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I’m a porn star – here’s the surprising detail written into our contracts and what we REALLY think about while filming 0 176

Stanley Myrick

MOST people believe the porn industry is full of wild orgies and seedy old blokes pressuring young women into performing sex acts.

But two top stars of the X-rated business insist that what everyone thinks they know about their job is wrong.

Instagram/maitlandwardMaitland Ward went from Hollywood star to porn star[/caption] Flamboyance FilmsSofia Kappel plays a wannabe porn star in the movie Pleasure[/caption]

Former Boy Meets World TV star Maitland Ward, 45, switched to making adult material three years ago and was named 2022 XBIZ Porn Performer of the Year.

While Derby born Keiran Lee, 38, had his manhood insured for a million dollars after becoming a porn star in the US almost two decades ago.

The pair are speaking in response to a graphic new movie called Pleasure, streaming now, which explores the darker side of steamy film-making.

Directed by feminist Ninja Thyberg, it shows young wannabe porn star Bella Cherry, played by Swedish actress Sofia Kappel, being told to “push through” her nerves when she gets stage fright about her first sex scene.

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The men are largely portrayed as sleazy blokes drooling over the newbies.

But Maitland claims the crew she works with have seen so much writhing flesh that they aren’t turned on by the X-rated action.

She tells The Sun: “Most of the guys are so bored with it, they’ve seen it all a million times. 

“They’re probably thinking about what to have for lunch or picking up the kids from school.

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“Honestly no one is staring at you drooling, there are no seedy guys jerking off in the corner. It’s a job. We enjoy it, but it’s a job.”

Strict contracts

Instagram/maitlandwardMaitland starred in Boy Meets World before moving into adult entertainment[/caption]

Maitland appeared in the US soap The Bold and the Beautiful from 1994 to 1996 playing a character called Jessica Forrester, and then rose to stardom as Rachel McGuire in Boy Meets World from 1998 to 2000.

But when casting directors started to tell her she was “too old to be sexy”, she switched to California’s adult entertainment world instead.

She says: “I have never ever in a million years been pressured to do anything I didn’t want to do by a male director or a male performer.

“In the sets I have always been on, if you say no, the rule is the filming stops with no questions asked.”

These days there are strict contracts determining what can and cannot be done in each porn movie.

All the sexual positions have to be agreed on, written down, in black and white

Maitland Ward

Maitland continues: “People think a porn set is like some wild orgy 24/7 but it’s not – it’s more controlled than you could imagine.

“All the sexual positions have to be agreed on, written down, in black and white. You agree in writing to have sex on film and exactly what that sex will be.

“You have to say you’re not under the influence of anything or anyone.

“Even the celebrity sex tapes these days, if that film is in a store being sold with a cover and everything, then they would have had to agree to that.”

Long days

Instagram/maitlandwardMaitland says the hardest thing about the job is long hours and the fact it’s physically tiring[/caption]

Intercourse is only a small part of what can be a 14-hour working day on set.

She reveals: “The first thing is hair and make-up, which can take up to two hours. The sex part takes about an hour-and-a-half.

“The rest of the time it’s all back to make-up, rehearsing, acting, doing scenes.”

Once they’re naked the performers can get so into the mood that they are exhausted by the bedroom gymnastics.

If you’re doing 45 minutes of acrobatic sex with two guys it can be a lot of hard work

Maitland Ward

Maitland says: “It is physically challenging and sometimes someone might need to take a break if they get too excited or need some water, that does happen.

“But believe me it’s hard work. If you’re doing 45 minutes of acrobatic sex with two guys it can be a lot of hard work.

“It’s like a dance routine – like for ice skaters, for example, it’s a routine, you’re performing to the cameras.”

No orgies

Keiran Lee has worked in the American porn industry for almost two decades

Brit porn star Keiran, who claims he turned down a part in Pleasure, believes anyone joining the X-rated business might be disappointed by the lack of parties.

The Los Angeles based star says: “People think it’s like Boogie Nights with raging parties, copious amounts of drugs, but there is nothing like that at all.

“At least 70 per cent of the people in the industry are in long term relationships. The older performers like myself are happily married with children.”

Keiran has three children with fellow adult entertainment industry star Kirsten Price.

He got into the business by accident at the age of 19, after his mates posted naked photos of him on a swingers website.

At least 70 per cent of the people in the industry are in long term relationships. The older performers like myself are happily married with children

Keiran Lee

A couple who saw the pictures asked the well-endowed lad to appear in an amateur video, and his career was launched from that.

Right from the off, Keiran discovered there was a strict focus on preventing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

He adds: “People say ‘you guys aren’t wearing condoms.’ Yeah, but we’re getting tested every 10 days.

“A full STD panel for HIV, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, hepatitis, you name it, you’re getting tested for it. You go pee in a cup and your blood is drawn.

“When I first started back in England it wasn’t pleasant at all, it was a cotton bud down your, err… not the most pleasant of things.”

Limited lovers

Maitland is married and her estate agent husband Terry Baxter is fully supportive of her career.

Even though she makes porn, she says the number of guys she has sex with is limited.

Maitland, who is releasing a book called Rated X: How Porn Liberated Me From Hollywood later this year, says: “My girlfriends tease me saying, ‘Oh my God you must be having sex with all these different guys all day every day.’

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“But let me tell you, there are about 15 top male performers in this industry and you get to work with the same ones again and again.

“There actually isn’t that much variety.”

AlamySofia Kappel in Pleasure[/caption]

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Porn and Mental Health: The Challenges and Strategies for Coping in the Industry 0 178

Alice Trout

Pornography is a billion-dollar industry that has gained widespread popularity across the globe. However, while it may be a source of entertainment for some, the industry can be challenging for performers’ mental health. The pressure to perform and meet the expectations of producers and viewers can take a toll on performers’ mental wellbeing. In this article, we’ll explore the challenges that the porn industry poses to mental health and strategies for coping with them.

The Challenges

  1. Stigma and Shame

The porn industry is still stigmatized, and performers can face a lot of shame and judgment from society. This can lead to a lot of stress and anxiety, making it difficult for performers to seek help and support when needed.

  1. Pressure to Perform

Performers in the porn industry are expected to meet certain expectations and perform at their best every time. This pressure can be overwhelming and can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.

  1. Isolation and Loneliness

Performing in the porn industry can be a lonely experience, with performers spending long hours on set or on their own, away from friends and family. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can take a toll on mental health.

  1. Trauma and Abuse

The porn industry is not immune to issues such as sexual harassment, assault, and exploitation. Performers may experience these traumatic events, leading to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.

Strategies for Coping

Seek Professional Help

Performers in the porn industry should seek professional help and support when they need it. There are many therapists and counselors who specialize in working with performers in the industry and can help with issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Practice Self-Care

Self-care is crucial for performers in the porn industry. Taking breaks when needed, exercising, and practicing mindfulness and meditation can help performers manage stress and promote mental wellbeing.

Surround Yourself with Supportive People

Having a supportive network of friends, family, and colleagues can make a big difference in performers’ mental health. Surrounding yourself with people who understand the challenges of the industry and offer non-judgmental support can help performers cope with the stresses of the job.

Address Trauma and Abuse

Performers who have experienced trauma and abuse in the industry should seek support and address these issues head-on. This may involve therapy, reporting incidents to the authorities, and taking legal action if necessary.

Conclusion

The porn industry poses significant challenges to performers’ mental health, from stigma and shame to pressure to perform and trauma and abuse. However, with the right strategies, performers can cope with these challenges and maintain good mental wellbeing. Seeking professional help, practicing self-care, surrounding yourself with supportive people, and addressing trauma and abuse are just a few strategies that can help performers in the porn industry maintain good mental health.

Navigating Consent and Boundaries in the Porn Industry: A Guide for Newcomers 0 165

Alice Trout

Consent and boundaries are crucial aspects of the porn industry, and it’s essential for newcomers to understand how to navigate these issues. In this article, we’ll provide a guide for those who are new to the industry on how to approach consent and boundaries in a professional and respectful manner.

First and foremost, it’s important to understand that consent is always required in the porn industry. This means that every actor must give explicit and enthusiastic consent to any sexual act that is portrayed on camera. Consent can be given verbally or non-verbally, but it must always be clear and enthusiastic.

In order to ensure that consent is obtained, communication is key. Actors should have open and honest conversations with their scene partners and the director prior to filming. They should discuss what they are comfortable with and what their boundaries are, as well as any specific instructions or concerns.

It’s also important for actors to feel empowered to set their own boundaries and to speak up if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe during filming. This means that if an actor does not want to perform a particular act or if they feel that their boundaries are being pushed, they have the right to stop the scene and speak to the director about their concerns.

It’s also essential for actors to be aware of their own physical and emotional limits. This means that they should take breaks as needed, communicate with their scene partner and director about any discomfort or pain, and engage in self-care practices to ensure that they are physically and emotionally prepared for the demands of the job.

Finally, it’s important for actors to have a support system in place. This can include talking to other actors who have experience in the industry, seeking out counseling or therapy, and having trusted friends and family members who can provide emotional support.

Navigating consent and boundaries in the porn industry can be challenging, but it’s an essential part of maintaining a safe and respectful work environment. By following these guidelines, newcomers to the industry can ensure that they are approaching these issues in a professional and responsible manner.

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