WebcamStartup Launches Industry Interview Podcast Series

LOS ANGELES — Performer blog and resource website WebcamStartup.com has launched an adult industry podcast interview series to highlight indie performers, website owners and webmasters and other notables.

The series is hosted by WebcamStartup Staff News Writer Katy Churchill and will focus on “getting to know the inspirations and experiences behind the careers of average indie performers, as well as getting to know webmasters, indie industry resources and people behind the sites,” said a rep.

The new series has already launched two episodes; the first features content creator Alec Hardy and the second spotlights Adult.Law’s Corey D. Silverstein.

Upcoming interviews include JustFor.fans model liaison Alice Skary, FeetFinder creator Patrick, mature camming couple Ruby Lynne and Rex, and performer and community advocate Destiny Diaz.

New episodes are published every Friday at 9 a.m. (PDT) on WebcamStartup.com.

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Maitland Ward to Produce, Star in Mainstream Series ‘The Big Time’

Maitland Ward to Produce, Star in Mainstream Series 'The Big Time'

LOS ANGELES — Maitland Ward has announced she will headline and co-produce “The Big Time,” a mainstream comedy series in development with Leaving Normal Productions.

Ward recently inked a two-year contract extension with Vixen Media Group; following her 2019 adult biz debut, the lauded performer has earned six XBIZ Awards for her acting and scene work.

“The Big Time” is designed around Ward’s central role as “a world-famous adult superstar trying to save a waning film studio on the brink of collapse. Armed with a plan to shake things up, she hires a nerdy aspiring writer and mama’s boy to breathe new life into her steamy scenes,” noted a rep

Brett Azar (“Young Rock,” NBC) has been cast in a costarring role.

“When I read the script, I fell in love and immediately knew I’d want to be a part of it in a significant and impactful way,” said Ward. “It’s exciting for me to be able to marry my creative talents as an actress and my experience in the adult world to create such an original, fun character and a powerful female-driven, sex-positive project — and to be involved as a producer takes all of this to a new level.”

The series was created by Leaving Normal’s Zerelda Nothnagel and Mikey Rodriguez. Besides Ward, Tim O’Hanlon of Velvet Horizon Films and Charlie Alberto IV will also produce. Rob Alicea is an executive producer.

“We are beyond thrilled to have Maitland be a part of ‘The Big Time,’ both as the star and producer,” Nothnagel said. “She brings invaluable insight and authenticity to a subject that is often misunderstood, and does so through a sex-positive lens.”

Follow Maitland Ward on Twitter for the latest updates.

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Retailer ‘Wild Flower’ Reveals Inclusive Brand Revamp

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Sexual wellness boutique retailer Wild Flower has announced a brand overhaul concurrent with “a renewed commitment to justice and inclusion,” noted a rep.

Wild Flower is working with such partners as The Brownsville Project and Passionfruit Farms to “educate, empower and ultimately liberate historically marginalized groups such as Black, indigenous, nonbinary and trans people,” the rep said.

Explore the revamped site at WildFlowerSex.com.

“It’s been amazing to see how Wild Flower has been able to push the sex and pleasure industry towards being more inclusive and less focused on gender,” Co-Founder and COO Nick Boyajian said. “While we still have a long road ahead of us, we are extremely encouraged by the reception, and adoption, of the new standards we are setting as a brand. We will continue to push the boundaries of how society views pleasure.”

The rep explained “Wild Flower’s new look demonstrates that sex toys are not for particular types of bodies, but are meant for people regardless of their body.”

Designer and SMAKK Founder Katie Klencheski noted their goal was to “create something sophisticated yet approachable and human using soft gradients and organic forms to lean in to the emotional aspects of sex — like joy, vulnerability, delight, curiosity and connection — and create a brand world that feels warm and sensual.”

“There is an incredibly wide range of different experience and comfort levels when it comes to sex,” Klencheski continued. “Wild Flower’s bold yet thoughtful new identity and messaging communicates that all levels should feel welcome, safe, and confident to explore their bodies and their pleasure.”

Wild Flower is also working on new genderless products designed for all bodies.

“After being involved in the pleasure industry for years, in a sex worker capacity and now as CEO of Wild Flower, I’ve learn that any innovations we are trying to make need to be built from listening to our community,” Co-Founder and CEO Amy Boyajian said. “We are never simply trying to create products; instead we’re trying to fulfill needs and solve issues so that sex can be more pleasurable, accessible, and fun.”

The Boyajians intend to apply their experience with sex work and technology to “elevate the brand,” the rep said, “to a true sexual health destination.”

“The sex toy e-tailer is now also a sex toy manufacturer, establishing a multi-national sexual wellness community, where their loyal followers can receive education, empowerment, and information and resources related to social justice issues,” said the rep. “Driven by Amy’s professional experience as an independent dominatrix and pleasure educator the product design and educational community is often a result of their direct understanding of the general lack of education about sexual health and pervasive culture of fear and shame when it comes to sex.”

“Amy uses their practical experience in sex work to ensure the products are developed in a manner that supports the way people really enjoy sex,” the rep continued. “Amy is also adamantly about ensuring all products and education and discourse in the community promotes safety, empowerment and healing.”

Nick Boyajian is described as “the technologist behind the brand’s innovative product development, design and production.”

“Nick ensures the brand is always innovating in the sex toy space and pushing the limits of the industry. With the proprietary design and launch of the Enby, Nick helped spearhead an industry-wide movement towards more genderless sexual wellness products,” noted the rep.

“Nick has also led the brand’s commitment to the liberation of marginalized people,” the rep continued. “Coming from an Armenian family who escaped the Armenian genocide only to later experience discrimination through the United States criminal justice system, Nick has helped lead the brand’s endowments to nonprofit initiatives, such as The Brownsville Project, to promote justice reform and liberate those who have been victimized by systemic inequality.”

Follow Wild Flower online and on Instagram.

Ella Paradis Releases Pandemic Lockdown Self-Pleasure Survey

Ella Paradis Releases Pandemic Lockdown Self-Pleasure Survey

MIAMI — A recent customer survey conducted by Ella Paradis examined the attitudes related to self-pleasure among adults one year into the pandemic and noted “an overwhelming majority” relied on pleasure devices.

A rep noted, of the 1,148 adults surveyed, “83.3% of respondents indicated they purchased a sex toy during quarantine, 46.5% noted they purchased more sex toys during quarantine than previously, 43.7% noted they masturbated more frequently than previously and 29.9% noted their sex lives suffered as a result of the pandemic.”

Further, said the rep, 43.8% of participants :also noted they became more interested in self-pleasure during this time period.”

Explore the survey results here.

“We’ve always acknowledged the connection between sexual wellness and mental confidence, which is why we do what we do. The results of this survey further prove the dependence we as humans have on a healthy relationship with ourselves,” Ella Paradis CEO Tino Dietrich said. “Seeing the increase in interest in sex toys as well as self-pleasure gives us hope the the stigmas associated with our industry will soon be a thing of the past.”

Following are key findings from the survey, as observed by Ella Paradis:

  • 50.3% of participants identify as male, 48.3% identify as female, 1.2% identify as non binary and .3% identify as trans
  • 34% of participants were age 45.59, 28.1% were 35-44, 17.6% were 25-34, 14.7% were 60+a  and 5.6% were 18-24
  • 82.4% of participants identify as heterosexual, 11.4% identify as bisexual, 2.4% identify as pansexual, 1.9% identified as an orientation not listed and 1.8% identify as homosexual
  • 45.6% of participants noted their sex life has not changed during one year in pandemic, 29.9% said their sex life suffered and 24.5% said their sex life has gotten better
  • 43.7% of participants noted they masturbated more frequently than previous during the pandemic; 28.4% noted the frequency is unchanged, 23.9% said this did not masturbate more and 3.9% said they were not sure
  • When asked if participants have become more apprehensive to engage in sexual activity with new partners, 57.9% said they had the same partner the entire time, 22.1% said yes they are and 20% said no they are not
  • 83.3% of participants said they purchased sex toys during the pandemi
  • 46.5% of participants said they purchased more sex toys during the pandemic than previously, 45.8% said they did not
  • 43.8% said they have become more interested in self pleasure during the pandemic and 42.4% said they did not

Find Ella Paradis online and on Twitter and Instagram.

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HotMovies’ ‘Pornament’ Announces 4 Semi-Finalists

HotMovies' 'Pornament' Announces 4 Semi-Finalists

LOS ANGELES – The final four semifinalists for HotMovies’ annual “Pornament” contest have been announced. After three rounds of competition and thousands of votes, the final four are Lacy Lennon, Lulu Chu, Penny Barber and April O´Neil. The final round will launch on Saturday April 2 and the winning MVP will be crowned on April 6.

In addition to bragging rights, the winner will receive a $2,000 cash prize and $500 will be donated to a charity of their choice.

“This is my second year doing this tournament and I’ve used the same organization as last time, DAV, which is Disabled American Veterans,” Lennon said. “As a hardcore military brat I am grateful my supporters understand how deeply I feel about this cause and the amount of efforts they have been putting in for me/ I’ve done my best to reciprocate the best way possible and that includes free OnlyFans trials, live Q&As and even a free scene via my own content. The world needs balance, so it’s only right that as much as my supporters are helping me and showing this much gratitude that I show gratitude back. ‘Thank you’ to the fans and HotMovies.”

This is Chu’s second year competing in the contest for RAINN, an organization offering services and a hotline to survivors of sexual violence. Barber has decided to support the St. James Infirmary in San Francisco, a peer-based occupational health and safety clinic for sex workers.

“I love participating in this contest. It’s so much fun, and I’m happy to have made it this far in the name of Planned Parenthood,” said O’Neil, a 2018 Pornament “MVP.”

“I hope to win it for them,” she added. “‘Thank you’ to HotMovies for doing this good deed every year.”

To access the Pornament, click here; for the latest updates, follow HotMovies on Twitter.

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Flirt4Free Announces 2021 ‘Easter Egg Hunt’ Promo

Flirt4Free Announces 2021 'Easter Egg Hunt' Promo

LOS ANGELES — Flirt4Free has announced its 2021 Easter Egg Hunt, the platform’s next holiday-themed promotion for cam performers and their fans and admirers.

“The ‘Hunt’ begins at midnight (EST) on Thursday, April 1 and concludes at 11:59pm on Easter Sunday,” a rep explained. “Site members get to play Easter Bunny for their favorite performers and fill their baskets sweet Easter Eggs inscribed with sexy, seductive messages.”

“There are 28 Eggs to choose from, priced at 50 credits for premium members, and 40 credits for Flirt VIPs,” noted the rep. “Flirt models who finish among the Top 10 total Egg collectors will win payouts ranging from $100 to $1,500. Furthermore, models who rank among the Top 10 in collecting Eggs from unique members will win their own set of payouts.”

“With only a few short weeks separating Saint Patrick’s Day, Easter and the annual Cinco party, Fiesta de Mayo, spring of 2021 is proving to be a lucrative time on the Flirt4Free network,” the rep enthused. “If the Egg Hunt is as festive as the events that preceded it, users should expect a wide range of themed games, sexy bunny costumes and decorations designed to enhance the holiday spirit.”

Director of Product Jamie Rodriguez noted the Easter promotion “remains a fan-favorite.”

“You’ll see bunny ears and cotton tails in practically every room as performers go all-out to fill their virtual baskets. Viewers love to see it, and will certainly send Easter gifts by the dozen,” Rodriguez added.

The rep said “performers and members who engage with Flirt4Free via Twitter should keep an eye on their feed during the promo,” as “a special tweet” will reveal additional information about the contest with the hashtag #FlirtEasterHunt and “locating a specific object in a specific model’s chatroom can earn bonus cash or credits.”

Follow Flirt4Free online and on Twitter.

Click here for affiliate promotion details; performers who wish to join the network can find details here.

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Fetish Con Cancels 2021 Events; Sets 2022 Anniversary Dates

Fetish Con Cancels 2021 Events; Sets 2022 Anniversary Dates

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Fetish Con Event Promoter Genesis Lynn has announced the annual trade show has been postponed for a second time due to the ongoing pandemic; new dates for the long-delayed 20th anniversary edition have been revealed for 2022.

Fetish Con announced the first postponement last April. Beginning July 1, 2021, a rep explained, full refunds for 2020 and 2021 ticket purchases, booths and sponsorships will be processed and issued to those who had already made a financial commitment.

“There is no need to formally request a refund,” said the rep. Organizers will begin reaching out to models, sponsors and vendors in April.

The new dates are currently August 11-14, 2022.

“We had hoped that by now, a year later, the effects of COVID-19 and its impact on being able to safely hold trade shows such as ours would have subsided,” said Lynn. “Unfortunately, this is not the case. Our main concern has been, and always will be, the health and safety of all of our attendees, and due to current circumstances, this is again something that unfortunately we cannot guarantee in 2021.”

“By issuing full refunds, we want to re-set and begin building the excitement for the 20th anniversary show in 2022,” Lynn continued. “We are already working on a few surprises that will see the show grow and we hope that everyone will be just as excited as we are when they are announced.”

“The support of our community for the past 20 years has been and continues to be amazing and we thank you for your understanding through these unprecedented times,” concluded Lynn. “We hope everyone remains safe and healthy, and we look forward to being able to celebrate with you all in 2022.”

The FetishCon.com website will also be overhauled; all-access passes and exhibitor booth registrations will open October 1, 2021.

Follow Fetish Con on Twitter and Facebook for the latest updates.

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Girlfriends Films Revives ‘Twisted Passions’ Series With 29th Installment

VALENCIA, Calif. — Girlfriends Films (GFF) has announced the revival of its “Twisted Passions” series with the online release of “Twisted Passions 29.”

On the cover is Olive Glass and Nikole Nash, making her GFF debut. They are joined by Alice Visby who is paired with Jackie Hoff; Penelope Kay, matched with Diana Grace; and Kayla Kayden teamed up with Jazmin Luv.

With nearly three hours of all-girl footage, “Twisted Passions 29″ is now available at GirlfriendsFilmsVOD.com; individual scenes will soon be available to GFF website members.

Follow GFF on Twitter for updates.

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Jacquie & Michel Group Responds to France’s New AV Requirements

PARIS — Following France’s adoption of a controversial mandatory age verification (AV) system for adult websites, popular French content providers Jacquie & Michel Group have continued developing My18Pass, an OpenID-based solution to comply with the new requirements.

My18Pass allows viewers to associate their date of birth with a user account, and sites using the solution can then verify the user’s age.

The company, which had initially announced the system back in November 2020, hopes to expand in the coming months by striking deals with other adult companies to share My18Pass with them and possibly monetize it.

When a user visits a site using My18Pass, according to a company rep, the following process is implemented:

The site makes a request to My18Pass, via the user’s browser, to find out whether this user is known to My18Pass. If the user is known, the information relating to his or her over-18 ages is returned by My18Pass and the site can therefore display its uncensored version. If the user is not known to My18Pass, the site warns the user [they are] viewing a censored version and that to view the site in its uncensored version, he or she must validate their age on My18Pass.

In this second case, when the user visits My18Pass, they are invited to enter his or her date of birth and email address. To continue the process, they must then validate the email address, then register a password which will allow them to authenticate themselves on My18Pass later. The last step is the validation of the date of birth entered. Two solutions are offered: validation by bank card or verification by an identity document.

Validation by bank is a request for authorization of a payment of €0 to the bank issuing the card.

A Two-Stage Identity and AV System

The verification of an identity document, according to the company, is constructed in two stages: “the presentation of an identity document in front of the webcam, then a selfie,” with human verification of the selfie.

My18Pass notes that neither the credit card imprint, nor the identity documents, nor the selfie are kept on record beyond the approval process.

At the end of this process, the user is redirected to the site, who can then repeat the first step in order to ask My18Pass if the user is of legal age.

My18Pass cites as advantages of their system the following:

  • the user only needs to validate their age once, and the information can then be used by all the sites using My18Pass in a transparent way for the user
  • the anonymity of the user is preserved since My18Pass only communicates the over-18 status of the user
  • My18Pass does not keep any trace of the sites which request the age verification

“All data is destroyed, regardless of the process, credit card or ID,” the rep stressed. “My18Pass does not store or keep anything, apart from information relating to the AV.”

According to the Jacquie & Michel Group CTO, their company is “fortunate to have a very strong brand that has gained the public’s confidence for 20 years. Currently — and we did not expect it — users would rather scan their identity card than take a free imprint of their bank card.”

“If France — and then Europe — really succeeds in imposing the drastic verification of the majority of a visitor, the whole adult economy will be upset,” said the company rep. “We have a hard time seeing how free sites are not going to unravel. A tool like My18Pass to access free content may become more widespread in the years to come and strong brands will succeed in maintaining a solid base on their free content otherwise, the business model will revert to that of a paid model with more polished content.”

As to the enforceability of France’s controversial AV law, the Jacquie et Michel rep said that, “it’s still something very difficult to apply. It is a very large-scale job and it won’t happen in a few months.”

For more information, visit Jacquie & Michel Group online and on Twitter.

Rebecca Vanguard Celebrates 2021 Cammy Awards Nomination

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Rebecca Vanguard has earned a 2021 Cammy Awards nomination for “Porn Star Live Cam Performer of the Year.”

As the Cammys are decided by online voting, Vanguard is encouraging her fans to vote from now until April 15.

“I love working with CAM4 and am happy to be doing featured live shows for them,” the performer said. “I’m also honored to be nominated for a Cammy and that I’m being recognized for my camming. I have really amazing fans and hope they will vote for me as much as possible.”

Click here to cast a ballot for Vanguard.

Also known as the “Annual Cam Girl Fan Choice Awards,” the Cammys will take place virtually on their site on Saturday, May 15 at 7 p.m. (PDT).

Follow Rebecca Vanguard and the Cammy Awards on Twitter for updates.

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