When it comes to pornography, the United States is still dominating the playing field. There are few global industries that this statement remains true for. Unfortunately for Los Angeles, it appears that the business may be moving elsewhere, at least for now.
How much pornography is filmed in the Los Angeles?
Because the vast majority of pornographic films and videos are produced in the United States, the business generates billions of dollars in revenue for the American economy. Thousands of new pornography websites spring up each month and Americans spend thousands of dollars to view these films each day. In the past, Los Angeles has always been the center of the pornography industry; however, it appears that things are about to change.
In November of 2012, Los Angeles County voters approved a new law that would require actors and actresses in pornographic films to practice safe sex. Male performers would be legally required to wear condoms.
Why the Change?
Voters determined that male workers should wear condoms so that they would fight against the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS. It seemed, to many voters, that the new mandate would make positive changes for the health of sex workers; however they likely did not anticipate that the porn industry would decide to leave.
The Beginning of the End?
It has become quite clear that pornography viewers do not want to see condoms in their films. In recent months, fewer adult film production companies have filed applications to receive film permits in Los Angeles. In fact, the numbers have dwindled down to the single digits this year. Any adult website lawyer could tell you why this is. Adult film production companies are concerned that they are going to find themselves in hot water in an effort to appeal to consumer demands.
The Next Porn Haven
Production companies have chosen to leave Los Angeles County completely, heading to communities with no such health mandates for adult film stars. Ventura County, a residential county situated next to Los Angeles, has been more accommodating for these production companies. These films are being shot in residential neighborhoods, and neighbors cannot help but notice what has been going on. Many of these residents are not welcoming to the new industry taking root in the community, but there are no laws against it for now.
What’s next?
Ventura County may choose to force adult film stars to wear condoms during film in an effort to combat the move of the industry. The Board of Supervisors might make a decision about this health mandate as early as July of 2013.
As far as Los Angeles County goes, adult film production companies are refusing to back down. One of the largest production companies, Vivid Entertainment, is disputing the new mandate in court.
Image Credit: kino-eye
