Greetings from Michigan... some questions...

Hello everyone,

I'm a professional web designer, and I've successfully helped launch a straight porn website when I was hired as a freelancer about a year ago. I wasn't involved with any of the legal stuff; I just designed the site, helped with marketing, and maintained the website (uploaded new vids, worked with CCBill, edited previews, etc).

It sparked my interest and I've decided to start a gay porn site myself. I've gone to my previous employers and asked for assistance with legal advice. They advised me to have models read and sign all releases on video - which I had already planned on doing.

However, I don't want to jump into the "porn industry" without making sure all of my i's are dotted and t's are crossed (especially when I live in a very conservative dutch area).

Other than getting models to sign releases, keeping records of their age (via drivers license or other legal documentation), what other legal advice should I know?

I completely understand that the advice I'm getting isn't from a lawyer (unless there is one here...) I'd just like some tips and pointers.

Thank you for any assistance you can give in advance.

Kind regards.

Michigan here too.
I get over to Holland area about once a month and a number of the models on my site are from the west side.
Let me know when your up and running. Would be happy to send some guys ur way.


In addition to legal stuff you should worry about the money stuff.
Get your business licensed with the state and hire a CPA that does small business for your taxes. You may even want to speak with them before you lay too much out.

Hope to see your site up soon.
Good luck!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PUMPaul

Michigan here too.
I get over to Holland area about once a month and a number of the models on my site are from the west side.
Let me know when your up and running. Would be happy to send some guys ur way.


In addition to legal stuff you should worry about the money stuff.
Get your business licensed with the state and hire a CPA that does small business for your taxes. You may even want to speak with them before you lay too much out.

Hope to see your site up soon.
Good luck!!

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Thanks for the tips, much appreciated.

I'll definitely be in contact as things get figured out.

It seems to me that you are wanting to produce.

Conservative huh? We've filmed in Arkansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oklahoma, we're currently preparing a shoot in Virginia and Montana, and a few others of the un-thinkatives. We've never had any problems except for one when we were doing the B-lines and a group of jack asses showed up trying to run us out.

My suggestion is to use hotels. It prevents the obvious lookouts.

Before you produce anything, be sure it's compliant with CCBill.
Always have your models tested. Just because OSHA is only cracking down in California they are starting in other regions. They've hit Florida and are working on Georgia. I've also heard from an uncertain source they are hitting New York now. Whether that is true, I cannot say.

The way to do testing. We do this. You can do this one of two ways. This is from our experience.
a) Send your models to the local health department. Be sure they do not do the anonymous testing. It must be blood work. Ask them to bring their results back to you. Usually it's free, some areas do charge for a "donation."

b) Work out a deal with your health care doctor. Tell him you film. He legally cannot discriminate against you. Tell him you film and you'd like to send him uninsured models to be tested, what you want the models to do (blood and un-anonymous, and you want the doctor to give the model a paper document.)
Most family physicians will charge $100 for a visit. Ours charges $95.00. Work out a deal for maybe $50. That's what we worked out. It brings them business, it protects you, they're making money, your making money off the models. It's a win win.

You always want the model release. It's a MUST HAVE.

Have the models fill out some kind of compensation form which states "at the completion of the shoot, you have been paid $XXX.XX" have them sign it. This is your end of the year tax write off.

Remember, PLU! PLU! PLU! Stands for "People Like Us." Do not advertise anywhere of which you want your models. Remember, there's only one legal state to produce in. (California). In the other states it's "Overlooked." Meaning, as long as you don't draw negative attention, they won't bother you. Don't advertise on the streets, colleges, etc. If you know the location is gay, produce in the gay area. If your uncertain, follow that instinct.

We do film our models signing a release. The video is put on a data disc and filed with their model release. If they should take you to court and say, "I never consented to being on film." You have that to fight it.

ALWAYS KEEP ORIGINALS! Back up copies. You never know when a tragedy could happen. We have an extra disc in our Bank Safety Deposit Box, on a thumb drive which is on a key chain, and a password locked hard drive which is kept in our COR car. BACK IT UP! If a fire happens, guess what, you have to recall EVERY video you EVER put out. Without records, your screwed. if you get investigated, your screwed.

STAY AWAY from young looking twinks. If they don't look at least 21, don't use them. You'll be a very easy target if investigations would hit again one day. Since Obama took office, they stopped. Doesn't mean another fucker in office won't reinforce it again.

That's really all I can think of for now. If I think of anything else, I'll bump the thread.

Welcome to the forum! I see you have some good advice already, but of course, keep asking if you have any questions...its the only way to learn :)

cheers
Luke