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Adult Film/laws for adult films

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Question
I want to direct adult entertainment film. What are the laws for making adult films? How do I make adult films legally?

Answer
Kari,

There are numerous laws that govern the production of adult films.  In addition to state prostitution laws, you also need to be concerned with obscenity laws, the federal record keeping and labeling regulations (commonly known as the 2257 Regulations), copyright law, enforceable model releases with your talent, agreements with any crew, and others.

California is the only state in the country which has case law that expressly permits the production of adult films.  There is also case law in New Hampshire which may permit production as well, and Rhode Island (for the present time) also has laws which may permit production under limited circumstances.

As I tell anyone looking to enter this business, retain a qualified attorney versed in this area, as there are many pitfalls and risks that can mean fines and jail time if you get it wrong.

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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 one of the industry's leading 2257 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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