Warning: Sexual content
While Australia was watching in awe as Margot Robbie got her Oscar nomination last month, another Aussie movie star was also taking the US by storm.
But there’s a good reason you might not have heard about it, because Angela White is a porn star.
I first met Angela (her real name and porn name) six years ago at a Sexpo in Townsville, and it was pointed out to me back then by Australian adult industry insiders how business-minded she was and how successful she would be.
Standing with her in Las Vegas as she collected an unprecedented 14 awards at the 35th annual Adult Video News Awards (widely known as “the Oscars of porn”), I had a proud moment.
This is a controversial and taboo world but it does not mean we shouldn’t celebrate her achievements.
White is the only Aussie to have ever been inducted into the AVN Hall of Fame, the only Aussie to have ever co-hosted the AVN Awards (an industry honour in itself), and the only Aussie to have ever won the much-coveted AVN Award for Female Performer of the Year.
Yes, her work is a little more physical than most — she describes being an adult performer as akin to being a sexual athlete. But the fact that sex on screen is the job and commodity that is traded does not mean her professionalism, determination and passion for her work should be devalued.
With an Instagram following of 2.5 million people and an organic growth rate of an additional 5000 followers a day (something most influencers would dream of), sitting with White I learned that there is more to becoming a successful porn star than just having sex. This is an industry that requires serious business acumen, intelligence and a thick skin to get to the top (or on the top, or on the side or in reverse cowgirl).
But what makes Ms White stand out from the crowd? “Firstly, it’s the fact that I love what I do,” she said. “My passion is what makes me stand out as a producer, director and a performer. Fans want to see and feel a real connection on screen and they can tell when a performer isn’t completely engaged.”
She continued: “It’s also about professionalism. It’s all good to love what you do and to be passionate about it, but you also need to turn up on time, be prepared, arrive with the correct wardrobe and be pleasant and patient on set. You have to conduct yourself in a way that is appropriate. Having respect for everyone on set is important, from the director and camera operators to the make-up artists and production assistants. You can be a great performer, but if you are difficult to have on set, people won’t want to book you or work with you.”
Hearing this, I’m reminded that most jobs require you to be this way to be successful and maybe the adult industry is not as different as people think.