Seeing Stars

[Guest WetDream]

Why are actors who appear in porn flicks always referred to as stars? Aren't there any featured players or, to use and old vaudeville term, second bananas? Given their generous endowments, I don't think that they should ever be called "bit" players and "extras" doesn't seem applicable either. Thoughts from Deej, Talvin, anybody?

[+ deej]

I'm flattered you'd ask me.

 

Personally, I think it's just lack of a better word (I prefer the term model). And another aspect of it is marketing and marketability.

 

It's a very ego-filled industry. (There are noticeable exceptions to this and Talvin is one of them.) Would you expect a guy to work for you again if you listed him as "second banana"? ;-) Or would you expect much of a chance on the strip club circuit if studios promoted you as a "B-list entertainer"? Should a studio using only "B-list entertainers" expect their products to sell well?

 

The concept of "extras" usually doesn't apply because they're all fully participating, but when it does apply it's referred to as a "non-sexual role".

 

It's a strange business, altogether, and this is just another manifestation.

[Talvin DeMachio]

That is a good question. But I don't really know the answer. I am one of the few porn stars out there who work in front of the camera and grab my check and then leave. Most of the guys on a porn set think they are gods gift to man.

 

Let me give you my honest approach. I don't really like anyone in the industry who are porn stars or are in the industry itself. With the exception of a very small percentage

(like 2%). Most of the guys are too into themselves and their nose is way too far in the air.

 

I like people who are real and most guys (not all) are way too plastic. This is one big reason why I will never leave the East Coast.

 

I wish I could help you more. I am not sure how they determine who is a porn star and who is not. It seems if you do one film your automatically a pornstar. And where they get A list or B list is totally unclear to me. And I don't care what list I am on. I just go to the set, fuck and go.

 

Talvin DeMachio

http://www.talvindemachio.com

[Guest WetDream]

Talvin, you seem like a classy act. Both you and Deej took this post far more seriously than it was intended. My hats (and pants) off to you both.

[guyinsf]

I always reserve the term "porn star" for someone who has been in a number of videos and has "star appeal." Having "star appeal," to me, means that he has a recognizable face and name and that he has "box office" (or video rental, in this case) draw. Not everyone who is in a porn video or two is a "star," but I'm not sure that I have a good alternate term to suggest. If you want to continue the Hollywood heirarchy, however, how about having "co-stars" and those who are listed under the term "featuring."

[Rod Hagen]

It's probably analogous to calling ourselves escorts instead of harlots. It sounds nice, makes us feel good, and does little harm.

 

http://www.rodhagen.com

"So I've noticed your house smells of

feces, and not just monkey feces

either"

[+ deej]

>And I don't care what list I am on. I just go to the set, fuck and go.

 

You know which list you're on as far as I'm concerned, babe.

 

It's that level-headed business-like approach that sets you head and shoulders above the rest of the crowd in my book. You're a member of a very small crowd of guys I've met in the business who didn't fall into the "Hollywood Syndrome".

 

One of my favorite t-shirts was produced by Drew Warner at Sports 'n Recreation video:

 

http://www.dfapam.com/onlyporn.jpg