Aurora Snow Explains How 'Video Killed the Porn Star'

NEW YORK — Former adult performer Aurora Snow describes how “Video Killed the Porn Star” in her latest column for the DailyBeast.

Beginning with a short tutorial on the prominence, and in some cases prestige, of XXX theaters and the porn stars that graced their marquees in the 1970s, Snow then explains how the advent of VHS technology changed the landscape. She points her finger at the then newly gained ability to fast forward as the primary culprit.

She quotes porn icon Kelly Nichols, “There weren’t that many porn stars at the time. We were getting closer to Hollywood. It probably all would have merged on a more eloquent level had not the whole VCR thing come along and made it dirty again.”

The dirtiness, Snow says, was a result of men being able to skip the entire plot to get right to the erotic action, which eventually gave rise to gonzo porn and clips.

“The way it was consumed also had an effect on what was being created,” Snow writes. With money pouring into VHS production, theaters shuttered and people moved their porn viewing to the privacy of their own home.

Porn stars were also affected: “As soon as it went to video they stopped needing actresses, they didn’t need the acting anymore, they just needed people to have sex on camera,” Nichols said. Without the time and financial investment necessary to produce film on 8mm, porn star qualifications dropped and the number of girls entering the business and movies being produced skyrocketed, Snow says.  

“Nowadays anybody can be a porn star, but nobody’s really a star anymore,” Seka said, echoing Nichols.

To read "Video Killed the Porn Star: The VHS and Fast Forwarding Revolution" in its entirety, click here

Snow is a regular contributor to the DailyBeast. She is currently writing her memoirs and splits her time between her career and fundraising for her brother, a recent quadriplegic.

Related:  

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

TeamSkeet Releases 1st Installment of 'Ripe for the Taking'

TeamSkeet has released the first installment of its latest feature, "Ripe for the Taking," starring TeamSkeet March AllStar Scarlett Alexis.

Pineapple Support Taps Kasey Kei as Brand Ambassador

Pineapple Support has named veteran performer and content creator Kasey Kei as its latest brand ambassador.

Eva Maxim, Katrina Colt Headline 'Cumming to LA' From Cherry Kiss

Eva Maxim and Katrina Colt star with Vince Karter in 2021 XBIZ Europas Female Performer of the Year Cherry Kiss' "Cumming to L.A.," from Evil Angel.

Skylar Snow Headlines 'Infidelity 4' From Sweet Sinner

Skylar Snow toplines "Infidelity 4," the latest release from Mile High Media studio brand Sweet Sinner.

Serenity Cox Stars in 'Enjoy It' From MILFY

Serenity Cox stars with Alberto Blanco in "Enjoy It," from Vixen Media Group studio imprint MILFY.

Melissa Stratton Stars in Finale of Wicked's 'So Extra'

Melissa Stratton and Robby Apples star in the final scene from Wicked Pictures' "So Extra."

BiPhoria Drops Jim Powers' 'Saying GoodBi'

BiPhoria has released director Jim Powers' "Saying GoodBi."

Jade Venus, Kasey Kei Star in 'Trans Rave' From GenderX

Jade Venus and Kasey Kei star in "Trans Rave" from GenderX, directed by Jim Powers.

TeamSkeet Debuts New Series 'Brat Tamer'

TeamSkeet has released the first episode of its new series, "Brat Tamer," titled "Three Cheers for Madi," starring Madi Collins.

Bella Rolland Stars in New Gangbang From Blacked Raw

Bella Rolland stars with Jax Slayher, Chocolate Rod and Rocket Powers in a new gangbang from Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Blacked Raw.

Show More