Al Kikuras: How and when did you first get involved in porn?
T: When I did my first scene, I was 27... I started late. I got into the business through a referral from a photographer I was shooting a layout with for High Society Magazine. He gave me the number of a director. It took me a couple of weeks to really think it through, but in the end I decided that I'd give it a go... after all, if I didn't want to pursue it after one scene, no biggie. I'm the type of person who only regrets the things I don't do.
A: I understand you left the business for a period back in '94. Why?
T: I left because I needed to get my head together. I, like a lot of women in the sex trade, am a survivor of incest. It was something I felt I needed to deal with and felt I couldn't work through it while performing sex for a living.
A: What did you do in your absence?
T: I had a lot of therapy!!!! I also took a "real" job at a major Canadian Arts company. It was something I needed to prove to myself that I could do. I'd never worked 9-5 before. When I was 19, I started stripping, from there went on to magazines and finally porn, so there was never a job where I went to the same place every day, worked for peanuts and used my brain instead of my other ASSets.
A: Were you planning on staying out of the business or was it just a break?
T: I didn't know, at the time, if I'd return or not, but kept the option open. I never felt that porn was to blame for anything I went through, I just knew that I couldn't continue performing and keep sane at the same time without a break to deal with my stuff.
A: What prompted your return?
T: I really missed the business. I realized that 9-5 was not my bag, even though I was successful. I just missed being here.
A: If you had never entered into the porn business, what would you be doing right now?
T: If I'd never held a job in the sex trade of any sort, I'd probably be a therapist, or perhaps promoting the arts.
A: How was working with James Bonn in Models?
T: I really like Jim. He's an intelligent guy with a lot of talent and he takes his job seriously. I respect the amount of effort he puts into a role. There aren't many performers who take that kind of time and energy becoming a character.
A: How about Kris Kramski?
T: I know I'll be in the minority for saying this, but I really liked working for Kris. I was a great change of pace for me to work with someone who genuinely CARES about his artistic vision.
I think we found the key to world peace!!A: My partner had a conversation with James Bonn and he had mentioned that Kramski was hard to work with, and when we interviewed Kris he said the same about James. Was it difficult working with either? Was there evident tension between James and Kris?
T: I had no problems with anyone on that set, but I'm usually the diplomat trying to make sure everyone's happy. There was definite tension between Kris and Jim, though. I chalk it up to two alpha males not wanting to relinquish any control.
A: Kris is very adamant about the use of condoms in his films.. he is very much against it, as I am sure you know, and stated that "it should be the director's call and nobody else's." Do you believe it should be left up to the individual or should a director have the right to reject a performer because of his or her stance on condom use?
T: I don't think the director, producer or company owner should have any say whatsoever in the decision of the talent to keep themselves safe against a deadly disaease. Frankly, it's none of their business.
A: Are you pro-condom yourself?
T: I am pro condom. I think the welfare of the talent should be of the utmost importance. We ARE risking our lives, after all. I've had people tell me, sure, but firemen and cops are more at risk than porn stars. My reply is usually, in any dangerous occupation, there are safety guidelines, with firemen, for instance it's the gear they wear. I see condom use in porn along the same lines.
A: Do you feel the industry's guidelines are stringent enough to keep the risk to a minimum?
T: Yes, but the follow through is lacking. I can't count the number of times I've been on a set and have not been asked for my test until AFTER the scene is over.
A: Models has gone on to receive a lot of critical acclaim. How, if at all, has that affected your career? Have more offers for work come in?
T: It definitely got me a lot of publicity and an award nomination, but the work offers seem to be at an even keel. I have been around since 1992, off and on, so most people know me and know what I'm capable of.
A: Do you find farts funny?
T: Farts and belches are two sounds that never fail to make me giggle. I'm just a kid at heart.
A: How old were you when you lost your virginity?
T: Twelve.
A: What were the circumstances?
T: Nothing too arousing. My father was the lucky recipient.
A: Yeesh! How long did that go on for and how did it finally end
T: It started when I was 12 and ended when I was 16. It just stopped one day, no conversation about it or anything, just didn't happen any more.
A: Was your mother aware that this was going on?
T: My mother says she was aware but didn't want to believe it. Even when it was brought up later as something factual that my Dad admitted to she chose not to believe it.
A: I would imagine it came as a hell of a rude awakening as far as de-mystifying sex at a very early age. How did it affect your views then and as you grew up?
T: At the time, it was the only kind of power I'd ever felt and I went a little power mad. I saw sex as a way of getting men to like me and getting them to do things for me. I felt it was the only way to get noticed.
A: Someone I am close with is also a survivor of incest and this individual had a lot of trouble getting close to and trusting others in a romantic sense for a long time. Did you go through the same feelings?
Tina Tyler, buffet-style. We HIGHLY recommend clicking this pic to see the wonderful, clear, full-sized version.
T: ABSOLUTELY!! That's part of what I had to come to terms with during my time away from the biz. I was great at the sex stuff, but pushed men away when it got too close. I'd punish them emotionally for loving me.
A: You said yourself that a number of women "the sex trade" are survivors of incest. How closely do you think the presence of incest in an individual's background and the decision to get involved in the adult industry are tied, if at all?
T: I think that survivors of child sexual abuse are taught at an early age that all they're good for is sex. Some run away from that and shun sexuality in their lives, hence the high number of survivors in the nunnery and some embrace it, as I did, as the gospel and become permiscuous in a more public way. That is, becoming strippers, prostitutes, nude models or porn stars. The sex trade gave me the ability to control the sexual situations I was involved in and that actually helped me get to a place in my mind where sex became safe. That was the first step in my recovery.
A: Is your relationship with your father completely over as a result or do you think you might ever speak to him again?
T: At this point, I can't imagine a scenario where I would want to talk to him again, but things change. If I've learned anything it's never rule out a possibility.
A: You said that you "have been sexually active in a big way since losing my virginity both on and off camera." Did you experience with your father mark the beginning of your sex life with other individuals as well?
T: Pretty much.
A: How old were you when you first had sex with someone else?
T: I was 13.
A: Who was it and what were the circumstances?
T: It was my first boyfriend. We went together for 6 months, broke up, and got back together a week later by having sex, which I initiated. He was the one who did the breaking up and I thought I could fix everything by having sex with him. It lasted another 2 months before he realized that the sex wasn't worth being with someone you couldn't stand. He was way more mature than I.
A: What is the first earth-shattering sexual experience you remember? "Earth-shattering" as far as the first time sex was AMAZING for you.
T: On my 26th birthday. It took a couple of years after that to feel that way on a more consistent basis. The first time it was earth shattering on camera was in Gang Bang Girl 10.
A: Was your first lesbian experience on screen?
T: Yes. It was with Tiffany Mynx in a movie called Midnight Madness (Editor's note: No relation to the great 80's "Fagabeefe" movie). She did me only. The first time I went down on a woman was also on camera with Ona Zee in a movie called Careless for the great Anthony Spinelli.
A: What are your biggest on and off-camera turn-ons?
T: Intelligence, compassion and a kick ass sense of humour. If you can make me laugh, you've got a shot.
A: Is there anything that completely turns you off at the drop of a dime?
T: Stupidity and an obnoxious personality. I hate men who need to be the life of the party wherever they go.
A: What is more wild, your on or off-screen sex life?
T: I've experienced a wider variety of sexual acts on camera, but my off camera sex life is more satisfying. No pesky camera in the way!
A: Are there any sexual fantasies that you have yet to fulfill in your life?
T: I'm 33 and have been sexually active in a big way since losing my virginity both on and off camera. I can honestly say that there isn't anything that I have fantasized about that I haven't done. I guess I'll have to find some new fantasies... any reccomendations?
Piston Rod: Sure, how about sex with five midgets? How about opening a sexual clinic for high school nerds that wanna be studs? How about letting one lucky fan (me) have the time of his life making mad passionate love to you? How about having sex while bungie jumping off a bridge? How about stripping naked and streaking a funeral? How about masturbating with plutonium?
T: Hmmmmm.... streaking a funeral you say...
A: Have you appeared in any mainstream productions?
T: Yes, back in Canada I had small parts in 21 Jumpstreet, Booker and Wiseguy and was an extra in the movie Star 80 when I was 16.
A: Do you plan on crossing over into mainstream acting as a career?
T: I'm not pursuing it, but if something falls into my lap I won't say no.
A: Any other aspirations for "life after porn?"
T: I've decided to make porn my life's work. When I'm no longer performing I want to continue behind the scenes in a directorial capacity.
A: Do you want to have kids?
T: Kids are not a priority.
A: Ever meet a guy and have him react negatively when he finds out what you do for a living?
T: No. They've all been at least a little intrigued.
A: Is your family at all supportive of your chosen career?
T: I have cut off contact with my family for the aforementioned reasons, so I don't really know what, if anything they think about it.
A: Some women are in the business for the money, others for the sex... what is your reason for being here?
T: I like the attention... the notoriety. I always wanted to be famous when I was a kid, and now I get to have a small taste of that. I also really enjoy being sexual. I don't mean just having sex on camera, but letting my sexuality out during a scene for the camera to hopefully capture.
A: Do you see porn as just a job or a way of life?
T: I see it as a career, but not a lifestyle.
A: What percentage of your on-camera orgasms are faked?
T: About 35 to 40 percent. Sometimes I'm too distracted to really belt one out, other times I'll be just on the edge and the director will yell CUT time to do something else.
A: Do you ever fake them off camera?
T: Not any more. I used to when I was younger. I like to take responsibility for my orgasms... meaning I'm a communicator I let my partner know what I like.
A: What kind of music do you listen to?
T: I'm into everything from Chopin, Glen Miller, Billie Holliday and Robert Johnson to Janis Joplin, the Doors, Cream, Bowie, T-Rex, U2, NIN, Massive Attack, Portushead and Madonna. My favorite band is the Stones.
A: Is there any mainstream celebrity that you would really like to boff?
T: ROBERT DENIRO!!!!!!!!!
A: Most guys I know have a person in mind that no one else but them finds attractive,and most find downright UGLY, but for some reason they really want to sleep with... is there anyone like that (famous or not) for you?
T: I have a few. Danny Devito, Bob Hoskins, Timothy Leary... before he died, not now, he'd be kinda boring. Also John Lithgow.
A: I've heard it said that the pleasure some women derive from having sex on camera is primarily exhibitionistic and therefore different from the pleasure they get from having sex in their private lives. Is this your experience as well?
T: Not really. I'm not saying that on and off camera sex aren't different, just that I derive pleasure from more than just the exhibitionsm of having sex on camera.
A: How do you feel about feminist attacks on pornography?
T: I don't consider myself a feminist. I have a real problem with the movement as a whole. When it first started, the idea was right on the money, just to be treated as equal members of society... not as less than human. I think what it morphed into is sad in that today's femanists are so bitter and hateful towards men and each other. I think if more women would just take responsibility for themselves as human beings there'd be a lot less BLAME going on.
A: Do you feel at all betrayed by the women that attack your profession?
T: No. They have their own problems and that's one of them. I don't take the time to give them voracity.
A: Do you feel that porn is at all demeaning towards women?
T: This question reminds me of a scene from my favorite sitcom... Absolutely Fabulous, where Patsy and Edina are looking at a porn mag and Edina's daughter says "oh that is so degrading to women" and Patsy replies, "How? She's got the whip." I'm here because I want ot be here. No one is forcing me to do anything I don't want to do. I'm a woman who owns my sexuality and takes responsibility for my actions, so how can I be degraded???
A: There are a lot of directors and industry people that have reputations for being real scumbags. Ever have any encounters with someone that fits the stereotype?
T: Of course. There are more directors out there who are decent and compassionate about talent than one might think. I just don't work for the scum.
A: What is your opinion of Luke Ford?
T: I don't give him enough thought to have an opinion.
A: As you are aware, our review of War Bride was not the most favorable. The crying at the end of each sex scene really killed our reviewer's hard on and just turned him off to the film entirely. What is your take on the movie?
T: I couldn't have agreed more with your review. When I read the script, I found myself thinking, who, in their right mind would want to wank to this? I think it's a turn on to see a woman enjoying herself and with all the crying I had to do, how could anyone watching think that my character's sexual journey was fun?
A: Who would you most like to be stranded on a desert island for a year with?
T: The drummer from Rob Halford's new band, TWO.
A: Who is the person you would LEAST like to be stuck with?
T: Oliver Stone.
A: Odd... why is that?
T: For me, he embodies the male characteristics I instantly turn off to. He's pompous, arrogant, too opinionated and insufferable.
A: Any plans for a web site?
T: It's under construction.
A: What is the most perverted sexual act you have been involved in?
T: That depends on what you consider perverted...
A: Do you like to eat or are you one of those "salad" girls? What do you consider to be a kickass meal?
T: I'm a Cancer and as such LOVE to eat. French food is my passion. Boef Bourginion is definitely a kick ass meal!
A: Would you sleep with Graham Kerr (the dorky TV chef) if he offered to make you the greatest meal of your life? I would definitely do Julia Childs if she made the offer to me...
T: I'd strap-on and give him the thrill ride of his life for a goose cassoulet followed by a chocolate souffle!
A: I understand you have a new "Tina Tyler" series you are working on. Tell us about it. Is it catered to any specific audience?
T: The line is called Tina Tyler's Favorites. It's named because I'm hiring all of my favorite performers. The criteria to be a favorite is not to be afraid of showing off your sexual being. The first in the series is a blow job tape and is out right now (available through OGV). The second is a lesbian tape and will be out on March 9th. I'm really very proud of the series so far. Right now, I'm focusing on the Gonzo genre, but would like to move towards features as well as Gonzo in the future. I appear in both tapes and plan to continue doing so until no one wants to see me any more.
A: A lot of directors nowadays are producing "epic" films where there is actually more plot than sex, and many times the two rarely have anything to do with one another (Flashpoint comes to mind). What is your opinion of this trend? I know it is supposed to be targeting the couples and female demographics, but I think they just plain suck for the most part.
T: I think the premise is a good one, but for the most part the execution sucks. The problem, as I see it, is that they're trying to make feature films with stories that have nothing to do with sex and then throw some sex in, because it is porn. If the scripts were written to support the sex rather than detract from it, I think they'd really have something. If mainstream can mix dialogue and sex to the level of, say, Bound, why can't we?
A: Hmmmmmm... Gina Gershon or Jennifer Tilly? (the actresses in Bound that have a lesbian tryst, for the uninitiated readers...)
T: I think Jennifer Tilly is sexier in a feminine way, but Gina is
definitely hotter.
A: It is my personal belief that women want to see really good fucking too, not a fluff love story. As a woman, what is it YOU want to see in a porno?
T: I can only speak for myself and not all women here. My preference is watching man on man. Probably because I know I can never experience it. Nothing gets my rocks off more than a well shot, hot, sweaty gay scene. The more men involved, the better!
A: Ever have a tryst with two bisexual males that went at it for you?
T: Yes, both on and off camera.
A: Did it live up to the fantasy?
T: It definately has lived up to the fantasy on several occasions. (smiles)
A: A number of women (and men, for that matter) have problems with certain words that describe genitalia, both male and female. For instance, a number of girls I know can't stand to hear the word "cunt." Are there any "tagged" words that bother you?
T: No. No matter how you say it, it's still an organ of pleasure.
A: You're at a little mom-and-pop pharmacy and the little old lady behind the counter is sweet as pie and twice as nice. You but a pack of gum, a bic pen and a disposable camera. The total is $12.68 and you hand her a 20. She gives you $8.22 change. What flavor gum did you pick out?
T: First I'd tell the little old lady that she gave me 90 cents too much change, then I'd thank her for the Juicy Fruit and leave.
A: Please give me the first 8 creative names for a penis that come to your mind.
T: One eyed trouser snake, heat seeking moisture missile, love probe, lollipop, spear, rod, baloney pony and my favorite thing to say during sex... impale me on your cock!!!
