Question for the VIDEO MAKERS (not a video suggestion)

[BrokNBstUvm]

Question for the VIDEO MAKERS (Jeff, Wallstreet, Yaqi...)

As producers of adult-based entertainment, do you have to comply with the same laws and regulations as all other producers in the adult film industry, or no?

I'm curious, because I know a handful of girls that I've turned on to the tickling video scene, and I'm really contemplating doing a video or two.

I have the videographers, I have the location, and I have the girls. Do I need to take any required steps to legally sell a tickling video, or can I just do it as long as there's nothing sexual involved?

For instance, does the guy from 'hysterical.squealing' have to register with some state or federal bureau to sell his stuff? I mean, it's just him and his chick, so is that any different than selling home movies, really? I can't imagine there's anything wrong with that, right?

TIB/Kathy? Jeff? Yaqi? PLEASE HELP!!

I'd love to contribute to our industry, but I'm afraid to start, legally.....

 

[Myriads]

You need to find out what the local laws are where you live. Some cities and counties have specific laws that prohibit the production of adult videos and material in them. Enforcement is rare...

Myriads

 

[BrokNBstUvm]

Yeah, I figured so. Any idea which branch of Gov't to contact regarding such matters? I have no clue as to which department handles adult filming.

I just want to make sure I cover my ass(ets)!

Thanks, Myriads

 

[Bagelfather]

legality

There is a federal law that you have to have on file that all models are of legal age. I don't remember the exact disclaimer but I know this is a federal regulation.

Also once you clear local and states laws register for a ficticious business license. The fees vary greatly by area and is paid yearly. Once you've done that you'll have to post in the newspaper that you have filed. I would get a Post Office Box first, then file.

If you are seriously going to make a go at this (not just make a video to see if you can), get a lawyer. Despite all the jokes about lawyers I would seriously consider this. I would search online for entertainment lawyers and then one who handles the adult industry. This is best because 1) they have experience in your area, 2) it will be less embarassing for you.

Do a GOOGLE search and I'm sure you'll find some.

Also make sure any talent you use is NOT a member of SAG (Screen Actors Guild). There might be that out of work SAG actor/actress who needs money but I would avoid the Union unless you can afford it. The last I heard SAG reguirements are close to $600 for an 8 hour day minimum and $1 million dollars of liability insurance on the location. For the record if you work with SAG and play by the rules they aren't bad folk. Most talent barely make $25k a year and the rules are for their protection. However, for adult work I'd avoid it.

You probably won't run into this but I'd ask anyway.

 

[BrokNBstUvm]

Hey, thanks for the info! I saw a few sites on-line that sold kits that detailed the guidelines and gave hints to get started making films, but the way they made it sound, they were talking about actual sex videos, which I don't plan on making.

The people that I would have in my videos would all be friends that I have known for some time, mainly because I would have to pay them after the video sold, so I would definitely not be able to do any work with pro (or amateur) actresses. There would be no nudity, sex, or sexual stimulation of any kind.

I'm just wondering what the stipulations are on what is considered adult material, and what can be shown in a film to bypass the 'adult' label. I'd really like to get some pointers from Jeff or maybe Wallstreet on this...I'm sure all of you traveled this same road at some point.



Thanks, Bagelfather and Myriads, for your input on this.

 

[Oddjob0226]

Proof of age on file- that's the biggest rule that I know of. Everyone does it. They have to. It's an issue that law enforcement & politicians are very concerned with. I remember my old college days of the 1980s, there was one producer selling 100% non sexual-foot oriented videos with teen girls, and it was totally amature: Girls he knew, shot in his house from the stills that I saw. But he never got in trouble because A.) the market was so small and the videos went unnoticed B.) it was apparently as legal as it could be back then. Nowadays I have no idea about the legality of such things. Then there was the whole Tracy Lords thing. But bottom line, get the proof, copy it & keep it safe. Harmony went through some trouble with that, and you can't buy their older videos anymore. They always used models that were of legal age, but they had no proof on file. Around the time of the Meese Commision on Pornography, the laws began to change. Harmony had to get rid of their older videos (ie, like from '86 & earlier, sell them cheap & quickly) so as not to get into trouble when the laws changed.

Now, I have heard that any video involving bondage cannot show sexual intercourse, because it connotates that the sex is non-consentual and can bring on a rape or obscenity chage (which may not stick, of course, but ...) Not that you would mix sex, bondage and tickling, but who knows what the future holds. I have indeed seen some bondage films that featured sex.... so I don't know if this is actually a law, or an industry guideline.

 

[BrokNBstUvm]

Thanks for your input, Oddjob...

I would think the same about the bondage+sex=NC issue.

I used to think that a lot of the TK vid companies included before and after tickle session interviews for that reason; in the case of some group or official questioning the consent of those participating.

Plus, I'm sure things vary from state to state, and I don't know what applies here in Michigan. I do, however, know a local guy that was making a pretty steady stream of straight up porn videos a few years back. If I could get in touch with him I'd be in business!

Thanks, again, my friend!

 

[Oddjob0226]

Let us know when the biz gets off the ground!