All it took for Markell to launch his porn career six years ago was a lay-off from his fast food job. Now, the bisexual adult-film star is shooting … movies, and spending some time in Detroit filming and meeting fans. He'll hang out from 12-5 p.m. July 24 at the Palmer Park Festival (look for him at Entertainment West Studio's table) and later that night from 9-11 p.m. at The Woodward. Markell took a few minutes to answer some questions about the porn industry, his first experience and whether all porn stars are sluts.
What interested you in doing porn?
It was actually a joke. I just wanted to see if I could make it. I didn't plan on going, but I lost my job at Rally's and then it didn't seem outlandish to go out to Chicago and start doing porn, so I went.
How was your first experience?
I had to work within an hour of arriving in Chicago. I signed the contract and had to get ready for the video shoot in an hour. I was in the middle of a kitchen – having sex with six other guys.
Was it what you expected?
Actually, I expected it to be a lot hotter than it was, but it came across more as a job. I had to try to stay hard, try to come, try to stay focused. I expected it to be more easy going than it was, but it was a job.
What are you doing in Detroit?
I am in Detroit working with ThugSeduction.net. About two months ago I came up to do a shoot with one of their models, Dash, and I had a great time. It was my first time having sex with a DL-type guy.
Is there a pressure to look a certain way in this industry?
Being in the gay community alone has the pressure to be perfect from head to toe. Face must be flawless, body amazing. I do my best to keep up with it. I don't feel like I have to look like the Incredible Hulk, and I know I don't want to look like a stick figure.
Is it a hard standard to maintain? Do directors expect you to be a certain way all the time?
More so the fans. It's a lot to live up to, a lot of work.
Are porn stars promiscuous?
Not all porn stars are nasty. Most people feel they can treat porn stars any way – touch them, grab them. I mean, if you worked at McDonald's and you go out with your family, you don't want someone that recognizes you to say, "Go make me a burger." The same is true with us.
