Behind the Velvet Curtain: Unveiling the Seductive Secrets of Adult Entertainment Filming

Ladies and gentlemen, step into the captivating world of adult entertainment, where desire knows no bounds, and fantasies come to life. Today, I’m going to let you in on the enticing secrets of how those sultry scenes that set your heart racing and your imagination running wild are filmed. So, grab your popcorn and your favourite beverage (or perhaps something a tad more scandalous) as we take a thrilling journey behind the velvet curtain. What follows is based on my personal experience as a woman, from my point of view. If you ever want to be involved in the industry, this is a must-read.

Setting the Stage: The Prelude to Passion

Before the cameras start rolling, the stage must be set, and anticipation must build:

The Naughty Narrative:

Every steamy scene begins with a storyline (we hope!), a sexy script filled with sultry dialogues and tantalising scenarios. It’s the foundation upon which the entire sensual spectacle is built. The producers scout out a location that fits the scene, mood and style (and budget!) – and remember – the owners usually need to agree to it being used as a porn set. Sometimes, the place is owned/rented by other people already involved in the industry.

Casting Couch Confessions:

The casting process is where the magic begins. Producers meticulously select performers who not only sizzle with chemistry but who ooze confidence and sensuality. These aren’t just actors; they’re seduction artists, masters of the erotic arts. They usually select the performers from adult modelling agencies (who then take an agency fee form the producer, the model or both!), but often they select performers from their social media profiles directly (X, Insta, etc) or by in-house contacts, or people they know.

You often need to let the agencies or producers know when you are available for work , and in which countries or cities. Keep them up to date with your ‘abilities’ too.

When you are given a shoot to do, you’ll be told what to bring with/wear, who you will be performing with (or if not, you can ask), what range of acts is needed, the rates, how long the shoot will be, where and so on. If you need any more details – do ask!

Be sure to have communicated in writing what exactly your rates include. There will be different rates for different scene types. Are your rates net or gross? Do they include agency fees? Is there a maximum time limit for shoot for that fee? Do they provide hair and makeup artist or are you providing your own? Do they pay for your STD tests? Do they cover transport and accommodation? What about food?

Mystique and Privacy: Many performers adopt enchanting stage names, a veil of secrecy that adds to the allure while safeguarding their private lives. They may be known by a few names as they decide to change, especially at the start of their career.

And remember guys and gals – If you want to ever take part in a porn shoot you MUST be prepared to take STD tests, show IDs, sign contracts and show you face on camera. There is no point in taking part if you cant even man-up to the basics. By law, ANYONE seen on the screen (even in the background) must give full written permission to taking part.

Safety First:

Just like any other professional endeavour, safety is paramount. Health screenings, consent discussions, and meticulous planning ensure that everyone involved is protected, both physically and emotionally. Full STD checks for all performers are non-negotiable, ensuring a safe and responsible production environment. (See my article on STD testing for the list). For some studios, the results must be no older than 14 days; For others, no more than 3 days old. Bear in mind that some clinics in some countries take 7-10 days to give you your results! Most agencies or producers only accept result from a certain list of clinics they approve and work with. In Prague, for example, you can take tests in the morning at 8am at the clinic, and get the results the same afternoon, online.

Sometimes, the cost of the tests are covered by the producer – but sometimes not.

Accommodation and Arrival

With getting to the shoot, there are 3 options:

• Some producers provide accommodation (sometimes basic, sometime plush; sometimes on-site, sometimes elsewhere). Sometimes, you organise your own.
• If you are off site, they may just give you an address to arrive at.
• Some producers will arrange for a taxi/car to collect you.

Just make sure you are ready and on time.

Makeup

Then there is the make up. Sometimes you will be told to bring your own make up or turn up ready done – makeup, clothes and hair. Some of the better, up-market, richer producers however, will provide a makeup artist for the women, so you turn up and they spend an hour doing your makeup and hair. If you are recording a number of scenes in one day, then often each scene needs a new look, so it’s really helpful to have a make up artist there. Sometimes though, they dont have a specific brief from the producer, or their style and make up doesn’t match yours, or they ask for something you are not happy with – so do just gently and humbly suggest a change of style or offer some ideas. Remember, you are all working as a family – a team – and there is not place for any Divas or arrogant people.

Prepare yourself inside and out!

For men or women make sure you turn up depilated/shaven or however the style of the production is. I ensure I use laser depilation anywhere possible, to ensure a smooth appearance and as little need to shave as possible. Shaving can cause cuts, marks, and will lead to spikey or rough or pimply skin.

If you are taking part in an anal scene, then you need to be cleaned out completed and ready for it. That may involve not eating much for a long time before the scene. Men, shave your pubic area please, to make sure it is clean and fresh. I personally prefer circumcised men, but so long as you are really clean, then you are ready to go… except…

Male Performers: Rising to the Occasion:

It’s no secret that male performers may need a little extra help to maintain their vigor during long and demanding filming sessions. Some opt for gels, tablets, or injections that help them rise to the occasion, ensuring that the passion remains palpable throughout the shoot. Some shoots are simple – Just go – the scene is filmed in one cut non-stop. Other producers demand high quality and so are constantly cutting, and stopping the scene to move cameras, and then want you to repeat an action to get a better angle or transition to the next position or act. Guys: I really respect how ‘hard’ it is for you!

The Dance of Desire: Lights, Camera, Pleasure!

As the curtains rise, a symphony of seduction unfolds: Hopefully, the director or producer (who is often also the camera and sound operator!) will tell you the scenario, what to say and do, and in what order. The larger the production company, the more staff they will have. Sometimes I’ve worked with larger companies where there will be 6 or 7 people behind the cameras (makeup, producers, photographer, cameras, lights, caterer etc). Other times, it’s been a tiny apartment with 1 person. You need to get used to performing with lights and cameras and lots of people around – so practice at home!

Consent: A Constant Echo: Consent is an ongoing dialogue, continuously reaffirmed before, during, and after filming. Performers have the power to pause or change a scene if it doesn’t align with their desires. Speak up in a caring and nice way if you need to change something, not do something, or you just need to stop for a break.

Remember to always have lube and water on-hand, nearby.

Attitude and connection: Remember, it’s ‘all eyes on us’. People are looking not only at what you do, but your attitude and interest and involvement in the scene. If they can see you are not happy, just want to get out of there, and don’t give 100% to being ‘there’ in the moment, it will ruin the feel of the scene and other performers – and the audience – will pick up on that. You are unlikely to get hired again, and a reputation can spread very fast. Be humble, work with the producer and performer to get the best out of the short time you are there. Sure, suggest ideas and express preferences, but do so in a happy, soft, helpful way. You will have already established the boundaries and scope and time of the shoot, so there should be no surprises.

Know your art: Being and adult performer is much, much more than just the sex. There is a lot you learn through experience, and by observing others in action.

Remember to think about camera angles: What can the camera see? Do I need to remove a hand, or turn a little more, or open my legs? Is my hair covering my face?

Where do I look? POV or Gonzo style scenes mean you can, and should, look into the camera, otherwise you cannot and must not. Good eye contact between performers is a must in keeping the connection and sensuality going.

Sounds are vitally important too. This is not a private romantic session in your bedroom at night – even if that is the scene. What you say, and how you say it; what sounds you make and when are all important. You should not be giving a running commentary, but sensual sounds and the occasional reaction, or expression must be there – but not over the top. Ask the producer for the style: Is this a dirty talking scene, loud and proud, or delicate romantic words. Keep the volume and clarity up so the microphones can pick up everything – no whispering. When you are near to cumming let it be known, and when you are cumming make it clear! It is hot and really adds to the excitement of the scene.

The Afterglow: Where Art Meets Artistry

After the party:

When they call it a ‘wrap’ and the scene is done, it’s time for showers, refreshment and relax. But before you pack up your things and go though, there’s a few things more to do:

Get BTS (Behind the scenes) shots if allowed, perhaps of you and the other performers, perhaps of the scene or location. You might need permission to take any of your own captures, as the producers may not want any info leaking to media before they release official info. But use the time to get contacts, info, experience and ideas and stay ‘present’ after the shoot too!

Documentation and Security: To ensure a responsible and safe production environment, performers must provide two forms of government-issued IDs, and all are documented and photographed, creating a secure and accountable atmosphere. Some people will video you signing consent forms, video you with your IDs stating that you understand the scene and agree to take part and are not under duress or the influence of drugs or alcohol, and that you have been well treated.

Getting paid for getting laid: You should normally be paid directly after the shoot. This is sometimes in cash, sometimes by transfer, and you often have to sign that you received it. Some pay when the scene is released, but that is rare, and not my preferred way of working. Again, be sure to have communicated in writing at the casting stage what exactly your rates include.

Post production work: Upfront you need to know that the final product may not be released for a long time. It might be a week or 2 if a very small cheaper producer, but it could be a few months or a year for the larger professional studios. You don’t get a ‘free copy’ and you do not own any of the rights to the film, or any say in if you are happy with the final product. It is not yours. You are just an actor.

WHy does it take so long to release? Well, next the editors work their magic, sculpting the footage into an arousing masterpiece. They refine colours, adjust contrast, and bring the art of eroticism to life. Sound engineers add the perfect soundtrack—music that heightens desire, whispers of pleasure, and the passionate moans of performers. Then there is a release schedule, as they may have many other videos queued up for release. In a world where non-stop content is king, they are not just sitting around waiting for your scene to be filmed and released. They films many in advance. If your scene is nowhere to be seen, don’t worry, probably nothing was wrong with it – Just ask the producer, as they are most probably just waiting for the right time.

After post-production, the scene is unleashed, ready to captivate audiences worldwide on various platforms that cater to every taste and appetite. When it is released, be sure to promote it from all the official channels on your social media.

Artistry Meets Sensuality

The world of adult entertainment is a mesmerising blend of artistry and sensuality. It’s where fantasies find their stage, where desire takes flight, and where pleasure knows no bounds. Now that you’ve peeked behind the velvet curtain, you can appreciate the craftsmanship and passion that go into creating those irresistible scenes that set your heart aflutter and your passions ablaze.