies elsewhere on this site.)
Managers: Basically this should be someone you trust with your life. Someone who really cares about you. Someone who won't throw you to the sharks and is willing to turn down jobs that aren't right for you. A person who knows the entire industry in and out. And no, your boyfriend usually isn't a good choice! Most of you newcomers can get by initially with a good agent, as they will usually provide you with good career advice in addition to bookings. Later when you become the next big star, a manager is a good idea.
9. Stalkers and Other Dangerous Games:
All joking aside, PLEASE DO NOT EVER LIST YOUR PHONE NUMBER ON ANY RECRUITING SITE LIKE SEXYJOBS ETC. DO NOT DO IT. I don't care what anyone tells you. The fact is, any true professional producer will never call you out of the blue. Ok, maybe a few will, but it's a rare case. Most of us will simply email you if we're interested in booking you for a shoot. After some initial email correspondence, we tell the talent to call us. As many of you know, we live in the internet age. Every whacko, computer geek, stalker etc. who knows something about computers can find you via your phone number. Even the more harmless trolls will end up calling you at three in the morning wanting phone sex etc. Avoid all of this by simply including your email address.
10. My Best Advice:
I don't want to sound repetitive or discourage anyone from entering the adult industry, as I myself make a good living via video production/talent management. But I've said it before and I'll say it again and again--The only reason to enter this industry is: money! Period. You are never going to parlay a career in porn into a legit acting career. Sorry, it's not gonna happen in this lifetime. While you may end up being respected within the industry, you are always going to be a "porn chick" with no "morals" . . . "a slut" . . . or you might be called worse. Mainstream America secretly will watch your naked ass on their dvd players, but they will mock you behind your back. They are the true hypocrites! But ultimately it's your life and in the end you are the captain of your own destiny. Get in, make your money, save it, go start a career or business, and tell the rest of the world to go kiss your happy, rich ass! As always, stay safe and prosperous!
11. What's In A Name?:
There's an old cliche that goes like this: "Don't judge a book by it's cover." Well that might be true when it comes to books....but when it comes to the adult industry.....feel free to judge a company by it's "name".... cuz more often then not......if the name SOUNDS fucked up....the company is probably bogus too! The truth is...this is an industry that is always under the ever watchfull eye of "big brother" aka...the United States Government. And when I see listings on adult recruiting sites with company names that include the following...."Blow Me Productions"..... "Suck My Ass Bitch, Inc"....... "Pussy Unlimited"....etc...etc....I'm gonna go out on a limb and figure these are companies that probably arn't legit! How ironic that most of these same so-called producers don't seem to have listed phone numbers and/or websites either!!!! Hmmmmmmm??????? Anyone in this business (legit or not) dumb enough to name their "adult xxx business" along the lines of the above mentioned expamples.....are "producers" who are obviously TOO FUCKING STUPID TO BE IN THIS INDUSTRY TO BEGIN WITH!!!!!!!! You as a performer need not buy into their stupidity.....avoid them....and move on. There are enough legit players in this industry.........who are a hell of a lot more professional....and smarter then these aforementioned clowns... whose unprofessional conduct continues to make things bad for the rest of us.
12. The Loyalty Factor:
In my opinion....loyalty is the most important quality a human being can have. And it's a black and white issue to me....there is no murky "grey" area. The adult industry... much like life in general.....is tough. And when you manage to come across someone who is there for you...who believes in you....and who backs it up time and time again....that's a person you need to hold on to....and show your LOYALTY to...in good times and bad. If you're my friend.....I back you. Period. You drop your "bloody glove" in my yard...I pick it up and put it in my pocket. My friends are always right....even when they are wrong. Is that right or wrong? I don't know. But that's me. I don't betray my friends....and I'll be there for them at any time and for any reason.....and that's because in life.....none of us truly have many "real friends". You're a cute chick...you think you have friends????...but trust me....it's more about your cute ass. You're a guy with money??? Think you got friends???? OK...well call me when you go bankrupt and let me know if your list of "buddies" might have "dropped slightly." The point is this...don't be a fair weather friend......When someone proves themselves to you.....show the decency to be there for him or her. Because the time will come when you yourself will need help........and 99% percent of these people you look up to....hold dear....might not be there.......because they NEVER WERE THERE!!!!! They're just illusions... Does that make sense? We live in an age where kindness often equates to "weakness"...which then ends up turning into a lack of respect for someone who deserves better from us.........So in the end....my point is really simple......NEVER FORGET WHO YOUR REAL FRIENDS ARE. THEY ARE PRECIOUS......AND HARD TO REPLACE. And they don't reside in Tatoo Parlors in Brandon, Florida...or a producers studio in Chicago....or a Truck Driver's Rig....or on the other side of the fence..........where the grass is never quite as green as we thought it might be.......Don't sell out the truth...what's real....for the hope of something better.
--MJ Christensen, Vince DeCarlo Prod., Ltd, Florida
Please keep checking back as we will update this page weekly with new myths, lies, scams, and other insight that others in the industry don't have the balls to talk about!
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