Imagine being on a porn set.
Are you envisioning nonstop nudity, unrealistic moans, and a flurry of cameras?
In Barcelona, the feminist porn director Erika Lusts work is the exact antithesis of the stereotype.
I saw it firsthand.
In Lusts own words, it unfolded like this.
Im trying to portray masculinity in different forms.
We have three male models participating.
9:30 a.m.:Here, I start directing the three men.
All the while, my team works seamlessly alongside me.
10 a.m.:Now, the second model comes in.
Were on a strict schedule and ideally have about 20 minutes for each one.
As a director, I find it so important to encourage each performer and be lighthearted, too.
Later on, an older gentleman comes in.
We want to highlight his long, curly gray hair and his smile.
10:30 a.m.:Now comes what I call the pleasure face.
Its sex, after all.
Its so common for me to say, Give us the pleasure face!
Its harder than you might think to capture a good one.
12 p.m.:Its time to get ready for the actual sex scene.
Today, we have another two stunning performers who Ive worked with before on other projects.
Right now, the team is completing the backdrop by cleaning and moving set props around.
Each performer fills forms out with these, and also an STI testing form, beforehand.
12:30 p.m.:Its time for the actual sex scene.
2:15 p.m.:Now its time for lunch.
Ive never gotten complaints and we always have a variety of things.
As I eat, I also reflect on the work done.
The sex scene was just so beautiful and touching today.
The performers were talking to each other, and that doesnt always happen.
I find that people dont knowhowto talk during sex.
Its why I always hope that my films open that door up for curiosity and conversation.
When we do these shorter films, we attempt to do two or three in a day.
Today, were doing two.
The second is an entirely Christmas-focused film.
We film way in advance for the holidays.
4 p.m.:Now, were moving to the second set next door.
Our set designer is great, she put together an entire Christmas set for us.
But she wants her own pleasure.
So were going to show that happen.
But first, my production assistant passes around ginger shots for everyone to have.
5 p.m.:Next, we start filming the opening scenes.
This is quite a fun film to work on.
As with everything, there are always technical shots to be done.
But unlike this morning, there is a bit more of a story arc for the Christmas XConfessions film.
So were using this hour to set the story up with the performers.
6 p.m.:At this point, I am yawning and need a pick-me-up.
I go for an oat milk latte.
6:30 p.m.:Finally, we have the last sex scene of the day.
Eventually, we got it to be as perfect as can be and I was happy with it all.
8 p.m.:And thats a wrap for the day!
But tonight, my husband is joining me for dinner.
This was definitely a typical day on set.
But yes, its still about sex.
