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Adult Biz Law! When people think of how the pornography industry works, they will probably think about the cameraman, directors, and fluffers who keep the show going. Maybe tech-oriented folk will focus on the high-quality recording equipment or the software used for the incredibly slick editing.
Of course, everyone considers the key ingredient which drives the industry: the on-screen talent. But there is one element that often gets overlooked is the legal side of the industry. In fact, without an army of expert attorneys, the modern porn industry wouldn't exist.
If you have any thoughts about starting a porn studio or being an independent performer, you will want to read the post on Adult Biz Law.
Why Bother Consulting Lawyers When Producing Porn?
Even though everyone thinks about sex all the time and most people (and apparently other mammals) like watching it, porn is still considered scandalous. And anything which has this level of stigma often translates into changes in the legal atmosphere.
Consequently, there are a ton of double standards in the law, incredibly strict regulations against the industry, or outright bans, which are hard to workaround. Add the fact that regulators and public prosecutors love to go after the sex industry to boost their profile or cut their teeth.
(Douchebags like Kamala Harris is a perfect example.)
And this can be the case if the prosecuted appear to legally step out of line. To keep your studio or your independent operation from being crushed by the government, consulting legal experts is a priority before publishing anything.
Even in jurisdictions with a completely legal porn environment and a supposed value on free speech like the United States, you might get arrested or even thrown into the clink for offending the regulators.
One of the most famous examples of this would be what happened to Paul F. Little AKA Max Hardcore back in the day. By the early aughts, Hardcore got a following and a legacy of infamy for shooting a bunch of extreme porn scenes involving dental equipment in women’s orifices.
Of course, all of his models were consenting, but it looks like he was under government scrutiny. What set things over the top was when he did a scene with a twenty-something-year-old girl who was portraying a minor. This got Hardcore prosecuted, and while the k*d porn allegations were overturned, he was also charged with obscenity laws.
Now, remember that obscenity laws are considered unconstitutionally vague and are typically dismissed by US courts. However, Hardcore had his site shutdown and got forty-six months in jail. Now, on a personal level, I ain't going to defend Max Hardcore. But by any consistent legal standard, he should not have been jailed…he was.
Even if you do follow all of the rules, you're still going to want to have an attorney or two on retainer before you start producing content on the more extreme or controversial side.
Indie Performers Need Legal Counsel, Too
It's no secret that in the turbulent times we live in that more people than ever are selling skin via webcam to get by or build a fortune. Becoming a webcam model or joining up for subscription-based services like OnlyFans, you can join up in a matter of minutes. After that, you would think that you should delve straight into filming and making money.
While that is a healthy attitude to have, you should still look into understanding the basics when it comes to potential legal issues. While you are less likely to run into any problems as an individual, simply contacting a service like Adult Biz Law may be prudent.
One reason you may want to do so would be to get a full understanding of the model releases, legal disclaimers, and terms of service that various cam, tube, and other amateur platforms. And if you do get “discovered” as so many of these models do, you’re certainly going to want to have a discussion with ABL before signing any contract.
We Will Being With Who Michael Fattorosi Is
Started in 2002, Adult Biz Law is essentially an extension of the law offices of Michael W. Fattorosi, also known by his internet handle pornlaw. At the same time, he does have a range of experiences both in legal practice and making media appearances representing himself. However, as while see, he and his staff focus 90% of their attention on protecting and helping adult entertainment professionals.
Fattorosi and His Colleagues Provide a Range of Services
Most people will want to hire Adult Biz Law to get the legal documentation to start their studio while operating within the existing regulatory framework. And while based out of California, ABL can assist in entity formation in all fifty states.
Besides getting your business off the ground, ABL can provide additional consultation and representation.
Lastly, in an era where protecting intellectual property is vital for survival, you will need help navigating the world of copyright. Again, ABL can aid you with registering trademarks, securing copyright, and setting up licensing deals.
Their Past Client List Is Impressive
It's easy to say that a service is great and getting third-party reviews from common customers is cool. But I do think that testimonials from some of the top talents in the business carry a fuck ton more weight.
To provide a few endorsements, ABL has worked with Scott David, the co-owner of All Media Play and X Play, and director Nadir Drums who also runs Spiz Cash. Further, Fattorosi and his firm have represented modeling recruiting agencies like Social18.
(By the way, do a search for my review on that company when you’re down with this post.)
While this review focuses on those of you who are looking into starting a porn startup, ABL is willing to defend more controversial elements in the sex business. For example, ABL has provided answers and recommendations for MyProvidedGuide.com, which is an escort website.
Fattorosi has even represented James Deen for a decade! In these cases and others, if you check the site's "Testimonials" page, you'll find nothing but positive comments.
The Blog Is a Great (Unofficial) Legal Advice
I’m certain that ABL would back me up when I say this but don’t get all of you advice from their public blogs. While I do know a little bit about this topic, you certainly shouldn’t take what I say as expert counsel.
(Believe me, I have no desire to being dragged into court and dragged through the mud. I have far too many fuck pals who I’d rather spend time “playing in the mud” with.)
But if you want to get a feel for why I'm recommending this company and why these issues matter, look up ABL’s blog posts. They can be rather informative, and you can keep up without constantly checking the site by registering for their free newsletter.
Going back to an early point I made, for you web cammers and performers who work on sites like JustForFans, I would start with their multi-part “New to OnlyFans? Here’s What You Need to Know!” series.
Of course, you can keep up with the blog via email by subscribing to the ABL newsletter.
Just be warned: I don’t think it’s possible to make legal issues exciting to read about. So, don’t expect all of the blogs to be page scrolling reads.
They Are Good Communicators, Too
Don't you hate it when you attempt to get ahold of customer service, and you have to endure listening to a robot the whole time? It's almost as bad as constantly playing phone tag with a real person in different time zones.
Adult Biz Law has posted a series of methods for how to get in touch with them and when they'll get back to you. To give you the specifics, you should be able to get ahold of Adult Biz Law 8:30 AM through 5 PM Pacific Time, Monday through Friday, if you don't drop a voicemail.
You can also email Mr. Fattorosi directly via email. In either case, he or one of his staff will get back to you in a 24-hour period.
The Cost For Service Is Reasonable
In my experience, lawyers of any skill level and speciality charge a ton of money by the hour, even just for a consultation. This can be a bit of a rip off since some of these thieves will ask you to put in some legwork despite how much you are paying.
Adult Biz Law, on the other hand, usually charges a flat rate for vital services, forms, and tutoring on how to get going. What most startup studios are going to need is the standard packet production…
-A standard 18 USC 2257 compliance form
-Model release Agreement template
-Model release for a content trade agreement
-Work for hire agreement
-Independent contract agreement
-Location release, though you won’t be insured
…and for all of these forms and guidance, you just need to put up $100. Further, when it comes to other services they provide, the same flat rate is usually charged. Payment can be made via debit, credit, bank transfers, paper checks, or PayPal.
Now We Come To My Non-Legal Take On This Firm
With the legal system being so complex – especially in the United States – and a range of legal precedents having been established, you’re going to want to stick getting legal counsel in your jurisdiction. Unfortunately, I would only use ABL’s services if you are operating in America.
However, if you are making smut in the States, I think this is a fine and efficient law office to work with. Not only do I recommend getting with a company like this, I think this is one of the premier porn-specific law offices to work with.
I give them five hands and wish you all the best of luck when building your new porno studio.
PornDude likes AdultBizLaw's
- You can get assistance building a protecting your studio
- They work with studios and individuals
- The blog has supplemental info on the law and porn
- The firm’s rates are very affordable
PornDude hates AdultBizLaw's
- Reading some articles can be a little dry
- The use of color on some text is distracting
- Only US-residents can get expert advice