@Beat100
I will play along and answer your question:
Q: Why don't more porn stars become free agents?
A: Because it is the way the adult industry operates, although it is changing thanks to technology, the Internet, IG, Twitter and Only Fans type of direct to consumers “entertainment”
“Having an agent is not necessarily required, but does suppose to help the “adult artist” in getting jobs. Also the agency is supposed to “screen” the people doing the movie to make sure they are legit and pay the porn actress as agreed by their contact.
In many cases, porn casting directors go to talent agencies to find the “adult artist” type they are looking for.
An far as I know, in California, the talent agencies must be licensed under special sections of the California Labor Code, which defines an agent as a "person or corporation who engages in the occupation of procuring, offering, promising, or attempting to procure employment for an artist or artists."
However the California pornography industry has a reputation of be a destructive, drug-infested, abusive environment that causes severe negative effects on the female that are in it.
It used to be that escorting was frowned upon by the adult industry, because “if anyone can have sex with her, no one will buy her movies” and because the possibility of sexual transmitted diseases because the clients are not tested, and sometimes don’t use protection.
But today some escorts do porn to be able to charge more because a “pornstar” can potentially change thousands per hour...
In California, escorts (individuals who are paid to simply spend time with you) are legal.
Escorts must obtain a special permit that allows them to offer their companionship.
Engaging in sexual conduct in exchange for money is a serious violation of California law.
Escorts who have sex with a client, in exchange for money, on the job will lose their permit and face criminal prostitution charge.
However technically speaking if the adult performer is doing movie it is legal. Pornstars also have to sign a model release for the “scene” to be legally distributed to the public.
And if the escort and the client “like each other” and have sex without it being “paid for” that is of course legal too.
In Europe the laws are different and the porn industry has different rules and regulations.
You just reminded me of this quote:
“The law says you cannot touch, but I see a lot of lawbreakers up in this house.”
— Matthew McConaughey - Movie Magic Mike