"Creativity is a Wild Mind and a Disciplined Mind "- Dorothy Parker
Photo Courtesy of Staff Photographer: Dustin Pedroia
This next Vixen has been in the scene way before I came in. Kayla Whittaker has certainly made herself a name in the porn community. While some of her past work has been seen as confrontational it certainly caught the attention of masses. Although that's what creators do, pull themselves out the box which warrants reaction from others. Kayla has worked with the likes of many well known names in the porn community both Directors and Porn Stars alike. Kayla is certainly a triple threat. Just to touch upon some of her many talents, Kayla Dj's, Create Films, Designs, and builds. I sat down with Kayla and here's what she had to share.
Alexandria Topaz: What brought you to Second Life?
Kayla Whittaker: It was 2004, and I was on IMVU (another virtual social world) and one of my friends from there told me about Second Life. Downloaded the viewer, blown away on how much you could do here. So been here for over 12 years now.
Alexandria Topaz: I've taken a short trip on IMVU as well. Not saying my avi's name lol but it wasn't prior to knowing of Second Life. It was kind of after. IMVU seem to be so restricted they have animations for everything but the thought of hopping on pose balls instead of walking or 10 in a club just seemed boring.
Photo Courtesy of Kayla Whittaker
Alexandria Topaz: How long have you been in the "Porn Industry"?
Kayla Whittaker: I started in 2009, a friend of mine here, Tina McClure was doing video, I starred in a couple of her videos and she got me into it all. And when I started doing porn, Jennnna Jameson, Alexo, Lorenz Beerbaum, Scooby Mode, and Lacy Lovelace where a few that were producing videos at the time. I'm still here making videos, and I guess you can call me a Legend of SL Porn. *grins*
Alexandria Topaz: Ah yes i'm familiar with those names. And if anyone doesn't know Jennna Jameson*Emmanuelle well then perhaps they'll have to do some homework. I recall the others just as well this was the time where I was hiding behind the scenes while still modeling on my other avatar. Although Lorenz and I are great Coke/Champagne buddies. Lol
Alexandria Topaz: How many film projects have you produced? Please include links to your top 3 favorite, if you can narrow it down to only 3, and describe why they are in your top 3.
Kayla Whittaker: Not all of my first videos are online any more, but I just checked the storage drive where I keep all my videos, there are 214 total. Just because I look at the old avatars before mesh came along...
I'm like... EEEEWWWWW, Not putting that back online. LOL :D
Top 3 will be a Top 5.
Alexandria Topaz: This is the sad part about some of my projects. There were plenty I enjoyed but sadly lost . Now I just save everything on my google drive and on my passport hard drive.
Alexandria Topaz: How did you learn to take photos or make movies?
Photos Courtesy of Kayla Whittaker
Kayla Whittaker: Tina McClure got me into it, she gave a crack, full copy of Fraps, and the first editor I used was Windows Movie Maker. After that it was just trial and error, then getting better video editors. Just practice, practice, practice. Watched everyone's videos to pick up on tips and try them in my own editing. Always learning... Even today, I am still always learning with my video.
Alexandria Topaz: Lol yes I certainly started in the same route and continuously challenging myself. Although some secrets I have to keep to myself. One can't expect to be good with just having the best of editing software. They really have to learn from trial and error.
Alexandria Topaz: How do you approach telling stories in your photo/production? What devices do you use to communicate with the viewer?
Kayla Whittaker: Well... That is really a wide subject... When I do a theme video, I use mainly sub-line text with the video to tell a story, and then some times I can tell a story through video alone. That would be a simple way of putting it.
Alexandria Topaz: I agree. I enjoy having a story so will have some subtext. If there's a specific theme in mind I sometimes select certain songs that fit the scene. I also enjoy some voice over which takes time to master.
Alexandria Topaz: Have you accomplished everything you have set out to do as a photographer/producer? If not, what else are you looking to achieve?
Photo Courtesy of Kayla Whittaker
Kayla Whittaker: Really, I never set out to really accomplish anything with producing SL porn. Mainly I do it, because I think it is fun. Not looking for the fanfare or anything like that. I just like making videos and pornography. That way, I totally keep in fun for myself and keep it very casual.
Alexandria Topaz: I feel the same way. I'm always going to be creating. I'm a Film Afficionado and I enjoy just conjuring up whatever comes to mind. I challenge myself, I stress out some and the finishing results gets to be enjoyed by the masses.
Alexandria Topaz: What major hurdle, if any, have you overcome to succeed?
Kayla Whittaker: Not really hurdles, just to sticking what I like doing. I have been bashed on by a few people in the past because of some of the porn I produced, just to produce something different. But the one that bashed on me are no longer around in SL Porn. And some of the subjects I have done in the past that were way out there, and seen it done resent by others. So I like to think I set the trend of sticking to your art and what is in your head, just do it, produce and don't give a crap what anyone thinks. For every hater, there 20 more that love it.
Alexandria Topaz: Nods some will hate it, others will love it but at the end of it all it shows a Directors creativity. I personally feel one has to always think outside the box. While we may not enjoy what we're seeing. I always focus on how it was created and can perhaps be inspired to pick up my own ideas from it.
Alexandria Topaz: Where do you typically find inspiration?
Kayla Whittaker: Real Life Porn and crazy crap that runs around in my head.
Alexandria Topaz: Ditto and our minds would be a terrible thing to waste.. Lol
Photo Courtesy of Staff Photographer: Dustin Pedroia
Alexandria Topaz: Describe a typical production from start to end, and how long each portion of the project takes, relatively speaking.
Kayla Whittaker: Usually depends on the project I want to do. But the basic porn videos I do... Usually 3 to 4 hours for just shooting the raw footage. Then 5 to 10 hours in editing.
Kayla Whittaker: Other videos with theme... With building sets, buying things for it, etc... I have had as much as 20 to 30 into it all before I even start thinking about editing. Then that will usually be another 40 hours plus.
Alexandria Topaz: Nods I'm glad you shared that. I'm anal when it comes to detail. It can take me some time to get my project on the floor but when I do it's full speed ahead. I enjoy capturing shoots but sometimes it can take long due to an actors schedule/time availability on the editing bored I can sit for hours, even an entire day. I have to finish my production that same day. smiles.
Photo Courtesy of Partee Mytili
Alexandria Topaz: If you had an opportunity to work with an SL Porn Star, who would it be (Please list as many folks as you like)?
Kayla Whittaker: I have worked with just about everyone I wanted to work with. I have two that I haven't worked with. Partee Mytili (Parthenea) and Emily.
Alexandria Topaz: Certainly some well known names Partee Is my SISTER and good friend. I've liked her since day one. I'm a little envy that she got the voluptuous booty in the family but we can't have everything. Lol. As for Emily she's certainly done excellent with her productions.
Alexandria Topaz: What is the most important attribute in a model/actress that makes you want to work with them again?
Kayla Whittaker: First of all... Patience... You have to have a lot of patience to produce video, because it is so time consuming. Second... People that have put serious time into avatars to make them stand out.
Alexandria Topaz: Agree
Alexandria Topaz: What have you learned being behind the scenes/camera as a photographer or Director ? What has that been like for you?
Photo Courtesy of Staff Photographer: Dustin Pedroia
Kayla Whittaker: I have done a few that I didn't appear in the video and just directed. In all honesty, I enjoyed it very much. I try to do more behind the camera, but there are so many who want to be in the videos with me. Which isn't a bad thing either (grins).
I have tried to get people to find a partner to be in a video with them. It usually ends there and nothing comes of it. If two or more people want to be in a video and they have an idea. I will be more than glad to produce it and stay behind the camera.
My biggest problem with trying to use female actresses, I really don't do that many lesbian videos. I have to have a special attraction to them to do a lesbian video. I usually ask them if they have someone they want to shoot with or find a partner to shoot with. Some are willing to work with male actors, but then if I find a male actor, and the woman doesn't want to shoot with him for one reason or another. I do all the leg work for them and have them back out. And yes, it upsets me to no end.
Alexandria Topaz: SMH Yes. I'm open to Lesbian films and even being a part of it. I want to be in that ultimate Lesbian film but it has to be HOT!!! I'll touch upon a few niches but wont partake in a few. People continuously come up to me for parts too. I wont reject anyone if they can be patient. But if persistent, well that can just turn me off. While i've starred in plenty of my own productions, I do want to switch it up a bit where I can just be behind the scenes shooting. My passion is more on Creating rather then being a "Porn Star".
Photo Courtesy of Kayla Whittaker
Alexandria Topaz: There is a sense that roles for models, and particularly actors are limited currently. Do you often use people you haven't before? What one thing would help a new model/actor break into your work?
Kayla Whittaker: In all honesty... Self promote yourself... Flickr is a good way to start... Start taking photos of yourself. Learn the lighting or windlighting, and follow others on Flickr. Promote your photos through the porn groups. Go to the porn parties, get to know people at these parties. Then get together to shoot photos.
As for video... There's a different learning curve for sure, but if I can learn how to do it, you can learn how to do it also. I'm self taught and now even make a part-time living with video in my real life. As the old saying goes... Can't never could...
Alexandria Topaz: Absolutely If i can get up and do it anyone can. Although I also think there has to be some sort of passion there. If not, one can wear out or get frustrated in the process.
Alexandria Topaz: Are you an active flicker user? Yes and I also have my own website
Photo Courtesy of Kayla Whittaker
Alexandria Topaz: The business in itself can be a bit cut-throat for some folks. How has your experience been in getting to know others in the industry?
Kayla Whittaker: I really wouldn't say cut-throat, but I have met my share of assholes and douche bags with it all. Some will bash on my videos and shit like that. And then turn around the next day and ask to be in one. I'm like WTF, are you kidding? F-OFF! LOL
But overall, I have met some of the most wonderful people through the SL Porn biz. Some people are scared to talk to me, because of what I have done here. But once they do talk to me, they find out I'm a super nice person. I do live by that "Golden Rule", and being hateful to others really get you no where.
Also I just love seeing everyone's work, photos or video. Yes it is porn, but it is still an art. Some I like, some I love, and yes there is some I don't like. But it is all still an expression of their mind with their art. So I try to always be respectful of it all.
Alexandria Topaz: Well Said.
Alexandria Topaz: Do you feel like you constantly want to smack the $hit out of some of the people in the business or do you find you get along with most of them?
Kayla Whittaker: Yes, there are a couple I would like to smack the shit out of, But I just let it roll off my back, just say whatever and move on. Just not going to lower myself to their level.
Then I have seen where people are only concerned about their porn and don't care about anyone's else work... Just too self center on themselves...and I see it a lot.
But I would say 98% of the porn people, I get along with and totally respect what they do here with their art and love it.
Alexandria Topaz: Well lets sit down for coffee and talk about those Self Centered folks? lol. Definitely agree with not stooping to ones level. I always say I can be amiable or I can be bitchy it all depends on ones approach towards me. I don't think I'd be in "The Porn Community" as long as I have if I wasn't likeable.
Photo Courtesy of Kayla Whittaker
Alexandria Topaz: How long were you working before you felt comfortable behind or in front of the camera?
Kayla Whittaker: LOL... I had no problem being comfortable in front of the camera. This goes back to my RL self. I used to be in theater in school, and for a little while in my early 20's, I worked as a stripper after I got my boob job. Nudity is no problem for me.
Alexandria Topaz: I just know you weren't in any theater productions in school naked? or where you? lol Joking!!!..I'm comfortable in both skins. :)
Alexandria Topaz: Are you stimulated by the sex scenes that you capture on camera - Be honest. :)
Kayla Whittaker: OMG YES!! Why do you think most of my porn is just straight up "Porngraphy"? LOL
Not to sound narcissistic but once I have put the final touches on a video and go back to watch it
before rendering it into final form to be published. If I work myself into 4, 5, 6, 7 or more orgasms... I give it my 5 Orgasm rating.
But also what I do love, is my fans, I have a huge fan following outside of SL with my Xvideo page. I get a lot of messages and video ideas from them So yeah... most of my videos are made for my RL fans, than my SL fans.
Alexandria Topaz: Ok I can relate to the being stimulated during pre-editing. It's usually what determines if my project is complete. Grins
Alexandria Topaz: If you could fuck one famous person, who would it be? Porn Star or Celebrity
Kayla Whittaker: Sorry, I'm giving you more than one.
1. Lexington Steele... Porn Star
2. Ricky Martin - Singer
3. George Michaels - Singer
4. Bret Michaels - Singer
5. Johnny Depp - Actor
Alexandria Topaz: Oh I know why you like Lexington Steele lol.. smiles. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get in contact with those listed but when I do I will surely let you know.
Alexandria Topaz: What types of scenes would you never consider recreating?
Kayla Whittaker: Scat or Shit play
Alexandria Topaz: Have you ever been involved in any super weird niche Porn?
Kayla Whittaker: Yes... Because I created a lot of it. That is where I got the "WTF Kayla" from people. But sometimes I feel I have to do things like that to make people pay attention. :D
Alexandria Topaz: If you got a reaction from them then you've certainly done your job. smiles
Alexandria Topaz: It's been known that like real life, some members of the porn community are stalked by "SL Fans". Have you experienced any of that?
Kayla Whittaker: OMG... That is like everyday for me... but I handle it just fine. Even had people in RL join SL to meet me.
Alexandria Topaz: Men will do just about anything huh? giggles
Alexandria Topaz: In your experience what advice would you give a new comer looking to enter the scene?
Kayla Whittaker: Get a Flickr page and promote yourself... Go to the porn parties, meet people. If you are just sitting around waiting on people to ask you to be in a porn video, you will be waiting a long time.
Photo Courtesy of Staff Photographer Dustin Pedroia
Alexandria Topaz: Any parting words, or hints perhaps, at exciting upcoming projects (more details the better..... for our readers, of course)?
Kayla Whittaker: Just be open minded to others, be kind and yes... Look at everyone's work and take it all in and expand your mind.
As for my next big project... There is another Batman porn video in the works and will probably start
production on it after the first of the year, after I get past the holidays. I will be directing only.
Alexandria Topaz: Thank you my friend for taking the time to interview with me. I appreciate you being Genuine in your responses. Will be joining you on the dance floor very soon. Certainly wish you continued success in your SL endeavors and if I can be of any assistance just reach me on the SL Lan Line.. :) Hugs...xoxo
On another note:
Kayla Whittaker and Kayla Bombastic
One would spontaneously combusts with all this trouble around. couldn't help myself lol
But in terms of his creations, they really speak for themselves. Ultra-realistic and smooth, you know that there is an artist behind them. But more than that, you know there is something more about Stroker that makes his work such high quality: "I am a Motion Capture Animator in real life. I have a studio in my home." He lives and breathes his work and provides his services in many different areas and fields, not just SL. The investment continues in his prep for the new world of Bento. " I recently invested 25K USD in a system that has full fingers (mocap gloves) and a facial capture camera. Bento Baby!" I for one, would love to see some of the modeling sessions capturing erotic motions with live models... all hooked up to special outfits and electrodes and so on... HOT! "Going forward, all my content will be mocap, primarily aimed at Bento." Even still, some animations require a bit of extra time and effort after the capturing is done: "some positions we take for granted in SL require acrobats. My models are good..but not Cirque de Soleil." I do wonder how one becomes a model for this type of thing?
