By M.Christian

YNOT – The most common question those who work in adult hear is “Why do work in adult entertainment?” The second-most asked question is “How do I get into adult?”

Ray West took both of those questions and merged them into Adult Video Business: How You Can Find Attractive Women to Star in Your Own Adult Films, Make Money, and Quit Work in 7 Weeks – 2nd Edition. Part memoir and part instruction manual, West calls the book a guide not only to why people enter the adult entertainment industry, but how they start careers.

YNOT sat down with West and asked him to tell us about his journey in the industry and what advice he would give others, whether they’re just getting started or have been around a while.

YNOT: Can you briefly explain how Adult Video Business came about?
Ray West: The original idea for the book took place many years ago. At the time of making a few flicks on my own, I overheard a group of guys talking at the next table at a strip bar amongst themselves how they would give anything to film Nina Hartley and women like her in a porno. Nina was the feature dancer that evening. A light bulb went off in my head to write a book. Indeed, it was a fateful night. Thinking back, I almost decided not to go out that rainy night, but I’m glad I did. It’s nuts how a millisecond decision to go out on a rainy evening many years ago has connected me with so many readers today.

How long have you been in the adult industry, and what roles have you performed — directing, writing, acting, marketing, something else?
I’ve actually been making my own adult videos for almost 14 years now. Before I got started, I was torn to actually reveal or limit my identity because of family. Like many other folks, I love women and sex. I’ve directed some of the biggest names in porn but choose to go un-credited. Just a personal choice, nothing more, nothing less.

How is your book different from other books the purport to teach folks how to get into adult filmmaking? What will people learn in this book that they won’t find anywhere else?
This book is much more than a “how-to” book. It hits on the emotions. In some form or fashion, people can relate to many of their own desires. It’s visceral: The book doesn’t only talk about facts; it comes full circle to climax the thought of “why”… and more importantly, how it relates, benefits and entertains the individual reader.

In your personal experience, is there anything people interested in being in the adult video business always should do? Conversely are there things they always should avoid doing?
This part may sound obvious, but the first thought that comes to mind is always always, always treat your talent with complete respect. Plus, improvise with your talent to get their ideas on how they can pull a better, more natural, sexually stimulating performance. Obviously, the more comfortable your talent is around you, around other people, on set, the more rewarding the performance will be. If the female talent looks uncomfortable, overacting won’t cut it. We all know the camera will pick it up. That’s something I would avoid doing.

How have you been marketing your book, and what tricks or tips can you suggest to people trying to market their work?
In a nutshell one of the best marketing tips is not to fear sharing your own personal flaws. We all know “hype” turns many people off. Often, I’ll share an embarrassing story about myself and how I learned from that experience. That highlights the benefit to the viewer so they don’t make the same embarrassing mistake. Plus, they can see the gain from the result — not just on one level, but both intellectually and emotionally. Obviously, before anyone makes a purchasing decision, emotion comes well before desire. That’s why I love to tell personal stories.

The rest is really easy. When you think about it, I’m the guinea pig. I take the risk to try a new idea, test what works, and report the results to the audience and how [learning from my mistake] can benefit them — all in the comfort of their own home without risk [of] being judged by others.

Where do you see yourself and your video and book projects in the future?
To be perfectly honest, I see myself filming beautiful women and writing about it for life. That’s what makes me happy. I don’t believe anyone should go through life being miserable for the sake of living up to other folks’ standards. I mean, you don’t have to do something just because your high school guidance counselor said you would be good at it. I chose my own path then and continue to do so now.

[The book] truly is a work of passion. How could it not be? Don’t break your back lifting bricks for a living. Use it to satisfy chicks. I mean really, how can you honestly call in sick?

Adult Video Business: How You Can Find Attractive Women to Star in Your Own Adult Films, Make Money, and Quit Work in 7 Weeks – 2nd Edition
June 2, 2011; 252 pages
$33.95
Author: Ray West
Publisher: ClearView Press Inc.