Wassup folks, we’ve been on hiatus this past week, I wish this was my real job, working on the website daily, but unfortunately, this doesn’t pay the bills, so it’s been kinda spotty lately. We do appreciate all the support and promise to remain as consistent as possible.
So, what’s happened since the last site update…the unfortunate Virginia Tech incident, prayers go out to all families affected, I urge everyone to donate to the Virgina Tech memorial fund, http://www.vt.edu/tragedy/memorial_fund.php
Moving on, we have a new guest to add the growing list of BrilliantBrown interviewees, Ms. Sinnamon Love! For those of you not familiar with Sinnamon, she is the leading anthropolgist at the University of….naw, just kidding, she’s a pornstar of course.
Now some may ask, “Why interview a pornstar?”, and I say to them…”Well, have you seen porn?, why NOT?” Just kidding, but don’t let her occupation fool you, Sinnamon appears to be quite the articulate and intelligent whor..umm, lady. Anyways, as always, read the interview and leave comments as you see fit. A bonus prize for the top commentor on this post are some exclusive shots of Sinnamon sans clothing that will be sent to your email by BrilliantBrown. Ok, here we go…
So, let’s start by telling everyone how and when you got started doing porn, were you always interested, did you do it just to reap the financial benefits?
I started doing porn in 1993. I was going through a divorce, was carrying 13 units as a college sophomore, had 2 small children and was working 2 high end retail jobs. I had never seen a porn movie or magazine before. I never worked as a stripper. I answered an ad in the paper for figure modeling - looking to work as an artist’s model or something of the like and found that most of the ads I found were pornographers. The money was excellent and would allow me to complete college and spend quality time with my children by working a few hours a week instead of 40-60 hours to barely make ends meet. I didn’t want my grades to suffer and welfare was never an option for me. I don’t knock those that chose that path… but I knew it wasn’t my path. This was something I enjoyed and was a plausible solution to continuing my education and adequately providing for and raising my family.
How much does a typical porn actress make annualized? How much more do you make for doing different genres of porn? Also, how often do you work?
There is not a typical salary for adult performers. It all depends on the marketing power behind the starlet, the proficiency of her agent,the type of scenes she makes herself available for,her desirability to both production companies and fans, and her level of performance and professionalism. I have seen women from the Eastern Block come over to the states (prior to the new federal 2257 compliance laws) and earn 30k/ month for 3 months then return home. These ladies are in [the industry] not for lengthy careers, but intentionally oversaturate the market in order to maximize their earning potential.150-200k is a solid earning for new female talent. Having longevity in one’s career isn’t about shooting every project that crosses their path… its about running a single model website, doing public appearances (in-stores and feature dancing,) and shooting movies. Yes, adult models and performers alike are paid more for various types of scenes. Anal will pay more than Girl/Girl, Boy/Girl will pay less than a scene with multiple partners. How much again depends on the girl,her agent and the production company’s budget and willingness to pay. There aren’t any set rate scales in this industry. There is the ability to make your own rates. Good management will help a fledgling starlet not only make a name for herself by shooting for great companies but will make sure the performer earns what they want for a scene.As I mentioned earlier - there aren’t any definitive standards in terms of how often someone works just like there aren’t any definitive standards in pay. Male performers can easily shoot 2 or 3 scenes in a day. Female performers often shoot one scene a day - however, there are some that shoot more. Some ladies like to work everyday. Myself,I chose to shoot hardcore video 3-5 times a month,dedicating the remainder of my time to other aspects of the industry that nuture my career, business and my relationship with my fans.
Does being a porn actress make it as difficult as it seems to have an actual relationship with a man outside of that lifestyle? It seems like that it may jade your whole perspective or dudes will not take you seriously when they find out what you do for a living.
While I can’t speak for everyone, I can say that I’ve never had a difficult time maintaining personal relationships. As I don’t treat my work as a lifestyle, it isn’t something that carries over for me. When I leave work, I leave work. I think that while it takes a strong man to be able to handle the idea of his partner being actively (or formerly,) involved in this field of work that those that do find the women to be some of the most open, honest people that exist. I have been in an ongoing relationship with someone for 7 years now. We love each other dearly and he acknowledges that my work is just that… I’m not going off to wild parties on the weekend or taking my work home with me. It is what it is. I believe that as in all forms of employment, one has to realize that who you are and what you do are not synonymous with one another. There are priests and teachers that molest children and dirty cops and corrupt politicians. Just because someone decides to take a path of more resistance, (i.e., sex work,) doesn’t make them any less of a human being. Each person has to define their own morality. My views may not be shared by another person - and if that’s the case, then that person isn’t a good match for me…. That’s it. Generally, my honesty about what I do, and the contrasting well-rounded person that I am is attractive to most men. Do they find themselves wanting to bed me because they have seen me on film?? Yes. But when they find that I am educated, well-read, artistic, a gourmet cook… when they find that I am well spoken on health and art and music and culture… they can’t help but want to know more about me. These are the things that make great relationships… people that aren’t afraid to be more than the definition others give them.
What’s the hardest (not to be taken in the literal sense please, lol) thing that you have dealt with because of your occupation? Have you had to sacrifice important relationships because of that or has all your loved ones been accepting?
The most difficult part of my occupation is educating people on the reality of what we do. There are so many stereotypes as to the type of women that get involved with porn. Some people still believe that pornography is a tool of white male patriarchy designed to oppress and abuse the poor. These individuals would have you believe that all porn is linked to child predators, rape and drug addiction. They paint the women in porn as victims by implying that “no woman in her right mind would do…” They decline the idea of female empowerment through sexuality and feed these lies using Judeo-Christian philosophy and thought. My family is very supportive in what I do for a living. I took a stand early on in informing my family of what path I was on professionally so they would know that these were conscious decisions I was making. I wanted them to know that there wasn’t some guy pushing drugs in my arms or beating me over the head making me do “it.” This blatant honesty helped my family understand my goals and plans. That along with the unconditional love that family is “supposed” to share has allowed my family to have always stayed in my corner.
Before you get out of here, I have to ask, Your favorite position and what’s the longest you gone WITHOUT sex since you’ve been working?
My favorite position? I have 3.. Being on top in cowgirl so I can control how deep it goes… Missionary with my legs back by my ears so my lover and I can look into each other’s eyes, kiss, and whisper dirty things to one another… and On my knees with my ass high in the air. Since I started in the business the longest I’ve gone with sex of any form was 6 months. 
all the best,
Sinnamon Love
http://myspace.com/sinnamonlove
http://sinnamonlove.com *NSFW*
–
AJ
–AJ
Nice read. Sinnamon is a very smart woman who defies the stereotypes placed on adult performers.
At this point I’d like to keep my comments on this interview to myself for a moment–I’d actually like to hear how you guys (AJ, Antuan) feel about porn in general and its impact on family. It’s good to see that Sinnamon is pretty comfortable about her profession–but I wanted to ask you two fellas how you personally feel about the profession in general–especially in reference to the “Judeo-Christian philosophy” and its view on the Industry.
Other than that, keep up the good work fellas.
Charles,
Essentially, pornography is nothing more than fornication on film, truly a sin as viewed by Judeo-Christian “philosophy” per se, but to what extent do we judge sinful behavior?, by definition, these people are “actors” and “actresses” in a sense, so to that degree is it any more condemned than actors and actresses who portray roles on film that include rape and murder?, also sins. Now i know the actors and actresses in the porno sense are actually going through the act, but in a movie, they are just “pretending”, i’m not making excuses at all, just making a point.
I really don’t feel anyway about porn, I mean I have seen it and probably will view it some more times in the future, but it is what it is. Do I feel bad about watching it? Sometimes. Do I feel dirty? No. Am I at least being honest instead of fronting like its the worse thing in the world trying to impress broads? Yes. So take it how you will, if you feel bad about it, don’t do it, or find some other means of releasing sexual energy, if you’re ok with it, do you, but don’t try to make excuses or ammends for it. You have to come to a point spiritually I guess where those things don’t excite you, but its a day-to-day thing.
As far as the participants, I’m pretty sure they battle their own inner demons and despite Sinn’s own personal accounts, I am sure many have sacrificed close interpersonal relationships and respect from others for the means to explore their sexual freedom financially.
AJ,
I can’t add to much to that at all. I’m actually kinda in your boat personally. I have watched porn in the past, and chances are I may continue–but to me at some point I think it can be spiritually damaging more often than not. Yes, I know most people who have the nerve to respond to such a topic will say it doesn’t affect them at all, but at some point I think it will, because it does distort reality–unlike movies where (fake) rape and (fake) murder occur–the acts are quite real.
I too feel “bad” sometimes as well, and I also will not grandstand in front of a female about how it should be banned or anything like that. Integrity is important. At the same time though, I have to balance that against the whole “community care” concept. It’s sometimes difficult for me to balance the whole “they are just actors/actresses” thing with the fact that the themes presented in such films: (over-sexualization of our women, orgies/multiple partners are OK, it’s all about money, etc.) It makes me wonder how we would react if our future daughters used these same arguments to justify their entry into The Industry.
But like you said, to each his own. I appreciate your well-reasoned response bruh. It’s kinda funny how I have to scroll to the bottom real quick lest Boss Man walks in and gets the wrong idea, lol!
Charles,
How would YOU react if a woman that you were dating later told you that she was in the Industry?, I mean Sinn seems like she’s a likable female, but with her occupation and all, even though I’m all for watching her on-screen, I don’t have the type of character that would allow me to accept that, even if I liked her on a personal level.
AJ,
If I was dating someone who said they were in the Industry I don’t think we could continue dating. To me, sexual history has to be upfront before I could pursue a dating/serious relationship. I probably wouldn’t stop liking her as a person, but dating would be off-limits. (Not saying that the woman has to have a flawless, untapped sexual past, but there are limits.) That’s why I was quite surprised that Sinn has maintained a long-term relationship. Some people can do that I guess, but I don’t think I could.
What’s up everyone? I just wanted to jump in on this one and prove that I’m still around.
I guess I should start by defining my views about pornography. I personally feel that anything you wouldn’t want your mom to know you’re doing is bad. Maybe not bad in the undeniably empirical sense that say murder is bad, but let’s just say that it’s less than good. Do I watch pornography? Yep, I do. Hell, I’ve PURCHASED it in the past. BTW, why is porn so damn expensive?!? I can’t imagine why a single DVD of porno cost more than a 4 disc Lord of the Rings boxed set! But I’m getting off subject and showing how much of a nerd I am.
Back on track, things get tricky. I believe that by watching pornography I am condoning it’s creation. By condoning it’s creation, I am (through my actions) saying that pornography is okay… but I don’t want my mother to know I’m watching it, so it’s not okay. These two views conflict, so which one is right? That is a PERSONAL decision that each of us must make.
In the Judeo-Christian definition of sin, all sins are equal. So the watcher of porn is equally sinful as the performers. To take it a step further, if you have EVER committed ANY sin, you are as sinful as the performers. From this perspective, none of us have any right to judge Sinnamon or her colleagues in the industry. That being said, I think it would be interesting to know how Sinnamon reconciles her profession with whatever her spiritual beliefs may be.
This interveiw was deep. I definitely walked away witha different perspective on Sinnamon and pornstars in general. This interview has definitely given me something to chew on. Thanks.
Still looks hot at 34 years old.
This was an intriguing interview. I came away with a new perspective on all pornstars men and women. I am sure it would be difficult for many to be pornstarts with the Judeo-Christian beliefs and self conflicts floating around. But in the end you have to do what you have to do and Sinnamon was bold enough to take a chance for a better life you can’t fault her for that. There are women out there that essentially do Adult Video for free every day for less than deserving men. Personally if I was able to date a woman in the porn industry I would be delighted. That would be like dating a doctor or a dentist no excuse for untreated medical ailments, bad teeth or bad sex. Do you know how low the divorce rate in this country would drop if more people married porn stars (Just kidding)? Anyway Sinnamon keep up your head up, stay focused and keep moving forward.
Personally, I have to say that I love Sinnamon’s work, she’s an elite performer, and a true professional. It takes a strong person to raise a family, and juggle around an extremely controversial job which she has done. I would date a woman who actively was or previously worked in the Adult Entertainment Industy, you have to be very mature, and understanding more than you would if the person wasn’t in that type of business. That’s it for me; I also wanted to say yes DREFAN she does look hot for her age, keep your head up Sinnamon, and keep being you ” Strong, Smart, and Sexy “.
If more people married porn stars, less people would be watching porn.