I got my start in adult entertainment as a cam model, and after two years in the industry shooting over 100 scenes with wonderful studios like Brazzers, Mean Bitches and more, I can comfortably say I know my way around a shoot. While I still enjoy camming regularly and working with studios, I have learned that shooting “co-content” with other talent takes lots of preparation and planning to do it safely. Here are some tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way.
RESEARCHING THE CO-STAR
Once you have a system down, you’ll not only be safer, but have great experiences with your co-stars creating content you are both comfortable with and proud of.
My first step is to research my potential co-star. The initial thing I research is the type of content that they create to see if we can collaborate on something they might already be comfortable with, using Google or social media to find out what genres of porn they’ve appeared in.
After that, I look at whom they have worked with in the past and their longevity, and I try to determine their credibility if their industry status is unclear. I always make sure they're on Twitter, because Twitter is the safe place for sex workers. Then I check their follower count against how long they have had their account.
I check a few tweets and usually their photos or videos to further verify them. After a good amount of verification, if I decide I want to work with them, I start a conversation. I prefer to get in touch with co-stars through DM, then closer to the shoot day I might exchange numbers for immediate contact.
DISCUSSING THE SHOOT DETAILS
Secondly, I discuss the shoot details with them to make sure we both agree beforehand on the type of shoot, positions and theme. Those are important to make the on-camera magic look organic and to be sure that my costar and I are both comfortable with the shoot. I also work out the props and any other items that are needed on set. This can be anything from care products to water and food. I try my best to cover the cost of the items and I bring them with me, so I’m ready before my co-star arrives on set.
DETERMINING THE LOCATION
Next is location; it is so important. Many people do not notice these things, but the ambiance of a location can truly make the scene. It can also help emphasize whatever roles you both are playing. So I always have a discussion about it with my co-star and look for a location that we can agree on. After we are both comfortable with the location, we pick a time and date.
To make sure things are still going as planned for the shoot, I do a 72-hour check-in and a 24-hour check-in. If something happens that messes with the schedule, I communicate it immediately. If I reach out to talent to shoot, I try to pay for the location as much as I can, and whenever I do, I contact the people who manage the space ahead of time.
HIRING A THIRD PARTY
Consider hiring a cinematographer for your shoot as having a third party present can help maintain your safety. If you are working with a new cinematographer, always research them, as well any “extras” that will be on set.
The best way I’ve found to hire a cinematographer is through Twitter; you will be able to see the quality of their work and people they have worked for. I always recommend reaching out to other models for references, as a precaution. Make sure you clearly communicate what you need them to shoot and what is expected, such as pay or trade of content, and a contract if need be.
HANDLING DOCUMENTATION AND CONSENT
Lastly, before the shoot starts, paperwork must always be done, such as model releases, 2257s and STI tests. If my co-star can pull their testing up online, I will have them log in in front of me. After that, I ensure we both understand what will happen during the scene and are comfortable with it.
It’s very important for your safety and theirs to have verbal consent; doing this in front of the camera can be an effective way to confirm you both understand, agree and consent to the specific things that you plan to have happen on set. Go over your do’s and don'ts lists, your limits and your co-star’s limits. In addition, try to decide on a gesture or signal that you can use with the talent and cinematographer when you need to cut or stop production.
When I first got started, I had a great number of co-stars that showed me the way and made my content creator experience wonderful, and I truly thank them for that. But there are always some things you only learn from experience, and many of these tips are things I wish I had known earlier on, things I hope others can benefit from too.
Once you get all this down to a system, you’ll not only be safer, but have great experiences with your co-stars creating content you are both comfortable with and proud of.
Gorgeous Aphro is a content creator, performer and BranditScan user. She has worked on the sets of Brazzers, MeanBitches.com and more, producing over 100 scenes in her two years of performing in the adult industry. Find her latest updates on her social media accounts @GorgeousAphro on Twitter and @ TheGorgeousAphro on Instagram. Her content can be found at TheGorgeousExperience.com.
