Adult Film/VA/DC/MD

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Expert: - 8/27/2008


Question
I want start producing adult films in either VA/DC/MD. Is it legal in any of these states? It's hard to find online help on this, would like to know if I can only do this in CA? Thanks for your help

Answer
Rob,

If you check some of my earlier answers, you'll see my explanation on this.  In a nutshell, California is the only state where it is affirmatively legal to produce pornography, as a result of the California v. Freeman California Supreme Court decision.  

In each other state, a producer is subject to those states' pandering and solicitation of prostitution laws.  This is not to say that producing the films are illegal (subject to local obscenity laws), just not affirmatively legal.

As I strongly suggest to anyone looking to start in this business, retaining a qualified lawyer to guide you through the many legal issues is absolutely crucial.

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Dan Pepper

Expertise

Lawyer representing adult industry businesses and entertainers, and can answer questions related to:

How to start an adult film business or adult website LEGALLY.

What laws to be concerned about with getting into the adult entertainment industry.

What terms and conditions do you need on your adult website.

How to comply with 18 USC 2257 - the federal record keeping requirements.

What forms and agreements do you need for models and crew.

How to deal with copyright and trademark laws.

Before asking your question, I recommend visiting adultwebsitelawyer.com and requesting a copy of the Top 6 Considerations of Starting an Adult Entertainment Business. You may find your question answered there.

I ALSO DO NOT ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM MALES INTERESTED IN STARRING IN ADULT FILMS.

Experience

I have been practicing law since 1994, and have represented numerous businesses and entertainers in the adult entertainment industry as the managing member of Pepper Law Group, LLC, at adultwebsitelawyer.com. My firm also operates 2257Sentry, one of the industry's leading 18 USC 2257 custodian record keeping services for producers of adult content.

Organizations
Free Speech Coalition, Frequent speaker at adult industry events including the Internext Expo and Exxxotica New York; interviewed in AVN Online; regular contributor to XBiz World

Publications
XBiz World AVN Online

Education/Credentials
BA in Political Science, JD (law degree)

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