Isiah Maxwell: From Intern to Adult Star

This interview with Isiah Maxwell 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: Ohio | Age: 27 | Started in 2013 | Twitter: @IsiahMaxwell What inspired you to pursue a career in adult film? Before film, I started in the industry as an intern for my field study at Cal State Northridge. I always knew I wanted to jump in front of the camera, but I wanted to do it right. I waited a year before I shot my first scene to study the industry. A year flew by and I fell in love with the producers and directors that I’ve met, the conventions I’ve attended, and the women of course! I fall in love daily with them. What are the most challenging aspects of your job? Some of the biggest challenges I face involve the off-camera maintenance. I work out daily to stay active. I cook breakfast and dinner to avoid eating out too often. I read news article to keep up-to-date with everyone who I don’t see every day. Sometimes, trying to achieve these goals leaves you up late at night. Nevertheless it’s what keeps you going. What is the most rewarding part of your job? It’s most rewarding when people appreciate your work without you asking them too. I want to bring my best to every scene by trying to outdo myself from the last one. I read everyone’s tweets and comments on @IsiahMaxwell’s [Twitter] page. Their support, along with my colleagues’ [support], motivates me to keep doing what I’m doing. It should go without saying the women are [rewarding] too. Who are your biggest influences? Prince Yahshua put me on my first production set a couple days after I told him, “I’m ready to cross over.” He’s mentored me since Day 1 and continues to mentor not only me but my peers as well. Jim Camp and Mike Quasar have molded me into the performer I am today. Greg Lansky is showing me that I don’t have a limit to how well I can do. I have cherished advice from Renae at New Sensations to Dion at Filly Films. They’ve known me since I was an intern five years ago and their advice has kept me in it this long. What is the most common misconception about adult? That sex is all we do. We have our lives to go home to, which isn’t that much different from those who watch our videos. On camera, you will get Isiah Maxwell, the passionate-aggressive lover who proves being nice get you further. When the camera’s off, I’m Isiah the publicist and agent at 360 Models Agency. I’m also “Uncle Ike” to a clan of very active nephews. And “Papa Ike” to two furry puppies that need a lot of attention. Isiah is a name that I want everyone to remember, but there are many sides to me. Isiah Maxwell is a good to side to know.