Porn Star 101 - What to Bring to an Audition

It's a funny question to ask, but if you're going to audition for a
role in which you will likely be spending most of your time naked, what
do you want to bring with you to the audition? In most professions,
there is an essential kit of supplies, references, and informational
materials you need to show to your potential employer when you first
meet. How does this translate into the world of porn?

First, and most important, is to bring valid, verifiable proof of your
age. It does not matter if you are ninety-three; your interviewer will
not be able to consider you, and may not even let you into the studio,
unless you can show an official photo id. For governmental regulations,
this ID should be issued by the state, and include a trackable unique
ID number, a current photo, and a date of birth proving you are a legal
adult.

Some producers will require you to provide two forms of ID, and most
reputable ones will insist on taking a photograph and/or a photocopy of
your ID to keep with your records. This is a standard precaution, as it
demonstrates that the producer followed the legal requirements for
preventing minors from participating. If you are not comfortable
letting this information stay with the producer, then you should not be
looking for work in this field.

Second, you should bring your social security card, or proof of
citizenship. While it is not technically illegal for a foreign national
to earn money working as a contract performer, it may be necessary for
that person to obtain documents proving the right to work in this
country. This is as much a concern for the producer as it is for the
performer, since it has implications for tax reporting.

Again, you should be ready to share this information with the producer.
If you are auditioning for contract work, you have every reason to
expect to be paid for what you do. As of 2005, any company which pays
you more than $500 in a single year must file a 1099 form declaring the
payment. Many performers make this much money in two or three shoots.
Filing the necessary paperwork requires your social security number,
along with your current mailing address. If you do not want to give out
this information to a producer, then you should look elsewhere for
work.

Third, you should prepare a list of all the aliases and names you have
used, professionally or personally, throughout your life. If you are
married, and have taken your spouse's last name, you need to include
your birth name. If you have performed anywhere in the world under an
assumed name, you need to include that name in this list as well.

This information is one of the newest elements being required of
producers, who have very strict record keeping standards to maintain
legitimacy. At any time, the government can demand that a producer show
any of this information about any performer whose work that producer
has sol, licensed, published, or distributed. Having the information
ready in advance demonstrates your understanding of the needs of the
producer, and the realities of the industry.

Fourth, you should wear comfortable, casual clothing which is easy to
take off and put on again. Of course, you want to make sure that the
clothing you choose shows off your body and your features to their best
advantage. It is likely that you will be asked to take your clothing
off, and part of your audition will be demonstrating the grace and ease
with which you can do this. Pick your outfit accordingly. Keep makeup
and jewelry to a minimum. The producer wants to see what you look like
naturally.

In addition to street clothes, it is not a bad idea to bring along a
few specialized costume pieces, props, or other equipment which you
feel expresses the unique qualities you bring to the work you do. Do
not expect to have time to show more than one or two outfits. It is
also polite to ask the producer in advance if there are any special
areas of emphasis for the audition. That way, you will be better
prepared for what you will be asked to do.

Fifth, be sure to bring a bag or case large enough to carry everything,
and hold it together before, during, and after the audition. Many
producers schedule multiple auditions one after the other. You do not
want to be remembered as the one who couldn't get all the gear back
into the bag before the next performer showed up. You also do not want
to leave anything behind, since it may accidentally end up in someone
else's bag the same afternoon.

Sixth, bring an open mind. Each producer works a little differently.
Some will spend most of the time talking, while others will put you out
on the set without any preliminaries. Most will expect you to fill out
some paperwork verifying your intent, and show your identification,
before anything else. Some will offer you work immediately, and others
will add you to their files and may not call for six months. Some will
offer to send you a copy of the pictures from your test session in
exchange for the rights, while others will not. Some will videotape the
interview session for possible future use in the extras for an upcoming
DVD.

If you feel strongly about any of these possibilities, ask about them
before you schedule an interview. It is not professional to ask a
producer to change his methods at an interview, and it will not work in
your favor. Remember that the pictures which are taken at an interview
are just as likely as any others to show up online, or in promotional
materials for future video work. Use this opportunity to shine like the
star you know you can be!