No worries. I think I probably owe you an apology too.
To be clear, the purpose of the OP really was simply to start a debate on an arguably controversial topic in the hope of testing my own views on that topic. I certainly met that objective to some degree, even if by deploying somewhat disparaging tactics at times to "warm things up". I certainly told no lies, though (well, not intentionally or knowingly).
I'd say my Post #375 outlines my view generally, namely:
Southwind17 said:
I don't think there's anything "wrong" with porn per se, from which you will deduce that I'm not entirely comfortable with it either, by which I mean I don't have great respect for porn actresses. Generally, I do think they're being used and depraved, unwittingly, regardless of consent, to the detriment of women generally. As for porn actors and crew, well, I suppose I should be scathing, but, oddly, I don't feel that way. I suppose it's analogous to buying some sneakers that you know have probably been made in a sweat shop - a fact which you're prepared to ignore in the interests of slipping them and feeling good. You could call it hypocritical, I suppose. Maybe male chauvinism. Maybe just brute masculinity. Who knows? (that's rhetorical, BTW!)
Happy to discuss this if you have any comments, but don't feel obliged on my account - we can stay with the thread as it is, if you prefer.
Apology accepted.
Now let's start again. And please forgive me if I seem harsh, I'm just honest.
I find it interesting that you don't have respect for porn actresses, but feel that the crew is okay. By using your analogy with sweatshop sneakers, it's like not having respect for the children who work at sweatshop, but the people who run the sweatshop you don't feel anything towards.
Forgive me if I sound accusing, but it sounds to me like you see women the victims of porn and yet you blame the victim for being in it in the first place.
Personally, being in the business as much as I am in it, (and I am by no means a big-time hot shot producer or even a medium time warm shot producer), porn IS exactly like any other business. Let me tell you how I hire and employ my porn actresses (and actors), and let's see if that clears some of the stereotype away. (And yes, this is completely anecdotal).
When I first approach a model for a shoot for the first time, I am honest and upfront with the type of fetish I film. There have been quite a few who wouldn't do it, and I completely understand. If they refuse, I do not force or offer them more money (unless they ask for more - then we negotiate). I merely thank them and try to find other models or ask if they know of another who would be interested.
When a model accepts a job, I tell her upfront what this shoot will consist of in detail. I send her (and/or him) the script, the contract and a release form. They have the freedom to suggest changes in it if they are uncomfortable with something. Many many models demand this, of course. They want to know what they are getting into. And there have been changes and compromises that work for everyone at times.
Before the shoot, I get their ID and release forms, then I pay them so everything is above board.
During the shoot, I offer to get them drinks and food, (nothing special, just "I'm getting soda, you need some" type of thing), and give them breaks. Just like any other employer should do. Of course, at any time, if she/he feels uncomfortable or something with the shooting, we will stop the shoot and discuss what needs to be done in order to make the scene work.
Afterward, I thank the model and let them leave at their leisure. After editing, I send them a copy that they are free to use for their website, or head shots, etc.
In porn, the porn actress (or actor) is the bread and butter. If I treat them well, and they will come back for more jobs, recommend me to other models and even promote my movies more. A lot (and I'm not saying all) of the big name, and not so big name porn studios follow the same idea. It makes sense. This is first and foremost a business like any other and every successful business treats it's employees well. By the same token, every successful employee should have a professional business sense, be open to discussion and compromise, and be physically and mentally able to do the job. I will admit being a female porn actress is not as hard as programming a computer, but there's a lot more to it than just lying on your back and getting f******. That's
part of the job. It is definitely not the
entire job.
There is no difference to me business wise between running a porn production and making pizzas. You have customers, you have employees, you have overhead, etc, etc. One is portraying sex to indulge in a fantasy that a customer might not get to experience or even want to experience in real life, while the other feeds you pizza when you call.
Now, I'm not saying every porn production company is like mine. Far from it. There are good people and bad people on both sides of the camera. But then again, there are good people and bad people in law enforcement, in politics, in making pizzas, etc. The only reason why I think porn gets the attention it does is because it involves sex. That makes it fair game because everyone has a strong reaction to it. Because of that people who aren't in the business seem to think that they know a lot about it.
If I may be so egotistical to add this, I can honestly say with pride that I've worked with quite a few models, and each one has told me that they like me as a director and would highly recommend me to other models. In fact, I've had models approach me because of a recommendation from a previous model I've worked with.
I'm sorry for the manifesto, just my honest reaction to what you stated.
