I received a "screener" before the DVD will be available to the public.
From their website:
"...It’s a documentary that gives you an inside look into the world of porn by portraying the lives of 10 people from the industry that we spent over a year getting to know."
It was completed in July 2008 so, based on some time frames given throughout the documentary, I assume the filming began around January of 2007. (Keep that in mind as you read about the "newcomer" below...)
Most of the adult businesses are based in California in the San Fernando Valley...also known as "Porn Valley". Since the 1970s it has become the place from which most of the product available in the United States of America has roots. The documentary covers: the companies that produce pornography, the distributors of the product, the producers, the agents, the actors, and the directors.
A husband and wife who are both actors are followed, as well as some who are new to the business and those who have been around since the '70s.
I was very interested in what veterans of the industry had to say...their experiences, suggestions, etcetera...so that I can compare that with those who are currently in the business.
Sharon Mitchell was an adult actress for over twenty-five years, appeared in over two thousand movies, and performed as a dancer. After being attacked by a fan she became a Clinical Sexologist, obtained a doctorate in Human Sexuality, and is a certified counselor (specializing in STDs and Chemical Dependency). She also operates AIM Healthcare, a non-profit organization in Encino (California) that tests for STDs and provides counseling services for issues that are related to substance abuse.
Mitchell makes a point that those who participate in pornography are the misfits and renegades of society. (I agree. And believe that those who enjoy it probably can also wear those labels...)
Another veteran, Nina Hartley, gives her opinions about the business. And "newcomers" have their own opinions...
In this, Sasha Grey is "The Rookie": she began her career in 2006, and this documentary is being made before she became very popular and well known.
Her first agent, Mark Spiegler, is shown as he goes through his day of managing his talent; her at-the-time boyfriend...now fiance...Ian Cinnamon also expresses his thoughts and feelings.
Not surprising is that sisters have worked in the industry together, such as Mia and Ava Rose. To me they clearly love eachother, and Mia gains strength and feels comfortable having Ava around (when she was...you'll understand this comment when you see the scene I'm referring to).
I assume we all expect those who are related to this type of business will be discriminated against. But for someone to have their World of Warcraft account terminated shocked me! It appears to me that Blizzard/WoW was being nit-picky...after learning of her existance in their universe. (Porn stars need guilds, too...)
There's some conversation about the types of expectations that those who are inexeperienced in sexual activities (virgins, et alia) will have based on what they see in some productions. Will they consider what is seen as behavior(s) expected of them, and is considerd the norm? That's a good question.
Three major reasons are given that women work (as actresses) in the industry. As I remember, the reasons were given by Mitchell. I wish all participants in the documentary had been asked why they chose adult entertainment as a career...
There was mention of what actresses aren't warned about before they begin performing, and how some performers can be used and abused: used by agents, producers, etcetera. I wanted to know more about what had happened, and how they were swindled or taken advantage of. I'm sure others who might enter this field need to know this information, as well.
Working hard and planning financially for the future was mentioned, but not examined. Some idea is given about the amount of money that can be earned. But what I didn't learn about, that I'm very interested in, are those who properly managed their business for lifelong financial success:
How much did they make?
How often did they make certain amounts?
What did they do with the money after it had been received?
Who successfully provided for the future, and how did they do it?
If you've wondered what it's like to work in adult entertainment, or have thought about being in the business, this DVD is for you! There are very graphic scenarios, and they need to...and should...be included: the reality needs to be shown with no softening of the view.
Between segments music is played as if it's being broadcast on a radio station. KQDJ is the call sign that was given, but I believe it's fictional because I cannot find any information about it ever existing at the frequency that was announced.
As of the time of this posting, I did not find any information on their website about the music that was used, and where I can get more information on it. Maybe it will later be available...
The runtime is over 90 minutes.
For bonus clips, go to http://blog.9to5-themovie.com/
The DVD can be purchased at http://www.amazon.com/9-5-Days-Sasha-Grey/dp/B003804YQA
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