For some, it's work between "real" jobs: for others, it's an art form. Many gig-starved actors have ventured into the straight-to-video waters at some point or another. But only a few of them have staked their entire careers on being the big fish in the little video pond. Take a close look at the credits on a cross-section of video-exclusive titles and you're likely to see many of the same names cropping up again and again. Here are a choice few faces that might ring a bell.

Casper Van Dien
With flops like Tarzan and the Lost City to his credit, it's only a matter of time before he gives straight to video leading hunks Michael Pare and Lorenzo Lamas a run for their AK 47s; after all, the statuesque actor has already snapped up roles in Beastmaster III: The Eye of Braxus and Night Eyes 4.

Tim Thomerson
Renowned for his tough guy Jack Deth in the Trancers series, Thomerson boasts numerous staright-to-video credits—Dominion, Heatseeker and Nemesis III: Prey Harder, among them. "Anytime I have a chance to act, I pretty much do the role. That's how I make my living," he explains. "I've been in some really shitty movies, but it's just the nature of this business."

Julie Strain
The former Penthouse Pet of the Year and lead gun-totin' babe in Return to Savage Beach, Bikini Hotel and Bimbo Movie Bash has appeared in 90-plus straight-to-video films. Up next is Lingerie Kickboxer, starring Strain along with two other centerfolds and two world champion athletes. Says the actress, "It has to do with kickboxing and girls wearing lingerie." Naturally...