I think I'm a fairly easy-going guy. Reasonably laid-back and, for the most part, down-to-earth. I like to give people the benefit of the doubt. I believe everyone deserves respect from the start; until they shatter that trust. I've been called Rose Nylund because I can be naive. There are many things I don't know and I can be gullible. But you know? I'm finding that, at 47, some of that luster is… well… becoming a bit tarnished. The rose-colored glasses are turning a bit opaque. No. No quite jaded. At least, not yet. And I hope I never get there!
So here's the thing. We've had a really fun time in the past year and two months that Horndawgz has been in existence. For the most part, I really love meeting with models for a quickie interview (no personal casting, contrary to popular belief, though I've had a few offers!). I like the energy exchange. I like sizing each other up and getting a feel for that person; grooving on their vibe.
We've begun to recruit new talent, in earnest, as I'm shooting content for another producer as well as shooting for our own projects. As a result, I've come into more contact with all different sorts of guys, from younger to older. What I have them do is come meet with me for roughly half an hour. Think of it as an interview. In that time, they fill out a questionnaire that details their sexual preferences and we take some sample test shots so we know what the model looks like when we look through our book.
For the most part, it's been an enjoyable experience. But lately? I've come across a few that have left me annoyed, aggravated and, frankly, stupefied.
And then it hit me. There's obviously a HUGE misconception out there that is leaving people with the wrong impression of what making porn is actually like and what they can expect.
First and foremost, to some, it's a fantasy. I know this. It's certainly been for me. Up until very recently, when I got in front of the camera – both for the experience and the much needed money! – my perception changed. For me, it was the fulfillment of a fantasy but it was also something that became a high. I enjoyed getting paid for having sex. I enjoyed taking my clothes off, touching another body, finding out what makes them tick.
I quickly discovered that I wouldn't be able to quit my day job and make a living at making porn. I wasn't going to get rich by taking my clothes off. And there's a certain shelf life. Not age-wise, since there are movies being filmed with Dads and Grandads. It's more of a personal choice to hang it up and known when to pull out; if you'll pardon the pun.
So… to the boys that comically and, indignantly I might add, declare that they cannot and will not go before the camera for less than $1,000; dream on. Nice work if you can get it. And if you get it, make sure you tell me how because I sure as hell want in on THAT gig! Do you really mean to tell me that you'd rather give it away for free? Oh, and if you tell me that "such-and-such studio" offered you much more, or paid you more, be forewarned. I will reply… nicely… with "Well, perhaps you should take them up on that offer or go back to them."
To the men who say, "I'm very picky and selective," yet don't bother to fill out what they like to do when they have sex on camera, be warned. My reply will be – again, nicely – "Thank you very much for stopping by but we're not a dating agency or an escort service."
For those that call ten minutes before they're scheduled to be here and can't make it because they overslept, thank you for being truthful. Yes, I will reschedule you but I will tell you point blank – again, nicely! – "Please make sure to set your alarm clock."
And for anyone who does not even bother to be courteous enough to take my card and put it in their wallet – you can throw it out when you leave – you're sending me a very big message. If you weren't interested, why did you just waste my time and yours?
To recap, here's a few short, quick, hard truths. I don't want to sound jaded and I sure don't want to turn off anyone interested in getting in front of the camera for me and fucking their brains out. But:
You
won't get rich by doing porn.
Not everyone is Matthew Rush or Leo Giamani, lucky enough to have exclusive contracts.
Not every studio is Falcon or Lucas Entertainment so,
no, we can't all pay what you probably should be paid.
The rules have changed and we
all have to change along with them.
But you will:
Make some extra cash! Even if you only get $250 for 2 hours worth of work, you're still ahead of the game!
Have a hell of a lot of fun!
Meet new people!
Gain experience that you can then take to the bigger studios who will be able to pay you more!