Interview With Flash Brown: Keeping It Professional

This interview with Flash Brown ran in the November issue of AVN magazine as part of a cover story on African American men working in the adult industry. Click here to see the whole issue online. Home State: Tennessee | Age: 35 | Started in 2011 | Twitter: @FlashBrownXXX  | Website: FlashBrownProductions.com (launching February 1) What inspired you to pursue a career in adult film? During a modeling shoot in L.A., back in 2011, the photographer of the shoot approached me and suggested the idea of adult film. He commented about my “look” and of the lack of new, straight African American talent in the industry; he felt it would be a perfect fit for me. After researching the industry, a couple of months later I decided to pursue a career in adult film. Which led to my first booking with Dogfart/BlacksOnBlondes.com. What are the most challenging aspects of your job? Separating the adult industry from my personal life. Maintaining a clear boundary between my business life and personal life. I have certain restrictions before any shoot: no sex, drinking, partying in order to perform at my best. And when the shoot is done, I learn to leave all of it in the studio. There are many temptations, of course, shooting with these gorgeous ladies on set. Continually reminding myself that it’s my job and professionalism must be maintained at all times.  What is the most rewarding part of your job? Obviously, it’s working with the most beautiful women in the world! Also, it allows me to see the business side of the industry. Getting experience on set and behind the scenes, having the director value my input and the process to get to the end product. This is particularly beneficial for me and my production company, Flash Brown Productions. Who are your biggest influences? Industry wise, it has to be directors Jim Camp, Mike Moz, Greg Lansky, Damien (Jeff) Cain, Jonathan Morgan and Alexander DeVoe. Performance wise, the legends: Taylor Wane, Mr. Marcus, Shane Diesel, Sean Michaels, Lexington Steele, Naomi Banxxx, Suave XXX, Ron Jeremy, Mick Blue and Prince Yahshua. In my personal life, my mother and grandmother. They instilled my values of being a respectful, God-fearing, hardworking man. What is the most common misconception about adult? That performers just party all the time and being on set is all fun and games. It takes a great deal of concentration and stamina to be on set for six to seven hours a day. Also that since we are fulfilling a visual fantasy, some fans believe that performers are available to fulfill their fantasies in person. Which leads to the other common misconception—that we don’t have personal lives. Many of us are married, have children, and live very normal lives off set. Just like many other mainstream actors, it’s basically the same: Once we perform, we go home to live our lives. What do you think of the way IR product (black male/white female) is marketed? I believe IR is a label that was established decades ago. It’s a different time now. The adult industry is still stuck in a time capsule by using that term. Porn is porn. Sexual preference doesn’t need a label. Our world is so diverse, we are all “interracial.” This is why I am so proud of my AVN Award from 2016. It was the best boy/girl scene. Not the best “interracial” boy/girl scene. It shows me that the industry is finally making progress. And that makes me proud.  What barriers, if any, have you encountered working in the adult industry? There is always stigma with porn actors transitioning into mainstream entertainment. I believe with hard work, professionalism and dedication, you can break through these barriers. It has been done with several top performers. Also, being an African American, that comes with stigmas by itself! Add in the adult industry, that becomes even more challenging. Fortunately for me, I’m currently working on some mainstream projects, so I know it can be done. Hopefully I have inspired others to follow my lead.