If you are a creator interested in collaborating, the easiest and most accessible way to create content with others is a content trade shoot. You collaborate on a piece of work with another creator or creators, and all parties walk away owning the content according to whatever rules you agree upon. Here is some advice on how to make your content trade shoot as successful as possible.
Setting Up a Shoot
Be sure to discuss logistics, including location, time, setup, type of content being shot and what each individual performer needs to feel comfortable, including STI screening requirements.
When reaching out to fellow performers for a collaboration, make sure to be clear and concise when introducing yourself, your body of work and what you would like to shoot. Include links to your pages on platform sites, and anything else that shows you are a reputable working talent. If you’re a new creator, let the person you want to collab with know that; it’s essential to be upfront and honest.
Be sure to discuss logistics, including location, time, setup, type of content being shot and what each individual performer needs to feel comfortable, including STI screening requirements. Don’t skip anything from this list, because all these steps are precisely what you need to make sure everyone is on the same page and that the shoot goes as planned.
Arranging the Shoot
Supplies and equipment are integral to your success. Pack your wardrobe, hygienic supplies, phone stands and tripods, lights, camera and anything else you might need. When you’re getting started, you can do the basics without having to invest a lot. Ring lights are affordable online, and the camera on your smartphone is really all you need initially. It’s also possible that the person you collab with will have a professional camera and lights. Once you have the money, though, put purchasing a camera and lights at the top of your list.
Documents You’ll Need
Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork is vital! This is so important and needs to be done correctly. You want to ensure all parties involved complete the correct legal paperwork, including model releases, 2257 documents and images of photo IDs. Everyone needs to have a copy for their records in case the platform they’re posting it to asks for it, and of course for legal reasons.
Agreeing on Release Dates and Sales
Before shooting, you will want to discuss when and how you plan to release your collaboration online. Make sure you agree on release dates, as one of you might want to run the content before the other. What premium social media platforms will it be posted on? How much content should you distribute for free, to maximize everyone’s earnings? Lay it all out on the table to avoid any misunderstandings.
STI Testing and Hygiene
Some people think that when you’re shooting own content, you don’t need to show proof that you have been tested, but that’s definitely not the case. Just like shooting for an adult company, you need to show a recent STI test and how current it is, depending on what you and your scene partners agree on. This is especially important for anyone involved in fluid-exchange sex acts. Finally, this should go without saying but everyone should ensure they are freshly showered and have handled all hygiene basics so that everyone can enjoy sexy time together!
Discussing and Respecting Boundaries
Having a pre-shoot discussion about boundaries is very important, to make sure everyone feels comfortable. Before shooting, everyone should go over what they want or don’t want to shoot, what sex acts each person is OK with performing, safe words and “Yes and No” lists — or as I like to call it, my “Fuck Yes vs. Fuck No” list.
Another reason to discuss boundaries before the shoot is to help everyone relax and have fun. This is important! Yes, this is work, but once the scene is released, you definitely want it to show that everyone was enjoying themselves.
One thing you might not have thought about is checking in with your scene partners throughout. It’s crucial to remember that consent for any act can be revoked at any time, meaning your scene partner can change their mind about what they are and aren’t OK with. So make sure to respect that and check in with each other regularly.
Handling the Post-Shoot
Everyone wants to leave with their copy of the content, so make sure to exchange all content from all devices with each other. This ensures you aren’t chasing content for months after.
You may run into situations not covered here, but if you start by using this list as your guide from start to finish, you should have smooth, successful content trade shoots that leave you feeling proud of the work you’ve accomplished — and excited about the money you’ll earn!
Avery Jane is a performer and content creator who can be followed on Twitter @averyjanexo and whose content can be found at AveryJanexo.com.
