FSC Announces New Members to Board of Directors

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) is proud to announce new members to its Board of Directors. The Board election was open to all active FSC members and was held during the month of December.

Incumbent board members that were re-elected include Bob Christian, Larry Garland and Christian Mann.

Mark Schechter owner, ATMLA (Adult Talent Managers Los Angeles), was one of two newly elected board members.  “I am honored to be elected to the Board of Directors of the FSC.  I am excited with the opportunity to contribute to the FSC organization and have a positive effect onto the Adult Industry and the people who are a part of it,” Schechter commented.

Also newly elected to the Board was adult content producer and photographer Mo Reese, who voiced his appreciation, “I would like to thank FSC members for their support – it is an honor to have earned a seat on the board of directors. I look forward to taking a more active role in helping our industry move in a positive, productive direction.”

Members of the board in good standing include Peter Acworth, Jeffrey Douglas, Alec Helmy, Marci Hirsch, Joel Kaminsky, Mark Kernes, Reed Lee and Lynn Swanson, bringing the total number of seats to thirteen.

“FSC is fortunate to have a group of highly intelligent, energetic and inspirational people to lead our organization,” said Diane Duke Free Speech Coalition’s CEO.  “Looks like 2014 will be a great year!”

FSC Supports the Fight Against ISP Blocking in the UK

The Free Speech Coalition is pleased to be able to join with the Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection (ASACP) at the UK’s Authority of Television On Demand (ATVOD) conference: “For Adults Only — Protecting Children From Online Porn”

The two organizations reinforced their common purpose to protect children online and have called for a public education campaign as the only viable alternative to blanket censorship, such as ISP blocking, based on the findings of their report ‘Protecting Children in the Digital Age.’

Any media requests should be directed to:

Sue Mutton

Susannah Mutton PR & Marketing Consultancy

07885700128

or press@freespeechcoalition.com.

ADULT PRODUCTION MORATORIUM LIFTED

Final Test Results Come Up Negative; Performers May Return to Work After Retesting

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) and the Performer Availability Screening Services (PASS) announced today that all first-generation partners of the the performer who tested positive last week have been completed. There have been no further positive HIV tests within the performer pool. Production can resume on December 13.

The last at-risk interaction between the performer who tested positive and another performer occurred three weeks ago, on November 21. The testing window for the RNA-Aptima HIV test is 7-10 days. PASS doctors have since tested and retested that performer’s first generation contacts in the performer pool, on-set and off. None generated a positive test for HIV.

As previously announced, all performers must have retested in the PASS system on or after December 5  in order to be cleared to return to work. December 5 is fourteen days after the last at-risk interaction between the positive performer and any member of the performer pool, and beyond the 7-10 day window for the RNA-Aptima HIV test.

“While we understand that a moratorium is difficult for both performers and producers, it’s important that we’re cautious when dealing with HIV,” said Diane Duke, head of the Free Speech Coalition. “For nearly a decade, the combination of moratoriums and testing have been successful at preventing HIV transmission in the adult workplace. However, we must be always vigilant, and work to improve that record.”

The current moratorium was called on December 6, after an adult film performer came up HIV positive during a routine screening. Production was immediately halted while “first generation” contacts (those who had contact with the positive performer that could potentially transmit the virus) were tested. Adult performers are tested every fourteen days for a slate of STIs, including HIV.

Moratoriums are one of the most effective tools we have to protect adult performers, and allow us to stop HIV at the industry gates. We thank the performers and producers for observing the moratorium, and the performer who worked so closely with PASS to identify at-risk partners.

More on adult testing protocols and information on how moratoriums are determined can be found at FreeSpeechCoalition.com

Performer Testing Update #2

We spoke with the PASS testing facility doctors this morning, and want to issue an update on the current moratorium and testings.

Currently, all people who have had at-risk contact with the positive performer have been retested with the RNA Aptima test. At this point, we are awaiting one final test result from a performer who went to a personal physician whose testing system does not have as swift a turnaround time as industry clinics. If the results of that final are clear, we will establish a date to lift the moratorium. Until then, it remains in place.

A moratorium is only lifted after it is clear there is no threat of transmission.  Only after a genealogy of the virus is established, and all sexual partners have been tested, do the FSC and PASS receive clearance to allow performers to resume shooting.

If the final test comes back negative, FSC and PASS will set two dates: a date on which production can resume, and the date after which performers must show a negative test in order to be able to work. While we can not yet offer the former, we can announce the later: all performers must have a test dated December 5, 2013 or after in order to be cleared to work.

The HIV RNA Aptima test used by PASS has a 7-10 day window, meaning that it can identify HIV within 7-10 days of transmission. We wait at least 14 days after any possible exposure before lifting the moratorium for added accuracy, and to make sure that nothing was missed. The December 5 date is two weeks after the performer’s last at-risk contact with a member of the performer pool, on November 21.

The HIV RNA Aptima test is the most accurate test available. Because of its specificity and sensitivity a false positive (where a performer tests positive for HIV, but does not actually have it) will occur from time to time.  We have never encountered a false negative.

We only lift the moratorium if there is no medical reason for it to be extended. While most studios stockpile films and can weather a longer moratorium, individual performers often have to contend with a direct loss of income once shooting stops. We know this has been a difficult time for performers, both emotionally and financially. But we will lift the moratorium only when PASS doctors, using protocols outlined above, determine a safe date for production to resume.

We expect to have the results of that final test in the next few days. We will let you know as soon as we hear the results.

What You Know About The Porn Moratorium is All Wrong

By Diane Duke

On Friday, one of the testing facilities that serve the adult industry alerted us to a positive HIV test by an adult film performer. While we don’t yet know if the performer acquired the virus in his or her personal life, or while working in adult film, we’ve called a moratorium and immediately halted all production. Unfortunately, I’ve seen a lot of misinformation in the media, and some truly reprehensible behavior on social media over the past few days, and felt it was necessary to explain how a moratorium works, and call for compassion for the positive performer.

A moratorium is a preventative measure used to protect adult performers. Over the past year, we’ve called two other moratoriums when performers who wished to work tested positive for HIV. In each case, the virus was acquired offset and was prevented from entering the performer pool by our testing system (known as PASS). Like a ringing car alarm, a moratorium is a sign of a working system, not a broken one. Adult performers — like all of us — have personal lives. We cannot control, and should not look to control, people’s private lives. What we can do is make sure that HIV is stopped at the gate by testing protocols.

Once a moratorium is called, all production stops so the genealogy of the virus can be traced. The performer who tested positive is interviewed. All sexual partners — on-screen or off — who fall within the transmission window are contacted and tested. This allows doctors to trace the transmission history of the virus: how it was acquired, if any other performers were exposed, and if there is any further threat to the performer pool. What doctors don’t disclose is the performer’s identity.

Sadly, almost immediately after the moratorium was called, members of the media began searching for the positive performer’s name, in what can be described as a witch hunt. This weekend, on social media and on blogs, a man was ‘outted’ as the positive performer. This is disgraceful.

First, we don’t know if the named performer was the source of the positive test or not. HIPPA regulations rightly prevent the testing clinic from disclosing a patient’s identity to anyone, even the Free Speech Coalition, unless the performer allows it. And we shouldn’t need to know a name. We only need to know if people are at risk. Everything else about the performer’s health should be between the performer, that performer’s partners, and a doctor.

HIV is a virus, not a moral issue. Yet both blogs and mainstream media unwittingly rushed to blame the victim. By assuming that adult film work is responsible for the virus, the mainstream media essentially resorts to slut-shaming. On the blogosphere and social media, it can be even worse — unfounded assumptions about escort work, or drug use, or “cross-over” sex (that is, sex with men or transgender performers) are the most common scapegoat. At a time when we most need to support someone in need, we rush to find a villain. I understand that at a difficult time like this, everyone wants to find an explanation. But in doing so, we must respect the performer’s privacy, and restrain ourselves from moralizing over a medical issue.

Whoever the performer is, we need to be there to support them — not shame or attack them. No matter how the virus was acquired, the performer is one of our own. If the performer does choose to speak publicly, the industry needs to rally behind him or her — perhaps provide interim support or help find work elsewhere in the business. An adult performer who tests positive for HIV faces not only a life-changing diagnosis, but the loss of his or her livelihood. If we truly care about performers, we need to do so not only when they are on a box cover, but also when they are at their most vulnerable.

Any positive test rightly spurs discussions as to how to make the industry safer for the performers. (Currently, every fourteen days, a performer must be tested for a full slate of STIs, including HIV, in order to be cleared to work in adult film.)  We can have honest disagreements as to how to best do this. I only ask that these discussions involve the performers themselves, rather than politicians and pundits who sometimes claim to speak for them. We have a vital, intelligent, engaged performer base with strong opinions about their own health and sexuality. We — the media, the industry, the doctors — need to listen to them, and accord them the respect they deserve.

Over the next few days, we’ll learn more about the current positive test. If the virus was prevented from entering the performer pool, retests will begin and the industry will slowly return to work. (Anyone who wants to understand the protocols by which this is determined is encouraged to visit our site.

I only hope that the discussions that come are substantive, not sanctimonious — and that everyone remembers that we’re dealing not with a cautionary tale or a talking point, but a real person who is struggling, and needs our compassion and support now more than ever. Thank you.

An FAQ about STIs, Testing and Moratoriums

We’ve noticed that there is a lot of confusion, both in the media and within the industry about how the decision to call a moratorium is made, how the dates are determined and what protocols are in place to protect adult performers.

HIV is a serious issue, and its important that we deal in facts, not fear or rumor, so we’ve prepared an FAQ to help people understand the process.

Are Adult Performers Tested for HIV?
Yes. Any performer who wants to work in the adult industry must test clear of STIs, including HIV, within fourteen days of their shoot date. Performers who work regularly generally test every two weeks at PASS-certified testing clinics.

What is the PASS system?
The PASS system is a descendant of AIM (Adult Industry Medical), a healthcare foundation created by a performer with the support of FSC to help protect against STIs. Under the PASS system, producers and directors check to confirm that the performer is cleared to perform in the PASS database within the past fourteen days. If a performer does not have a recent test, or shows any irregularity, he or she will not be cleared to perform.

What happens if a performer tests positive for HIV?
If an active performer tests positive for HIV, a moratorium is immediately called and the industry immediately halts all production.

How are moratoriums called?
The doctor at the PASS facility that conducted the test checks to see if that performer has worked on adult film since 2 weeks prior to his or her last negative test. If he or she has, the doctor alerts the Free Speech Coalition, and the Free Speech Coalition calls an industry-wide moratorium. Production is halted while everyone can be retested to make sure no performers are exposed to the virus.

What happens during a moratorium?
During a moratorium, film production stops while doctors work to determine if any one else was exposed, and to establish a genealogy of the virus.

All performers who have worked with or had sexual contact with the positive performer prior to performer’s last negative HIV test are tested and retested. In some cases, third generation partners may be tested as well. The goal is to immediately figure out if anyone else was exposed to the virus and to stop any potential on-set transmissions.

The HIV Positive performer is interviewed to determine the timeline and 1st generation partners. If the performer had sexual contact with other performers off-set, the PASS doctors and FSC will work to make sure those people are informed and tested as well as any other individuals with which the performer had sexual contact.

How is the decision made to lift the moratorium?
A moratorium is only lifted after it is clear there is no threat of transmission.

Only after a genealogy of the virus is established, and all sexual partners have been tested, do the FSC and PASS discuss whether it is safe for performers to resume shooting.

If the FSC and PASS determine that it is safe to lift the moratorium, they set a date on which production can resume. All performers must then retest in order to be cleared for work. The retests must happen no less than 14 days after the date the positive performer received his/her positive results or the date of the positive performer’s last sexual encounter with a performer.

The HIV RNA Aptima test used by PASS has a 7-10 day window, meaning that it can identify HIV within 7-10 days of transmission. However, we wait at least 14 days after any possible exposure before lifting the moratorium for added accuracy, and to make sure that nothing was missed.

Why not wait longer?
In some cases, we do. If there are any irregularities, or if we suspect that there may be any extant threat to the performer pool, we hold the moratorium. We only lift the moratorium if there is no medical reason for it to be extended. We try to balance performer safety with the performer’s desire to work. While most studios stockpile films and can weather a longer moratorium, individual performers often have to contend with a direct loss of income once shooting stops.

How accurate are the tests?
The HIV RNA Aptima test is the most accurate test available. Because of its specificity and sensitivity a false positive (where a performer tests positive for HIV, but does not actually have it) will occur from time to time. We have never encountered a false negative and understand the incidents of false negatives to be exceedingly rare.

What else do you test for before HIV?
PASS has an extremely rigorous testing protocol designed to reduce the risk of STIs

Performers test every 14 days for:

• HIV (by “PCR RNA Aptima”)
• Syphilis (an “RPR” and Trep-Sure test)
• Hepatitis B & C.
• Chlamydia (by “ultra-sensitive DNA amplification”)
• Gonorrhea (by “ultra-sensitive DNA amplification”)
• Trichomonias

Why not just use condoms?
Unfortunately, condoms aren’t perfect. They break. In the shoots that can take several hours, they can cause abrasions known as “condom rash,” which, paradoxically, can make it easier to transmit an infection if one does break. For this and a host of other reasons, performers generally prefer to rely on the testing system over condoms. You can read more about that here.

PERFORMER TESTING UPDATE

On Friday, a performer who had worked in the adult industry tested positive for HIV during the mandated fourteen-day industry screening. Since then, there has been a lot of speculation about the performer — including a name — in both social media and on blogs, a fair amount of it unfounded and some of it ugly. The performer deserves privacy and dignity at this difficult time, and we ask that our colleagues and the media respect the performer’s wishes for privacy unless he or she wishes to speak.

Understandably, the larger performer pool is concerned about whether they’ve been affected or exposed. Due to HIPAA regulations, the PASS doctor working with the performer can not discuss any specifics of the performer’s case with the public, or even with us, so be wary of rumors. We can, however, tell you this:

•     All first-generation contacts (people with whom the performer had contact, on-set or off, that could have transmitted the virus, within the window of the last negative test) have been contacted and tested.
•     We should have all results of those tests by early next week. We’ll alert you as we know.
•     The positive performer is working with the testing doctors to determine a timeline and genealogy of the virus, and to determine if the performer pool was exposed.

That said, we want to remind those who would point fingers — either at the performer or his or her work — is that HIV is a virus, not a moral issue. It affects all people, and all populations, and occupations; all of them deserve compassion. Whoever this performer is, he or she is one of our own, and should be treated with the same respect and dignity that we’d want for ourselves in this situation.

We will release more information as we are able.

Industry Calls Production Moratorium After Positive HIV Test

Free Speech Coalition (FSC), the adult industry trade association, called for a production moratorium today after one of the testing facilities in its PASS testing system reported a positive HIV test for an adult performer.

“There was a positive test at one of our testing centers. We are taking every precaution while we do research to determine if there’s been any threat to the performer pool,” said FSC CEO Diane Duke. “We take the health of our performers very seriously and felt that it was better to err on the side of caution while we determine whether anyone else may have been exposed.”

The next steps will be to perform additional tests, determine a timeline, and identify any first generation partners.

“We want to make sure all performers are protected. The performers’ health and safety is the most important thing,” Duke added.

FSC called for all production to halt immediately, until further notice. Updates will be posted to the FSC-PASS website and the FSC blog.

2014 FSC Board of Directors Election Candidates List

The following list includes all candidates for the upcoming 2014 FSC Board of Directors election to be held this month. Only active FSC members may vote in the election; electronic ballots will be sent by online survey service Vertical Response.

FSC members may vote for five seats available in this year’s election, from the field of nine candidates. New nominees include Castle MegaStore’s Mark Franks, Monarchy Distribution’s Michael Kulich, performer Amber Lynn, performer Chanel Preston, Moxxx Productions’ Mo Reese, and ATMLA’s Mark ‘Blazing’ Schechter. Incumbents in the race include Adam & Eve’s Bob Christian, ElDorado Trading Company’s Larry Garland and Evil Angel Productions’ Christian Mann.

If you have questions, or you are an active FSC member and DO NOT receive your electronic ballot by Dec 6, please contact the FSC office at (818) 348-9373 or email info@freespeechcoalition.com. The voting period ends on Dec 22.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE! This is an opportunity for you to choose the members that will represent your industry to legislators, media and the public. Thank you.

In alphabetical order by last name:

BOB CHRISTIAN

BIO – Has been with Adam & Eve/PHE Inc for over 17 years. Currently serves as GM for Adam & Eve Pictures, as well as a member of Adam & Eve’s senior management/marketing team. Was part of the creation of our Adam & Eve Retail Stores company, currently with over 50 franchised stores open, and holds the office of President of the retail stores company – AEFC, Inc..  Served on the FSC Board of Directors 2012-2013, and as Treasurer in 2013.
Prior to Adam & Eve, worked as GM of General Vitamin, one of Phil Harvey’s non-adult businesses.  Proud of graduating from both Duke University and from the University of North Carolina (MBA) – especially proud during Basketball season (and even football season this year!)

“I would like to be on the FSC Board of Directors because…”

… the Free Speech Coalition is doing important things for the entire adult industry, and I would like to continue to contribute to that work, as best I can, on behalf of both Adam & Eve and myself. FSC’s role with the PASS testing program, fighting for improvement or elimination of the 2257 regulations, combating the City, County and CA state-wide versions and impacts of “Measure B”, and developing meaningful programs to serve the Retailer, Manufacturer, Pleasure Products, Talent and other parts of the industry and the FSC membership – these initiatives all continue. I would like to help FSC continue to improve for all its members.

MARK FRANKS

BIO – Mark Franks is the president and CEO of Castle Megastore Group Inc., a 16 store multi-state retail operation headquartered in Tempe, Arizona. With more than 26 years of experience in the adult industry, Mr. Franks has been a market leader in video production and distribution in the United States and abroad. He also co-founded, built and operated a toy manufacturing facility with global distribution. Mr. Franks has owned and operated a mail-order business, chain retail stores, show clubs and video distribution in Australia. He is well known in U.S., Australia, and Europe for his aggressive prosecution of copyright infringement.

Mr. Franks took over leadership of Castle Megastore Group Inc. in 2003 and has been the driving force behind the revitalization of the Castle brand, turning it into a powerhouse in erotic retail.

“I would like to be on the FSC Board of Directors because…”

I have always been a hardcore believer in free speech and the first amendment. I began my career in the Adult business back in the 80’s; things were quite different than they are today, huge government raids on the video production companies, and aggressive prosecutors sending fear and havoc throughout the Adult industry. Adult companies had to pay close attention to the political landscape and had to have deep pockets to pay for their legal advice. The video pirates were harder to track because their sales were done through mail or directly to stores and distributors.

During those times my companies made more than 1200 feature titles, sold worldwide and ran legal prosecutions worldwide, and we won every case (I have extensive experience in legal matters of all kinds, having run millions of dollars in legal cases worldwide). Now we have a lot more pirates operating who are much more visible because of the internet. That is just a small part of the adult businesses’ challenges in 2014 and going forward.

Most of the zoning for adult stores was written in the 1980’s or earlier representing a different time and adult industry. We have matured as an industry and the regulations lag far behind the business practices of the Adult industry as a whole. We have become much more mainstream and now mainstream has gotten into our industry.

Today DVDs represent less than 10% of adult retail business. I want to become a Free Speech Board Member because I understand the history of where we have come from and also where we need to go as an industry to continue our success. My extensive business experience and leadership in all aspects of the adult industry for more than 25 years makes me well qualified.

Please consider me for your vote.

Thank you,

Mark A Franks

LARRY GARLAND

BIO – As an entrepreneur and 37-year business veteran, CEO and founder Larry Garland is an invaluable asset to Eldorado Trading Company. Over the years Eldorado has become one of the top international distributors in the adult novelty business offering over 15,000 best selling SKUs throughout the world.

Garland sticks to the basics and follows the simple, guiding principle he used to transform a homespun basement business into an international pleasure products dynamo: “making sure customers get what they want in salable condition, on time, and at a fair price.” In addition to heading up Eldorado since 1974, Garland is a board member of the Free Speech Coalition, as well as an active and vocal advocate for his local community. For the last several years, Eldorado has held fundraisers and food drives for the Community Food Share program, helping put Thanksgiving dinner on the table for thousands of Colorado families in need.

“I would like to be on the FSC Board of Directors because…”

I hope to make a positive impact for the industry.

MICHAEL KULICH

BIO – Mike Kulich entered the Adult Industry at the age of 18 as a sales rep for IVD, the world’s largest adult DVD distributor. He spent 4 years selling DVD’s from virtually every studio in the industry and building relationships with stores, as well as the production companies themselves. In 2008, Kulich left IVD to help start DVD Makers, Inc. which eventually became one of the premiere DVD replication companies servicing over 60% of the adult industry. In 2010, DVD Makers acquired L&M Optical Disc West and became DVD Factory. Kulich remained a consultant for DVD Factory and set out to start his own company; Monarchy Distribution, which aims at connecting Talent, Independent smaller producers, and internet companies with traditional DVD & Broadcast Distribution. Monarchy now boasts 15 different studios and has released over 600 titles. During his tenure in adult, Kulich has dabbled in a number of different projects encompassing the entire spectrum of the Adult Entertainment business maintaining close relationships with the majority of the studios, talent, novelty, and other industry professionals.

“I would like to be on the FSC Board of Directors because…”

I would like to be elected to the FSC Board because I have made the adult industry my life every since I walked into the doors at IVD. I love this business and I feel I can bring alot to the table. I am networked with everyone from talent to the novelty companies to the top studio owners. I feel that these relationships will enable me to help address problems and issues everyone might have.

AMBER LYNN

BIO – An adult superstar since the ‘80s, Amber Lynn (real name Laura Lynn Allen) is symbolic of a California born-and-bred, rockin’ wild child – blonde, bold and smokin’ hot.

Amber and Ginger were sometimes referred to as “the Lynn sisters.” due to the fact in real life they actually possess the exact same middle and last names. But the mark Amber would leave on the hearts of XXX fans, far and wide, would be indescribably her own.

Amber’s career is long and distinguished. She was already a bikini and figure model and involved in the raucous Sunset Strip club scene when she met Althea Flynt, the wife of iconic pornographer and Hustler founder Larry Flynt, and famed Hustler photographer Clive Mclean. Starting out in photo spreads for Hustler, Chic and Penthouse, Playboy, High Society and Club, Amber’s 1983 film debut is titled “Personal Touch III,” directed by Bobby Hollander.

After a few years in the movies, Amber then succeeded as one of the most famous feature dancers on the gentlemen’s club circuit and opened the doorway for adult performers to become headliners in cities all over the world. A hiatus from film work in the late 80’s saw her earning up to $25,000 a week in clubs from coast-to-coast and throughout Canada, performing to sell out crowds.

She has also survived tragedies and turbulent times. While many close friends and co-workers were affected by the scandal surrounding underage performer Traci Lords, Amber avoided involvement in the now-notorious circumstances. However, the suicide of fellow performer and friend Shauna Grant was the catalyst for a break from the adult industry in the late ‘80s. And like so many celebrities of the time, Lynn found herself involved in substance abuse. The limelight dimmed for a period, before Lynn entered rehab in 1999, and successfully put those issues to rest once and for all.

Amber also has the unique distinction of being the actual younger sister of another well-known male performer Buck Adams. Sadly, Adams died of heart failure in 2008.

Male performer and ‘70s icon Jamie Gillis had a onetime relationship with Amber after they met on the set of her second movie. Gillis passed away in 2010 after a short bout with cancer.

Clean and sober since 2000 Amber is a member of the AVN Hall of Fame, and the recipient of The FSC Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as Hot D’or Lifetime Achievement Award, and countless others.

Her most notable charity work in 1992, to benefit the Youth AIDS Foundation of Los Angeles set a new standard for acceptability of adult performers by the public and marked a first for nonprofit charities accepting contributions from the adult industry. At times when she has stepped away from her adult career, Amber has been a sober counselor working with world renowned interventionists on extremely high level cases, as well as a real estate broker.

Most recently, Amber was vocal in her opposition to the Los Angeles “Safer Sex in the Adult Film Industry” initiative, or Measure B – an initiative to mandate condom and barrier protection use in adult films in L.A. County. Though she has been a “condom-only” performer throughout the latter part of her career, Amber r performed a non-condom scene with U.K.-based performer Keiran Lee. The scene was meant, in part, to show her support for performer’s choice in regards to condom use, as well as support for industry self-regulation through frequent performer STI testing. Her newest ‘record breaking’ listenership success, of her weekly Friday radio show on XXXPornStarradio.com, has her relaunching an entirely new dimension to her career, and placing her back in the A-game in the hearts of fans of XXX once again.

Loyal fans have followed Amber for nearly 30 years and she remains one of the most recognizable names in the adult industry.

“I would like to be on the FSC Board of Directors because…”

Although I have been intimately involved with the Adult Entertainment Industry for over 30 years, it initially took the imposing impact of Measure B for me to realize just how little my performances have really mattered until I became active in the fight to defeat the constricting “condom-nation” of what I had essentially been taking for granted.

To that extent—with my passion to repay the business that has allowed me to become a formidable presence in the minds of millions of fans , and to protect my own right of personal choice and freedom regarding my right to choose how portray my sexuality in my movies to my fans, not just for myself but for our entire industry- I am humbly seeking to serve on The Free Speech Coalition’s Board of Directors.

With my on-going opportunities to deal with the public as an actress, performer in adult clubs, and most currently with the hundreds of thousands of loyal listeners weekly in my fanbase due to the success of my radio show, XXXPornstarradio.com, I can provide a unique conduit between the public, the FSC, and the industry, and in the process keep the organization abreast of what those who economically support our industry are looking for as well as what they are afraid of losing, and provide a forum for discussing these issues.

And as an experienced adult actress of  30 plus years in the game, I would be honored to provide leadership within the talent circle, creating a series of meetings wherein the actors and actresses can express what they are looking for as well as what they are afraid of losing, and create an FSC corner on my XXXPornstarradio show to keep talent, public and industry updated on whats currently occurring  within the industry on an ongoing basis, and especially in times of urgency.

CHRISTIAN MANN

BIO – A 34 year veteran of the adult business, Christian Mann has worked in various capacities including magazine publication, mail-order, production, sales and marketing. As owner of Video Team, he pioneered niche marketing with the popular all-girl series “No Man’s Land” and the urban series “My Baby Got Back.”

Christian is no stranger to the challenges faced by Free Speech Coalition members trying to earn a livelihood marketing adult products for adult consumers. He was federally indicted in 1989, withstood an obscenity trial in Texas in defense of the 1st Amendment, and was eventually acquitted of all charges. 20 years later, as Evil Angel’s General Manager, Christian assisted the legal team in John Stagliano’s successful obscenity defense in Washington D.C.in the summer of 2010.

Today, Christian Mann focuses his attention on Evil Angel’s marketing and brand position with an emphasis on both subscriber and advertiser funded new media.

Christian currently serves on the FSC Board of Directors as he did once before in the mid 1990’s. In this capacity Christian was instrumental in launching FSC’s Performer Availability Screening Services (PASS) initiative in the wake of the closure of AIM.

Christian is the recipient of AVN’s 1st Amendment Defense Award in 1991, the Free Speech Coalition “Good Guy Award” in 2000 and most recently has been inducted in the “AVN Hall of Fame – Founder’s Branch” in 2010.

“I would like to be on the FSC Board of Directors because…”

I want to be on the FSC Board of Directors in order to continue the work we’ve done with PASS and to see it used by the performers, agencies and studios as the resource it was designed to be. I remain committed to the idea that nothing is as effective in informing and protecting the performers, even in an environment where regulations, HIPPA laws, CalOSHA and politically motivated third parties make the task seem like an impossible challenge. I know that as an industry, we can rise above our differences and work together for the good of all concerned.

CHANEL PRESTON  

BIO – Chanel Preston has quickly grabbed the attention of industry leaders and captured the hearts of fans across the globe in her three short years in the business. The stunning, funny, 27-year-old beauty boasts an impulsive, adventuresome personality, cultivated from the strength and independence derived from a childhood in central Alaska, along with her years on the beaches of Hawaii – which, when combined, makes her a natural performer, eager to amaze. From her debut in Vivid Entertainment’s “Brand New Faces” series, the 5’8” long-legged stunner rose quickly to fame, securing her position in the industry as a strong, professional, ethical performer. Chanel’s celebrated scenes and immense exposure earned her Best New Starlet awards from XBIZ, XCritic, NightMoves, CAVR, XRCO, and The Galaxy Awards – in fact, XRCO designated Chanel as the “Heart-On Girl” for its 2010 awards ceremony, before a single scene of hers had been released to the public. The Penthouse Pet and 2011 NightMoves Best Female Performer winner was also named part of CNBC’s “Dirty Dozen” two years in a row, in 2012 and 2013. Chanel’s crossover appeal was evident when she secured the position of host and face for “Inside Adult,” X3Sixty’s cable entertainment program, dubbed the “Entertainment Tonight” of the adult industry. “Inside Adult,” now in its second season, broadcasts to over 20 million homes via On-Demand networks. Chanel, who hosted the 2013 AVN Awards Red Carpet, was recently named a host of the 2014 AVN Awards Show, broadcast internationally on the Showtime Network – this gorgeous personality has only just begun to make her strong, feminist mark upon the world. For more information, visit www.ChanelPreston.com or www.Twitter.com/ChanelPreston.

“I would like to be on the FSC Board of Directors because…”

I want to be an FSC Board member because I want to be representation for adult performers in the industry. Decisions made by FSC directly effect performers and it’s important that they have an accurate voice in current and future matters. Currently, there are not many resources for performers to get information on what’s happening in their industry and they are so often informed by skewed sources. I want to be a part of FSC so I can gain more knowledge for myself as well as for others in order to make this industry a more safe and more respected place to work.

MO REESE

BIO – Mo Reese is an adult content producer and photographer with an extensive and rich professional mainstream background. Mo, as he’s most commonly known, was born and raised in Oregon State. He moved to Los Angeles after graduating from the Art Institute of Seattle in 1997. He then worked in commercial photography for eight years before actively making the transition to adult.

Mo has since worked in a variety of production capacities for several noteworthy studios – as a Director, Producer, and General Manager for Madness Pictures; as a Production Manager for Adam & Eve; and as a Production Assistant/Wardrobe Stylist for Wicked Pictures (among many others). Ever invested in the entire creative process, Mo has directed, edited, and performed in several award-nominated POV titles including Latin Mouth Club, Asian Mouth Club 5, 6, and 7. And, though his skill set has diversified, Mo’s passion for photography has not fallen by the wayside – he has continued his work with the camera, shooting some of the industry’s top performers and hottest rising stars.

Fueled by his love of porn and politics, Mo is a vocal activist for adult industry rights and welfare. He maintains: “I’m an average guy – I don’t have fame, I don’t run a big company, and I don’t have a political agenda. But I have built many close personal and business relationships over the years. I’m passionate about what I do, and I’m committed to helping make the industry better for all its workers.”

Mo Reese

www.theaveragemo.com, Twitter: @MOXXX

“I would like to be on the FSC Board of Directors because…”

We’ve all heard the saying “knowledge is power” – it brings about awareness and, occasionally, community development. But in terms of politics and policy, it often seems like the general population of any group is the last to know… and sometimes the last to care. I want to address the issue of industry awareness via a seat on the FSC Board of Directors. And I’ve already started working on it.

Using social media, I helped keep topics like Measure B and AB332 in front of our industry’s general population and the people it affected most – performers and producers. I traveled to Sacramento in April 2013 alongside FSC members and industry leaders to help fight AB332. I called attention to proposed policy inconsistencies existing between AB332 (condoms in porn) and AB999 (condoms in prisons), asking why some groups would support condoms in porn and not condoms in prisons. This inspired a story written by Susan Abram for the LA Daily News and an about-face from anti-industry activists.

I have a broad professional skill set, but I don’t specialize in any one thing. I talk about industry-relevant information with people throughout our community, but I don’t speak for anyone but myself. At the same time, however, my experiences relate directly to the experiences of a large proportion of the industry. I’m running for a seat on the FSC’s Board of Directors in hopes of adding an “everyperson” voice dedicated to improving the adult industry community.

As a member of the FSC Board of Directors, I hope to bring a more “average citizen’s” point of view to our trade organization. I feel this type of “daily life” perspective would be beneficial in at least two ways. First, I am closely connected to relatively typical “life and work in porn” experiences. Conversations about issues impacting our community could benefit immensely from this sort of familiarity. Second, my involvement will provide FSC with an additional way to connect with members of the industry. Ideally, this will make the organization feel more accessible to the entire adult community and will foster increased performer awareness.

Ultimately, I am running for a seat on the FSC’s Board of Directors because I want to actively work toward bringing members of our industry closer together. This way, we can take on the challenges we collectively face.

MARK ‘BLAZING’ SCHECHTER

BIO – Owner, ATMLA (Adult Talent Managers Los Angeles); 55 years old, married with five children, two grandchildren.  Has been in the adult industry for 15+ years (since 1998).  Areas of involvement include affiliate marketing, content production, sales, publishing and distribution all in association with being part owner of award-winning affiliate program Blazingbucks. I also have extensive experience working with porn star models, having built and managed high profile porn star model sites, and now as an agent owner of ATMLA, Adult Talent Managers.

“I would like to be on the FSC Board of Directors because…”

With my well rounded array of knowledge and experience in the industry, having worked in several different aspects for a number of years, I feel I am a strong candidate for a position on the Board of Directors for the FSC and if elected, I feel I would be a positive contributor and participant of decision making policy’s and events that involve our industry.