Expert: Dan Pepper - 2/27/2009

Question
i'm in upstate,ny. here are my questions... if i'd do something like take photos and video clips of fully nude girls stripping down/adult style poses, for example, suicide girls/gods girls style (without the toys and girl on girl) does that mean i only need a model release and copy of i.d as it's considered just artistic/adult modeling? or are fully nude girls with open leg (no toys) considered porn and require 2257 to be filled out as well? 2. once i get established and want to get into full porn requiring 2257 forms and end up going with a filing site that digitally holds my records and i.ds. so it can be viewed online, would the gov't. still want to come to my residence making online filing pointless or would logging on the records site satisfy them? Finally, if i want to be in some of the scenes i film should i hire someone to take over the videocam during those times instead of POV by holding it myself? thanks in advance for your help and taking the time to read this.

Answer
Regarding your question regarding the 2257 requirements, you can find some helpful information here:  http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/optf/links/2257-compliance-guide.html  I cannot provide you legal advice here, so you will need to review the regulations and determine whether your specific content will trigger the 2257 obligations.

I would strongly advise you not being in some of the scenes you film yourself, as you are flirting with a prostitution charge.  In any event, you should retain a qualified lawyer to advise you for your activities - as I tell everyone, getting it wrong can mean serious fines and jail time.