I. Understand
Images Are Forever
Once you are captured on film or video your work is there
for all the world to see. Understand that someday a friend
or family member might see your photo or video. Will you be
able to handle their reaction?
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II. Be Currently Tested
When you show up on a set you will be asked for your HIV
test and (possibly) for a STD test paperwork. Don't leave
home 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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III. 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 be sent
home, unpaid, for not having your ID with you.
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IV. Have Good
Personal Hygiene
Contrary to popular belief, you can be odious. Bathe as
often as possible, 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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V. Be Punctual
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. 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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VI. 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.
It can lead to less work simply because nobody wants to be
"stuck on a set with a bitch ... Or an asshole".
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VII. Do Only
The Sex Acts You Want To
When you interview/audition for a part in a video, always
ask what sex acts would 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 "Bun Busters," 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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VIII. Don't Give Free
Samples
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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IX. Don't Sign
The Model Release Form
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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X. Be Loyal To
Your Original Agent
He 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 him or treat him badly. He is an indispensable rung in
your climb to the top of the ladder. Cherish the input. He
gets you in the doors that you need. Once you're in the
door, your assets will do the rest. Treat your agent as you
want him to treat you.
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Of
course, the unwritten commandments are being courteous and
available to both the press and your fans. You can always
use the Publicity that the press can generate. And when
you begin to attract a fan base, start a fan club to keep in
touch. You will discover your following to be very loving
and faithful when you treat them fairly. |
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