Expert: Charles Taylor - 12/13/2006

Question
Hi Charles,

I am interested in launching my own Adult DVD line next year. In your opinion, what would be the most ideal sub-genre (example, couples, gonzo, soft, pink etc) to produce or niche market to target in order to acquire much needed sales momentum during the crucial start up phase? Do you think that since the adult film market is held to be around 1 to 4 billion that the market is large enough for any product released, regardless of category, to reach profit?

My goal is to use bootstrapping strategies (i.e. minimal capital requirements) to get the business off the ground; hence strategies that are currently employed by big companies like Vivid, who uses an upscale approach to marketing – elegant box covers, high production values, better story lines, and heavily promoted stars, would not be a feasible idea.

Would you also be able to recommend effective ways to promote the products in the market without spending too much money? Do you think going through the distributors would be better instead of independently marketing my own products?

Lastly, in your opinion how much seed money do I need in order to successfully produce and market my first DVD line?

Thanks in advance.

Kindest regards,
Frankie  

Answer
Frankie,

I don’t want to steer you in to the wrong direction so I would advise you to go to the Vegas shows…ask some candid questions of some people….just a raw generalization on the attendees and see what the latest trends are….then you can have a better view then just my opinion…I also don’t want to see you invest a shitload of ca$h and personal time and then my predictions don’t turn out as well as intended….hell I also want you to hire me on as male talent…..so I said it before and I will say it again….especially since the convention is less then a month away…..don’t sweat it….its almost here. Then you can formulate a business plan on a broader spectrum then just this mooks recommendation!!!


Charles