Expert: Jim Boyd - 9/26/2007

Question
Hey Jim. I've been looking through your past answers and have been getting some great information.

I've been tossing around the idea of making an adult film for a couple of years now. I'm interested in both full length films and short films; and possibly even setting up a website. I've produced my own indie films, and have taken a couple of them to local film festivals in the past, so I'm familiar with the technical aspects of making a film.

My first question, is it possible to make an adult film outside of California, legally? ( I live in Maryland )

Second, is it possible to get outside funding for starting a production studio? i.e. the SBA, Chamber of Commerce or even private banks. Or is that something they wont touch?

Third, assuming you were making decent films, what kind of turnaround time would you estimate to start turning a profit?

Fourth, what steps would you recommend to market the film? Personal website, direct marketing, ad agencies?

Thanks in advance!

Answer
HI Andrew,

I’m happy you have found the information in previous answers useful.  I have no way of knowing exactly what questions you been reading so please forgive me if I repeat any of that information here.

Q: Is it possible to make an adult film outside of California, legally?

A: NO it’s not. California is the ONLY place in the United State where it is legal to produce adult films. Shooting in any other state can lead to several misdemeanor charges related to and including prostitution for the talent, and/or felony charge of pandering (pimping) for the producer.

Q: Second, is it possible to get outside funding for starting a production studio? i.e. the SBA, Chamber of Commerce or even private banks. Or is that something they wont touch?

A: Yes it’s possible to get outside funding to start a production company. Your best bet is to find a private investor with deep pockets willing to get involved. Unfortunately, finding such an investor may not be such an easy task. The sources you mentioned are guaranteed dead ends.

Q: Third, assuming you were making decent films, what kind of turnaround time would you estimate to start turning a profit?

A: That’s a though one. There are so many variable involved its impossible to predict. All I can really do here is tell you that my company did not start showing a reasonable profit until the release of my 3rd film, just shy of 2 years after I started. Some companies have shown a profit in less time, and others have taken longer, and still others failed to ever turn a profit at all.

Above all, please keep in mind that the adult industry is in no way a quick/easy way to make huge amounts of money in a short time. Just like any other business it has it’s pitfalls and problems. To succeed takes a large investment of time, effort, patience, and hard work.

Q: Fourth, what steps would you recommend to market the film? Personal website, direct marketing, ad agencies?

A: Websites are a good start for marketing adult films. In fact, when you consider the cost, it’s a great way in the beginning. However, eventually you will need to make some business arrangement with at least one reputable distribution company. Ad agencies, really wont be much of a help due to the fact that adult films are still not “socially acceptable” enough to be advertised in mainstream media like TV or radio.

Please for the love of God, DO NOT start any film production until you have researched, understand and are in full compliance with Federal Law. Specifically, Title 18 Section 2257 and CFR Title 28 Part 75.


Jim