So, you watch porn, right? Have you ever thought about what goes into the making of your favorite flicks?
There's a lot more to it than you might think. Schedules, std testing, carpooling, paperwork... and hilarity that you could only really find on a porn set with people who are sharing in your struggle.
As a director of porn for the past decade, I have some tidbits to share with you about what really goes on behind the scenes at so many porn sets.
1. Positions for filming can be pretty uncomfortable
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Sometimes, a great shot comes with pretty unnatural positioning. Have you ever seen male-female doggystyle porn where the man is obviously holding his arm on his side to not cover the action? A lot of videos show that classic move, as a good example (who has sex like that otherwise?!). I do my best to shoot models in positions that are comfortable to them, and am grateful for physically flexible models.
2. Makeup goes... everywhere
A behind-the-scenes pic from a shoot of mine
So many times have I seen models and makeup artists apply makeup on pimples, bruises, bite marks, rope burns, etc- from boobs to butts to bits. I have seen makeup on nearly every part of the body… and that stuff doesn’t always survive between takes. It needs to get reapplied often- so it’s common to see models dipping down to help each other apply makeup to razor burn, blemishes, etc. Again, everywhere.
3. There’s a lot of checking for TP
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Genitals (especially female) seem to attract lots of bits of TP, fuzz, lint, etc. One of the best things to have on hand at a porn shoot is baby wipes. Many, many baby wipes. All those clean-as-a-whistle coochies you see in porn sure don’t get that way naturally!
4. Sexy furniture is really important
Forget squeaky beds, that’s only the tip of the iceberg. It’s key that beds and other furniture provides comfort and good angles, no indentation on skin (lines from ridges on upholstery- boo), no distracting noises, and firm enough that people don’t sink in too much. Truly, this has made me a connoisseur of furniture- if I’m in a space for the first time, I’m likely thinking about the furniture and if it would be good or not for shooting. Director brain. Is your couch good for porn?
5. Lights can get really, really hot
Thankfully, there are some lights coming out now which are cooler, but a lot of studios still use very hot lights. I have had to cancel shoots in hot weather as my models might have actually passed out from heat when there wasn’t AC available. It’s a common problem, so many times porn stars are often feeling super hot... in more ways than you know.
Next time that an opportunity arises... maybe give a few extra thanks... to the work behind the scenes on your favorite porn films!
;)
Xoxo,
Lily
P.S.- I just became freelance and am planning to keep Steeming things up around here- your support is greatly appreciated!
Totally sold on LED lighting now, and some color correction to get rid of that uncomfortable cool white, and give it a warmer color cast.
This really helps with Heat (that bad heat) on set. Most grip houses are now stocking decent selections of them. The DP (video DP, not the other kind) should be able to spec them for her (or his) next shop order.
The good thing is, they are low power and using them with Battery Plate attachments means more flexibility for outdoors, backyards, etc, with less cabling.
Exactly, LED lighting is not going to make extra sweat happen- but additional color correction is necessary. I do a lot of shooting with Totas because I like the color of the light and despise being around LEDs for the most part- but gah- yes- those are SO much cooler to shoot with! I had a great little battery powered portable LED spotlight that I ended up giving away years back... now I want to get one again!
Never thought about 2 and 3, but it makes lots of sense! Thanks for sharing these fun insights :-)
Thanks @soyrosa! :) If you ever have any questions, let me know! It's my normal life so I have to think about what folks don't know!
Yeah, I totally understand!
Just some questions that I can come up with right now:
I'm basically curious how the connection between money and sex works. Outside of porn and prostitution it mostly works on a 'I like you' or simply a 'I really want to have sex' basis and I'm curious how much the 'job' aspect influences mindset/consent/authenticity in the play.
My sets have often been very different than mainstream porn sets. I have placed a priority on chemistry being pre-established and a deciding factor if I would shoot the models. But mainstream porn is very different, with castings being done and models being let know who they'd be shooting with, much of the time.
I hope models in the future will all be directed in your empowering ways :-)
:)
Good things to think about! I’ve noticed the arm thing, but the couch analysis really made me Lol! Thanks for sharing your mindset 😊
Thanks @mountainjewel! My furniture judging mindset runs pretty deep at this point haha!
So fascinating to imagine - it's a rather distracting scene when you're sitting there watching ☺️ but taking the opportunity to consider the logistics that make the scene possible make it even more interesting.
You've been upvoted + resteemed by the #LadiesofSteemit initiative. Keep up the great work!
Thanks so much! I am stoked to be promoted by #ladiesofsteemit!
There is so much more that goes into porn sets, tip of the porno iceberg for sure, haha!
fun to learn about the behind the scenes...you've peaked my curiosity about an industry I know zilch about, nice post!
Thank you @natureofbeing! Am very open to any questions you have! :)
Thank you for your support!
interesting :)
I read your article and laugh, many thins i do not know about porno set movies XD Very funny, good job
Thanks @noemilunastorta! There is much more to the subject too!
Fascinating topic! I love reading the behind the scenes parts about things I've wondered about before. I look forward to reading more!
Great, thanks! Feel free to ask me any questions too! Going to be posting more and could use inspiration!
Good post
Good and real information provided. Good post.
Fuck! This is so interesting! Always wanted to work in this industry