I have always thought of makeup artists as the unsung heroes of the porn industry, and their attitude goes a long way in influencing the mood of a set; if the performer is happy and relaxed and feels she looks good, her makeup artist is a major component.
On one set a year ago, the makeup artist was so negative that she caused a chain reaction; the four women she worked on were unhappy, furiously texting their boyfriends and agents. The director wasn’t happy, and the male performers (save for the one famous for not looking his castmates in the eye) were equally affected. What’s worse, the makeup lady ate all the cookies.
I have never seen her on a set again.
Kelly LaBanco has been working steadily for most of the major studios, and this week she is touching up several AVN Award nominees.
Gram Ponante: You didn’t get your degree in porn, so how did a music industry marketer from Chicago find her way to the elite world of porn cosmetology?
Kelly LaBanco: No, my degrees are from Columbia University and the Art Institute of Chicago. Before I moved out here I worked as promotions coordinator for Sony Music, working with artists like Audioslave, David Bowie, and Jessica Simpson.
I also work for some mainstream studios, photographers, and record labels. And in February, I will be my fifth year working publicity at the Grammys. You have to be versatile.
I’ve been a makeup artist for Mac Cosmetics for about 10 years; makeup was always a side gig for me. When I was still working for Columbia/Epic Records, I was coordinating events for the Winter Music Conference (held in March in Miami). One year I met Ron Jeremy there. I kept in touch with him and when I had decided I was coming out to LA, Ron was a great deal of help; he introduced me to all sorts of really amazing and influential people in this industry; Steve Orenstein, Paul Fishbein, Seymore Butts, Scott Taylor, Larry Flynt, Steve Hirsch, etc. And the rest is history!
Gram Ponante: Of the people in the porn business who know all the dirt, where would you rank makeup artists?
Kelly LaBanco: To quote “The Breakfast Club,” “We are the eyes and ears of this institution my friend.”
Gram Ponante: What do you tell your assistants when they show up for the first time on a porn set? How do you tell them to behave?
Kelly LaBanco: Rule #1 – Early is on time and on time is Late
I’ve worked steadily with one of my assistants for some time. But I have had some girls that just weren’t the right fit. I suppose if you’re not used to it seeing all this nakedness it can be a little overwhelming. I mean, I’m sure if you’ve never seen anyone squirt chocolate milk out of her ass, then you might be a little startled if you were on set with, say, Seymore Butts for the first time.
Gram Ponante: Is there a type of performer whom you don’t like to see in your chair? I don’t want you to name names (unless you’re comfortable doing so), but what sort of person makes your job especially difficult?
Kelly LaBanco: I usually have my girls in the makeup chair for about 30 minutes and during that time, we bond and share stories. On the other hand, I can also catch that vibe, if maybe they might have not gotten enough hugs as a child.
The most difficult person to have in my makeup chair is someone who wants to keep checking the mirror every step of the way. Or tell me “proper” techniques she’s learned. I appreciate the suggestions always, but on the other hand there are some girls who need to PUT THE BRONZER DOWN!!!!!!
I consider myself to have pretty great bedside manner. Being the first person on set that the talent really interacts with for a prolonged period – I like to think it’s my job to bring a positive attitude to set and warm them up with friendly conversation and of course, my hilarious commentary.
Gram Ponante: How has the recession affected your job?
Kelly LaBanco: Well, let’s take the AVN show: two years ago I had 25 girls a day, brought two assistants, and made about $5 grand for the week. Last year was much slower, and this year, well… I think we’re all keeping our fingers crossed.
Gram Ponante: Do you like this job?
Kelly LaBanco: I’d like it better if it came with health insurance and a 401k.
Previously on Porn Valley Observed: What the L.A. Times teaches us about porn; The Ropey Volleys; Andre Madness, Last Man Working; Brandon Iron, Last Man Working
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