Director Kris Kramski on Tuesday responded to recent complaints that he has been charging foreign performers to audition for his next film for Hustler Video.
Kramski said that in casting for Melanie's Diary he has met some foreign girls that wanted to try out for lead parts, but he stressed that the dialogue-heavy roles have been tailored for American girls.
"Some of these girls I know in advance that there is no way we can make the film with them if they can't carry out a speaking role," Kramski told AVN.com.
He said two agents, in particular, insisted he audition their girls even though he warned them it likely would be "a waste of time." So he began charging a "participation fee" of $40 to audition.
"There were a couple of foreign girls who got upset. I am very sorry for this," Kramski said. "I don't think they had any call to complain and even less right to contact Hustler. I didn't force any of these girls to pay the 40 dollars. ? It's a minimal charge to participate in probably the most prestigious casting there is right now."
Kramski would not release the names of anyone who has auditioned and AVN could not independently confirm the identities of the performers who have protested. But Hustler spokesman Jimmy Flynt II said Tuesday that the practice of charging for auditions is not standard procedure for LFP and the company is examining the matter internally.
Kramski continued, "For them to pay the 40 dollars to deliver a very substantial audition and to turn around and go back to Hustler asking for the $40 back is extremely unprofessional. One of the girls, and I won't quote her name, actually offered me to fuck her instead of the 40 bucks.
"She's cute, but 40 dollars goes a long way. I'm not going to barter."
The director said that "it goes without saying that this fee does not apply to English speaking performers and these performers are more than welcome to audition for the film free of charge."
He told AVN.com that after 1 1/2 weeks he only has filled one of the lead roles.
"I heard that somebody at LFP, and again I am not in a position where I can quote names, took it upon himself to refund the $40 to one of the actresses," Kramski said. "And knowing that person I can pretty much figure out the type of transaction that took place there. Was it necessary? In my opinion it is not. Hustler is probably the leading adult company in the world and I do not think it is necessary for anyone to kiss ass to foreign speaking talent and to comply with unreasonable requirements or requests from their agents."
Kramski last directed the controversial America XXX: A Tribute to Sex & Rock and Roll, which was nominated for Best Film in January and won AVN awards for Best Music and Best Art Direction.
The French filmmaker said that Melanie's Diary would be an original story inspired by the 1964 classic Diary of a Chambermaid. He plans to shoot over a three-week period in the northwest part of the U.S. later this summer. The director said he still is seeking the best talent available and casting is ongoing.
"When talent comes to me they have to understand that I am nothing more than an ambassador for Larry Flynt," Kramski told AVN.com. "When talent behaves unprofessionally it is as if they behaved unprofessionally to Larry. I will not stand for this type of attitude.
"As of May 24, 2003, when I had to expel a female talent from my set, I decided to carry with me on every one of my sets a framed photo of Larry Flynt. This photo is positioned in a strategic place on the set to remind talent at all times that they are working for the very man, that because of his actions, commitment and dedication, is now allowing them to legally earn a living sucking dick."
He continued, "I think this warrants a special attitude of respect, attention and humility. I am very sorry about the $40 incident but I cannot put myself at a level of excellence that would be any lower than the one which Larry Flynt would expect of me. Those talent who are not prepared to live up to this level of excellence and dedication should not apply to participate in our production."
Interested performers may contact Kramski at [email protected] or 213.392.3339.
