One of the stars of the 2022 horror movie Smile has shared insights into her unexpected venture into adult film, emphasizing that the experience is comparable to any other film set.
Caitlin Stasey, former star of the Australian soap opera Neighbours, embarked on this new path in 2021, taking a hiatus from traditional acting to explore her talents behind the camera in the world of erotica.
Under the banner of the female-owned p*rnography company, Afterglow, Stasey delved into directing several adult films. Speaking on the I’ve Got News For You podcast recently, titled "Caitlin Stasey spills on p*rn directing career," she candidly discussed her role and the industry's dynamics.
Credit: Phillip Faraone / Getty
Describing the content as "pretty intense," Stasey highlighted that despite the subject matter, the production environments were notably inclusive and professional.
She said: "The content is pretty intense, but it runs just like any other film set,' she explained. The sets tend to be really inclusive. There's a lot of women. In fact, I think there are more female directors in p*rnography than there are in mainstream film and television."
She pointed out the prevalence of female directors in ethical p*rnography, contrasting it with mainstream film and television where such representation is lacking. According to Stasey, the sets she led or participated in were characterized by warmth, kindness, and patience—a departure from the stereotype often associated with adult entertainment.
Reflecting on the challenges of directing, Stasey acknowledged the dual role of director as both leader and decision-maker, which brought its own set of pressures. Credit: Phillip Faraone / Getty
She remarked that her focus was less on the explicit content and more on managing and guiding her team effectively. This shift in perspective from acting to directing posed its own challenges, requiring Stasey to navigate the complexities of storytelling and explicit visual narratives.
In an effort to innovate within the genre, Stasey developed unique concepts, including one inspired by perfume commercials that transformed into erotic scenarios.
This creative approach was evident in her film titled "Eau de P***y," released in collaboration with Erika Lust’s XConfessions platform, where she sought to challenge and reimagine traditional representations of sexuality.
Caitlin Stasey's journey into adult filmmaking underscores her commitment to exploring diverse creative avenues and pushing boundaries in storytelling, reflecting a bold career evolution from her roots in television.