An Interview With Chanel Preston, Host Of Showtime’s ‘X-Rated’

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Chanel Preston is such a fixture in the adult industry, it's almost impossible to believe that she only just made her debut five years ago. Make no mistake, it's been a busy five years filled with tons of memorable projects. Recently Chanel has begun to transition from performing into sex education with the help of her web series Naked with Chanel, a program devoted to helping people "shed negative attitudes and misguided beliefs about sex." 

Chanel's latest project finds her hosting the new documentary X-Rated: The Greatest Adult Movies of All Time premiering this Friday, February 6 at 11pm on Showtime. The documentary combines "scintillating film clips of the 32 greatest adult movies ever produced with in-depth interviews from the biggest stars in the industry, this erotic documentary is the definitive look at the art of carnal films." I recently chatted with Chanel about her experiences working on this project, as well as her work on Naked with Chanel, and a little bit of everything in between.

Tucker Bankshot: Tell us a little bit about how you got involved with this documentary. Were you tapped to be the host from the beginning or did that evolve out of your involvement with the project?

Chanel Preston: I have worked closely with Plausible Films on other projects in the past couple years, like "Adult Insider," which goes behind the scenes of the adult entertainment industry - so they were familiar with my work as a host. I know I was one of the first considered to host "X-Rated: The Greatest Adult Movies of All-Time," but they did hold an audition, and fortunately, I made the cut. I was very excited to be a part of this project since it was an opportunity to show the adult film industry in a different and interesting way, from its rise to prominence in the 70s through its evolution to today. 

TB: How aware of the history of the industry before this project began? Were there any big revelations during the making of this project for you personally, anything you maybe weren’t aware of before?

CP: I never knew much about the history of pornography until I got into the adult film industry. Even then, I probably only knew about five of the classics that are portrayed in "X-Rated." It was really exciting to learn so much about the history of this industry, and also get a chance to speak with performers who were a part of making those classic movies. The industry has changed so much over the years, so it was fascinating to see all the different phases pornography has gone through. 

TB: What are you hoping that people take away from this project, and not necessarily just those who are watching it knowing full well what it is and what it’s about, but perhaps those who stumble across it while flipping channels? 

CP: Despite the stereotypes and assumptions by many that pornography seems to lack depth, I’d like people to see that the adult film industry has a lot of history, and this rich history has affected not only the porn industry itself, but also society as a whole. So many of these movies had such a huge impact on our culture, and they have all contributed in some way to where we are today.

TB: Changing gears a bit, can you talk a bit about the genesis for Naked with Chanel. Where did the idea come from? What was your experience like with crowdfunding? What sorts of reactions to it have you gotten?

CP: The idea for "Naked With Chanel" developed over time. I knew I wanted to go in a different direction with my career at some point, and in the past few years I have gained an interest in helping people explore their sexuality. I love talking about sex, and I think I have a unique perspective. I know how having a healthy mindset when it comes to sex has made me a stronger person, and I want others to feel that same way. 

Crowdfunding wasn’t incredibly successful, but I am also not great at marketing, and that would have definitely contributed to the success. Most of those who donated were friends of mine and others I knew, who believed in the project

TB: Do you think that Naked with Chanel is in line with the kind of thing you’d like to focus on primarily for the future, or do you see yourself continuing to perform for many years to come?

CP: I don’t see myself performing for many years to come. I would really like to transition at some point to focus more on "Naked With Chanel" and the opportunities that could bring about. I also love hosting projects like "X-Rated," which help help provide insight into the adult industry to a larger audience.

TB: What do you think is the hottest scene that you’ve done, or maybe a top three if you can’t pick just one?

CP: I’ve shot so many hot scenes - it’s hard to pick one, or even three. I did shoot a scene for Kelly Madison's "Get My Belt" last year, which won AVN’s Most Outrageous Sex Scene in 2014. It was a very intense and edgy scene, so it’s not for the faint of heart, but please know that I enjoyed every moment of it. 

TB: Is there anyone you haven’t worked with yet that you’re dying to work with?

CP: I think I have worked with everyone! If there is someone I am interested in working with, I generally make it happen, so as of now, I have no one that I am dying to work with. 

TB: Finally, is there anything else you’d like your fans to know, or perhaps anyone who’s discovering you for the first time?

CP: I’d love it if everyone watched the documentary. "X-Rated: The Greatest Adult Movies of All-Time" is available on Showtime beginning Friday, February 6. It is incredibly interesting, and there is still plenty of boobs! Boobs and knowledge are an awesome combination!