Let’s go back to the set. In the world of Porn Business, everything is a mix of passion, commitment, and hard work. Scenes are filmed and refilmed, interrupted, cut, and pieced together to create the final product.
What most viewers never see is the effort, the discomfort, and sometimes the strange routines behind every scene. Let’s talk about some of those secrets.
Posing for the Camera
Actors and actresses are often forced into unnatural positions—just to make sure their genitals are perfectly exposed in front of the camera. It’s not comfortable or easy, but it’s part of the job.
The physical strain is real. Forget the fantasies about endless pleasure: long hours, sweat, and exhaustion are the real “behind the scenes.”
The “Money Shot” Comes First
People love the big finish. But here’s the truth: the “finale” (the ejaculation scene) is filmed before any of the other scenes.
Why? Because it’s easier to get the best, most energetic result when actors are fresh, not worn out from hours of work. So the most anticipated moment happens first, even if it appears last in the finished film.
Scripts and Improvisation
With Riccardo Schicchi, I used to discuss in advance which scenes would be repeated, which were most important, and how to adapt if things changed on set.
Often, the script was just a starting point. Reality, unpredictability, and personal chemistry changed everything.
Some actors claimed to be always “themselves,” showing total honesty on set. Personally, I never faked my pleasure—what you see is real. But for many others, a lot of acting is involved.
Practice Makes Perfect
Schicchi would organize rehearsals so that actors could feel comfortable and so the crew could find the best way to capture the action.
In the beginning, the camera stayed at a distance, giving everyone space. As things heated up, cameras became remote-controlled to avoid crowding the set and keep the focus on the performers.
The Day on Set
A single scene can require an actor to spend eight hours or more on set.
There’s the preparation—makeup, hair, multiple washes, even bleaching of certain areas. There’s also a backstage figure called the “fluffer,” whose job is to keep the male actors “ready” with ongoing stimulation.
Between takes, actors are often sprayed with water, rosewater, or glycerin to simulate sweaty, passionate bodies.
It’s all about creating a sense of energy and intensity for the viewer, even if the reality is a bit more artificial.
The Closed Set
Sometimes the set is “closed”—only actors and the director are present. This makes it less awkward, reduces performance anxiety, and keeps things more intimate.
Usually, most of the crew leaves during the most explicit scenes to respect the actors and give them some privacy.
Body Doubles and Actor Rights
Actors always have the right to decide which parts of their bodies to show on camera and which to keep private. That’s why body doubles are sometimes used for breasts, buttocks, or other areas—especially if an actor is uncomfortable with certain shots.
The Classic “Ciak”
Once everyone is ready, the classic “Ciak!” is called. But as I mentioned, the first “take” is often the final scene—the ejaculation—filmed when everyone’s energy is highest. After hours of repeated takes, actors are simply too tired for a convincing climax, so everything is scheduled for maximum impact.
Porn as a Show
Porn is a show—a spectacle full of exaggeration, pushing the limits of human sexual endurance.
Everything is carefully studied and managed by professionals, not just for pleasure but for the best visual result.
It’s a business, but also an art: building illusions and making sure every viewer sees exactly what they hope to see.
Curiosities from the Set
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Diet: Did you know figs can boost libido and stamina? That’s why they’re a staple in the diet of many adult performers.
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A Power Food? Vanilla ice cream is considered a bomb for male arousal—especially when combined with figs and honey. Vanilla is an aphrodisiac that increases blood flow to the male organs, making those scenes even more impressive.
A Few Words to My Readers
Dear Cicciolini and Ciccioline, I hope you found this section of the blog interesting and helpful.
Maybe, if you’re ever called for a casting, you’ll be better prepared after reading my blog!
Keep following me for more behind-the-scenes stories and advice, and remember—porn is not just about what you see on screen, but also about the professionalism, the challenges, and the teamwork behind every film.
Kisses from Cicciolina
