Most importantly, offer content people want to see and content people think is worth paying money for. What can you do that a zillion million existing companies aren't already doing? My advice is to find a niche and fill it well. "Girls from Houston" is not a sufficiently unique niche. Also, what is your personal contribution? Are you just "a guy who wants a porn company"? Do you have videomaking or photography experience? I think having some related skill/experience is added insurance against being just another generic porn outfit.
texas women have a reputation for sexyness, so that might be enough of a marketing angle to support a business. for legal protection you might need to shoot across the border.
You need to talk to Michael Fattorosi at Fattorosi & Chisvin law firm in LA. He can fill you in on all the legal mumbo jumbo you need. You also need his 2257 compliance system (or something similar) at http://www.2257safe.com/ and his legal search site at http://www.adultbizlaw.com/. Both cost money, unfortunately but are well worth it. Here are a few things that I can think of off the top of my head: 1. 2257 paperwork for each model filmed 2. Model release 3. Worker's comp insurance 4. Incorporation papers 5. Legal insurance (to cover obscenity prosecution expenses) 6. List of what not to do to avoid prosecution DO NOT go in the porn business without proper legal representation, and DO NOT use just any attorney. You need an attorney with experience in the adult industry or you will go to prison like Max Hardcore. There are only two main attorneys in this business, Michael Fattorosi and Paul Cambria. Since Paul mainly represents large, established corporations, you will likely need Michael to help you legally start your business.
I was just brainstorming and didn't do anything about it. While it would be a cool thing to do, I don't know if I'll ever do it or go to LA and do it. It all boils down to money and opportunity I guess.
Not a shred of evidence exists in favor of the idea that life is serious - Brendan Gill 723 Posts 4/09
Posted - Jan 15 2010 : 5:18PM
Only to say the obvious and oft repeated. Anyone who contemplates ANY kind of venture may depend on being advised on its pitfalls by a slew of well meaning, sincere and perhaps informed people. That's good and the advice here sounds good(except mine, of course, which was just a little dig, ahem). but it can be and probably always is discouraging. There are ALWAYS very good reasons NOT to do something. It's wise to weigh them, but don't suppose that means there are not equally good reasons TO do it. Take the trouble to get the whole picture before you decide, then YOU decide, nobody else. You're the only one who knows you well enough to know what's REALLY best for you to do. Father Duefuss has spoken.
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MikeSouth Deactivated User
511 Posts 11/02
Posted - Jan 15 2010 : 6:10PM
figure about 20-30K minimum in capital. more if you dont own cameras and editing software
^ Including camera, editing software and necessary insurance, I would say today it costs closer to $100K to enter the business properly. If you just want to do a couple of gonzo-type movies a year, then $30K may do it. The cameras are about $2-$3K each new, a lighting kit is over $1K, you have to rent a location for a day at $2K+, pay talent at $500 each X 8 (four B/G scenes), a cameraman and editor (some could do the editing themselves if they come from the industry), recordable DVDs/memory cards, etc. Also, you will have done four or five movies before you get paid for the first one you did. There is a similar lag on online-only companies due to the time it takes for advertising to take hold and get you some paying customers -- plus if you do the online route you need a backlog of scenes for the customer to choose from (at least 50 to start in my opinion plus producing at least 24 a month to add to it). Edited by - mharris127 on 1/18/2010 1:49:38 AM
Thanks mharris.... There are other attorneys though in the adult biz, not one I can think of in Texas though. But you are 100% correct and your estimates for costs are also correct. This is a business now and if you want to start a website I would say that $100,000 start up is accurate and if you are thinking of starting a DVD company (not that anyone should) start up costs are closer to $1 million. Being underfunded is a definte way to be out of business in less than one year. Competition is fierce right now, especially with tube sites killing many of the established companies. The cheapest way into the industry, a Clips 4 Sale store....You can have a successful C4S store for as little as $20,000. Michael www.AdultBizLaw.com
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realtip Deactivated User
2301 Posts 6/04
Posted - Jan 18 2010 : 4:27PM
$100K just to start up a porn site? That's just beyond belief. I guess it's possible to easily spend that much if you're trying to go all out and start out on the same level as the already established websites. But if you're just starting out, it seems reasonable that you can do it for much cheaper than that. You'll just need to know how to economize until your site becomes more established and profitable. But I do agree that, if you're going to do it, then you should definitely seek legal counsel first to make sure you CYOA. I figure than any capable attorney specializing in entertainment law should know how to advise you on such matters as contracts, industry regulations, etc. I've often thought about doing it myself, even adding up the projected costs (my estimates came nowhere near the ones mentioned here, but opearting within a limited budget is a skill that I've learned to master in everything I do). However, with me, it's just a passing fancy. I've come to realize that it just isn't realistically feasible right now. But if you're really serious about doing it, Good Luck!
I think you just need to be very careful, Get an attorney, Protect yourself legally, don't worry about the logistical stuff too much, for the internet, a halfway decent SD camera is fine, the main thing is get hot performers who can really put on a show, just go slow, don't go out and waste 50K let alone 100K, just do one thing at a time, I think you can find it much easier just to get creative, but don't skimp on the legal stuff, thats where it gets risky
Now for equipment Right now I have a Nikon Coolpix P60 digital camera is this digital camera good enough to shoot photos sets. If not which digital camera should I get for $250 to $350 I am looking at getting a Olymups SP-560 so what do you think about this digital camera??? For the digital video camcorder which one do you recommond for $400 to $800???
^Those questions are more Tech Talk than Porn Pool.
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MikeSouth Deactivated User
511 Posts 11/02
Posted - Jan 28 2010 : 8:45PM
the fact that you ask this question is proof positive that you have no business doing what you are thinking of. As any photographer knows any camera with manual functions CAN take great photos, if the photographer has any knowledge at all. if not you can have the most expensive camera on earth and it wont make you a photographer any more than buying a tongue depressor makes you a doctor.
That's all right, most porn directors don't know a damn thing about lighting or shot composition, anyway, so who says you need to be a photographer to shoot porn? -K-
Introducing Dallas Rea
Posted - Jan 11 2010 : 1:20PM
