The world of porn can have a mysterious aura about it – to the average consumer, it may seem so far-removed from their daily life that they can’t truthfully imagine what a set is really like. While there is a lot of behind-the-scenes content available for those who seek it out to better understand the experience, a vast majority of people seem to assume that a porn set is a wild free-for-all and the cameras are just there to capture it. We all know the old saying about assumptions, but demystifying studio porn is an important part of bridging this knowledge gap between consumers and responsible players in the industry. There are a myriad of long-established protocols intended to keep performers safe and make sure the work environment is positive and healthy for everybody on set.

One of the first concerns that comes to mind is the subject of STI transmission risk. After all, we very rarely see condoms in those pristine 4k closeups, right? What you may not know is that all mainstream production studios have very strict STI testing requirements. There is a short list of industry-approved facilities who offer standardized panels, and performers are required to show their results to each other and to the producer directly through their health portal to confirm the validity of the test in real time. These test results come back typically within 24-48 hours and the results are only acceptable for 14 days, with some companies even restricting results to 7 days for an added layer of security. Like professional athletes, adult performers put their bodies on the line every time they step on set but just like an NFL game, there are checks and balances in place to prevent serious incidents with serious ramifications for attempting to thwart them. Any talent discovered to be faking a test is blacklisted from mainstream sets. Agents, producers, and performers all have a shared commitment to upholding these standards in order to keep everyone safe and healthy.

It is often the tendency of outside analysts to attribute the actions that occur on camera as something that is “done to the other performer,” meaning it is at the discretion of talent whether to slap, spank, choke, bite, or any other “aggressive” additions to the scene, in particular within the context of heterosexual porn where it is often assumed that women are expected to tolerate whatever their scene partner does. The regulatory reality is that mainstream studios have, over the last decade or so, implemented thorough consent checklists across the board to put more power and control in the hands of both performers to communicate their preferences and limits PRIOR to the cameras rolling. These checklists include any number of things, with space for performers to clarify specifics that may not be addressed. They aren’t just a simple “yes” or “no” either – these checklists typically have room to clarify the extent to which they are open to the actions as well. For example, someone may enjoy light spanking, but anything more than a quick tap is a no. One performer may be okay with receiving spitting while the other may prefer to keep things on the dry side. Performers also discuss and make not of any words or phrases that either talent would prefer not to be used during the scene. Consent checklists create a dialogue around consent pertaining to specific actions, words, and other concerns with a written record to assure onlookers that these terms were agreed upon.

Of course, consent checklists must work in tandem with other tools like safe words and signals. A safe word ALWAYS overrides a consent checklist – after all, a checklist on paper is a static document while consent is a living, breathing, ever-changing agreement. A performer may consent to something on paper, but find it overwhelming in the real context of the scene and as such it is made clear to performers on professional sets that they are ALWAYS encouraged to call cut when something isn’t right. “Calling cut” can happen in several ways. There may be an agreed upon safe word, though generally “Cut” is universal and works just fine. Once a safe word is called, the producer will immediately stop rolling to address the matter at hand. If the performer is unable to speak, for example in the case of scenes featuring gags or even when the performer is physically overwhelmed and having difficulty communicating verbally, there is always a safe signal to fall back on. It may be a gesture like a flat hand across the neck as in “stop”, a double head shake at the producer, or any other number of things. Producers are instructed to attune themselves to the body language of the scene and try to anticipate discomfort as well. Performers are also given tools to communicate non-verbally during scenes to adjust in real time without stopping; for example, a common signal to “slow down” is tapping the other performer in a non-obvious area to alert them. Another is to actively position them, for example to make it appear as though it is part of the scene to grab someone’s hips and covertly readjust them. These kinds of things are a subtle part of being a great scene partner – reading and responding to body language. Being a great producer also means creating an environment on set where performers feel comfortable and empowered to advocate for themselves in the event that they do need to cut.

It is an interesting myth that mainstream porn involves no paperwork – people showing up whenever they want with nothing but a camera and the shirt soon to be off their back. In fact, the paperwork portion of a scene is arguably everyone’s least favorite but most necessary part of the day. This is where 2257 requirements come into play – something we discuss in another post. Producers must gather a plethora of information and fill out sometimes hefty stacks of paperwork before they can get down to business. This paperwork typically includes 2257 documentation, multiple copies of at least two forms of ID, photos and videos of performers holding IDs to confirm their likeness, consent checklists, model releases for copyright purposes, and consent video interviews. Everyone is allowed to request copies of their paperwork, and performers are often encouraged to scan them for their own records and safe-keeping.

Part of creating a safe and healthy environment on set for producers also means keeping a list of essentials on hand to assist performers when needed. These essentials include first aid kits, personal hygiene products like douches and enemas, shampoo, body wash, baby wipes, ice packs, heat packs, and plenty of lubricant. Snacks and waters are also typically on deck. Many mainstream studios will have an assistant on set who has everything and more to cater to performers’ needs. Assistants are also there as performer advocates to help aid communication between both performers and the producer, similar to an intimacy coordinator on a Hollywood movie set.

Professionals in all spheres of life tend to have a shared understanding that the best work comes from employees who feel safe and supported. Much like a Hollywood movie set, where a number of amenities are provided to keep actors happy, and unions ensure that safety standards are adhered to, mainstream studios employ many of the same tactics to keep their talents happy, healthy, and thriving. Protection and regulation are at the core of making sure that any studio is a sustainable work environment and that performers want to come back and give their best time and time again. This is what it means to be a responsible erotica organization – to continuously put people’s rights and needs first in the nuanced art of showcasing human sexuality for the world to enjoy with a clean conscience, knowing they are witnessing a product created in an environment that is built to support its star players.