Performer Subsidy Fund: What You Need to Know

Adult Production Health & Safety Services (APHSS.org) is happy to announce the Performer Subsidy Fund, which will provide subsidies to performers for monthly STI testing. If you are registered in APHSS, you have tested in the month of August and we have your address, you will receive a check in September to help subsidize your monthly testing costs – even if you have not performed with Manwin.

The Performer Subsidy Fund (PSF) has been initiated by adult producer Manwin; the company has pledged $50,000 a month from August 2012 – December 2012, when the fund will be reevaluated. One hundred percent of the funds contributed to PSF will be divided in equal portions, and dispersed to each performer that has tested that month, for each time they have tested (if more than once).

For instance, if 1,000 APHSS-registered performers test once in one month, each will receive $50 (based on the original contribution amount from Manwin). Other producers also are invited to contribute to this innovative pilot program.

Here’s a list of FAQs that will tell you more about PSF and how it can benefit you. Please, help spread the news, and encourage fellow performers to sign up for APHSS.org. We appreciate your support.

Performer Subsidy Fund FAQs

 1.      What is the Performer Subsidy Fund?

The Performer Subsidy Fund (PSF) is a fund initiated by Manwin, and implemented by FSC’s APHSS.org program, to subsidize performers for a portion of the cost of their tests.

2.     How much is in the fund?

Manwin has agreed to contribute $50,000 to the fund monthly. All of those funds will go to performers. If there are funds left over after performers have been subsidized for their tests then the remaining amount will go into an emergency fund to cover the costs of physician expenses and testing in the case of an HIV positive result.

3.     How much will performers be subsidized?

Performers are paid per the number of times tested. If a performer tests twice in one month he/she will be reimbursed for two tests. The amount will vary from month to month, depending on how many performers tested each month and how often. The maximum amount paid for a series of tests is $120.

4.     How will it be determined who has tested?

FSC will get that data from the APHSS database. Test dates recorded in the APHSS database on the first day of the month through the last day of the month will be counted.

5.     Are all performers eligible?

Yes, they simply need to sign up to the APHSS database – make sure that FSC has your address and that your testing facility enters your information into the database.

6.     How do performers sign up for APHSS?

Performers can sign up by going to APHSS.org. Make sure to tell your testing facility that you want your information included in the APHSS database.

7.     What if I am already signed up for APHSS?

Then all you need to do is contact FSC and give them your address. Call (818) 348-9373 or Julie@freespeechcoalition.com.

8.     I am worried about my privacy–is the APHSS database like AIM’s, and am I in danger of my personal information and test results ending up on the Internet?

No, the APHSS database shows just the date tested and if the performer is available for work. The database uses only legal names – not performer names and the only information kept on the database is email and phone number. Performer addresses will be kept in a separate accounting database solely for the purpose of dispersing checks to the performer.

9.     Is Manwin the only company contributing to the fund?

Manwin initiated the fund but FSC will invite other producers to contribute as well.

10.  When does it start?

FSC will begin tracking tests August 1, with the initial subsidy payout happening the first half of September.

11.  When does the program end?

Manwin has committed through the end of 2012. At the end of the year we will do an evaluation of the program and Manwin and the other participating producers will decide if it makes sense to continue.

12.  What if I have more questions?

Contact FSC at (818) 348-9373 or Julie@freespeechcoalition.com.

(Graphic: Courtesy of Husky)

Manwin Initiates Fund to Subsidize Performer Testing Costs Through FSC-APHSS.org

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has been called upon by Manwin to administer a fund through which performers may receive a monthly subsidy to help with costs of industry-imposed STI testing.

Called the Performer Subsidy Fund, the program will be available to all active performers who participate in the Adult Production Health & Safety Services (APHSS.org) database, even if they do not perform in a Manwin production.

The action follows a recent policy change for Manwin, requiring performers that work on productions for Manwin brands to increase STI testing to every 14 days, instead of the industry standard 28-day testing. Any performer that tests and is a participant in the APHSS database program can receive a subsidy, even if they test only every 28 days, and do not shoot for any Manwin owned brands.

Manwin Managing Partner Fabian Thylmann said, “This Fund was conceptualized to alleviate some of the expenses, and financial burden, performers may be facing due to occupational testing. We’re grateful the FSC agreed to support this project, and hope others in the industry will back it as well.”

Manwin has agreed to contribute $50,000 monthly to the Performers Subsidy Fund. Other adult production companies, and producers, also are invited to contribute to the cause.

Manwin is providing a separate amount to the FSC, to cover all administration costs of the program.

Performers that are currently participating in the APHSS.org database system will be asked to submit a mailing address in advance of the first round of funding subsidies. The first dispersal of funds is scheduled to take place in early September; performers that wish to receive the September subsidy must be signed up with APHSS.org by August 31.

Performers testing history will be tracked through the APHSS.org database, in order to compile needed information that will determine monthly subsidy dispersal. All funds will be divided equally among performers and performers will be subsidized per test for each test that they have taken in a given month.

Subsidy amounts will vary from month to month according to the number of tests identified in the APHSS database for a given month. Test subsidies will not exceed the average price of an industry-standard performer’s test panel ($120). If there are any surplus funds left after performers receive monthly subsidies, the excess will be put into a separate account that will be reserved for use in the event of an on-set HIV exposure incident. One hundred percent of the funds contributed to the subsidy will be designated to the performers and/or the emergency fund.

“When Manwin called and told me that they wanted to help all performers by subsidizing the cost of test, we were thrilled. They put up the funds and we will implement the program. The program is open for other producers to contribute as well — the more money that comes in, the more we will be able to send to performers,” said FSC Executive Director Diane Duke.

For more information on Free Speech Coalition, APHSS.org or the Performers Subsidy Fund, please contact joanne@freespeechcoalition.com.

(Photo: Some rights reserved by Joseph Parish)

A Special Thank You from APHSS.org

FSC and Adult Production Health & Safety Services (APHSS.org) would like to show appreciation to all that attended the APHSS.org meeting held on July 10, which addressed issues around performer testing, as well as updated information on Los Angeles’ pending mandatory condom legislation in the city and county.

Special thanks to XBIZ Magazine, XBIZ owner Alec Helmy and his crew, that provided resources which enabled the meeting to be broadcast via live stream on industry forum XBIZ.net. More than 30 industry members that were unable to attend in-person watched the proceedings online.

To everyone that took time out of their schedules to attend, we thank you. Some industry members that attended included: Nina Hartley & Ira Levine; Wicked’s Brad Armstrong; Vivid’s Marci Hirsch & Shylar Cobi; Girlfriends Pictures’ Dan O’Connell & Moose; Adam & Eve’s Bruce Whitney; New Sensations Renae Englhart; Alia Janine; Sean Michaels; Kimberly Kane; Nate Liquor; Sarah Shevon; Miles Long; Will Jarvis; director Kevin Moore; All Media Play’s Scott David; AVN’s Theo Sapoutzis & Mark Kernes; XBIZ’s Dan Miller; AINews’ Steve Nelson; blogger Julie Meadows; sociologist Chauntelle Tibbals, among others. Members of agents’ organization LATATA including Chris from 101 Modeling, Type 9 Models’ Kevin O’Neal and ATMLA’s Shy Love also were present, among other attendees.

The meeting was a huge success. Complicated issues were discussed in an open forum by industry stakeholders, which brought more clarity to the current situation involving performer testing and the condom ordinance/County ballot initiative. Speakers at the meeting included Kink.com founder Peter Acworth; infectious disease expert Dr. Miao (Cutting Edge Testing); labor attorney Karen Tynan; industry attorney Allan Gelbard; and FSC’s Executive Director Diane Duke.

A video of the meeting can be viewed by clicking this link.

In related news: The same day of the APHSS meeting, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors voted to continue their discussion of approval of the L.A. County condom ballot initiative for the county ballot in November.

Going forward, FSC and APHSS.org will continue to keep an open dialogue with industry stakeholders, concerning these important issues. If you need more information on FSC, APHSS.org, performer testing or the condom ordinance, please contact joanne@freespeechcoalition.com.

Please, remember to support FSC and the APHSS.org performer-testing program – we fight the good fight on your behalf, but we can’t do it without YOU! Thank you.

(Photo: Some rights reserved by VistaMommy)

APHSS.org and TTS Agree to Incorporate TTS Results into APHSS Database

Adult Production Health & Safety Services (APHSS.org) today announced that it will start to receive Talent Testing Service, Inc. (TTS) data into the APHSS database via an electronic transfer protocol. While TTS is a non-APHSS provider, FSC and TTS have agreed that a comprehensive information source for performer availability is critical to support industry protocols.

Earlier it was reported that TTS did not meet all of the APHSS qualifications for performer care and therefore did not qualify as an APHSS provider. Moreover, TTS stated that they were not interested in being an APHSS provider.

This conflict posed a problem for performers and producers who wanted to utilize both APHSS and TTS.  After a number of discussions, TTS and APHSS have come to an agreement. “The electronic transfer of TTS data into the APHSS database as a non-APHSS provider seemed like the best compromise for the good of the industry,” explained Diane Duke FSC Executive Director.

“Although we (TTS) will continue to provide results via our own web portal, providing accessibility in the APHSS database benefits the industry as a whole.” said Sixto Pacheco, CCRC, President & CEO of TTS.

Currently, APHSS and TTS are working together to coordinate the technical steps for data compatibility.  As soon as those steps are worked out, TTS information will be available on the APHSS database.

FSC is holding a meeting to go over the APHSS program, industry protocols, what to do in the case of an HIV positive result, and an update on mandatory condom ordinances. The meeting is Tuesday, July 10, 1pm PDT and will be held at the Majestic Plaza, 18341 Sherman Way, Ste 207 (upstairs), in Reseda, CA (Parking available in the back).

For those who are unable to attend in person, a video broadcast of the meeting will be streamed live to industry members on July 10 at 1pm PDT, on XBIZ.net. If you would like to access the live broadcast, sign in or register at XBIZ.net. A link to the broadcast will appear inside XBIZ.net on the date of the meeting along with a pre-broadcast email notification.

For more information about APHSS.org, or the meeting contact joanne@freespeechcoalition.com.

(Graphic: Courtesy of Ignacio Javier Igjav)

APHSS.org Meeting to be Streamed Live on XBIZ.net

Adult Production Health & Safety Services (APHSS.org) will hold a meeting on July 10, at 1pm PDT, for industry members to discuss the topics of performer testing and the Los Angeles condom ordinance.

 The meeting will take place at Majestic Plaza, 18341 Sherman Way, Ste 207, Reseda, CA, 91335. Industry members are encouraged to attend in-person, if possible. For more details of the meeting, click here.

However, for those who are unable to attend, a video broadcast of the meeting will be streamed live to industry members on XBIZ.net. If you would like to access the live broadcast, sign in or register at XBIZ.net.

A link to the broadcast will appear inside XBIZ.net on the date of the meeting along with a pre-broadcast email notification.

“We want to thank XBIZ for all the help they provide to FSC,” FSC Executive Director Diane Duke said. “This meeting is very important to anyone that works in content production – we will discuss how APHSS.org works; how the program was developed to reduce liability for producers and agents; standards for HIV testing; and the importance of supporting a system that upholds protocols for industry self-regulation. We also will update everyone on the L.A. condom ordinance.

“In the interest of industry unity, XBIZ has graciously offered to make it possible for those that can’t make it to the meeting to be informed,” Duke added.

Speakers include: Industry and workplace safety attorneys Jeffrey Douglas and Karen Tynan; Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Peter Miao; Kink.com CEO Peter Acworth; and FSC Executive Director Diane Duke.

This meeting will be open to producers, directors, performers and agents. If you need more information, please contact joanne@freespeechcoalition.com.

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The Free Speech Coalition is the national trade organization to the adult entertainment industry. Its mission is to lead, protect and support the growth and well-being of the adult entertainment community.

(Graphic: Some rights reserved by Lumaxart)