Behind the Scenes of Preparing for an Adult Film Shoot
How adult performers prepare for scenes may vary depending on the scene, genre, or performer, but every adult entertainer takes it seriously.
The preparation process before a scene goes beyond just making sure your hair and makeup are done; it is about stepping into your stage persona, respecting your craft, and demonstrating professionalism. I don’t just wake up every day as Cherie DeVille, “The Internet’s Stepmom.” It takes time and preparation.
Over the years, I’ve developed a routine that helps me bring my A-game to every scene, from self-care and mindset shifts to working through the day’s consent checklist and memorizing my lines.
For me, preparing for an adult scene isn’t just about looking and feeling good as Cherie DeVille; it’s about respecting the work I do and the people around me.
Pre-Scene Rituals: Beauty & Stretching
Creating pre-scene rituals as an adult star helps me prepare for a scene and enter Cherie DeVille’s headspace. Although they aren’t too different from my usual routines behind the scenes of my career, the small tweaks that signal that today is a workday rather than any other day help shift my mindset from private life to public figure.
Hygiene & Confidence Boosters
Feeling fresh and clean is a must! I always shower, brush my teeth, and make sure I’m feeling my absolute best before filming. When I feel good, my confidence skyrockets, and that energy shines through on camera.
Taking care of my hygiene, especially on a shoot day, is a way to respect myself and the people I work with. No matter what the day’s shoot entails, showing up showered, clean, and ready not only helps me feel confident, but also shows that I am prepared for the day’s work.
Additionally, my hygiene routine allows me to wash away my private persona and create a clean canvas, ready to build the professional persona of Cherie DeVille on top of it.
Beauty Routine
Taking great care of my skin and hair is non-negotiable. When I arrive on set, I want to feel fresh and glowing, so my beauty routine plays a big role. From skincare to hydration, I make sure my body gets the care it deserves.
Like all good beauty regimens, I prioritize hydration to keep my skin healthy. As a performer, swing dancer, and fitness enthusiast, I’ve always made sure to drink water throughout the day as part of my daily self-care routine.
Additionally, once I have gone through my pre-shoot hygiene routine, I always follow my skincare routine to help keep my skin glowing and healthy. This includes applying moisturizer and SPF for extra skin protection.
Staying Fit & Energized
Part of my role as an adult entertainer requires a certain level of flexibility, so keeping up with intense days on set means staying in top shape. As part of my pre-shoot rituals, I make sure my fitness routine keeps me limber without leaving me feeling fatigued.
In addition to physically helping me prepare for a shoot, my fitness routines also help me mentally prepare for scenes, with my workouts offering a chance to meditate and support my mental health.
My Fitness Routine
My fitness routine includes CrossFit, running, weightlifting, and yoga. It keeps my energy levels up and helps me feel strong, no matter how demanding the scene may be.
Stretching
Before filming, I also go through a lengthy stretching routine as part of my scene preparation. This helps me feel loose, energized, and ready for anything the day brings.
Getting in the Right Headspace
Like all actors, adult performers don’t just wake up in character.
Although our public persona is closely connected to who we are when the cameras aren’t rolling, part of how adult performers prepare for scenes is getting into the right headspace.
Mental preparation is a crucial part of preparing for an adult scene. One thing I am very strict about is setting boundaries as a public figure, including maintaining a clear separation between my personal life and my professional persona.
Because of this, taking the time to get into the right headspace through mindful practices allows me to make that shift before I step onto set. Whether I’m breathing through a few poses or taking a moment to ground myself, it makes all the difference.
Mindset is everything for me. I swear by yoga and mindfulness meditation to help me focus and get into the best possible mood before a scene. They give me a quiet moment to check in with my thoughts, emotions, and mental state before a shoot so I can ensure my body, mind, and energy are aligned, no matter how intense the shoot may be.
They also help me regulate my energy as I start my day, with simple exercises that get my body moving as I wake up, so I feel energized without worrying about using up all my energy before the scene even begins. An added benefit is that they not only help me get into the right headspace, but also boost my mood so I show up excited and ready to get to work.
Music to Set the Mood
Part of my mindset practices, alongside breathwork and meditation, involves using music while I get ready. Music can be a great tool for preparing for a shoot, with different genres invoking different thoughts and feelings. In fact, studies have shown that listening to music while working can help with emotional regulation, block out background noise, and improve overall job satisfaction.
Depending on the type of scene I am shooting that day, preparing myself as Cherie DeVille becomes easier with a playlist playing in the background. My playlist depends on the vibe of the shoot, working as a mindset tool to help me focus and get into character.
For a recent pin-up scene, I had ’50s pop playing all day to help set the tone. Whether it’s something sultry, upbeat, or relaxing, music helps me channel the right energy before stepping in front of the camera.
Communication is Key
A common misconception about the behind-the-scenes reality of the adult industry is that there is little communication or input from performers. However, from my personal experience, this is far from the truth.
Before every scene, I have a thorough conversation with my scene partner. This allows us to discuss the scene we are filming, get the creativity flowing, map out how we think things will look, and, on a more serious level, check in with one another to ensure clarity before filming.
On one hand, these discussions open up opportunities for creativity, helping us map out the scene and start getting into character as we share ideas about what we plan to do and how we think it will look, building excitement for the day’s work.
On the other hand, these discussions aren’t just about getting into the right headspace, but also provide an opportunity to discuss boundaries and check in to make sure we are both aligned on what we are going to do that day.
Consent Checklist
Communication is imperative to ensuring everyone’s boundaries are respected. To do this, I always go through a consent checklist to make sure we’re both on the same page.
For those who aren’t aware, a consent checklist is a document signed by every performer in a scene that outlines what the scene will look like and which acts are included. It gives performers the chance to say yes, no, or open a discussion about the scene before filming begins.
At the start of each shoot, I go through the consent checklist with my scene partner so we are both aware of what we will and will not be doing. This helps ensure clarity before filming begins and makes sure that everyone’s boundaries are respected.
Knowing exactly what we’re doing, and not doing, that day ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Getting into Character
Embodying the role of Cherie DeVille is something I do throughout all my work, but getting into character requires me to constantly evolve and grow into who Cherie DeVille is. Getting into character requires an emotional shift from my usual personal branding to embodying the character the scene calls for on that day’s shoot.
From submissive housewife to dominant stepmom, every scene is different, and I love tapping into different personas. To embody the role a scene requires, I like to adjust my body language, mindset, and energy level, embracing the role and making it my own.
For me, getting into character and experimenting with new personas is a chance to offer my fans something new each time they watch my scenes.
Confidence Through Clothing
A huge part of getting into character, alongside changes in my body language and mental shifts, is my wardrobe. For each scene, I curate a look that reflects the theme of the shoot and leaves me feeling confident. Confidence is about feeling comfortable in what you wear, and when I feel amazing, it translates on screen.
Additionally, choosing my wardrobe for each shoot is part of my professionalism and respect for the work. It’s not just a way to physically step into a new persona; it also reflects how much I respect the people I work with by showing that I take my opportunities seriously.
Memorizing The Lines
Adult performers take their work seriously, from personal branding in the adult industry to ensuring that each shoot is done to the highest possible standard. One way to do this is by showing up to set prepared. This means memorizing the script.
Although there is always a joke about dialogue in adult films, the idea that we don’t have scripts is ridiculous. In fact, some scenes can run over 50 pages, and learning lines takes time. It can be a long process, but it’s all worth it when the final result comes together.
On-Set Professionalism
Professionalism goes beyond just wearing the right outfit or knowing your lines; it is about showing respect to the people around you, no matter how tired you are. It’s about communicating when you need a break, listening to the director guide you through the scene, and respecting your scene partner’s boundaries.
No matter what you are shooting, a full day’s work can be time-consuming and high-pressure. Like any other industry, we have good days and stressful days. Knowing how to stay present and maintain your composure is key to getting the most out of a shoot.
I have incorporated gratitude into my daily habits to keep me grounded. I genuinely love what I do, and I remind myself of that every time I step on set. No matter how intense or high-pressure the scene may be, I stay present and enjoy every moment.
Additionally, breathing exercises and meditation between takes allow me to manage pressure and check in with my mental well-being, realigning my energy so I can remain calm and maintain my composure even on the toughest days.
I find that taking those moments helps me communicate more effectively with my scene partner and the crew around me, ensuring we are all on the same page and that the shoot runs smoothly.
Conclusion
From memorizing your lines before the day begins to making sure you’re clean, healthy, and ready to get into character, preparing for a scene in the adult industry requires discipline, professionalism, and respect for your craft.
For me, these pre-scene rituals allow me to show up to each shoot in the right mindset and ready to bring my A-game. But beyond that, preparing for a shoot and getting into character allows you to move more easily between your personal and professional personas, helping you maintain boundaries as you work.
Preparation starts long before the cameras roll. Behind every scene is preparation, professionalism, and intentional routine.
