Derek Kage: How I Got Into the Adult Business Part 2

May 31, 2024
ALEXANDER

Derek Kage: How I Got Into the Business Part 2

Last week, porn superstar Derek Kage shared about how he got into the adult business, how he submitted to studios, and how he got his first gigs. This is part of our ongoing series about how to get into the biz, what to do once you start, and how to gain a following. Derek's convo follows our chat with ASGmax about how to submit to a studio. Stay tuned for even more chats with stars in the biz on how to handle getting into the adult industry.

What are some of the big red flags you see from people trying to get into the industry, things that others should avoid doing?

Impatience is the biggest red flag. The best piece of advice I can give when submitting applications to studios is to be patient. Patience is one of the most important virtues in this industry. It can be months before you hear back from a studio but do not get impatient with being cast in a scene. You can reach out every now and then to make sure that you stay in the casting director’s mind, but do not constantly pester the studio about being cast.

What tips do you have for someone submitting to a studio in order to get noticed, outside of the box?

Aside from the physical looks aspect of your submissions—be professional. This is a business and the studios are making a product to sell. You definitely need to be adaptable, be responsible, be responsive, and definitely be kind. I’ve honestly found being professional and easy to work with to be better for a performer’s reputation than looks. Looks obviously help, but character says much more about a performer.

What were the steps/process from being called back by a studio to filming your first scene?

When the studio decides to book you for a scene, the casting director/team will usually schedule your testing for the scene and, if necessary, travel accommodations. This is another situation where being adaptable and professional will take you very far. Be responsible with your testing and activities outside the studio as it’s not just your health that the studios care about, but the other performers as well. Be open to travel accommodations that make the most sense for filming. Sometimes the studio can book you to fly in and out on the same day.

Once you’re on location you will do all the necessary paperwork (Form 2257, consent forms, model release, etc.) and will film consent videos with your identification. It’s all to document that everyone being filmed has consented to it and not doing anything against their will.

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What do you wish you would have known about the industry before getting into it?

I pretty much knew what I was getting into prior to submitting my first applications to perform. I honestly just wish I would have started sooner—MUCH sooner.

You clearly have made a splash in the industry, what do you think sets Derek Kage apart from other performers in the industry that makes you most attractive to studios and fans?

I hope this isn’t taken as me being arrogant or full of myself, but my personality, my versatility, my character, and my talent set me apart from others in the industry. My body and looks definitely help my brand, but that can all be worked on and improved relatively easily. The other things are constant.

I’ve learned that fans want to connect with the performers they enjoy. They want to see that there is some substance behind the performer. Your personality is also a selling point for studios and fans alike.

My versatility is a trait I genuinely pride myself on. I mean versatility literally and figuratively. The fact that I am able to be whatever the occasion calls for on set really gives me an advantage over other performers. I’ve been on sets before where we had to completely switch roles at the last minute and I didn’t hesitate to still put on the best performance I could. My motto when I’m on set, as well as in life, is “make it work.”

I think one of the more important things I possess that has helped make a name for myself is my character—how I carry myself on and off set. I am respectful and kind to my scene partners, production crew, and everyone I work with to the best of my abilities.

Lastly, my talent is truly what sets me apart. I am a performer at heart. I will put on the best performance I possibly can no matter what the scene calls for. I know my angles and what positions would work best given the scenario. I know how to play to the cameras and keep track of where the cameras are at all times. This is important as the cameras need to see the action happening. I always have a plan for what the directors would like to achieve and they know they can rely on me to make it look good. Some performers think that you can just show up and “have sex.” That is never the case. Studio porn is a performance from start to finish and that is what sets a true porn star apart from other performers.

What is your message to other guys looking to get into the biz?

The most important message I have is to be kind and professional—to everyone. Everyone working with a studio and on set is trying to create something hot and beautiful—even the production assistants (PAs). If you want to make an impression and an impact, then be kind and professional and easy to work with.

If you truly want to be in this industry—go after what you want. It won’t just magically come to you. Reach out to the studios. Put yourself face to face with directors and performers. Stay in their minds. I have literally traveled to another country to put myself right in front of a director/producer before—and it pays off in the long run.