Physical image after acting ability definitely came into play in my lengthy casting process. All of the black women are different shades of dark brown. That is very rare—if you look at our music videos, only black women or women of color who approximate the look of Caucasians are seen as beautiful. It was key for me to show natural African hair as beautiful.
In terms of casting, the film co-stars Mr. Marcus, who many have called the Tom Cruise of porn. The funny thing is that I am not a porn consumer so (fortunately or unfortunately) I had never ever heard of him before. The same goes for India, who is now a rapper. It was fantastic for me, as a director, to give them opportunities and hold them up to standards that people may not have thought they were capable of.
I discovered Simone Valentino at a university symposium on sexual media and Justin Long through his agent. Trina Asidieu is a great discovery as well.
They were all intelligent, supportive, dedicated and hard working– studying their lines, going to acting classes, and being committed. I am extremely proud of them. They did a great job.
Posted in: Femme Chocolat FAQ