I've done three Bear films now... and I enjoyed every minute. Have been asked to do more, but want to choose my partners.
My reasons were different though... I was ashamed of my body most of my life. I was always a chubby kid and adult. So when a bear-lover asked me to pose for photos and then do a film; I was flabbergasted. Since I LOVE sex, I jumped at the opportunity. "THEY WANT TO PAY ME TO DO THIS?"
As posted above, the pay isn't really much. But, the experience was freeing. Of course, mine were done in Paris.. and the market for Big Bears in the USA is not really there, so I go under the radar at home...
But, imagine my surprise when I walked into a Montreal Adult store and THERE I WAS ON THE COVER of a video... for all to see. Made me chuckle.
And when people do notice me and ask if I am THAT GUY, I smile and say, "Yep, that's me. Did you enjoy the film?" I find it flattering.
There have been lovers who were hung-up over it and people who look at me in abject horror at the thought! But, i think it's all about what YOU FEEL about it. Who givesa crap about other people's hang-ups. I didn't do it for money or fame... I did it cuz it was fun!
And the residuals I do get from the films are my play money when I go to Europe... I ask the director to keep it for me until I come back. Always nice to have a few hundred Euros waiting for you!