Entering the adult entertainment industry as a straight male performer can be an intriguing career choice, and one I’m sure many of you have considered at some point, usually right before you grab the Klennex, with your trousers around your ankles.
The porn business is not without its challenges and considerations, and as someone who often receives emails, DM’s and questions about this topic, I’d like to share some insights on how new male performers with no experience can navigate this industry.
First and foremost, it’s crucial to approach this decision with the awareness that adult entertainment is a legitimate business. Just like any other industry, it requires professionalism, dedication, and a strong work ethic to succeed. The “honeymoon period” of excitement and performing with popular porn models will fade quickly, so treating it as a serious venture from the outset is essential.
One of the most vital aspects of a male performer’s journey is to understand their role and responsibilities. Respect for female performers is paramount, if you’re in anyway misogynistic, pushy, looking for a girlfriend or coming into the business with the mind set of ‘rescuing’ the female performers, then stop right now, enjoy your wank and move on! The business and the female performers will chew you up and spit you out within your first week.
In most part you need to remember that male performers are there to complement and support their female counterparts, making them look good on screen. Ripped torso’s, and rugged good looks mean nothing in this business if your an arrogant prick. We would all prefer a ‘dad bod’, average guy, who is fun to have on set and can deliver a performance.
Treating all your colleagues with respect is key to fostering a good reputation. It’s a collaborative effort but you will need to ensure that you can deliver what you promise. Don’t tell us you can keep hard all day and deliver five ‘pop shots’ if you’re a one pump wonder! Just be honest with everyone, you’ll find there will still be a place for you if your honest about your limitations.
If your intending on hiding your identity, then your opportunities are limited. The adult entertainment industry is stigmatised by everyone, you’ll be judged, talked about and outed by friends, even your close loved ones may not be supportive of your decision. Therefore, before entering the industry, it’s crucial to have open and honest conversations with the people that matter to you, about the decision and the potential consequences this career choice can have on your family and your own future career opportunities.
Finally, building a brand and reputation is essential for success in this industry. Networking, marketing, and maintaining professionalism are all crucial aspects of a performer’s career. Understanding the business side of adult entertainment and making wise decisions on your niche area of performance, distribution platforms and the costs involved in becoming a performer, is equally important for long-term success.
If you’re still reading this and I’ve not scared you off, its time to get yourself ‘tested’. Before contacting anyone in the business, you will need to get yourself a full ‘clean’ sexual health certificate. Not all local clinics offer this service but organisations like SNAP have a list of clinics that can help. You will need a clean ‘cert’ every 28 days (every 14 days for certain production companies and countries) and some performers wont consider working with you until you have at least three months consecutive clean tests.
In conclusion, entering the adult entertainment industry as a male performer is a decision that should not be taken lightly. With the right mindset, respect for other creators, and a focus on professionalism, aspiring performers can navigate this industry successfully while minimising negative impacts on their personal lives. Remember, it’s not just about the “honeymoon period” but building a sustainable and respectable career in the long run.
You can check out some of the trailers here and the full AR/VR scenes from our shoots here.