by Chuck Lefler

Erika Jordan was born in Germany. Erika moved with her family to Tucson, Arizona, when she was six years old. She studied theater as a child. At age eighteen, Jordan packed everything she had into a U-haul and moved to Los Angeles, California. She got her start modeling for various fitness magazines.

Erika landed her first starring role in the low-budget B movie Attack of the Virgin Mummies at age nineteen. At age twenty, she snagged a gig as the weather girl for Weekend Flash and then became the co-host for the Playboy TV series Totally Busted. Jordan was subsequently cast as a ditsy secretary on the show Canoga Park. You can see her regularly on Cinemax in movies such as Baby Dolls Behind Bars, Dirty Blondes From Beyond, and Naughty Reunion.

Outside of acting, Jordan has not only hosted events and worked at trade shows, but has also been a spokesmodel for such clients as Peach DVD, Just Tires, Malibu Springs, Vantage Point, and International Auto Saloon.

Erika has been featured in several “Playboy” newsstand special editions, including being named one of the top 100 most beautiful women in the world by Playboy in Playboy’s Sexy 100 and Top 100 Maxim’s Hometown Hotties. She’s also a certified physical fitness trainer and current “Sexpert”/vlogger for SexSearch.com with a comedic online series answering questions about sex and dating.

When you first moved to LA were you looking into acting or just trying to get out of Tucson? 

I wanted to act as soon as I learned to speak. I was always in theater as a child. Moved to LA the day I turned 18 even though I had never been. I was homeless (hotels and motels) for the first 6 months but never thought of giving up.

How did you first get noticed by Playboy?

I auditioned and then I auditioned again. Some of my happiest memories are from my days on Playboy TV. We became like a family and it’s always hard to say goodbye when the show is over.

While shooting Canoga Park did you ever realize they were going to make Anton Michael’s sausage the star of the show?

HA HA!! We got used to seeing him naked constantly. If he walked through my living room right now I still wouldn’t be shocked! What a great guy! He was always ready to make fun of himself! Canoga Park was the best show I’ve ever done. We were so upset when they decided to take the 30 minute episodes and make them 10 minute clips.

Totally Busted was genuinely funny and sexy, wad it as fun to shoot as it looks on TV?

It was a BLAST!! More fun than you could possibly imagine!! We never hired actors we always really pranked people! WE had to pull each prank 3 times to ensure we get a good one.

Can we expect to see you in a similar sexy/funny TV series in the near future? 

I really hope so! We shot a pilot called Spanked for Playboy but it didn’t get picked up.

And now you show up on the Playboy Morning Show. How often are you on the Playboy Morning Show? 

Once a month but I wish I could have my own segment

How often do you take acting classes? They seem to be paying off.

I just finished an intensive scene study course with Nick Anderson. Before that I took his comedy class which might be my favorite so far. I’m a perpetual student so I hope to always be taking a class of some sort. A workout for the brain and just like athletes we can’t get rusty during the “off season.”

Would you ever do anything more than soft core?

I’d like to do more syfy and comedy.

With mainstream shows such as Spartacus, Rome and Game of Thrones showing the kind of nudity that was once the domain of late night movies/series, do you think the bar has been raised for soft-core movies? How do you feel about it?

Don’t forget True Blood! It’s about time!  I was hoping that since mainstream shows are accepting nudity people won’t be as quick to look down on the soft core industry. We’re all entertainers hoping to entertain!

After years of shooting for glamour lingerie modeling for companies such as Peach DVD and late night cable networks you have recently gotten some roles in movies that are not meant for adults only. Did you get these roles from exposure on late night TV, contacts from acting classes or just a lot casting calls?

I’m a perpetual student and mainstream has always been my greatest dream so I never stopped trying. Each roll has its own story. Sometimes it’s from relentless auditioning and sometimes it comes from the fact that I have gotten to know many people in LA and they know I’m reliable.

You have posted a lot pictures from your recent movie shoots. You always seem to be having a good time. What projects can we expect to see on TV in the near future?

I have a great time on set!! I just shot four movies. Two Fred Olen Rey movies, one from MRG Entertainment and my first starring role in a mainstream drama called T&E which will be playing at film festivals. I’m excited about being featured in Fred Olen Rey’s web series After Midnight which is a psychological thriller! I play an angry stripper named Tina.

You have had some luck at landing bit parts in several Showtime series. Was this from a lot of casting calls?

We get work from auditions, callbacks, referrals, etc.

Did your work on late night fare help in landing these roles?

Late night movies only hurt your acting career. I defend myself daily.

You and Christine Nguyen recently had the chance to go to Vegas shooting for House of Lies. How much fun did the two of you have tearing up Vegas? How well does the production company treat the supporting actors when shooting for Showtime? How is a shoot for Showtime different from shooting for Retromedia or MRG?

That was an unbelievable experience! We had a limo pick us up and we ate like queens and stayed in a gorgeous suite. Definitely the right way to do Vegas! There was a HUGE difference in budget. Usually with the movies I shoot I get ONE take to get it right. As long as the words come out of my mouth we move on to the next scene.

On a show like House of Lies they shoot the scene over and over until it’s perfect! Although I wish all movies were filmed that way I’m definitely learning a lot shooting B movies.

In your late night scenes you often seem to be up to more than just the sex scene, gets a little silly at times. Well fun silly. Does your comedy/improve training help with this? 

YES! But most directors who shoot late night movies realize they are silly and decide to make fun of them a bit. We’re usually told to ham it up even more! I took the core curriculum at Upright Citizens Brigade and it has helped me immensely come up with comedy on the spot!

Also the fact that I’ve been a standup comedian and have a bi-weekly series answering questions about sex and dating (primarily comedic) has been a big help.

Some of your scenes in movies were pretty steamy. Is there any actual contact? If so how do the actors/actresses deal with that?

The guy wears a “cock sock” and the girl wears a band aid that covers the vagina and buttonhole. Sorry. I’ve basically told you there wasn’t a Santa Claus but they can’t allow genitals to touch on a soft core set since the risks involved with the exchange of bodily fluids can result in a lawsuit.

Can you describe your sensations before, during, and after a love scene?

I always look up my co-star before a scene. I get excited! It’s a thrill to meet a gorgeous person and end up fondling and kissing them. I’m usually genuinely aroused and I’ve become insatiable after a great scene!

What do you think of the soft-core genre?

I love it. I think it incorporates more of a story and they tend to be comedic so we have a blast shooting them!

I’d like to know about the community of soft-core actors. How much do they socialize off set? Is there behavior boundaries—work is strictly work?

I think we tend to get crazy since we are teased all day! Especially when we shoot on location! Regardless of the type of set you can’t help but feel close to people you consistently spend time with. I’m always sad when we wrap!

Major turn-offs in a guy? Turn-ons?

I dislike bad hygiene (shocker ), cheap, unmotivated, pessimistic men. I love men who are family-oriented, loyal, funny, generous, athletic, and can laugh at themselves.

Blue jeans and sneakers or dress and heels or blue jeans and heels?

I feel sexiest in sexy workout attire.

Saturday night, ice cream and a movie or dancing?

I like to mix it up!

You have recently lost a good friend in Hans Avluv. He seems to have an amazing eye for beauty and composition. A lot of the photos you post came from him. How often did you two shoot together?

I always say he really saw me. The pictures we took are my favorite and I wish I had the pictures from the last few shoots we did together. They truly deserve to be seen. We shot the cover of OC Weedly and many of the images I chose to represent myself.

Click for larger image

Click for larger image

Was Veronica Avluv normally the hair and makeup person for these photo shoots?

Yes, in the beginning. For the last 3 or 4 years the infamous Lisa Sloane did my makeup and hair.

Is there any other photographer that you worked with as often as Hans?

Jesse De Young and Tommy O, but they are all very different.

Click for larger image

Click for larger image

Is there any photographer that you haven’t worked with yet that you would love to pose for?

Would love to work with a Maxim Photographer. Any of the photographers that submit to Sports Illustrated.

You always seem to be smiling from ear to ear, and you have a sweet voice. Would you consider yourself a pretty upbeat person?

I definitely try to be! I started as a predominantly pessimistic person and have trained myself through meditation to be positive. Doesn’t do anyone any good to hold on to negative emotions. It just creates more negativity. The solution lies within you.

When you first came to LA you got a lot of work in fitness magazines. But now a decade later you are in much better shape. Are you just lucky with great genetics or is there a lot of effort but into body maintenance? What is a normal week at the gym like for Erika Jordan?

Thank you! I work out 6 days a week! I’m a workout addict. Kickboxing, Pilates, spinning, weights, dance classes, martial arts, and occasionally yoga. I love mixing it up. I am always looking for a new way to get my endorphins flowing.

You have been kickboxing for a number of years but just recently got into fetish wrestling/boxing. How did you decide this was something that was right for you? Did you find this on your own, production companies approach or just an off shoot from other fetish work?

I started as a nude fetish model and actress but since I had a toned physique I was occasionally cast as a fighter of some sort. I have always enjoyed kickboxing as a workout and started doing wushu and MMA to give a better performance on camera.

When I discovered fetish wrestling I felt euphoric. Sexy and bad ass combined into one element! I have arrived. I did my first nude martial arts scene at 18 in Attack of The Virgin Mummies! I am shocked I didn’t get into fetish wrestling sooner! It combines my two worlds and is perfect for me! I even get a workout!

I started working for Kennibeck as Salene Coma in the Savage Tales series because Michael Su (videographer/director) is a friend of mine and figured I would love it! He was right. Like a fish in water. I feel fortunate to have done fights with some of the most amazing stunt men (like the urban ninja, Xin Wuku).

You stated that you prefer to fight men instead of another sexy woman. Why do you find fighting men more fun?

They aren’t sensitive. If I hurt them they don’t take it personal. They can throw me around.

After closely reviewing much of this material you seem to have a mischievous grin with men and more severe expression with women. Is this you playing the part or just emotions taking over?

Ha ha, it amuses me that it comes through. That would be my emotions. Girls can snap! I’ve left some fights bloody.

How did you become the comedic advice Sexpert for online dating sites? 

I was the host of a talk show they were endorsing.

The Sunset Hills show that preceded the SexSearch YouTube shorts seemed to have a few people as the host. Was this sort of a rehearsal and they picked the best to continue their promotion efforts?

It was a talk show for adult stars but didn’t end up working out for some reason. Was fun while it lasted but I love being able to create my own videos.

Was it their idea or yours to change the talk show into funny sexy shorts?

They originally wanted informative. I added the funny, then was asked to focus on the funny, and then the fans asked for more sexy. Now I’m trying to make them funny, sexy, and informative.

Do you still perform standup around town?

I will do an open mic here and there! I love stand up.

Other than your YouTube presence you are also very active on Twitter. Do you find Twitter an effective way to promote your various projects?

It’s a great way to communicate with my fans!

Do you the production companies pay attention to Twitter comments about your work from fans?

Some definitely do.

I’ve noticed a few surprising rude comments and questions in your feed. Are you able to let these roll off without affecting you?

I always try to ignore them and be the bigger person but it hurts. Most artists tend to be sensitive.

Where do you want to take your career next?

I would love to have a regular part on a comedic series!

Is there any other part of your career or life you would like to touch on in this interview?

I have never crossed the line into hardcore. I’ve never done any type of insertion which in my mind puts me in a different genre than adult film stars. I have nothing against them it’s just not for me. I prefer to keep my explicit adventures off camera. I like living on the edge. I enjoy the thrill of playing with fire without actually touching it. I was born in Germany and don’t consider nudity something to be ashamed of. I’m proud of my body.

If money wasn’t an issue what would you be doing now?

I would only take the jobs I LOVE, finish my degree, and travel!

Thank you for time and effort in this. You’re such a lovely generous person.

If you are not following Erika’s Twitter and YouTube accounts you are missing out:

YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/user/JustJazzy3

http://www.youtube.com/user/SexSearchDating

http://www.funnyordie.com/topic/erika-jordan

Double Trouble Wrestling

http://www.dtwrestling.com/

ScissorVixens

http://scissorvixens.com/

http://www.clips4sale.com/

American Damsels

http://www.clips4sale.com/studio/6571

Ballbustin’ & Foot Lovin’

http://www.clips4sale.com/studio/46787

BOTS Platinum Edition

(Swedish fighter Salene)

http://www.clips4sale.com/studio/1278

Bound4Worship

http://www.clips4sale.com/studio/23476

Competitive Enterprises

http://www.clips4sale.com/studio/1855/

Erotic Mixed Fighting

http://www.clips4sale.com/studio/1855

Hit the Mat Boxing and Wrestling

http://www.clips4sale.com/11587

JB Media

http://www.clips4sale.com/studio/36787/

Moore Fetish

http://www.clips4sale.com/30753

http://www.moorefetish.com/

Playtime JerkOff! Pantyhose & Panty

http://www.clips4sale.com/studio/13939

POV Humiliation

http://www.clips4sale.com/studio/14195

Superbound

http://www.clips4sale.com/studio/37316

World Custom Championship Wrestling

http://www.clips4sale.com/store/8061

(This interview was contributed by Softcore Reviews Forum member propdoc)

Monique is a popular multi-talented actress who has starred in dozens of softcore movies and videos. Our friend “propdoc” recently had a chat with her about her career and plans for the future.

Softcore Reviews: Thank you for taking time out to do this interview. You are one of the most well known actresses in the softcore genre, along with one of this interviewer’s favorites. Not just because you are very attractive, but you can act. Some people call you a “thinking man’s sex symbol.” You’ve had a long and successful career. What do you attribute to your success?

Monique Parent: I don’t really consider myself successful to be honest. I’m still waiting to do really good work. This has all just been practice up until now. I’m just doing my learning in a very public forum. I love acting. I love creating a character. But I am never truly happy with my work. I always feel as though I could have done more or given more. Will I ever feel as though I’ve really done a good job? What do you think?

You were born in San Luis Obispo, California, and other than a brief time in living in Arizona, spent your youth there. In previous interviews you described it as your normal small town life. Yet you also said you felt out of place there?

I think most artists are a little “different” from everyone else. We expect more from ourselves than is truly reasonable. We don’t understand why some people think some things are so important (you know, like math and stuff). I think that most artists grow up feeling out of place until they meet other artists–other people that think they way they do or at least respect the fact that there are differences and that those differences are not only OK but wonderful.

You began studying ballet at age three, followed by tap and jazz. Then you were cast in your first play, a community college rendition of “Fiddler on the Roof”, at age nine. So you caught the acting bug early?

‘Fraid so. Either that or I’ve just always been psychotic.

Do you think acting helped you with your feelings of being out of place in a small town, or did it make you yearn for wider horizons?

It definitely made me yearn for more. I still am. I think if I stop wanting more I may as well call it quits.

After high school you enrolled in Alan Hancock College to in your words “Take a few theatre and dance classes while you figured out what you wanted to do with your life.” You also tried your hand in the business world by opening your own bathing suit store.

I really tried to do the things that I was brought up believing I was supposed to do. My parents were in business for themselves and naturally I thought that was what I was supposed to do. I mean, gosh, who goes out and pursues an acting career? That’s for special people–people who are exceptionally beautiful or talented. Not for regular people like me.

Yet when you first got to LA during the summer of 1990, you chose not to immediately look for parts, but to study at the Beverly Hills Playhouse. Why the hesitation?

It took a lot to just get myself to LA to pursue acting and I think that just because I got my ass down here I still wasn’t ready. I needed that time to learn my craft and to learn how to live in a different environment.

You’ve said that after being in LA for about a year, you woke up one morning and remembered why you came. You then got an agent, went on a couple of auditions and started working right away.

It’s a scary thing. Being an actor. It’s a lot of rejection as everyone knows. If you are not auditioning, you are not being rejected. It’s like being single and saying you want to meet someone and get married but never leaving your house. Oh sure, you want to but it’s just not going to happen. I think I was insulating myself. I could say I was an actor but I wasn’t taking a chance on anyone challenging that. Or judging me. Eventually I realized that I damn well better start putting it out there!

Persistence and hard work certainly can help with a career, but as an actor you are also very versatile. You’ve described yourself as a “chameleon”, able to change yourself into anyone or anything.

Well, not quite anyone or anything. We all have our limitations. I have a blank canvas kind of face. That’s neither good nor bad, it just is. I have a face that can easily be transformed into a lot of different looks, which is a really great thing as an actor.

But that adaptability has a price. You had a hard time playing the character Valerie in the 1995 feature “Married People, Single Sex II: For Better or Worse”.

Valerie was a tough role for me. She’s very victim-y. I’m not so good at victims. I’m kind of feisty myself and I’m better with stronger characters. But it’s good to do other stuff, good to stretch myself. I should do more of it but damn, it’s uncomfortable! I really need to do more stretching like that .

Your film debut was a minor role in the 1992 feature “Secret Games” with just one scene. The same year you got your first staring role in “Bufford’s Beach Bunnies”. How was acting in a pair of hot pink bunny ears?

Harder than you might think. I have red hair for the love of God–between my very white skin, my very red hair, hot pink bunny ears and orange suspenders it’s amazing that nobody went blind! Actually I had a blast on that film. I love playing dumb. It’s incredibly liberating. Any idea, no matter how off the wall-just going for it! Of course, I should do that with every role, but somehow the ditzy roles seem the bring it out more in me.

You did several more films in 92 and 93, including “Sex and the Single Alien”. The lead Eric Kohner aka Harry, is abducted by a UFO and after being experimented on by the aliens, gains the power to give women orgasms simply by looking at them. You play one of the women this happens to. Reviewers have said your performance makes Meg Ryan’s “When Harry Meet Sally” routine “sound like a Sunday school sermon.

I was originally cast in one of the lead roles in that film but because of scheduling conflicts I wasn’t able to do it. I thought I wouldn’t be in that film at all but then they asked me to do that scene. I am so glad that I got to because once again I was able to just let go and enjoy doing comedy. Plus, it’s really nice to do smaller roles. When you have the lead in a movie, that’s a lot of responsibility and a lot of screen time. With smaller roles, you can just show up, be wonderful (uhhh…we hope) and be on your merry way.

After that you really started doing a lot of films. The Internet Movie Database lists over thirty between 93 and 96. One of those was the 1994 feature Play Time . Fans have always ranked that movie as one of the best soft-core films of all times. Much of its recognition is the on screen chemistry between you and our co-star Jennifer Burton. You yourself mentioned in another interview that while you were shooting that you found certain scenes “incredibly erotic”. When you were finished filming it, did you have any inkling of how popular it would become?

No idea at all. We all kind of thought the movie was a joke, you know some of the stuff we were asked to do we just rolled our eyes at each other and laughed about it. Shows how much we know…

I recently ran across another film you did during that period, the 1995 feature “Alien Escape” aka “Galaxy Girls”. You are in the movie for a mere 3 minutes, just long enough for a quick shower and then get killed.

Still have never seen it. Interesting trivia: I shot that the day before my wedding. As a wedding present for my husband, I had the total bikini wax–everything. And then I got called to do “Galaxy Girls” and of course it was a shower scene. I was so embarrassed. Yeah, I know, guys think it’s hot but I thought I looked I looked like a twelve year old. Now everyone reading this is going to run out to find “Galaxy Girls”, I know how you boys are!

That’s right, much to many of your fans’ probable disappointment, you’ve been married now since 1995.

Haven’t killed him yet. Been tempted to…

You meet your husband Harry when you first got to LA in 1990, so he’s watched your career grow. What does he think of you being such an icon of the softcore industry?

You know, you can’t really be famous to the people who are close to you. It’s as absurd to him as it is to me. He does get a big kick out of it when I get recognized and people ask for autographs.

He was though bothered by your role in the 1996 feature “Ladykiller”.

He has no problem watching a love scene of mine. He’s been there for real so he can see the difference between what I am like in real life versus movie life. It’s different watching someone you love get killed. He really doesn’t like to see that. I usually warn him not to look, but when we were watching “Ladykiller” my death kind of snuck up on me. See, they show my throat being cut. Except that it wasn’t actually my throat. In fact, I wasn’t even on set the day they shot that. Movie magic. So you can see how I forgot about it happening. He was not a happy camper.

On the lighter side, in several of your films, you’ve played “creatures of the night”, such as a cannibal baroness in “Tender Flesh” and a pseudo vampire in “Bloodthirsty”. If you could be any fantasy creature, what would it be?

Definitely something magical. I remember when I read “The Mists of Avalon” and the writing was so wonderful I felt like I could go out and call up storms and cast spells. And of course, being a woman I’m already a bit of a witch. Or do I mean I have the wit of a bitch. Something like that…

And on the darker side, in researching for this interview I came across a dead link to “Strictly Speaking With Mistress Karen and Monique Parent”, an official site to a BDSM documentary. Dare I ask?

“Strictly Speaking” is a very good little documentary. It’s still available somewhere. Hard to find though. I just got it myself about three months ago. It’s shot very MTV style. B & W, grainy mixed with very crisp. My part in it is pretty boring. I just model the outfits. That’s all. Nothing sinister or sensational. I left that to the pros.

Wow, Monique Parent modeling fetish wear! Something for fans to add to their collection. Back to the interview though, in 1996 you got to do a more mainstream part, acting in an episode of “Walker, Texas Ranger”. How was that?

It was a great experience. I was the bad guy (as usual). One thing that’s nice about doing so much low budget stuff is that I got do make all my mistakes and learn what I should and shouldn’t do on a smaller level so when I’m thrown into bigger stuff, I’m ready. Of course I’m still making mistakes and trying to learn what to do–but that’s the fun part of life.

The next year you landed the role of Ursula Andress in the 1997 mainstream feature “James Dean: Race With Destiny”, and a small part in “L.A. Confidential” which unfortunately was cut from the final film. Unlike most actresses who do a lot of softcore features, you have actually had some success at crossing over into the mainstream.

I’m a harsh critic. My opinion is that I’ve had no success crossing over. On that note, let me say that I was very disappointed with my performance in “James Dean…” I was a last minute casting and I never got the time to get the accent right. Shit like that haunts me forever. On the plus side, I got to make out with Casper Van Dien.

You were cautioned at the beginning of your career, “Avoid nudity, it’s going to hurt your career.” Do you feel that mainstream casting agents have a prejudice where it comes to actresses who’ve done a lot of nudity? Or is it just a case of them being ignorant of the genre?

I have to say that I got my start with Robert Lombard and he was the one to say that to me! Interesting how our lives change. But I could never have done anything without all his hard work for me. Have to give credit where credit is due. Anyway, he felt that nudity would be detrimental, but then my first audition was for “Secret Games” and it was a union film. It’s not easy to get in the union, so Robert and I agreed that I would do nudity just this once. Uh-huh. Shows what we knew! It actually opened a lot of doors for both of us and led us to where we are today.

I think that some casting agents do have a prejudice against actors who have done nudity. But I tend to think that most of them are just ignorant of the genre. Casting people usually stick to whatever genre they are (currently) casting.

You’ve said that “Gone With The Wind” is a favorite of yours. In the “what if?” category, as an actress is there a part in either an older film or one more recent that you would have liked to have been cast in and had a chance to do?

Can’t think of anything that I’ve watched and thought “oh, it should have been me”. A dream role for me would be “Medea” or Anne Rice’s “The Witching Hour”. Oh hell, anything by Anne Rice would be cool.

You’ve sometimes called the parts in many of your films not acting but just “stripping and posing.” This has lead to some frustration for you hasn’t it?

Oh definitely. But at the same time, there really is no point in regretting the past. I might not be where I am now if I had done things differently. My career might be better, or non-exisistent, or whatever. The way I look at it–I’m not dead yet. I still have time.

What are your goals for the future? Where do you see your career in 5, 10 or 15 years?

I’ll still be acting. Hopefully surprising myself and learning more all the time. I want to do better work. That doesn’t mean more money or fame. It means better work. I can always do more, give more.

Because you’ve had such a long career in softcore, you’ve had directors in the past say “You’ve shot more love scenes than I have. Just tell me what you want to do and where I should place the cameras”. Have you ever thought about stepping behind the camera and directing?

I’m too much of a control freak not to! Oh yeah, I know that’s where I’m headed–but I’m not there yet. I don’t know enough yet.

Your most recent film is the 2003 feature “Los Jornaleros”, which tells the interwoven stories of three young Hispanic men who come to this country to pursue the American dream and instead end up struggling as day-laborers. What can you tell us about the film and your part?

Evil White Chick. Yeah, I know, big stretch. It’s a really great little movie. Everyone should run out and see it. I should warn you–I actually keep my clothes on. Mostly. But seriously, it is a good film. Worth watching.

The film is in Spanish. You also did an earlier feature “Tender Flesh”, also in Spanish. Do you speak any other languages?

When I travel to other countries I make a point of learning how to order coffee and say thank you. Once I have the caffeine in my system I do pretty well with smile and point. I can always fall back on my high school French–”Donde esta la biblioteca” –no wait, that’s not it…hmmm… better stick with smile and point!

How do you react when people on the street recognize you? Do you have any funny fan stories? Also you recently attended Chiller Theatre’s Toy, Model and Film Expo. How was that? Do you like to meet your fans?

I don’t often get recognized on the street. I rarely wear make-up and I’m one of those people that films different than they look in person. And I’m much shorter than people think. I get a lot of, “Wow, you look familiar, what high school did you go to?”

I had a lot of fun at the Chiller Theatre Expo. Totally new experience for me. I’ve never really done the whole “I’m-a-movie-star-worhip-me” thing. It could get very addictive. It’s great to meet with fans and wonderful to hear that I’ve made people happy, or amused them or aroused them or whatever–but it’s important to remember that all that stuff isn’t real. It’s not the reason I do what I do. I think a lot of actors lose that along the way.

If a friend wanted to follow in your foot steps and become a softcore actress, would you recommend it? What advice would you have for her?

You damn well better love it. ‘Cause it’ll rip your heart out and feed it back to you. You gotta be able to take the rejection, the friends stabbing you in the back, the armchair critic posting horrible disparaging remarks on some internet message board, the highs of achieving something you didn’t think you could do (but the movie loses it’s financing so nobody ever gets to see what you did), the “other guy” always getting noticed more, the too old-too young-too fat-too thin-too sexy-not sexy at all-too short-too tall-too everyfuckingthingyoucouldimagine. If you still love it–go for it!

And finally a couple of those silly personal questions interviewers love to submit. First, if you could commit a wickedly sinful, totally illegal act that the next day no one in the world would remember, what would it be?

What makes you think I haven’t already done it? So of course I can’t tell. My lawyer makes too much as it is.

And if you could have lunch with just one of the two, would you invite God or the Devil?

God, of course. I dine with the Devil on a regular basis. Plus, God seems like she’d be a cool chick to hang out with. (I just know I pissed somebody off with that comment–ooh goody!) My job is to comfort the disturbed…and disturb the comfortable.

Thank you again for taking the time to do this interview. Hopefully we can do this again in 10 years.

You got a date!

You can visit Monique at her official websites:

Monique Parent
Monique Parent’s Erotic World
Monique Parent’s Nudity on Film Blog

Syren is a well-known XXX star who has also crossed over into softcore productions. We had the chance to talk with her about her career and plans for the future.

Give us some background. Who are you, where are you from, and how did you get into the movie business?

My name is Syren. I’ve been working in the adult industry for 6 years now. I got into the softcore movie scene in the year 2002, the year I met Robert Lombard.

I met him at the LA Erotica, I was on a signing engagement, and was very tired at the end of the day. I was on my way out, walking past the busy crowd when I was stopped by a photographer friend of mine and introduced to Mr. Lombard. He came across to me as a real classy, gentleman. I looked at him curiously, pretty sure that I had heard of him before. Then I remembered one of the actors from a recent shoot had mentioned his name. He said that if I liked acting that I should call Mr. Lombard. I said to myself, well what a coincidence! We arranged to meet the following week.

I arrived at his office in West Hollywood, and threw out some pretty tough questions: what was this about? what does he do? How long has he been doing this? Could he play me one of the movies he’s produced? The softcore scene was new territory for me, and I’m very conscientious about what I do—if the project caters to my own fantasies and values, the positive image that I project out there, and I wanted to be sure that this was an endeavor that I could put my heart into. It all needed to make sense in my head!

Little did I know at the time how intimidating all these questions were to Mr. Lombard! Though I must say that he hid it well, he was patient and accommodating, he never shut me down and in fact, answered my questions with respect, benevolence, and with a hint of amusement. I knew very little of him then, and in the following years of knowing him, I’ve realized – a man who persists in knowing you with love and respect, deserves a special place in your heart!

You have appeared in both hardcore and softcore movies. Which type do you prefer, and why?

I prefer shooting hardcore movies. The experience is more intense. I have total control of who I work with, what scenes I want to do at the moment, what fantasies I want to live out. In softcore movies, you are essentially there as an actress playing a role based on a script, which has its own brand of fun and challenge.

But in the hardcore industry, I especially like it when I can pick out a girl or a guy that I like sexually, and create that unpredictable, intense chemistry onscreen. It’s instinct. That in itself feeds me. when I go home at the end of the day, and I know I achieved that, I’ve chosen the right person, the right movie, the right chemistry, and the camera caught it! That’s a moment that will last a lifetime! And you, as the audience get to see it!

Like for instance, in two of my latest movies from digital G, Club Fantasy and Secret Sins, pairing up with my favorite girl, Ava Vincent! She just simply exudes sexuality! She doesn’t even have to try! And to be with her in both movies, play with her, tease her, be dominant and submissive, let her take me wherever she wants me to go, and when I needed to take it elsewhere, she sways with it–that’s instinct, that is real!

My experience of shooting hardcore movies carries a strong mental, emotional, sexual charge, that is why I prefer shooting them.

In your opinion, what would the perfect softcore movie be like?

I think that the softcore movie genre has the strong potential of exploring relationship and sexuality issues from both male and female perspectives– in a sexy and titillating manner! This is a kind of middle ground that neither the straight mainstream movie industry, nor the hardcore movies are allowed to do!

To have a good balance—of a story that takes us into the interior of man and woman, built upon real characters, so that you start to care for them and their human experiences, and to have these complications build up to sex! If you have actors and actresses possess good emotional range on acting, be real, tender and gentle in lovemaking, as well as give off the genuine sexual heat when the scene requires it—a good balance of all these elements makes a perfect softcore movie!

What are some of the softcore movie projects you’ve worked on in the past?

I have appeared in: TABOO DESIRES, PRIVATE EYES, TOUCH ME, LOVE LESSONS, NOT ON THE MENU and was in two episodes in the series CONFESSIONS OF A PORNSTAR I also appeared in 14 episodes in the late night series SEX HOUSE. I played the role of ‘McKenzie’ an ardently liberal, budding novelist who prides herself on being an intellectual, but who has a rather nasty sexual streak!

Any favorites?

I enjoyed working on Sex House. I like improvising. and this was the nature of the series. I liked its unpredictability, the role-playing, the challenge to one’s creativity, and the sexual play. I felt like I was constantly playing. Yet I knew that I had to work and deliver the best work. I guess the more freedom I get on a set, the happier and the more effective I am. I like to express myself in a playful and sexual way, and Sex House provided me with that fun and supportive environment.

What are some upcoming projects you can tell us about?

Right now, I am busy touring my erotic dance shows around the US. You can check out my schedule at my website. I am booked on feature dancing till September! So if I’m in a club near you, come see me! I am flying to New Zealand in July (2004) for a signing engagement at the Erotica convention, and I will be promoting digitalG and my movies Club Fantasy and Secret Sins .

What type of adult entertainment do you enjoy watching, if any?

I don’t watch adult entertainment. Maybe because I am too close to it. When I am at home, I enjoy doing other things that are not related to the adult industry.

What is the typical day like on the set of a softcore movie?

I find it very laidback. Everyone is very focused on their own thing. The production crew is efficient. And if you have a good director, it could be really fun! Sometimes, you have to wait. It’s typical “hurry up and wait.” But that’s the nature of it. There is some good, clean flirting going around, you sense that, but nothing serious, it really is just generally a sexy environment (to me anyway!)

As the sex scenes in softcore become more realistic, it gives fans more and more reason to wonder “is any of this real?” What are some of the techniques/methods used by both the male/female actors to give a scene genuine heat, while keeping it a softcore movie rather than hardcore?

It really is just about chemistry. That’s why I’m very selective. I know when a scene is going to work for me. It’s about giving and receiving. One of the things that I do in a scene, I hang on to my partner’s eyes. I am giving off heat, and if the other person looks at me the same way, I feed off of that. Then it becomes a give and take. What keeps it softcore, is that there is really no insertion going on.

But sex in real life is really more than just a physical thing. In softcore, when I do a sex scene, I just play off of the other levels–more mental, more emotional. I can feel my body want him/her even more just by simulating sex. And I anchor onto my partner’s eyes. I get genuinely excited! So that when I go home after a shoot, I’m always so horny!!! The downside about my method is that if I am paired off with someone who is not a sexual person, then it’s a frustrating experience for me.

The softcore movie genre has been evolving in the past few years, with both directors and actors creating more ‘realistic’ softcore movies, sometimes at the expense of much of a storyline to support the sex scenes. What separates an adult XXX movie from softcore these days, and do you think the line will eventually go away completely?

An adult XXX movie graphically shows the insertion. The softcore movie does not. That will always separate them. An adult XXX movie can be plot-motivated, with a good storyline, shot on film, with great acting—but with the insertion factor, that makes it rated X. Whereas, the softcore movie can be as “realistic” as a gonzo movie—but without the insertion, it will always be rated R. That is how I differentiate the two.

And I don’t think that line will ever go away. Sex will never go away, not in human evolution. And where sex is involved, boundaries are involved. That line exists because of the audiences’ boundaries. It is what they choose to see, it is a preference, a taste. So that is why, I believe, that line will always be there to stay.

There is a lack of “ethnic diversity” in the softcore movie industry. Have you found this to be a good or bad thing for you when auditioning for a role, since you are not the stereotyped bleached blonde model?

The softcore movie industry has been good to me. Mainly because of Robert Lombard! He understands where I come from when it comes to my work ethics, and he respects that. My ethnicity is not a hindrance. It has been a good thing for me. I get cast for my exotic looks and my acting abilities. My roles are limited, I understand that, but I don’t think I would want to play any of the other roles that stereotyped beached blonde models play anyway. It would be hard for me to pull it off.

I seldom find my ethnicity a problem in this field, in fact, if the written role doesn’t fit me, we just change it around until it does! Essentially, if the script is written well, if it excites me, and if there is something fresh that I can bring to the table, I accept the project. If not, If it doesn’t land inside me, I don’t do it.

Robert Lombard of Creative Image Management has been providing casting and talent solutions for both soft and hard-core productions, dealing with some of the biggest names in the biz along the way.

Hi Robert, thanks for talking with us. We’d like to start by asking how you came to be involved in the erotic film biz what a typical day for you is like.

To give credit where credit is definitely due and to tell the truth, Monique Parent was the start of it all! I was working with character actors and getting nowhere and in walks this beautiful girl, like right out of some movie from the 40′s. Real looking and whoa, could she act! She stated she was comfortable with nudity and willing to perform simulated sex. That was truly the beginning. It started to multiply into what it is today.

I guess you could say I have worked with most of all the known soft-core performers in the business at some time or another. No favorites.well, yes, I do have a few. Just like I have a few adult star favorites.

In 1998 Mainline presented me with an opportunity to be their casting director for all of their erotic programming. I jumped with excitement–and fear as well. My typical day is always wondering if this will always continue. Sound vague? It shouldn’t.

On a more serious note I am constantly developing new faces. As long as I can bring in someone new and fresh then I am doing my part. Last week in walks Kaylani Lei on the recommendation of jessica drake, Evan Stone and Steven St. Croix. And a new girl came in as well who goes by the name of August. Hispanic, hot, young and all natural. And can act!

I feel I have tapped into the best of the best in the adult industry. Now finding someone who fits the needs of my executives takes meeting at least eight to ten new faces to find the one or two to bring it to the next phase in the process. There are no soft-core actresses anymore like the good old days. Entering the genre will definitely hurt their chances achieving a ‘real’ mainstream acting career so they don’t jump into it like the past. And of course the changes to the genre most likely have scared a few away as well.

Your agency represents several of the biggest names in softcore and hardcore. Is it difficult “wearing two hats” so to speak, having to deal with performers in two different genres?

Straight off, Creative Image Management, Ltd. is not an “agency”. Agencies are required to be licensed by the State Of California. Creative Image Management is a full service management and casting company providing Talent Packaging for late-night cable programs. And I continually provide guidance to some of the higher-end adult stars in their crossover endeavors.

As far as “wearing two hats”, so to speak, it is not difficult at all as I do not go after the day to day xxx work in Porn Valley or other type of work for either adult stars or soft-core stars.

The most difficult part of dealing with adult stars is their work schedules. When assembling a cast of first choices (dream cast) for a movie, trying to lock the choices in is the difficult part. And to always keep a nice blend of hard-core talent and soft-core talent within the cast chosen. 100% adult talent as cast members does not work the best. It is the ideal blend of both that works. Also, the blend of natural and implants and–believe it or not–hair color are other important factors.

We all know it has caused some controversy amongst fans, but how are the strictly softcore performers dealing with the infusion of more and more hardcore talent into the late-night talent pool? Do you think they feel any pressure to be more explicit in order to compete?

First off, the fans are important to me! And stumbling across this site was a day of good fortune. It has also been frustrating at times with the fans beating me up at times. As we all know everyone has their favorites and of course opinions. I accept that 100%.

The “key” to all this are the buyers. They have dictated what they want. Harder sex. More sex. Less over-inflated implants. Limited face surgery. Real looking sex. And the adult talent deliver in most cases far better then the soft-core girls ever did. And their acting skills are up to the same level as the majority of the original soft-core performers.

Excluding, of course, girls like: Monique Parent, Tane McClure, Kira Reed, Michelle Von Flotow, Brandy Davis, Amy Lindsay (aka Leah Riley), Angela Davies, Catalina, Nikki Fritz and newer soft-core star, Beverly Lynne. These are the “best of the best”! Sexually they were all fairly equal. However a few in this list still had ‘dos and don’ts’. Yes, my opinion that again will stir controversy amongst the fans and maybe even my executives. But I am the one who is on set everyday and has contact with the performers during pre-production and production and after when they come to collect their talent payments.

Regarding the soft-core performers, yes they are angry! And of course at me! But there are two sides to this scenario that everyone seems to skip over:

1. The buyers were tired of seeing the same soft-core faces in every movie produced.

2. The buyers were tired of seeing the boring non-real looking sex.

I do not think there is pressure on the soft-core performers to be more explicit in order to compete. We all have boundaries with what we do. A quick example: I would not for one minute be involved with anything soft or hard that degraded women or put them in compromising situations. The ‘harder’ sex scenarios required are definitely not for everyone.

In the past. Some of the original soft-core performers came to set with lists of ‘dos and don’ts’. Like sex without kissing. Sex without touching each other. No sucking, kissing breasts. No oral sex. One or two sexual positions only. I mean, come on here! These are ridiculous requests! When being cast they should have said “no” to the offer or let us know up front if they had any boundaries.

I can name only five girls that did not come to set with these lists. Five! I will not name the girls, as I do not want to start up a whole thing. I am not the bad guy here. And as a matter of fact some of the former soft-core performers are still used, like Nikki Fritz, Julie Kruis, Tamara Landry, Beverly Lynne [newer but awesome], Amy Lindsay (aka Leah Riley), and Angela Davies. And I am sure others still work but not in Mainline productions. It is all about moving on with your life. The majority of the known soft-core performers have truly moved on with their lives. And for whatever reason they feel I am too blame for them being pushed out. Is a totally incorrect statement. They pushed themselves out by the ‘dos and don’ts’ lists, which I must respect, and of course the majority have truly moved on.

Lots of people enjoy softcore because it usually delivers a story with punctuations of sex instead of the other way around, with the sex often depicted as “healthy” sex-sex as the result of an actual relationship or plot device, not just as the precursor to a facial. Some of the newer stuff coming out is much edgier, with shots of explicit nudity, more direct sexual touching, and sometimes even the male genitals being shown, which in the days of softcore past was totally taboo. How can softcore continue to deliver realistic and more passionate sex while still remaining distinctly softcore?

A great question. However, my answer will be short. As I believe there really is no right or wrong answer. Or should I say a magic answer. For me, soft-core remains soft-core until you visually see full-on insertion or a movie appears to have been a soft-core edit of a hard-core title.

Now if you want to use movies as examples, I viewed a movie on Cinemax last night starring Regina Russell, Matt Wilde, Ava Lake (Mia Zottolli) and I had no part in that production so my opinions will most likely stir up attacks. The ‘sex’ in that film was a ridiculous joke! No passion! No heat! It was so UN-realistic as to be borderline embarrassing! The storyline was ok. Acting fair to good. Production value good. Matt Wilde is a great new male genre face. Mia still is better then average. Even her over-inflated breasts have settled and dropped properly and become passable. Regina Russell is fair. MORE IMPORTANTLY AGAIN! The sex was limp! So maybe this is a true version of “soft-core”.

Surely some of the fans will love that movie because Regina Russell and Ava Lake (Mia Zottolli) are the leads. The boredom on their faces during sex would make any male go soft and any female run and hide from having any sex encounters with any gender. They all looked like they were having root canals. And the music during the sex without sounds. Well, that truly is the ‘old’ way of doing things.

Here is another example for you. Confessions Of A Porn Star was viewed by the largest foreign cable outlet in Europe, Erotic Media. They loved the cable versions they viewed. I heard that their comments were”This was the best ‘soft-cut’ version of hardcore they have ever viewed” and “…one of the best series on Porn Stars ever viewed.” And they wanted the series along with the xxx version. So, as we all know, no hard-core version exists. This was a 100% soft-core series.

So the question you asked still remains unanswered. This question is an open forum discussion for “all” site members.

Why did you start digital G (XXX-Production Company) and do you see yourself getting more and more involved with the hardcore side of things? Do you always see an audience and a market being there for softcore and late-night films?

I did not start digital G. I was approached by a group of investors who did their due diligence and saw that I was involved with some of the top adult stars in the business, casting them in the late-night cable productions. After numerous failed attempts at trying to reach these higher-end girls and guys they approached me and contracted my services and company as “Director of Talent and Marketing”.

The cross branding and marketing has been successful. All the adult news sites have accepted my efforts with casting the adult talent in mainstream productions, therefore allowing me to promote the digital G titles as well. I mean if you like the adult girls like jessica drake, Gina Ryder, Ava Vincent, Dru Berrymore, Syren, Nakita Kash, Nicole Sheridan, Taylor St. Claire, Chelsea Bleu, Alexa Rae, Wendy Divine, DoLorian etc, you are assured you can see at least 3 to 5 of these girls in every digital G release to-date. Sort of like the best of both worlds. Also, believe it or not, the adult girls are more into self-promotion and marketing themselves than the soft-core girls were. So they completely offer themselves for any and all promotion presented.

Syren goes on the road performing her specialty dance routine, performing 3 shows a night for 3 to 4 days in one location. She takes along her two digital G titles, Club Fantasy and Secret Sins and a full size 19 x 25 inch poster. She gets acknowledgements from both sets of fans. She even has converted some soft-core fans to hard-core fans and has converted hard-core fans to soft-core fans. This is fantastic marketing and good for the genre overall.

Getting more involved with hardcore is yet to be determined. Definitely not the day to day finding jobs in Porn Valley for these girls. Trust me! They do not need me for that.

Always seeing an audience for soft-core and late night films? I certainly hope so! As then I can continue on with my business. At 58 years of age I would have to reinvent myself. Could be tough. Even now things are slower then previous years. The market is soft. Foreign sales are down. Remember Germany is financially strapped, and they were huge buyers of adult entertainment, especially soft-core productions.

But everything runs in cycles and normally returns. Domestically things are strong. DirecTV channels 172 and 173 run this programming continually. HBO/Cinemax has cut back a bit. And they have so far stayed away from the harder stuff recently produced by Mainline. They are more into the scripted series type shows. Remember things always change. Believe me, I experience this firsthand. Especially now trying to gain fan support for what everyone feels I have done.

Lots of our readers have expressed an interest in the production side of late-night softcore so we’d like to touch on a few of their questions. Some of these have already been brought up in the forum but we’d like to try and organize some of this info in one place. First, how would one go about getting their erotic screenplay into the right hands?

I have stated on this site previous (see our forum ). I would be more then happy to present a treatment or script to my executives. Along with their contact information in case the idea is accepted. In my opinion, it is most difficult to break that wall of acceptance.

Can you give us any idea of what the typical budget for an average late-night cable movie looks like? And of course-something almost everyone wants to know-what are the salaries like for actresses/actors?

Verrrry delicate subjects.

Budgets are between $125k to $130k for a production that is shot on film over 6 to 7 days. I am not in a position to discuss this in detail, as a lot of factors must be considered that I am not allowed to discuss in interviews or even have access to the information.

However, I will state something that is IMPORTANT. I for one feel the girls and guys are not paid enough for what is required of them. But I can say this: Basically all females are paid the same. And all guys are paid the same. No one has dollar power in this genre! No one!

One frustration for fans of this genre is the fact that some of the cable titles they hear about never make it to home video and DVD, or if they do it’s an edited-down “rated” version with all of the decent sex cut out. Is this due to contract stipulations when negotiating the distribution or do the studios generally not recognize that there is a growing DVD market for this stuff? Fans without Cinemax and DirecTV wanna know!

It is all about the economics in various areas. Costs vs. Return. The VHS/DVD market is extremely soft for this genre. Example: For a high production value xxx movie from Wicked, Vivid, VCA, Digital Playground, Sin City or digital G, the unit DVD sales domestically are slightly over 3,000 units and selling wholesale between $8 to $12. Possibly lower. The revenue is in broadcast sales, whether it is soft-core or hard-core. I will not even discuss ‘gonzo’ as that is an area that I am not interested in being involved with.

Blockbuster also dictates the wholesale cost. I do not know the wholesale costs of ‘soft-core’ movies for DVD or VHS release but most likely they are lower then xxx titles.

Blockbuster, which is the largest outlet for content has over 6,000 stores. And they will only accept “R” rated movies or series programs of this nature. Therefore watering down what the fan’s truly desire and have viewed on BSkyB and or DirecTV and other outlets.

Added information: Costs for an “R” rating exceed $1,500 per title.

When you look at the cost of menu screens, authoring, package design, printing, replicating, and the glass master, you then have to look at where your overall market is. If are not able to get your movie or series title into Blockbuster you are screwed! And as we all know Blockbuster will only take this content after it has been rated, therefore watering down what the fan’s desire. And you might ask what about NC17 ratings for Blockbuster? The answer is “no”. You will not make money. VHS is for all purposes a dead area. You are dealing in very low volume, i.e. profit margins are in most cases way to slim to find the market for the un-rated versions.

I have given my best efforts discussing this with Mainline Releasing. And the only way it seems feasible releasing ‘un-rated’ versions is selling via the Internet. It appears, at this time, Mainline is not interested in the setting up an area/department to handle this potential added revenue source. Remember we still have not talked about web site design, maintaining site, processing orders etc. etc. All added costs to the unit price, which effects the bottom-line.

The un-rated versions of soft-core title’s, I believe, will only sell via the Internet and/or via catalog. Like Adam & Eve, who has been so successful with adult content sales. As you may or may not know Adam & Eve have over 3 million subscribers to their quarterly catalogs.

For example I have a title called “Swingers” in the Adam & Eve catalog. A special premium title featuring Evan Stone, Jessica drake, Dolorian and Monique Alexander as “hosts”. The hosts demo Adam & Eve toys, lotions etc while discussing the upcoming sex scene the viewer is about to view. The title has 10 xxx scenes (couple friendly – condom only scenes. Combination of boy/girl and girl/girl scenes).

This is currently only available on VHS through their catalog. Now to-date I have only moved 800 units at a wholesale price of $5.50 before a 30% distribution percentage. As you can see the numbers are not good. However, the upside is that it opened the door to Adam & Eve and they are now taking other digital G adult titles. So a long haul investment of time and patience is required.

SOFTCORE REVIEWS would like to thank Robert Lombard for taking the time to answer our questions. Robert is a frequent visitor and contributor to our forum, so if you have any questions or comments please feel free to stop by and say hello.

Confident, versatile and always looking for new and brighter horizons, Shauna O’Brien spoke to us about her career, her thoughts on the industry and her ever-developing plans for the future.

Interview by Anthony Kennerson

I guess we should start by asking how you came to be involved in acting and how you got your start in the erotic film genre?

I had actually done a number of Player videos for a director named Edward Holzman. One day he called me up and said that he had a small role in a movie that he was doing called “Elke”. I told him that I was not an actress and that I wouldn’t be comfortable auditioning because I had never acted before. He and I were on friendly terms by this point of working together so he proceeded to tell me that I had nothing to worry about, that it would all be fine. Well, we went back and forth for a while and I finally agreed to come in and read.

When I got there (to the audition) I was so nervous that I could hardly hold a conversation with Eddie and the producers. I finally got it together enough to do somewhat of a reading for them and they asked me how I would actually feel about playing the lead. I looked at them as if they were insane. They went on to tell me that the girl that they had booked to play “Elke” had cancelled at the last minute (who, by the way was Brandy Sanders, my former best friend). They needed to fill the spot and they wanted me.

Well I was basically talked into it and now that I look back, I thank Eddie for pushing the issue because that film ended up being called Friend of the Family, which has been a favorite of many.

Speaking of that movie, what was it like playing the character of Elke Taylor and did it help you in preparing for later roles (such as Lady Chatterly)?

To tell you the truth, Friend Of the Family helped to prepare me for many roles because it was my first movie. I had to learn so much on the job experience on that movie alone that I could see where it would have completely prepped me for so much.

We all know the sex in softcore films is fake, but from a performer’s point of view how difficult is it to convey passion with a full crew standing around and a director telling you what to do?

I’m glad that you asked this question! Because there have been so many times that people think that because we are doing simulated love scenes we are not really acting. Sometimes I want to (and often times have) tell those people to piss off! The simulated sex is the very reason why we should be considered AMAZING actresses!! Well, maybe “amazing” is too strong. Perhaps astounding, remarkable, sensational, oh and don’t forget wonderful actresses.

Let’s face it, it is a challenge every single time to be on a set, completely naked, sometimes with a complete stranger (and let me tell you sometimes those complete strangers have some nasty body odor going on) under mad hot lights, in front of a crew of people who are so sick of making these kind of movies it’s written all over their faces.

Then to have to get into one position and do it until the director finally thinks it’s time for a climax and then have him tell you “Ok I’m going to start a countdown from ten and I want you to start breathing slowly and increasingly bring it up until you reach one and a full blown orgasm”. And of course the breathing can never be normal sex breathing and the climax can never be more towards reality climax (which don’t get me wrong, reality climax is splendid) it always has to be a way blown out of proportion fantasy climax.

Well let me tell you a thing or two about a thing or two. That climax breathing take after take, can literally make you come close to passing out. No joke!!! I’ve gotten very light headed and dizzy after some scenes. The whole time we are doing all of this we have to be acting like this is the best sex we’ve ever had in our whole lives. I am put to the test every time I do one of those scenes.

You also stirred up some controversy amongst fans when you decided to get your breasts enhanced. Can you give us any details as to why you got them done and how much they’ve affected your life and/or career?

I decided to have a baby; I decided to not go back to the business; I had my beautiful little girl; I decided that I still wanted to work; I looked in the mirror…my perfect little perky boobs had now fallen to my knees; was not comfortable being nude in front of camera; got new boobs. Why the big controversy? Do not know. For anyone who ever had harsh words about it…fuck you!! For anyone who stayed loyal fans regardless of boob size, I LOVE YOU!!!! My body…my choice. END OF STORY!!!

Before you became a professional erotic actress/centerfold/performer, you had a bit of a career doing mainstream bit roles, both in TV/film (“Another 48 Hours”, “Star Trek: The Next Generation”, “Flatliners”) and as a “Rock Video Girl” (e.g., Motley Crue’s “Silent Scream” video). Was there anything that you learned there that you could put to use later on in your erotic career?

I learned patience.

Do you think that performing in these types of movies stigmatizes actresses in the eyes of the mainstream? What do you think are some of the biggest misconceptions about you (or softcore performers in general)?

You know, I really go back and forth on this subject. I think that it depends on the talent of the actress. How far she’s willing to pound the pavement. It’s a mystery.

Sometimes, I think that when a primetime sitcom is casting for a role they aren’t going to want to use someone from the erotic genre because they have to make sure they don’t offend their more conservative viewers. Well, this I can’t get a grip on though because if one of those conservative viewers recognized an erotic star in the first place wouldn’t that make you think they are not so conservative after all if they recognized you?

On the other hand, you see people like Jenna Jameson in a mainstream role and it becomes confusing as to what the mainstream producers want. All I know is that I quit worrying about how doing erotica would affect my chance at mainstream work when I decided that erotica was what I wanted to do. Easier than worrying about it.

Have you had any roles that you felt challenged you and helped you to grow as an actress? Of all your movies is there a particular character you’ve most identified with?

I think that Lady Chatterly challenged me most because it was a role that I really wanted. I also had enough time to really get comfortable in my character. It got to the point that I would sit down in the make-up chair in the morning and I didn’t feel like myself, I felt like Constance. The character that I most identified with was “Elke” in Friend of the Family . Because even though I can be a ball buster there is definitely a side to me that is a lot like her.

One of our favorite movies at Softcore Reviews is Over the Wire, which was directed by Fred Olan Ray and featured you and Landon Hall in some pretty hot scenes, including several with Tim Abell’s “package” in plain view. Why do the men usually get off so easily (no pun intended) with the nudity while the women are still expected to put everything out there? Is there a double-standard in softcore that you can comment on?

That’s always kinda irked me as well. I don’t know-maybe people like tits and ass better than the big salami. Who knows! (laughs)

Can you tell us a bit about how a softcore sex scene comes together? What kind of preparation goes on behind the scenes? How much say do performers have in how a scene will come together?

Most of what I do to prepare for a love scene is mostly about respect for the other actor. I spray some pretty perfume on, put some smelly lotion on my body, do a little flowery smelling body spray number, pop some extra strong breath mints and hit the set.

If the director isn’t opposed to it or if it makes it easier for him I’ll usually get with the other actor to work out a number of positions, example where we’ll start and what the ending position will be . This allows us to already have it laid out before blocking and then when we shoot we know exactly what we are going to be doing. Because the last thing we want to worry about during a love scene is “What position should we get into next?” I like it to kind of flow.

Do you have any personal favorites or scenes you found memorable to do?

In Bare Naked Survivor I played a character called Babette. I had to put on this fake French accent. At first I was nervous about it but once I started my dialog in the accent it ended up being a lot of fun. I was really able to get into it.

On the subject of Lady Chatterly (which happens to be my own personal favorite of your roles) what was it like to play a role with such history and depth, and did you have to do any special preparation for that role?

No, I didn’t have to do any special preparation for it not because I didn’t want to but because they had already shot 2 or 3 episodes before I came on board. Another actress had gotten the role so I had written it off to a no go. Then I got a call from the producers saying that there has been a problem, we need you to come play Lady Chatterly. Of course I was thrilled, but they wanted me right away. So there was really no time I just had to jump in head first. It was cool!

How do you feel about the recent trend in softcore to show more and more explicit nudity and sexuality? Are the lines between hardcore and softcore being blurred or crossed?

Yes, absolutely the lines are being blurred. It’s just like when Penthouse magazine started adding fist fucking to their lovely array of features. I, for one, had no more interest being a part of that magazine.

Now when I talk to anyone, I feel I have to say “I was a Penthouse centerfold back when it wasn’t quite as racy as it is today.” That sucks because there was a time when I was honored to be a centerfold for that magazine.

So to answer your question, I don’t like the way the business has turned. I find myself basically saying no to roles because I have respect for myself and the only way I’ve kept that respect is by not crossing my own personal boundries . I think by the “business” bringing adult actresses in, it has also changed the mentality of the fans.

It used to be that you could make a sensual, erotic film and the fans would appreciate that for what it was. Now it seems the fans want more and more . And if you do a love scene in a soft sensual sort of way, now it’s perceived as “not being into it”, when before it was simply “a pretty scene”. The fans that I listen to are the ones whose satisfactions lie within my boundries. And that is alright; just because the business has changed does not mean that I have to.

Although you have never done hardcore erotica/porn yourself, you have frequently worked with, and even had close relationships with, many hardcore performers. What is your opinion on those who, for whatever reason, fail to recognize the difference between hardcore and softcore erotica; and do you have a particular bias towards or against the more explicit medium in general?

The term ‘pornography’ is a term that constantly makes me weary. In the dictionary ”pornography’ is defined as such: obscene literature, art, or photography, esp. that having little or no merit. Writing or writer about harlots.

‘Obscene’ is defined in the dictionary as such: 1. Offensive to modesty or decency; indecent; lewd: 2. causing or intending to cause, sexual excitement or lust. 3. abominable; disgusting; repulsive.

Now read what the dictionary defines erotic, erotica, and eroticism as: Erotic – 1. pertaining to or treating of sexual love; armatory. 2. arousing or satisfying sexual desire. 3. Subject to or marked by strong sexual desires. 4. An erotic poem. 5. An erotic person. Erotica – Literature or art dealing with sexual love. Eroticism – 1. The sexual or erotic quality or character of something. 2. the use of sexually arousing or suggestive symbolism, settings, allusions, situations,etc., in art literature , drama, or the like. 3. the condition of being sexually aroused or excited. 4. Sexual drive or tendency. 5. an abnormally persistent sexual drive.

Now, if you will see difference as defined in the dictionary: the degree in which one person or thing differs from another. Differentiate – to perceive the difference in or between. Ok, now I’ve stated the correct definitions of pornography and erotica as defined in good old Websters dictionary. I have defined difference . Now I go to the definition of opinion: a belief or judgement that rests on grounds insufficient to produce certainty.

My whole point in this is that when someone says that what I do is pornography, I still have a problem with accepting this. There is a clear difference between the two by definition and by actual product being displayed. Now as far as my opinion of the hardcore porn industry goes, kudos to them all! I have known and had many friends in that business. Some of those friends were some of the smartest business women that I have met. And they were not only smart but they also had balls, which I think has a lot to do with being a good business woman.

The B-genre, in my personal opinion, has just gotten really mixed up and messed up. Let me make it clear though, I believe that both pornography and erotica have their place. But there are substantial differences between the two.

For example, let’s say that you are a singer and throughout your career you are constantly being faced with the opinion that your music is country. But you constantly have to try and make people see that what you sing is Rock and Roll. How frustrating would it be if in return these people replied “But there is no difference, it’s still music.” That is the way I feel when people say to me “there is no difference, it’s all pornography.”

In addition to acting and modeling you are also a web designer who has developed her own personal website, as well as her own production company (Zentopia Productions). Can you tell us a bit about your site and your company? And do you find it hard to balance so many careers?

Yes, at times it is hard to balance. But I am a business woman and I think by making the decision long ago to add different extensions from my career, it has allowed me to accept a little more gracefully that the erotic movie genre has changed.

I don’t worry about that because I am in control of what I do within my website and in my production company. I did so many movies throughout my career that I don’t worry about adding any more to my resume. If I want to make a movie, I will go out and seek it or I’ll just produce my own. If I never make another movie again I think that I would be ok with that.

Times are a changin’ and I just don’t have the energy or need to mold to those changes. I will always be giving the fans something, just not the “Balls to the Wall” pace I have had up until now.

What would softcore fans be most surprised to know about you?

That I am hugely domestic. And that I am big into fishing and I am now formulating a plan that will allow me to be able to do it for a living.

Do you have any favorite costars, directors or studios you’ve worked with?

No, I have enjoyed everyone that I have worked with. Even the few that I didn’t particularly care for because that allowed me to keep on learning about different people. That is healthy.

Are there any recent or upcoming projects you would like to tell us about? What are Shauna O’Brien’s plans for the future?

I am working on a company that I am opening up that has nothing to do with the entertainment business. I will keep everyone posted on how that progresses but at this time I’d like to make some headway before I discuss it further. Fish on!!!

Final question: What would you say to a young woman (or man) seeking your assistance and/or advice in entering the erotic medium?

Do it!! It will enrich your life in many ways as long as you stay smart. But you probably won’t get rich doing it. But then again I have a different opinion of what rich is and it has little to do with financial position. I have divulged some things in this interview that may have been held back before. In other interviews my honesty could have been perceived as bitterness towards the business. Please do not make that mistake in reading this interview.

Sometimes we are so busy trying to keep the fantasy alive that we tend to not be honest about the realities of the business that we are in. I am but a human being living life day to day as most. I chose to take something that I knew I could do and use it to my benefit. But outside of that I am a pretty grounded person.

When I said I have a different opinion of what rich means I meant that the simple things in life are what matters. Does your child look at you with adoration when you read that special book to them before they go to sleep at night? Does your husband or wife appreciate you more when you give them that back rub they so need after a hard day of work?

When you try to accomplish something that you have never done before like lay a a new tile floor entirely by yourself, does it make you feel like you can accomplish anything? When you bake a fresh peach pie for someone you love and you see the look of pure delight when they eat it, does it make you feel good inside? Well it should because these are the kind of simple little things in life that make you rich. But that is just my opinion!