How to be a tickle producer?

[Comfort Eagle]

Okay, say someone has the knowhow but no models. How is the best way to approach people for this kind of work so you don't come off as creepy?

Know what helped me tremendously but has a horrible reputation is Craigslist. At least a few years ago they allowed me to keep up ads reading "Ticklish girls wanted for eccentric fetish videos (paid gig)" and I got 3 pretty solid girls from it (Kody, Ms Morgue, Arabella). A bit of warning they have sinced started pulling those ads, so whether or not you can be quite as descriptive with it these days I'm not sure, but it is/was definitely a solid option. And if you're not one of those "Oh god, people are gonna find out and think I'm weird :c" types, just ask friends. I've shot videos with friends before without it ending up a big humiliating thing.

That's something else you'll need to learn, how not to be ashamed and humiliated over what you're doing. Having it hanging in the back of you're mind you're making "weird videos" and asking models to do "weird things" is a guaranteed way to have nothing but constant failure. Sometimes it requires even being as clinical and blunt as possible, letting a model know this is the most routine thing for you to do is going to do a lot to convince her you're on the level, and not going to start jerking off on her feet the second she's strapped to something. Go into it not as a "fetish guy", but as a video editor and producer who just so happens to dabble in feet tickling.

Here's a recent example of a success with an old friend/acquaintance to get a feel for what I'm talking about.

 

[Tickling_rocker]

Know what helped me tremendously but has a horrible reputation is Craigslist. At least a few years ago they allowed me to keep up ads reading "Ticklish girls wanted for eccentric fetish videos (paid gig)" and I got 3 pretty solid girls from it (Kody, Ms Morgue, Arabella). A bit of warning they have sinced started pulling those ads, so whether or not you can be quite as descriptive with it these days I'm not sure, but it is/was definitely a solid option. And if you're not one of those "Oh god, people are gonna find out and think I'm weird :c" types, just ask friends. I've shot videos with friends before without it ending up a big humiliating thing.

That's something else you'll need to learn, how not to be ashamed and humiliated over what you're doing. Having it hanging in the back of you're mind you're making "weird videos" and asking models to do "weird things" is a guaranteed way to have nothing but constant failure. Sometimes it requires even being as clinical and blunt as possible, letting a model know this is the most routine thing for you to do is going to do a lot to convince her you're on the level, and not going to start jerking off on her feet the second she's strapped to something. Go into it not as a "fetish guy", but as a video editor and producer who just so happens to dabble in feet tickling.

Here's a recent example of a success with an old friend/acquaintance to get a feel for what I'm talking about.

View attachment 504676

Thank you so much! I never thought about my friends! I may have to give this a try that way. I went the route of CL and they kept deleting my posts as soon as they went up. I was told by some other guys from Fetlife that they take them down in NC because it's the bible belt and just plain wrong! Douches! But thank you, man!

 

[Comfort Eagle]

Thank you so much! I never thought about my friends! I may have to give this a try that way. I went the route of CL and they kept deleting my posts as soon as they went up. I was told by some other guys from Fetlife that they take them down in NC because it's the bible belt and just plain wrong! Douches! But thank you, man!

Another method you can try is just calling it an "eccentric modeling gig" and to contact you with further details. Use no pictures, but in the text heavily imply it will be something "unique", and encourage people to ask for details, and then give them to them in the email.

 

[Bananah]

Know what helped me tremendously but has a horrible reputation is Craigslist. At least a few years ago they allowed me to keep up ads reading "Ticklish girls wanted for eccentric fetish videos (paid gig)" and I got 3 pretty solid girls from it (Kody, Ms Morgue, Arabella). A bit of warning they have sinced started pulling those ads, so whether or not you can be quite as descriptive with it these days I'm not sure, but it is/was definitely a solid option. And if you're not one of those "Oh god, people are gonna find out and think I'm weird :c" types, just ask friends. I've shot videos with friends before without it ending up a big humiliating thing.

That's something else you'll need to learn, how not to be ashamed and humiliated over what you're doing. Having it hanging in the back of you're mind you're making "weird videos" and asking models to do "weird things" is a guaranteed way to have nothing but constant failure. Sometimes it requires even being as clinical and blunt as possible, letting a model know this is the most routine thing for you to do is going to do a lot to convince her you're on the level, and not going to start jerking off on her feet the second she's strapped to something. Go into it not as a "fetish guy", but as a video editor and producer who just so happens to dabble in feet tickling.

Here's a recent example of a success with an old friend/acquaintance to get a feel for what I'm talking about.

View attachment 504676

Interesting post, thanks for sharing

 

[lioclips]

Also, .wmv is far from "not universal". I offer both .mp4 and .wmv versions of my clips and the .mp4 versions rarely sell. You'd think it was because they're in standard def, but more people buy standard than HD in my experience. Watching videos on tablets and phones is the new hotness, apparently, and nobody wants to waste half a gig of storage on a single video.

This has been my experience as well. .wmv continues to be the bigger seller, though there has been an uptick in the 1920x1080 sales.

Know what helped me tremendously but has a horrible reputation is Craigslist. At least a few years ago they allowed me to keep up ads reading "Ticklish girls wanted for eccentric fetish videos (paid gig)" and I got 3 pretty solid girls from it (Kody, Ms Morgue, Arabella).

Can vouch for CL. About 50% of the most popular models have come from CL.

Another method you can try is just calling it an "eccentric modeling gig" and to contact you with further details. Use no pictures, but in the text heavily imply it will be something "unique", and encourage people to ask for details, and then give them to them in the email.

Good idea. When I use CL, I basically will pull the ad 24hrs later. Wait a couple of days then post it again. Sometimes there are "CL Police" - users who take it upon themselves to monitor for TOS violations - who will flag ads they feel are inappropriate. They will also respond to ads, and when they find out what the casting is for, they begin to recognize the ad title and will flag them immediately. It typically takes several users to flag a post before CL will take it down.

 

[turtleboy]

Two questions, technicals one :

What shutter speed and Frame / second settings do studio use ? 60 fps or 24 are enough ? I guess the shutter speed should be double like in cinema.
Also why do people keep selling files in wmv as it is far from universal (big up to Applers) ? Mp4 would be the best quality choice right ?

If you're shooting with DSLR or similar you would set your shutter speed to double frame rate - i.e. 1/50 if 25 frames per second, 1/48 for 24 FPS etc. If you're using a camcorder (as most people will be) your shutter would is best left on auto mode as the camera will use the right setting anyway. 24 or 25 FPS is fine but most modern camcorders can shoot double frame rates (e.g. 60 or 50 FPS) This gives the sharpest detail for recording, but I still render and output the edited vids at 25 FPS for a more natural look.

Wmv isn't a universal format but seems to be the norm on C4S for some reason...I still use it and don't know why really. Mp4 can achieve greater quality with smaller file sizes, especially with the H.264 or H.265 codecs (and it is far more universal!)

 

[kingmaker]

Yep I have a mirorless cam samsung nx1 and setting it as a DSLR.
External recording system for crystal clear laughter. (probably a pain to synch in post production)

The main problem would be the Focus, I see a lot of studios are et on auto focus but it sometimes start going crazy.
Best would be to lower the aperture (around 5), boost a bit the ISO (not beyond 800) and then set the manual focus on the feet.
Like that the feet are sharp, face is less sharp but acceptable.
I also saw some studios shooting with very wide aperture (tickleroom for example), and we couldn't see the face of the model as it was blurry. But the problem has been fixed since

As for my experience as a photographer, I'd say the hardest thing is to get started, people fear dealing with people without experience.
2 solutions :
- Friends
- Pay (in video pay more, I don't pay models for photos anymore)

Ahh, I may want to take a stab at this when I graduate from college.

I advise you start soon, college is like an endless sea of models.

To expand on this, Most of the video sites (Clips4Sale and KinkBomb, for sure) have limits to how large the files can be versus how long they can be. IIRC, Clips4Sale requires that any file over 2.5GB must be over 24 minutes long

Too bad c4S has this monopoly, service is fair but I can't say there are a lot of innovations due to the lack of concurence.

Also, .wmv is far from "not universal". I offer both .mp4 and .wmv versions of my clips and the .mp4 versions rarely sell. You'd think it was because they're in standard def, but more people buy standard than HD in my experience. Watching videos on tablets and phones is the new hotness, apparently, and nobody wants to waste half a gig of storage on a single video.

Hmm you can't read wmv files without a 3rd party app on any Apple device, I'm pretty baffled people buy lower quality clips.

Normaly an User should buy the clip once and have the possibility to download it in a format/size that suits him. This would unclutter store pages greatly.
Can't help but feel rage against clip4sale, so many failures, yet we need to deal with it.

Wmv isn't a universal format but seems to be the norm on C4S for some reason...

I think the exact reason is that mp4 is the format we see on porn sites and Youtube, where the videos are often pretty bad re re re encoded.

Having a wmv file is like having an authenticity certificate.

 

[turtleboy]

Yep I have a mirorless cam samsung nx1 and setting it as a DSLR.
External recording system for crystal clear laughter. (probably a pain to synch in post production)

The main problem would be the Focus, I see a lot of studios are et on auto focus but it sometimes start going crazy.
Best would be to lower the aperture (around 5), boost a bit the ISO (not beyond 800) and then set the manual focus on the feet.
Like that the feet are sharp, face is less sharp but acceptable.
I also saw some studios shooting with very wide aperture (tickleroom for example), and we couldn't see the face of the model as it was blurry. But the problem has been fixed since

Most producers (including myself) will be shooting their clips with camcorders rather than DSLR and autofocus is generally the best option to capture movement as it is generally very fast. With DSLR you wil end up with constant focus drift on any aperture wider than about F7, which sort of defeats the purpose of using it (the main reason reason I don't use DSLR for tickling clips). A tight close-up on the feet is fine, but most people will be shooting a mix of shots from different focal lengths and a decent camcorder is way more practical for this. The main focus problem I notice in some clips, is where someone has their camcorder set to manual focus (probably without realising) and it remains out of focus for the duration. The other problem is poor lighting which will make it hard for any camera to find focus automatically (or manually)

When a camcorder is running full auto mode, it will tend to default to the widest aperture but it won't produce anything like the shallow depth of field that a DSLR does, details remain crisp and blurring of faces etc is not normally a problem.....unless the camera is zoomed right in! (which some people do)

Hmm you can't read wmv files without a 3rd party app on any Apple device, I'm pretty baffled people buy lower quality clips.

Normaly an User should buy the clip once and have the possibility to download it in a format/size that suits him. This would unclutter store pages greatly.
Can't help but feel rage against clip4sale, so many failures, yet we need to deal with it.


I think the exact reason is that mp4 is the format we see on porn sites and Youtube, where the videos are often pretty bad re re re encoded.

Having a wmv file is like having an authenticity certificate.

It's true that wmv is not well supported by Apple devices..it's an early windows format that kind of pre-dates modern trends, and I think the whole C4S thing is a bit old-fashioned. Funnily enough, I've never had any customer complain but I think most Apple users will have other players installed nowadays (and they still account for a surprisingly small percentage of computer users, despite Apple's dominance of the phone/device market)

The reason you can't automatically download in various formats/sizes is because the file you download from C4S is the same one the producer uploads. If they were to offer each clip in 3 or 4 formats I would have to render and upload each one of them, and then there's more chance that there'll be a bug in one and it has to be done again etc...I'd never get around to releasing anything. I wouldn't be happy for C4S to automatically re-encode my clips into different formats as I'd have no control over the quality - they'd probably end up as the same crappy quality you find on tube sites!

A lot of producers also like to take their time releasing the same clip over and over in each format, size, individual parts etc. I guess this helps the keep the stores on top through constant updating. I don't have time for it myself but I get why people do it.

 

[tickletherapist]

A lot of producers also like to take their time releasing the same clip over and over in each format, size, individual parts etc. I guess this helps the keep the stores on top through constant updating. I don't have time for it myself but I get why people do it.

Oh yes, that's an old trick the producers use Then you have to scroll down on and on to see the previous unique video in that store Don't like it and don't do it myself.

 

[tmac]

"That's something else you'll need to learn, how not to be ashamed and humiliated over what you're doing. Having it hanging in the back of you're mind you're making "weird videos" and asking models to do "weird things" is a guaranteed way to have nothing but constant failure. Sometimes it requires even being as clinical and blunt as possible, letting a model know this is the most routine thing for you to do is going to do a lot to convince her you're on the level, and not going to start jerking off on her feet the second she's strapped to something. Go into it not as a "fetish guy", but as a video editor and producer who just so happens to dabble in feet tickling."

After ten years producing videos, I would say this is key advice for newbies starting out. Being confident, not kissing up to her, acting like this is going to be fun but routine, and coming off as a professional will separate you from many producers that I hear models complaining about.

http://laughterisbeautiful.org

 

[Comfort Eagle]

many producers that I hear models complaining about.

Intriguing! Tell me more.

 

[a7hgsir4h3jk]

So I'm reading through this thread and seeing a lot of technical camera jargon. Then there's me with an iPhone 5 and nothing else, lmao.

What about all the legal shit? Model release forms, etc. Can someone elaborate on that and possibly "dumb it down"?

 

[turtleboy]

So I'm reading through this thread and seeing a lot of technical camera jargon. Then there's me with an iPhone 5 and nothing else, lmao.

What about all the legal shit? Model release forms, etc. Can someone elaborate on that and possibly "dumb it down"?

There isn't really any legal stuff, beyond a standard model release form and ID (photographed, preferably with the person holding it) to prove that your models are over 18. It's advisable to keep receipts as proof of payment to models. That's basically it - as far shooting in the UK is concerned anyway..different laws apply in different countries.

If you are planning to sell anything then you'll also need to register with HMRC to declare the income on a yearly tax return to pay any income tax due on your earnings, and NI contributions as a self-employed individual

 

[a7hgsir4h3jk]

There isn't really any legal stuff, beyond a standard model release form and ID (photographed, preferably with the person holding it) to prove that your models are over 18. It's advisable to keep receipts as proof of payment to models. That's basically it - as far shooting in the UK is concerned anyway..different laws apply in different countries.

If you are planning to sell anything then you'll also need to register with HMRC to declare the income on a yearly tax return to pay any income tax due on your earnings, and NI contributions as a self-employed individual

Ooh thank you! So I assume restrained tickling isn't "banned" with those recent UK porn laws then.

 

[tickletherapist]

Ooh thank you! So I assume restrained tickling isn't "banned" with those recent UK porn laws then.

That's a trickly question at least here in our country. We have a definition of pornography which is when the genitals and tits are shown in explicit sexual way, so by that definition our tickling can't be pornography by any means.
However, the trick is that it's the court that will judge any special case, what should be banned or not.

This is what I'm ready to fight for, if I have to, - for tickling not being banned. Give tickling a chance! It makes the world a happier place.

Sorry for some boasting, but a few outtakes from our tickle therapy clips have already been shown on the first of federal tv channels in Russia in the medical TV show about the positive effects of tickling. So that's a big step for our country that we can boast to be part of.

 

[turtleboy]

Ooh thank you! So I assume restrained tickling isn't "banned" with those recent UK porn laws then.

No, only where 'extreme' bondage is used, which is wide open to interpretation. Bondage and gags are also banned where the model can't remove the gag due to the bondage.

I have used gags in some clips (where I have had no choice)...I haven't had any issues yet but I don't make it the focus of the clip. I also tend to put more of those clips on my membership site rather than clips4sale as there is no written description to attract unwanted attention.

All of that said, I think that ATVOD have relaxed their approach since their initial aggressive stance on UK porn generally. They faced so much opposition and public derision to the stupid persecution of things like 'face-sitting' and I haven't heard too many stories of sites getting shut down lately.

 

[SoleMates]

Sometimes there are "CL Police" - users who take it upon themselves to monitor for TOS violations - who will flag ads they feel are inappropriate. They will also respond to ads, and when they find out what the casting is for, they begin to recognize the ad title and will flag them immediately. It typically takes several users to flag a post before CL will take it down.

This varies by region. I live in Silicon Valley, and we're all weird out here. Only time I've ever had a listing pulled is because I worded it badly enough that it didn't look legit. The rest of the time, saying I want foot models over the age of 18 for a fetish shoot has done me just fine.

I often suggest Backpage to people, as there's a section where escorts advertise. I honestly don't know how many of them would want to model for a tickling clip, but if your CL posts don't get past the Gest-Ha-Ha-Po, it's worth a shot.

If you plan on using friends (plus: they usually work cheap and/or free), be prepared for a lot of "only if I don't have to show my face!". Even in the land of Fruits and Nuts, I hear this.

The reason you can't automatically download in various formats/sizes is because the file you download from C4S is the same one the producer uploads. If they were to offer each clip in 3 or 4 formats I would have to render and upload each one of them, and then there's more chance that there'll be a bug in one and it has to be done again etc...I'd never get around to releasing anything. I wouldn't be happy for C4S to automatically re-encode my clips into different formats as I'd have no control over the quality - they'd probably end up as the same crappy quality you find on tube sites!

Although, truth be told, I have no idea how good of a quality they do it in, KinkBomb does offer the ability to transcode your clips to different formats and resolutions for you. KinkBomb is honestly just better than C4S in every way, to be honest; interface, studio tools, site maintenance... and, most importantly, the ability to offer discounts and coupons. I'd totally encourage everyone to use it, except... getting people to buy clips from KB is like pulling teeth. On a chicken. With a chopstick. I've had a KB studio for over two years and I finally made enough money from them to get paid two months ago. Sales, lower prices, discounts... nothing. People just go right back to C4S every time.

Too bad c4S has this monopoly, service is fair but I can't say there are a lot of innovations due to the lack of concurence.

Pretty much. They've updated their site, what... twice in the last three years? Support's been stellar, but there's been a "Coming Soon" tag on the "Advertise" button in my control panel since 2013.

That's something else you'll need to learn, how not to be ashamed and humiliated over what you're doing. Having it hanging in the back of you're mind you're making "weird videos" and asking models to do "weird things" is a guaranteed way to have nothing but constant failure. Sometimes it requires even being as clinical and blunt as possible, letting a model know this is the most routine thing for you to do is going to do a lot to convince her you're on the level, and not going to start jerking off on her feet the second she's strapped to something.

I was gonna say this too, so you know it's good advice. The part Eagle left off is, get comfortable doing what you do in front of a third party. It hasn't happened to me often, but occasionally a model will bring a chaperone with her and you can't get all awkward that some guy is basically sitting there watching you tickle his wife/girlfriend/BFF/whatever. And don't just outright ignore the guy, either; be sociable and everyone will be comfortable. Heck, I just worked with MyasPlayground (Instagram foot model) yesterday and lo, the guy she brought with her is One of Us. We spent the "take five" time talking about other models we like and videos we've bought in the past while Mya toweled off.

 

[tickletherapist]

They've updated their site, what... twice in the last three years? Support's been stellar, but there's been a "Coming Soon" tag on the "Advertise" button in my control panel since 2013.

And it would be better if they haven't.
With some of the latest updates I have two new problems:
1) when you open the store from the Tickling Category page of C4S you don't see the title text and images of your store.
2) when you open the direct clip link you are no longer moved to the related page of the store but a pop-up frame of the clip appears and of course they made it that if you have a hyperlink in the description, the link no longer works.

 

[a7hgsir4h3jk]

Can I just bump this thread? Pro tips are good.

I kind of already have a domain name in mind...

 

[Comfort Eagle]

Can I just bump this thread? Pro tips are good.

I kind of already have a domain name in mind...

Do you have specific questions?

 

[kingmaker]

What are you people doing with sound recording ?

 

[a7hgsir4h3jk]

Do you have specific questions?

What are a few starting tips for a person with zero money? Especially when the content they intend to produce is unlikely to make a profit.

 

[Comfort Eagle]

What are a few starting tips for a person with zero money? Especially when the content they intend to produce is unlikely to make a profit.

Use anything available to you now. No good recording equipment? Use a phone. No lighting? Use bendy Ikea lamps. The fun is in making something, not having something to sell. These potato quality clips were my first "real" shoots and were done on a Handycam and no lights other than motel lamps, and I love them and am happy I made them.

Most of the big guys are either actual photographers on the side and thus already have great equipment on hand, or make so much with clip sales they can upgrade easily. The rest of us make do with what we have, so just go in with the idea you want to make some sweet amateur clips, and that yes, you probably will not make anything while doing this for a long time, if ever.

Think of them more as digital fetishy trophies instead of products to be sold, and proceed from there.

 

[Utterson]

I really hope more studios will pop up from this, seeing some good advice here.

Not that I'm tempted to start one up myself, buuuuut....

 

[ticklishdanny]

Any other programmers on here? Making a website for tickling content sounds like an awesome side project! I mean if a producer isn't tech savy what do you usually do to get your content online? What about those that are and write the source code for their sites themselves?