xbiz world
xbiz premiere
opinion

Making it Simple for the Folks

XBIZ ran an article this week called “Risky Business?” by Quentin Boyer that dealt with California’s Freeman case; which many in the industry point to as indicating an acceptance of legal porn production within the state.

Boyer’s article kicked off with “Among the debates that take place between the armchair attorneys who haunt adult webmaster boards, one of the most oft-repeated discussions concerns what seems like a simple enough question on its face: in the U.S. is it legal to shoot adult content outside the state of California?”

Being one of those “armchair attorneys” I wanted to chime in on this article: while it does a great job of analyzing many of the nebulous details of this complicated issue, it may lead some readers to taking unwise chances.

While Freeman does not provide a carte blanche authorization for shooting adult content within the state of California; with OSHA, zoning, obscenity and other laws, for example, also regulating these enterprises; in-state producers have little to fear in regards to pandering or prostitution charges as a result of this case.

It is on this basis that some of us opine that “it is legal to shoot porn in California” – and on the basis that such findings have not been made in other states, that we opine that “it is NOT legal to shoot porn outside of California.”

An overly simplistic stance, maybe, but a safe one as there are some practical realities beyond the speculative ones: Sure, there may be reasons why state prosecutors are not eager to bring (and possibly lose) a pandering case against an adult producer – and it is very likely that anyone thus charged would be acquitted in most jurisdictions – but do you know how much money you’ll spend on legal fees alone in trying to prove your “innocence”?

I’m sure there are a few attorneys who would love to try this type of case, in Florida, for example – and send you a bill for a quarter million dollars in the process… But for a kid that just maxed out his $3,000 credit limit buying a new camcorder before heading off to Tampa in hopes of “finding hot sluts to suck my dick so I can make money by being a big pimpin’ gonzo porn producer,” that kind of money is a far-off dream.

It is with these types of realities in mind, that I try to keep things real simple for the folks: shooting porn is “legal” in California and illegal in every other state; and while that could easily change, do YOU want to be the one that pays for the change?

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

opinion

Why Strong Kink Sales Start With Education and Support

This topic might make some people uncomfortable: the kink industry has a predator problem, and it is not the one most people assume. It is not creeping in the shadows of underground dungeons or sketchy playrooms, but instead is out in the open, on your timeline, in your inbox, and within platforms and brands that have figured out that the BDSM aesthetics and lifestyle sell really well. The issue is that there is no education that follows it.

Mistress Marley ·
profile

New Moon Network's Savannah Sly on Turning Lived Experience Into Advocacy

Savannah Sly is the first to admit she didn't always understand sex work. At 18, she was an art student in Boston, working part-time at a box office and, as she puts it, "broke as a joke." While looking for ways to make ends meet, she often found herself browsing Craigslist's adult ads, intrigued by the women advertising their services.

Jackie Backman ·
opinion

How to Safeguard Your Website Against CIPA Claims

There is a new wave of lawsuits targeting online businesses, including adult websites. These suits involve the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA), and they are becoming increasingly prevalent. In fact, three different clients of my law firm were recently served or threatened with CIPA lawsuits — all in the same week.

Nick Zargarpour ·
opinion

How Retailers Can Adapt Their Strategies During a Sales Slowdown

Every economic slowdown prompts businesses to ask a challenging question: How can we survive until circumstances get better?

Kate Kozlova ·
opinion

Creator Tips for Writing More Effective AI Prompts

If you've played around with AI as a creator, then you already know it can be unpredictable. Sometimes you get the exact results you were hoping for, and other times, the AI spits out something so generic you wonder if it even understood the assignment. The good news? More often than not, the difference comes down to the prompt.

Megan Stokes ·
opinion

Tips for Giving Retail Software the Context to Make Smarter Decisions

A little while back, one of our stores needed to restock a bullet, a dependable counter seller. The manager ordered six. We received 12 fishbowls, not six bullets. Twelve fishbowls.

Zondre Watson ·
trends

How Clear Talent Contracts Can Save Time and Money

The adult industry has always been defined by its ability to evolve. It embraced online distribution before much of mainstream entertainment did, pioneered subscription-based business models, and continues to evolve in areas ranging from streaming to AI.

Corey Silverstein ·
opinion

Backdoor Breakthroughs: Exploring the Latest Trends in Anal Toys

Ten years ago, anal play was seen as a niche within the pleasure industry, often hidden away or regarded as a novelty rather than a recognized part of sexual wellness. While many people were interested in exploring it, stigma, misinformation, and a lack of innovation kept it in the shadows. Now, that gap is starting to close. Research shows that anal intercourse is more common than before, with one U.S. study indicating that 36% of women and 44% of men aged 25 to 44 have tried heterosexual anal sex at some point.

Alicia Sinclair ·
opinion

How to Repurpose Every Clip for Greater Reach and Revenue

Adult content creators are often looking for ways to get more value from the time, effort, and editing that go into their content. What many don't realize is that by creating only one piece of content at a time and not repurposing it into previews and social media marketing materials, they're doing themselves a disservice.

Aerie Saunders ·
profile

Staci Cruse Builds on Pleasure Industry Experience to Guide Blush Sales

After 15 years in the pleasure industry, Staci Cruse has become skilled at distinguishing brands that merely talk about partnership from those that truly embed it into their operations.

Women In Adult ·
Show More