Regina Russell: Model/Actress Regina has starred in several softcore erotic movies and television series and is also a busy mainstream actress and web designer. We talked with her about her work in the softcore genre... by Brian Official Site | IMDb

Q : Hi, Regina, thanks for talking with us. I guess we should start at the beginning and ask you how you came to be involved in acting, and especially how you got your start in the erotic film genre.

A : I came to Hollywood with the intention of becoming an actress. I did get work right away. I got what was supposed to be a break in the movie "Hook". I worked on the movie for about a month but Steven Spielberg cut out most of our scenes in favor of more pirate action. My only moment in the movie is an underwater screen kiss with Robin Williams.

I got side tracked as I was very young. There was a lot of time when I mostly hung out with my boyfriend instead of working on my career. I moved back home for a short time and while I way away decided to come back and be serious. When I got back I didnt take for granted every little opportunity like I had earlier.

I had always been forbidden to do nudity by agents and managers. Yet most of the actors I knew had done some nudity in something. A casting director asked me to audition for "Erotic Confessions". When I got the part, I really thought about it for a long time before deciding to do it. It was a little scary but I got over it and had fun with it. After that, I was offered many more parts in that genre and just went with it.

Q : Do you see yourself continuing in roles that require nudity and/or sexuality or is the goal to move beyond that?

A : I don't have anything against doing nudity. My sights are set on mainstream film and television, and I won't mind doing nudity there if need be. I am making a point to turn down most of the softcore movies I am offered now in favor of other things. Even something with a lower budget appeals to me if it has some creative aspect.

Formula softcore movies dont usually pique my interest. They almost never have multi-dimensional characters, but a few have and I have enjoyed doing them. It is up to the actress to take words on a page and make a multi-layered performance, but sometimes the writing is well, just plain bad. I agree with Leland Zaitz (well-known writer of erotic film). They had better write something halfway decent if they want me in the movie....plus it's harder to get work in mainstream if you have done a million softcore movies.

Q : Do you think that working in this genre has harmed or helped your career aspirations? What are your goals in the entertainment industry?

A : If anything it has helped. I have actually gained many opportunities that, if traced back a few steps, originated with me doing a movie with someone, or someone seeing me in a movie.

Q : Have you had any roles that you felt were really challenging and helped you to develop as an actress?

A : Sure. I can't say that I learned about acting in softcore movies. I did however gain invaluable practice and improved my camera technique by watching myself in movies and working on my mistakes. I have ironed out several mistakes I used to make as far as playing to the camera, playing for a long shot vs. a close up.

I used to do things all the same level. I looked like a great actress in close ups but too small in two shots or long shots. You really can't get that in a class or from a coach.

Q : 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?

A : It's just acting like everything else. I can cry in front of a crew so being passionate is just another emotion to me.

Q : Can you tell us a bit about how a softcore sex scene comes together? Do you have any personal favorites or scenes you found memorable to do?

A : We do just about whatever we want in the sex scenes. Its really up to the actors. I always try to do it whatever way is right for my character and the set up scene before. I have read reviews where guys say something like "gee, she was really hot in this scene and really shy in that scene". Well, I say DUH! (laughs)

In one movie I am playing a sexually aggresive woman, making a bold advance to a man and in another movie I am playing someone else. Maybe another character is shy and is supposed to blossom throughout the arc of the movie. I have had directors want me to do things all one way, even if it doesn't fit. As an actress I have to draw the line.

The worst was when the director of "Sex Court" wanted me to simulate an orgasm. The whole point of my storyline was that my lover was not giving me orgasms! That's why I take him to Sex Court! The director said it didn't matter, but I'm sorry, if you want it to not make sense for the character or the story you have got yourself the wrong actress!

Q : In addition to acting and modeling you are also a web designer who has developed her own personal website. Is it hard to balance so many careers?

A : Well, I am extremely busy with all of it. I do several sites all on different topics. I can do all my work on the computer when I am not on a set or at auditions. I love the flexibility and the creativity with web design. When I am in front of a computer, I am usually working on two things at once and emailing two people, and on IM (Instant Messenger) with someone else (laughs).

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

A : Hmmm...I don't know. I pretty much talk about everything in my life either in my Yahoo group or in my chats. For people who haven't been to my group or my site, they might be surprised to know that my ultimate dream is to have a wild animal preserve. I would like to rescue animals and breed monkeys, big cats and dolphins. If I ever have millions of dollars I want to do something with animals like that. Tippi Hedren is one of my idols.

Q : Are there any recent or upcoming projects you would like to tell us about?

A : There are a few. I had an absolute blast guest starring on "America's Most Wanted" a few months back. My character was a stripper that was strung out on drugs, hooked up with a battering husband, on the run from the law and eventually, for her life. I got to look beautiful and horrible. I had all these cool costumes and wigs, I was beaten up, drugged, it was great! (laughs)

I also had a fun job yelling and hitting Harrison Ford in an elevator in the new movie "Hollywood Homicide". They cast me as a nude secretary having sex on a desk, but changed their minds and gave me the better part of the woman in the elevator. I really let him have it too! Oh yes, and I DO get naked in a few upcoming flicks too: "Image in the Window", "Bikini Airways", "More Mercy", "Baberellas", "Mummy's Kiss", "Cannibal Taboo".

Also check out www.PillowfightBloodbath.com . It is something I did a while back but I just can't say enough about how much I love it. It's an interactive website that will soon be turned into a movie. There is really nothing else like it!

Q : Who in this industry (either behind or in front of the camera) have you really enjoyed working with? Is there anyone that you haven't worked with yet but would like to someday?

A : In the softcore genre? I loved working with Julie Strain. Julie K. Smith is always a blast. Susan Featherly, Amber Newman, Kim Yates, CC Costigan, Mia Zottoli , Zoe Paul, Aysia Lee, Griffin Drew, Julia Kruis, Brad Bartram, Jarod Carey, Gabriella Hall, Jason Schnuit, Katie Lohmann are the favorites that come to mind. I have met a lot of cool people and made great friends on movie sets.

Mainstream genre? I loved Dustin Hoffman, John Leguizamo and Harrison Ford. Most of all I would have to say Luke Goss who I worked with in "Zig Zag". He is the coolest person ever! As far as someday, I would love to work with Sam Rockwell, Billy Crudup, Laura Dern, Nicole Kidman, Chris Cooper, and Steve Buscemi.