PORN STAR.
That’s a phrase that is claimed by many that don’t warrant it and is over used by many people. Adult film actor is more appropriate for most in the industry. So, what does it take to garner the PORN STAR moniker? What kind of journey does one take to produce the level of celebrity necessary to “earn” the title? Well, over the next few articles I’m going to share my story, my journey… on the way to becoming a PORN STAR.
It all started with a break up. Literally. I ended a long term relationship that had turned ugly. I needed to boost my self esteem and feel attractive, so I started working out like crazy, got my “single and ready to mingle” body back (I had grown a little comfortable and soft while in the relationship) and started doing some art and fitness modeling. The pictures were turning out great, and it was suggested that they be sent to an adult film director- Steve Cruz.
So that’s where it started. Photos sent to someone big in the industry, and his desire to shoot me. I’ve always been a very business minded and opportunity driven character, so of course I was curious to see what the offer would be, what I could make money wise and what I might be able to create entrepreneurallly from the situation. Needless to say, I liked what I heard, and Charlie Harding was born!
Steve booked me for a scene to be filmed in March 2012, and then fate struck. Tony Demarco needed a replacement model for two scenes for February, and Steve suggested me for the job. So here I was, about two weeks after deciding to take the plunge, on a plane to San Fransisco about to become an adult film actor. Tony was great to work with, professional, caring, enthusiastic and willing to answer any questions I had, being that this was my first time ever on set. I had a blast, learning all I could about what looked good on camera, angles to show of the body more and basically had a crash course in “porn 101.”
As I finished up the two scenes and still photography I was asked to meet with the Big Guy at Falcon/Raging Stallion, Chris Ward and I was offered an exclusive contract! I was in the big leagues three weeks into my new “career!” We negotiated money, contract length, expectations and such and I went home with a contract to review. Needless to say it looked good, I signed it and was super excited. Over the next six months, I filmed about ten scenes, did a bunch of promotional work and appearances and really started to be recognized as a good performer. I started a twitter and Facebook page so I could connect with fans, signed a bunch of autographs and had fun with it all.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. There’s much more to share about my journey during that time, so let me back up to the first time I was recognized in public. It was May, 2012 and I can remember being in the airport about the fly from Atlanta to California and needing to take a piss. So, as I went in to the restroom I sorta smiled at a guy that was looking at me while standing there with his wife. Next thing I knew, I’m pissing away, and the guy is beside me at the next urinal. He looks around, leans over and whispers, “I really like your movies.” He then zips up and heads back out to his wife and child. I was floored! It was the first real time I was recognized in public for my work and I was super proud.
So that’s the first couple months in the industry for me. I hope you find it an interesting background for where I came from and how I started. Stay tuned for the next article in which I’ll open up about some of my on-set experiences!
contact me on twitter @chardingxxx