The Internet
2nd Level Green Feather
- Joined
- Jan 17, 2016
- Messages
- 4,333
- Points
- 38
I was startled to learn that you have been in this business since you were 18, when you worked for Paradise Vision. Could you describe how that all came about?
Well, basically it all happened when I started emailing back and forth with Renee. I wanted to be a part of it as they were local to me. Then I met with her and we started working for her.
What can you tell us regarding what it was like to work for them? What would an average shoot be like?
It was about 4 hours on a Saturday or Sunday. We would have all the scenes planned out and shoot it. Was pretty fun and the pay was decent, especially for an 18 year old who always wanted to be a ler on video.
There seemed to be a large "extended family" at Paradise Vision, people of all ages popping up in videos as ticklers (and 'lees)...some videos had big casts of models, some were shot in classrooms, doctors offices, mansions, beach houses.......As a producer, do you marvel at how much the budgets must have been for some of these videos ?
I can imagine the budget size being pretty large. Especially the amount of connections and resources involved for shoot at what was definitely a school setting for some of those early videos. It was pretty amazing seeing all of those come to fruition.
Regarding the video "Sister Act". You tickled your wife AND her two sisters?!!!! How did you even manage to bring that to fruition?!!!! What's THAT conversation like?!!
That conversation was actually pretty easy. Once my wife starting telling them how she made pretty good money by being tickled they responded with “ I want to do that!”
Ha! Maybe it's that Paradise Vision water, as it was already a family affair over there, right?
It definitely was. Although I had only worked with Renee at the time. By the time I came along into the picture the originals had moved on from the scene already, Gabriella, Kamiano, etc... it was an all new cast by then.
What did you learn from your time at Paradise Vision? Any stuff that you do the same for your shoots, or running your business? Anything different?
There are definitely some things I have taken over into my business model. Mainly with how maintaining a good schedule when shooting is too priority. You need to be as efficient as possible to maximize time on film. Everything else I do is what works for me that I learned through trial and error.
I know there's a bad ending to your Paradise Vision time. What went wrong?
I mean.....it was really a bad ending. Although I think things happen for a reason. It was a miscommunication that occurred that involved an idea I had for a scene in which I started recruiting some local lers for a video idea. She didn’t take to kindly to that and it just got out of hand at that point.
So what did you do between parting ways with Paradise Vision and starting Absolutely Tickled?
I actually finished up college and started working in the job field I had studied for.
Ok, so what made you take the big leap and start your own company?
Honestly, I was just getting tired of not seeing what I liked on video. I’m very particular about what kind of tickling I like to see and it was just something that I wanted to do for myself. Create the content I truly liked and then go from there. I didn’t know it was going to be content that everyone would enjoy. I was mainly doing it for me not really knowing if it was going to sell or not, I was hoping that I would at least break even.
What were the early shoots like? Who were your first models?
The early shoots were something I will cherish forever. It was just raw and uncut. A friend let me shoot in her house. The “models” were friends that I know personally, in fact 90% of them are still that way and have been throughout my time making these videos.
What are your biggest selling clips?
You know I never looked at that to really analyze and count. I do know some lees that stood out, Maria, Sasha Sobe, ally Kat, Angel, are at the top of my mind as fan favorites.
Are there any clips that didn't sell that you thought people missed out on?
There are a couple that come to mind that are definitely my favorites. Kaila was a girl that had some great reactions, her videos didn’t sell a whole lot but were very good in my opinion. The clip sets I did with Lauren are just wonderful and she was a fantastic lee that would fight with me and the banter was totally her own doing.
We gotta check those out! By the way, "Absolutely Tickled" is a perfect name for your company because that's what happens! They are "absolutely" tickled! That's what you promise, and that's what you get.
Thanks, it’s funny that the name actually was created by my wife’s sister. Her and I were going to originally go into this venture together. But her new boyfriend was very against it. They’re still together so hence why she is not seen in any videos or anything. Saddest part of the early beginnings.
What's the best way to find models?
Honestly, what people seem to find the hardest to believe is actually the way I find people willing to get tickled on video. I literally just ask them, in person! I explain it like it truly is, a business. Explain how it works and give them the sales pitch. Craigslist was working well initially also but it’s pretty hit or miss. Seeing a person and just talking to them face-to-face has always worked best. Of course I get some answers that are “no”. But surprisingly I get a lot more “yes” answers that way.
How do you interview and audition them?
Following up with them when they agree to shoot with me. I usually ask them the series of normal questions as to tickle spots and how ticklish they are on a 1-10 scale. I normally don’t audition them. I schedule the shoot and if they aren’t ticklish I tell them this won’t work out and I send them home. I tell them this before they schedule the shoot with me to make sure it is known up front.
I would imagine it's an audition for you, too, in a way. They must be very trepidatious and reluctant, just hearing about what "absolutely tickled" really entails.
Totally, because doing this in person you have to be confident, and speak about it without getting nervous or what people around you might be overhearing. If you talk about it casually they are a lot more comfortable about the conversation.
For every video shoot we see, how many fall through, or are no-shows, back-outs, etc?
That depends on a few things. Honestly the age of the person is a big factor, the younger models tend to not take it seriously or just feel like it’s cool to flake out. Never really had anyone back out. They either didn’t show up at all. Or, showed up and just wanted reactive to the tickling how I had hoped and sent home.
Your videos are sexy and sensual but they're also good humored. It just always looks like fun has been going on before the camera was switched on, and fun will be going on after it's switched off. What do you do to set such a relaxed ambience?
What you see on film is exactly what happens off film. Always have to have fun with what you do and create. Keeping the conversation alive, casual and fun helps build that environment and keeps things lively. The sensuality that comes out of it is just a by-product of the fun environment. Everyone has fun and it’s a good time all around.
What equipment do you use?
Well I started on a cheap Sony cyber shot camera originally. Then moved to camcorder for a few years. Now that I am also a mainstream photographer/videographer I use my full frame digital camera and audio setup.
Any advice about lighting?
Yes, use lots of it. Mainly if you can get some wide spread, direct light on the scene, especially on the model, that will work best. Either from a ceiling light or if you have some decent lighting equipment. Constant lighting and large modifiers work very well. If not, a light that can be placed directly above the model works best.
Any advice for actual camera work, being a cameraman?
The biggest advice I could give is make sure you have great angles. I myself prefer videos that give me the best views possible be it over the shoulder, Point Of View style, and changing between close up and wide angle shots. I feel it makes for a more dynamic viewing experience. More like you are actually there watching. Understandably if you’re a one man show, just get the angle that covers the area tickled best and then change when moving to a new position or area you are tickling.
Do you give any direction, to either the model or the tickler?
I normally don’t give any direction. I want the interactions to be real and live and I want unscripted reactions to the tickling. It’s got to be 100% real for me to shoot and post it.
How long does a shoot usually last?
Normally two hours or slightly under that.
How do the models usually feel after the shoot is over? What do they say about it? What's the scene like afterwards?
Normally, it’s a lot of casual conversation and some aftercare as well. Much like an actual session. They normally say how much that “sucked” and it was definitely more intense than they expected. Also, that they didn’t know they were that ticklish or that we found new tickle spots they didn’t know they had.
Do the models ever want to see themselves after it's over?
It’s pretty rare that they do. But I have had a couple ask me on occasion.
How do they react to seeing themselves tickled?
They normally think it’s funny and interesting, also a little embarrassed at some of the freak out moments.
You have a bunch of amazing clips under the "Pink Chair" series. Can I just say how brilliant the sheer aesthetic of the pink chair is? First off: it's super plush and looks extremely comfortable; it's absolutely perfect for tickling....and simply the idea of tickling a model pink while she's on a plush, fluffy pink chair is just so apt. The chair itself screams "tickle her tickle her!". That's what a "tickle chair" looks like! Could you expound a bit about the chair, how you got it, it's upkeep, whatever you think there is to know about it!
So, that chair is awesome. It is actually a part of a set that the studio I rent out to shoot in has. We saw it and thought “PERFECT!” So we started to use it. It has since been one of my favorite pieces to use with lees but if they are a real thrasher we may not use it. It’s very sturdy though.
Ally Kat and Maria get "absolutely tickled" in the pink chair
If I were to show a "vanilla" person one single video to demonstrate how hot tickling is, I would show them Maria And Ally Kat Tickled Together. In fact, I have shown it to two women on the Forum, one is a 'lee who watches clips, the other does not. Both were blown away. Not only is it one of the hottest clips ever, it's also very funny and extremely entertaining.
What do you remember about that particular shoot. When you were filming it, did you know you were making an instant classic?
So, I remember that day pretty well. Maria said she wanted to bring her friend to a shoot (Ally Kat) and when she saw Maria getting the crap tickled out of her, she wanted to try it out also. We tied them both together and went to town. I didn’t think it was going to be a hit but couldn’t resist the opportunity that presented itself! She ended up coming back for a couple more shoots. It was definitely a beautiful thing that happened that day.
A star is born! To be fair, any video with Ally Kat is a classic. Maria too.
Yes, I totally agree with that.
There are actually two male ticklers that I've seen. Are you the guy who is doing the tickling in most of the Ally Kat videos? Or are you the guy doing the tickling in the Ally Kat Tickled By Sharp Nails video, which is one of the most intense ticklings ever filmed?
Here's the answer to that. I AM the other guy (the one with the sharp nails)! The main ler in all of our earlier videos is a member of this forum and a very good friend of mine. He came to me when I first started the company and his magic as a ler was really what made it so great. He has been unable to partake in the newer videos and hasn’t worked with me in over a two years now. All of the newer work you see is with me as I became a one man show after that and those were HUGE shoes to fill. We have different styles and personalities so I am not sure how fans like the newer stuff since he has departed. BUT I just got word from him today that he will be making a return very soon and I am beyond excited about that!
That's really great news! His work and his rapport with the models is outstanding. You're both super capable of getting the job done, though, no question about that. So how long have you been aware and had an understanding of this kink? Is it something you naturally understood, in life? Or did you fall into it professionally?
It has always been a part of me. I have always been into tickling. This was something I always wanted to do. Whether professional or not.
Does making a business (and performance) of tickling affect the way you might play with it in your private life?
If anything, it makes me not really partake in tickling in my private life. If I do, it’s mainly with the wife and it’s part of our intimacy.
Have you ever been "outed" in your private life about this stuff?
No I never have, but I don’t really think of it as being outed per say. I answer honestly if I’m asked and speak about it casually. But I don’t go around blabbing about it either. I’m just not one of those people that are afraid of having that conversation when being asked.
So, being both a fan as well as a creator of content, what have been some of your favorite companies, clips or videos?
Definitely ANA, realtickling, from back in the day. I miss them both. For more current producers. The Tickle Room, Octopus, Tickle Torture are some of my faves. Some classics I miss also are Tickle Town, Tickle Central.
And what about the TMF? You're a member in good standing, and you pop up all over the board. What are your favorite sections? What's your normal drill?
Usually I go to local regional forums first, then check subscriptions, tickling discussions, then video and photo categories last to see what’s new.
Would you like to address piracy? How have you seen the business changed since Pornhub and YouPorn and even YouTube, etc....?
I don’t think those sites have really affected my business personally. I’m small potatoes compared to some of the other producers out there. But I do have an account for all those platforms and I do flag my stuff when I see it up there. It is usually taken down pretty quickly.
Ok, from a heavy question to a light one: If you had a magic lamp and could wish for any person, any celebrity, from any time period, past or present, that you could ABSOLUTELY TICKLE.....who would it be?
Definitely Jessica Alba.
Oh my god....great choice. I mean, if there's any producer who should get a crack at Jessica Alba, it's AbsolutelyTickled! I'll tell you this, though: Maria, Ally Kat, Sasha Sobe...they ARE celebrities, as far as I'm concerned. I couldn't imagine hotter reactions to getting tickled than those three.
I've got a couple on the edit table that might be added to that list!
That's fantastic news for everybody! Ok, I've taken up a lot of your time; before we wrap up, is there anything I didn't ask that you think people should know?
I’m mainly curious about what everyone enjoys in tickle videos in general. What do you all like to see?
Aha! I'm sure people will let you know in the comments; the TMF is not shy about speaking it's mind! Speaking for my mind, though, I can tell you: you are already doing an excellent job at delivering what I would want to see.
Ok, I only have one last question.
Shoot!
Why are we so into this?
No clue, honestly. I think of it as just being made this way and that we should embrace and enjoy it. It’s 2019 for crying out loud. People are all about rights and freedom to be who they want to be. I say go for it.
Well, basically it all happened when I started emailing back and forth with Renee. I wanted to be a part of it as they were local to me. Then I met with her and we started working for her.
What can you tell us regarding what it was like to work for them? What would an average shoot be like?
It was about 4 hours on a Saturday or Sunday. We would have all the scenes planned out and shoot it. Was pretty fun and the pay was decent, especially for an 18 year old who always wanted to be a ler on video.
There seemed to be a large "extended family" at Paradise Vision, people of all ages popping up in videos as ticklers (and 'lees)...some videos had big casts of models, some were shot in classrooms, doctors offices, mansions, beach houses.......As a producer, do you marvel at how much the budgets must have been for some of these videos ?
I can imagine the budget size being pretty large. Especially the amount of connections and resources involved for shoot at what was definitely a school setting for some of those early videos. It was pretty amazing seeing all of those come to fruition.
Regarding the video "Sister Act". You tickled your wife AND her two sisters?!!!! How did you even manage to bring that to fruition?!!!! What's THAT conversation like?!!
That conversation was actually pretty easy. Once my wife starting telling them how she made pretty good money by being tickled they responded with “ I want to do that!”
Ha! Maybe it's that Paradise Vision water, as it was already a family affair over there, right?
It definitely was. Although I had only worked with Renee at the time. By the time I came along into the picture the originals had moved on from the scene already, Gabriella, Kamiano, etc... it was an all new cast by then.
What did you learn from your time at Paradise Vision? Any stuff that you do the same for your shoots, or running your business? Anything different?
There are definitely some things I have taken over into my business model. Mainly with how maintaining a good schedule when shooting is too priority. You need to be as efficient as possible to maximize time on film. Everything else I do is what works for me that I learned through trial and error.
I know there's a bad ending to your Paradise Vision time. What went wrong?
I mean.....it was really a bad ending. Although I think things happen for a reason. It was a miscommunication that occurred that involved an idea I had for a scene in which I started recruiting some local lers for a video idea. She didn’t take to kindly to that and it just got out of hand at that point.
So what did you do between parting ways with Paradise Vision and starting Absolutely Tickled?
I actually finished up college and started working in the job field I had studied for.
Ok, so what made you take the big leap and start your own company?
Honestly, I was just getting tired of not seeing what I liked on video. I’m very particular about what kind of tickling I like to see and it was just something that I wanted to do for myself. Create the content I truly liked and then go from there. I didn’t know it was going to be content that everyone would enjoy. I was mainly doing it for me not really knowing if it was going to sell or not, I was hoping that I would at least break even.
What were the early shoots like? Who were your first models?
The early shoots were something I will cherish forever. It was just raw and uncut. A friend let me shoot in her house. The “models” were friends that I know personally, in fact 90% of them are still that way and have been throughout my time making these videos.
What are your biggest selling clips?
You know I never looked at that to really analyze and count. I do know some lees that stood out, Maria, Sasha Sobe, ally Kat, Angel, are at the top of my mind as fan favorites.
Are there any clips that didn't sell that you thought people missed out on?
There are a couple that come to mind that are definitely my favorites. Kaila was a girl that had some great reactions, her videos didn’t sell a whole lot but were very good in my opinion. The clip sets I did with Lauren are just wonderful and she was a fantastic lee that would fight with me and the banter was totally her own doing.
We gotta check those out! By the way, "Absolutely Tickled" is a perfect name for your company because that's what happens! They are "absolutely" tickled! That's what you promise, and that's what you get.
Thanks, it’s funny that the name actually was created by my wife’s sister. Her and I were going to originally go into this venture together. But her new boyfriend was very against it. They’re still together so hence why she is not seen in any videos or anything. Saddest part of the early beginnings.
What's the best way to find models?
Honestly, what people seem to find the hardest to believe is actually the way I find people willing to get tickled on video. I literally just ask them, in person! I explain it like it truly is, a business. Explain how it works and give them the sales pitch. Craigslist was working well initially also but it’s pretty hit or miss. Seeing a person and just talking to them face-to-face has always worked best. Of course I get some answers that are “no”. But surprisingly I get a lot more “yes” answers that way.
How do you interview and audition them?
Following up with them when they agree to shoot with me. I usually ask them the series of normal questions as to tickle spots and how ticklish they are on a 1-10 scale. I normally don’t audition them. I schedule the shoot and if they aren’t ticklish I tell them this won’t work out and I send them home. I tell them this before they schedule the shoot with me to make sure it is known up front.
I would imagine it's an audition for you, too, in a way. They must be very trepidatious and reluctant, just hearing about what "absolutely tickled" really entails.
Totally, because doing this in person you have to be confident, and speak about it without getting nervous or what people around you might be overhearing. If you talk about it casually they are a lot more comfortable about the conversation.
For every video shoot we see, how many fall through, or are no-shows, back-outs, etc?
That depends on a few things. Honestly the age of the person is a big factor, the younger models tend to not take it seriously or just feel like it’s cool to flake out. Never really had anyone back out. They either didn’t show up at all. Or, showed up and just wanted reactive to the tickling how I had hoped and sent home.
Your videos are sexy and sensual but they're also good humored. It just always looks like fun has been going on before the camera was switched on, and fun will be going on after it's switched off. What do you do to set such a relaxed ambience?
What you see on film is exactly what happens off film. Always have to have fun with what you do and create. Keeping the conversation alive, casual and fun helps build that environment and keeps things lively. The sensuality that comes out of it is just a by-product of the fun environment. Everyone has fun and it’s a good time all around.
What equipment do you use?
Well I started on a cheap Sony cyber shot camera originally. Then moved to camcorder for a few years. Now that I am also a mainstream photographer/videographer I use my full frame digital camera and audio setup.
Any advice about lighting?
Yes, use lots of it. Mainly if you can get some wide spread, direct light on the scene, especially on the model, that will work best. Either from a ceiling light or if you have some decent lighting equipment. Constant lighting and large modifiers work very well. If not, a light that can be placed directly above the model works best.
Any advice for actual camera work, being a cameraman?
The biggest advice I could give is make sure you have great angles. I myself prefer videos that give me the best views possible be it over the shoulder, Point Of View style, and changing between close up and wide angle shots. I feel it makes for a more dynamic viewing experience. More like you are actually there watching. Understandably if you’re a one man show, just get the angle that covers the area tickled best and then change when moving to a new position or area you are tickling.
Do you give any direction, to either the model or the tickler?
I normally don’t give any direction. I want the interactions to be real and live and I want unscripted reactions to the tickling. It’s got to be 100% real for me to shoot and post it.
How long does a shoot usually last?
Normally two hours or slightly under that.
How do the models usually feel after the shoot is over? What do they say about it? What's the scene like afterwards?
Normally, it’s a lot of casual conversation and some aftercare as well. Much like an actual session. They normally say how much that “sucked” and it was definitely more intense than they expected. Also, that they didn’t know they were that ticklish or that we found new tickle spots they didn’t know they had.
Do the models ever want to see themselves after it's over?
It’s pretty rare that they do. But I have had a couple ask me on occasion.
How do they react to seeing themselves tickled?
They normally think it’s funny and interesting, also a little embarrassed at some of the freak out moments.
You have a bunch of amazing clips under the "Pink Chair" series. Can I just say how brilliant the sheer aesthetic of the pink chair is? First off: it's super plush and looks extremely comfortable; it's absolutely perfect for tickling....and simply the idea of tickling a model pink while she's on a plush, fluffy pink chair is just so apt. The chair itself screams "tickle her tickle her!". That's what a "tickle chair" looks like! Could you expound a bit about the chair, how you got it, it's upkeep, whatever you think there is to know about it!
So, that chair is awesome. It is actually a part of a set that the studio I rent out to shoot in has. We saw it and thought “PERFECT!” So we started to use it. It has since been one of my favorite pieces to use with lees but if they are a real thrasher we may not use it. It’s very sturdy though.
Ally Kat and Maria get "absolutely tickled" in the pink chair
If I were to show a "vanilla" person one single video to demonstrate how hot tickling is, I would show them Maria And Ally Kat Tickled Together. In fact, I have shown it to two women on the Forum, one is a 'lee who watches clips, the other does not. Both were blown away. Not only is it one of the hottest clips ever, it's also very funny and extremely entertaining.
What do you remember about that particular shoot. When you were filming it, did you know you were making an instant classic?
So, I remember that day pretty well. Maria said she wanted to bring her friend to a shoot (Ally Kat) and when she saw Maria getting the crap tickled out of her, she wanted to try it out also. We tied them both together and went to town. I didn’t think it was going to be a hit but couldn’t resist the opportunity that presented itself! She ended up coming back for a couple more shoots. It was definitely a beautiful thing that happened that day.
A star is born!
To be fair, any video with Ally Kat is a classic. Maria too.Yes, I totally agree with that.
There are actually two male ticklers that I've seen. Are you the guy who is doing the tickling in most of the Ally Kat videos? Or are you the guy doing the tickling in the Ally Kat Tickled By Sharp Nails video, which is one of the most intense ticklings ever filmed?
Here's the answer to that. I AM the other guy (the one with the sharp nails)! The main ler in all of our earlier videos is a member of this forum and a very good friend of mine. He came to me when I first started the company and his magic as a ler was really what made it so great. He has been unable to partake in the newer videos and hasn’t worked with me in over a two years now. All of the newer work you see is with me as I became a one man show after that and those were HUGE shoes to fill. We have different styles and personalities so I am not sure how fans like the newer stuff since he has departed. BUT I just got word from him today that he will be making a return very soon and I am beyond excited about that!
That's really great news! His work and his rapport with the models is outstanding. You're both super capable of getting the job done, though, no question about that. So how long have you been aware and had an understanding of this kink? Is it something you naturally understood, in life? Or did you fall into it professionally?
It has always been a part of me. I have always been into tickling. This was something I always wanted to do. Whether professional or not.
Does making a business (and performance) of tickling affect the way you might play with it in your private life?
If anything, it makes me not really partake in tickling in my private life. If I do, it’s mainly with the wife and it’s part of our intimacy.
Have you ever been "outed" in your private life about this stuff?
No I never have, but I don’t really think of it as being outed per say. I answer honestly if I’m asked and speak about it casually. But I don’t go around blabbing about it either. I’m just not one of those people that are afraid of having that conversation when being asked.
So, being both a fan as well as a creator of content, what have been some of your favorite companies, clips or videos?
Definitely ANA, realtickling, from back in the day. I miss them both. For more current producers. The Tickle Room, Octopus, Tickle Torture are some of my faves. Some classics I miss also are Tickle Town, Tickle Central.
And what about the TMF? You're a member in good standing, and you pop up all over the board. What are your favorite sections? What's your normal drill?
Usually I go to local regional forums first, then check subscriptions, tickling discussions, then video and photo categories last to see what’s new.
Would you like to address piracy? How have you seen the business changed since Pornhub and YouPorn and even YouTube, etc....?
I don’t think those sites have really affected my business personally. I’m small potatoes compared to some of the other producers out there. But I do have an account for all those platforms and I do flag my stuff when I see it up there. It is usually taken down pretty quickly.
Ok, from a heavy question to a light one: If you had a magic lamp and could wish for any person, any celebrity, from any time period, past or present, that you could ABSOLUTELY TICKLE.....who would it be?
Definitely Jessica Alba.
Oh my god....great choice. I mean, if there's any producer who should get a crack at Jessica Alba, it's AbsolutelyTickled! I'll tell you this, though: Maria, Ally Kat, Sasha Sobe...they ARE celebrities, as far as I'm concerned. I couldn't imagine hotter reactions to getting tickled than those three.
I've got a couple on the edit table that might be added to that list!
That's fantastic news for everybody! Ok, I've taken up a lot of your time; before we wrap up, is there anything I didn't ask that you think people should know?
I’m mainly curious about what everyone enjoys in tickle videos in general. What do you all like to see?
Aha! I'm sure people will let you know in the comments; the TMF is not shy about speaking it's mind! Speaking for my mind, though, I can tell you: you are already doing an excellent job at delivering what I would want to see.
Ok, I only have one last question.
Shoot!
Why are we so into this?
No clue, honestly. I think of it as just being made this way and that we should embrace and enjoy it. It’s 2019 for crying out loud. People are all about rights and freedom to be who they want to be. I say go for it.
