How do tickling video producers recruit models these days?

[The Last Laugh]

So...I went back and found some old tracking spreadsheets and the numbers were actually a little tamer than we used to tell ourselves.

The first LOL store was open from the summer of 2007 to the summer of 2010, and we made about $30k over all that time, for an average of around $800-$850 per month. By the end I think we had maybe 50 clips for sale on the site. But of course monthly revenue was highly variable based on the timing and popularity of shoots. The most we ever made in a month back then was almost $6k, and the least (fairly often) was less than $100. I remember our biggest month was after we shot Rhi's clip in the tickle chair, which went way up on the C4S rankings and stayed there a while. Between the nylon and barefoot versions of that clip, she eventually made $4-5k, which came at a time when she really needed it.

Rhi, Dianna, and H&K were our blockbuster models back then and did a lot to drive the overall averages higher. Some models' clips never returned more than the up-front payment.

Then M came along years later and moved the bar higher. We reopened the store a couple of times in the last 5 years with her, Ava, Ana, Paige, and a few others as well as some "classic" re-releases. I didn't keep records as carefully with the later stores, but they probably averaged over $1000 per month. That was largely driven by M's clips, which were ~30-60 minutes long and selling like crazy at the top of the C4S charts for their default $1/minute price.

Between the friend recruiting network, our presence here on TMF, and my Fetlife account, over the years I've followed through on maybe half a dozen inquiries to do paid private session work. There's also been a fair amount of unpaid private stuff among friends, just for kicks, but that's not what you're asking about. On the revenue generating front, I've sessioned with couples into cuckolding (I've also done that for free; hi Jules), individuals into BDSM, and folks who wanted their own private videos. It's not a huge source of revenue...I'd usually charge just a nominal fee as almost a psychological mechanism if whoever was on the receiving end wanted it to feel transactional. For instance, that's what I'll do with Lisa the Passion Party hostess (who I met at a private event in October and is now offering my "services" as part of her pitch to certain clients - there's more on that at the "Retired Exec Tickle Session" story link under the True Story Anthology in my sig).

There's one exception which is what makes me think of paid private work as a source of more than nominal revenue, and that's a particular couple who were on the wealthier side and paid generously for a handful of private video sessions as well as full access to my LOL library.

I've always just assumed that the bigger stores made far more than we did. I know fans liked our stuff since we shot with "normal", fun, but still mostly vanilla ladies and not tickle models, and as a rigger my angle on the kink is to be fairly particular about bondage (I like them comfortable but almost completely immobile -- not interested in untied or even hands-free stuff), so maybe that counts toward our success.

Anyway, best of luck to you! I love your stuff for a lot of the same reasons I just described, and I'd love to see you producing again.

-Q.

Despite the fluctuating sales it sounds like, overall, your store has been quite the successful enterprise. Certainly more so than the average producer, I'd say. You're clearly passionate about what you do, and I'm sure it works wonders for making your videos appealing to your clientele.

My most profitable month by far got me about $4000 Canadian (about $3000 USD based on today's exchange rate). That happened right after I moved from only offering physical videos (VHS at the time) to opening my C4S store with the content of my first 6 series. My revenue dropped by half the next month and got progressively lower, which is to be expected. I think my best period for sales overall was around 2007. I regularly made around $1200-$1500 CAD per month for a while. Too bad it didn't last. But despite the numbers being less impressive nowadays, I can't really complain about the extra income. I mean, I haven't released anything these last few years and I still make a least a few hundred dollars a month.

You seem to be a lot more involved in the fetish community than I am. I can only assume that it's very useful for building a network of people interested in collaborating with you, either for paying shoots or just for fun. Can't say I'm not a tad envious. But I am glad that you find so much enjoyment in doing it. I must admit that, in the years after I started The Last Laugh, it gradually started feeling more like a second job than a fun hobby. It can still be satisfying in some ways, but it's simply not what it used to be.

Ah, that makes sense about how some of your private sessions actually made money. It didn't occur to me because it's never happened to me. I vaguely recall a couple of people asking me about something similar a long time ago. Like doing a shoot with a significant other as a souvenir of sorts. But it didn't lead anywhere. As for commercial shoots, I only rarely have people contact me out of the blue about doing shoots, whether they're models themselves or know someone they think would be interested (like a girlfriend, for instance). But again, those never result in anything. I can't help but wonder if some of them aren't really serious and are just getting a kick out of getting in touch with me, for some reason.

I also hope I'll eventually start releasing new videos. That's the plan, anyway. I just have to stop procrastinating and get back to work. I don't even really need to hire new models, as I already have a fairly large volume of unreleased footage that I've accumulated over the years.

 

[quinn65]

I'm not heavily into the fetish community IRL; I think I've just been on the edges long enough to run across a lot of people who are privately curious about it but could never see themselves taking part. Think of the millions of women who read Fifty Shades of Grey as a guilty pleasure. If they hear about what I do, I suspect (and I've been told) it sounds safe and fun but still edgy, and they can talk themselves into harmlessly giving it a try.

To bring that back around to your question, even if it feels a little awkward, you might have better luck than you think just talking it out honestly with friends or acquaintances or even as an excuse to reach out to past models. If you don't want to ask them to be in the videos, just ask them to partner. Without dancing around the fact that it's fetish work, emphasize that it's safe and edgily fun.

I fully agree that editing sucks, especially if you're particular about it. Every minute of material I produced probably had five minutes of editing behind it. Glad to hear you have material in the pipeline though; I'm anxious to see it someday.

 

[The Last Laugh]

I'm not heavily into the fetish community IRL; I think I've just been on the edges long enough to run across a lot of people who are privately curious about it but could never see themselves taking part. Think of the millions of women who read Fifty Shades of Grey as a guilty pleasure. If they hear about what I do, I suspect (and I've been told) it sounds safe and fun but still edgy, and they can talk themselves into harmlessly giving it a try.

To bring that back around to your question, even if it feels a little awkward, you might have better luck than you think just talking it out honestly with friends or acquaintances or even as an excuse to reach out to past models. If you don't want to ask them to be in the videos, just ask them to partner. Without dancing around the fact that it's fetish work, emphasize that it's safe and edgily fun.

I fully agree that editing sucks, especially if you're particular about it. Every minute of material I produced probably had five minutes of editing behind it. Glad to hear you have material in the pipeline though; I'm anxious to see it someday.

Oh, I'm sorry. I was under the impression that you were more directly involved in the community, like a regular participant in fetish events and the like. I mean, you seem to know a lot of people that are either into the scene or are at least are curious about it. I guess it's more a matter of you being a fairly social person who has an easy time making contacts and communicating what you do. Still a great situation.

I don't actively hide my video business from people I know. In fact, some of my acquaintances are well aware of it, including a few family members. I just don't openly advertize it most of the time. I'm not aware of any who would be interested in either participating or referring models to me. And like I mentioned before, my social circle is very small. To give you an idea, I have one very close friend whom I meet up with once every week or so, and that's pretty much it for my regular contacts with friends and acquaintances. I've also been out of a job for a while now, and I don't go out much. So I'm afraid I don't have much to work with. It's my own fault, of course, but it's how it is. I do appreciate the advice, though.

Heheh, the Fifty Shades of Grey reference is relevant but pretty amusing. Though I wish more people understood that the real bdsm world has very little to do with what happens in those books. Not just because the content is pretty tame, but also because most real bdsm people are horrifed at the awful message of those books and the appalling behavior of the title character. Not sexy at all.

I enjoy the anticipation of getting to know and working with models. I like the social side of things, as well as being in charge of my own personal project. I also appreciate the positive feedback I get from people who enjoy my work. But most of what comes in between isn't always great. The shoots themselves should be a highlight, and they can be. But not always. I often worry about whether the models will be ticklish and reactive enough, how they're feeling (especially considering most are basically strangers to me), and I'm usually too focused on making sure I'm getting half-decent footage to really enjoy what's going on. I sometimes actually find the whole thing kind of stressful. It's really not the same as a casual session just for fun. After that, I dislike most parts of the post-shoot process. Editing, creating promotional material (samples and descriptions), uploading all that stuff to my store, etc... What a pain in the ass.

Now, taking all this into consideration, one might very well wonder why I don't just give up. Like I said, it's mostly the social aspect of it and how gratifying it can be to get a positive reception. That and the extra income, of course.

 

[quinn65]

Fifty Shades is to BDSM what one of those big three wheeled trikes is to motorcycling...like going through the motions without working at it or taking the risks.

But if its popularity is any indication of interest or curiosity, it bodes well for the notion that more normies might be willing to experiment, given the chance. And imo tickling is perfect for that.

 

[The Last Laugh]

Fifty Shades is to BDSM what one of those big three wheeled trikes is to motorcycling...like going through the motions without working at it or taking the risks.

But if its popularity is any indication of interest or curiosity, it bodes well for the notion that more normies might be willing to experiment, given the chance. And imo tickling is perfect for that.

Fair point. It may be helpful for making people aware of the whole phenomenon and, hopefully, lead to something better and much healthier.

 

[Boba_Fettish]

He’s actually right.

I KNOW people ‘use it’ for that - im not ignorant. But, ive talked to an amazing amount of people (both male and female) who actually dont. One model ive worked with a few times actually buys her own clips (though I told her I’d give them to her free?) to cheer herself up when she hears herself laugh. Others are just cheered up by watching people laugh and have fun.

So it isn’t necessarily whack off material. But I get where youre coming from. I never would have imagined otherwise at one point.

Anyway.

Yes you have to go to social media. Thats where everyone is. Forget Model Mayhem, complete waste of time and it charges you for said waste of time. Forget approaching someone at random. Without any insults intended thats just creepy. Imagine someone approaching your daughter asking to tie her up and tickle her. The Craigslist killer ended gig listings. Forget that. Don’t waste time on sexy jobs, also a complete waste of money (they charge males an asinine amount to join there, free for girls) and ads on campus are a horrible idea now. I was once told way back from a bondage producer it’s how he did it but one can only imagine how that would be received now in a hyper sensitive culture. Not saying you shouldn’t be careful, but it’s a terrible idea.

People get pissy about ‘pro models’ being in vids but the fact is it’s literally what they do. Yes, some will fake it/offer to fake it and some studios will hire for that. I personally won’t because that isn’t my brand.

As someone else said, fire off a polite and professional message and if they say no DONT get pissed off. Getting mad isn’t going to coerce them into wanting to work with you, and worse, it’ll get passed around. On the flip side, you WILL get models with attitudes if theyre listed as a ‘domme’ and take themselves too seriously. I’ve only had it happen twice but when you reach out its bound to happen (cant please everyone all the time, after all) and both of them were well known (i found out afterward) for not being able to separate their ‘real’ life from their online persona, and somehow conflated domme with ‘asshole’. The two aren’t the same but thats a different conversation.

In short: it’s social media or nothing usually.

I have had a few reach out to me via DM on the social sites Im involved with, because they want what I do. Some just wanted session which I don’t do, but I always offer modeling opportunities where they can conceal their identity. Amecia and Connie are two who come to mind. Fae was also a social media contact who reached out and wanted this done to her, as is a girl in Feb who goes by Aries. The ones who contact you by and large ghost and I can only assume like the fantasy then get cold feet. I’d prefer they were honest but it is what it is.

 

[tmac]

A great thread. I find myself wondering the same thing Last Laugh has brought up. I haven't created any content in years, mainly due to the fact that it was becoming more challenging to find the fresh face girl next door types in the 18-23 range. Back in the day it was pretty easy. Now, most are bringing in the money with social media, OnlyFans, etc. Sure, I could find some experienced pro model who is older, expensive, and done a 100 videos. I could also find some girl on social media who runs her own sites/content. However, there was something special about finding a model (Layla, Ashton, Chassy, Wesley, etc.) no one had seen before and didn't have content all over the web.

Now I'm going back and remastering the old classics and giving the videos a new edit. The girls look better than ever and aren't known to the new generation.


LiB Productions
http://laughterisbeautiful.org

 

[The Last Laugh]

A great thread. I find myself wondering the same thing Last Laugh has brought up. I haven't created any content in years, mainly due to the fact that it was becoming more challenging to find the fresh face girl next door types in the 18-23 range. Back in the day it was pretty easy. Now, most are bringing in the money with social media, OnlyFans, etc. Sure, I could find some experienced pro model who is older, expensive, and done a 100 videos. I could also find some girl on social media who runs her own sites/content. However, there was something special about finding a model (Layla, Ashton, Chassy, Wesley, etc.) no one had seen before and didn't have content all over the web.

100% agree. I understand that social media is how it's usually done nowadays. But while the models hired that way can be just fine, I do miss the days when I could find candidates who had never done any fetish work before, or even any modeling. I mean, like I explained in my original message, a long time ago I could put ads on campus billboards. Using that method I was fairly successful at hiring college students interested in making a few bucks and/or trying something new, if only as a one-shot. It was awesome. No way that would fly nowadays, and that's a real shame.

I do realize that even experienced models can tone down their looks, drop the pro attitude, and basically be perfectly suitable for the type of videos I prefer to make. But somehow they don't quite have the same charm the models I used to work with did.

 

[johnhrt374]

Yes, I can understand how one can target members that clearly do modeling work, including fetish stuff, to increase the odds that they'll be interested. That's a perfectly valid strategy. But historically I've always preferred working with people that have little or no experience with fetish work, or possibly even modeling.

 

[The Last Laugh]

Yes, I can understand how one can target members that clearly do modeling work, including fetish stuff, to increase the odds that they'll be interested. That's a perfectly valid strategy. But historically I've always preferred working with people that have little or no experience with fetish work, or possibly even modeling.

This is a weird post. It's nearly word for word taken from one of my previous posts in this thread, except for the "Yes" at the beginning. I don't understand its purpose. It's a first post from a new account that was just created, too. Bot, or something else that I'm just not getting?

 

[blargblarg]

Just seen there is a new series! That is awesome

 

[kingmaker]

Recruiting Girls next door has always been hard and it is only getting harder because the younger generations are well aware that you can't really hide from Internet.

But yeah I still think it's possible, and when people past 30 years old they understand they will never be a star and are easier to work with 🙂

If Anything, the Last laugh is a studio that should be teaching us lessons, it's a massive production and even if the model yield is lower, it's ok, just make less clip but keep same quality.

Also you can share models with Dreamgirlsinsocks (you already had 2 in common). I can introduce you two

 

[Elyos]

100% agree. I understand that social media is how it's usually done nowadays. But while the models hired that way can be just fine, I do miss the days when I could find candidates who had never done any fetish work before, or even any modeling. I mean, like I explained in my original message, a long time ago I could put ads on campus billboards. Using that method I was fairly successful at hiring college students interested in making a few bucks and/or trying something new, if only as a one-shot. It was awesome. No way that would fly nowadays, and that's a real shame.

I do realize that even experienced models can tone down their looks, drop the pro attitude, and basically be perfectly suitable for the type of videos I prefer to make. But somehow they don't quite have the same charm the models I used to work with did.

According to your experience, what's the best professional studio in Europe right now? I am interested in getting into this industry as a model. I was recommended to look into it by a few people who know what they talk about. Just curious for now, but who knows... 🙂

 

[The Last Laugh]

Recruiting Girls next door has always been hard and it is only getting harder because the younger generations are well aware that you can't really hide from Internet.

But yeah I still think it's possible, and when people past 30 years old they understand they will never be a star and are easier to work with 🙂

If Anything, the Last laugh is a studio that should be teaching us lessons, it's a massive production and even if the model yield is lower, it's ok, just make less clip but keep same quality.

Also you can share models with Dreamgirlsinsocks (you already had 2 in common). I can introduce you two

Thank you for the compliment. It's always nice to get positive feedback from people who enjoy my work. I can't say that I'm personally thrilled about the quality of my own videos, at least in terms of production values, as they're clearly lacking in that department compared to the work of many other producers. But I do understand that some people appreciate the content itself, despite the technical flaws, and I'm very grateful for that.

That's kind of you to offer, but even if Dreamgirlsinsocks and myself were interested in collaborating in that way I don't think it would be technically possible. I may be wrong, but I'm guessing we don't live anywhere near each other. The two models we've both worked with probably either moved or were traveling for some reason. It wouldn't be possible for the vast majority of the models. I can't afford to pay for travel expenses, so I'm basically limited to working with models that either live in Montreal or that just happen to be visiting the city on other business.

 

[The Last Laugh]

According to your experience, what's the best professional studio in Europe right now? I am interested in getting into this industry as a model. I was recommended to look into it by a few people who know what they talk about. Just curious for now, but who knows... 🙂

If you're asking me specifically I'm sorry to say that I've been mostly of out of touch with the community for many years. I don't know the currently active producers very well anymore. But I'm sure other people can guide you.

 

[Elyos]

If you're asking me specifically I'm sorry to say that I've been mostly of out of touch with the community for many years. I don't know the currently active producers very well anymore. But I'm sure other people can guide you.

Thank you for your answer. It's not easy to navigate through who's really good to work with, and who's "not so good to work with" and should be avoided 😀 But I am slowly getting into it. 👍

 

[Jezebel Lee]

According to your experience, what's the best professional studio in Europe right now? I am interested in getting into this industry as a model. I was recommended to look into it by a few people who know what they talk about. Just curious for now, but who knows... 🙂

For anyone, I would recommend starting your own video page first, because then it’s easier to show what you can bring to the table.

If you’re male, it’s probably most efficient to reach out to M/M producers, although I’m not sure which ones are in Europe.

 

[Elyos]

For anyone, I would recommend starting your own video page first, because then it’s easier to show what you can bring to the table.

If you’re male, it’s probably most efficient to reach out to M/M producers, although I’m not sure which ones are in Europe.

Is it? I usually see F/M content having more viewers than M/M content. I guess it always depends more on the quality of the video itself, but from what I've observed so far, F/M seems to be more "trendy" overall.

 

[Jezebel Lee]

Is it? I usually see F/M content having more viewers than M/M content. I guess it always depends more on the quality of the video itself, but from what I've observed so far, F/M seems to be more "trendy" overall.

If you’re looking to be paid for the video and/or considered an actual “model”, yes. Pro dommes, camgirls etc. who produce F/M tickling videos constantly have men pestering them wanting to “help” them film. Heck, even I constantly get the same thing of guys looking to “model” or “help me film” and it’s super fucking annoying because they have no idea what actually goes into it. You have to provide ID. You have to sign a release form. There’s all these logistics to sort out, and a lot of us already have guys available close to us who are happy to get tickled on camera so we’re not really looking. It’s a case of supply and demand.

 

[Elyos]

If you’re looking to be paid for the video and/or considered an actual “model”, yes. Pro dommes, camgirls etc. who produce F/M tickling videos constantly have men pestering them wanting to “help” them film. Heck, even I constantly get the same thing of guys looking to “model” or “help me film” and it’s super fucking annoying because they have no idea what actually goes into it. You have to provide ID. You have to sign a release form. There’s all these logistics to sort out, and a lot of us already have guys available close to us who are happy to get tickled on camera so we’re not really looking. It’s a case of supply and demand.

Yes, I only want to work with professionals because:
1. I don't want to have to worry about weirdos
2. I aspire to become a model (paid one) in other niches as well (not only fetisch and NSFW content). It means I need to approach it in a "better safe than sorry" mantra.

I've seen half-serious offers and sites I just felt a bad vibe from straight away and thus didn't proceed with. I quess one cannot really be enough cautious in this case. Let's face it, being tied up and tickled isn't something one just agrees to on the spot. That's why I asked about professional studios that have the procedures you've mentioned above in place. Trust and professionalism is key – both ways. 🙂

Also, I am generally interested in the production & artistic aspect of it. Maximizing the pleasure for viewers. I know how much pleasure I get from watching a high-quality tickle video with skilled, genuine models. It would be fun to be able to provide that as well, and knowing that people do appreciate it and want more. I am not in a rush though, just having my eyes open and looking around. There's right time for everything.

 

[brotherted]

Here's an idea: Contact people who supply girls for bachelor parties in your area. I have a friend who has such a business. He recruits women wherever he goes for this kind of work -- which is essentially stripping, (some, not all of them, do more... of course). The point is, for whatever reason, these girls really do seem more fun, more girl-next-door-ish and more normie-ish than actual strippers you'd find in strip clubs. These bachelor party services always need lots of girls too, since most bachelor parties want multiple girls, and they tend to have lots of turnover -- in other words, if the services aren't recruiting new girls all the time, they disappear.

If you offered a bachelor party service owner a referral fee for every woman who agrees to a session, I think that could work well, as it's free money for them. I'm also sure the bachelor party performer girl demographic would get you a far higher "yes" percentage to a tickling session than most other casting approaches.

 

[The Last Laugh]

Here's an idea: Contact people who supply girls for bachelor parties in your area. I have a friend who has such a business. He recruits women wherever he goes for this kind of work -- which is essentially stripping, (some, not all of them, do more... of course). The point is, for whatever reason, these girls really do seem more fun, more girl-next-door-ish and more normie-ish than actual strippers you'd find in strip clubs. These bachelor party services always need lots of girls too, since most bachelor parties want multiple girls, and they tend to have lots of turnover -- in other words, if the services aren't recruiting new girls all the time, they disappear.

Interesting idea. I never thought of that option. Although I can't help but think their rates might be too high for my budget, even if my videos don't feature nudity or skimpy outfits. But maybe I'm wrong. In any case, I appreciate the suggestion.

 

[Strannixx]

Hi everyone,
I'm new to this, but I've always wondered what you tell your potential models? It was mentioned earlier that many people don’t even know what a fetish is, and such a proposal may sound strange and will scare off most potential candidates. I've seen before when models were invited to shoot supposedly for an “interactive app game”, or for a “research video blog”, and there was no mention of a fetish. In some cases, the ads were about a “joke advertising a tickling spa”. For people unfamiliar with our topic, this sounds very innocent and more attractive than a fetish video. Of course in this case the shooting takes place without bondage and even nudity.
Under what other pretext can you invite models to a shoot?

 

[Jezebel Lee]

Hi everyone,
I'm new to this, but I've always wondered what you tell your potential models? It was mentioned earlier that many people don’t even know what a fetish is, and such a proposal may sound strange and will scare off most potential candidates. I've seen before when models were invited to shoot supposedly for an “interactive app game”, or for a “research video blog”, and there was no mention of a fetish. In some cases, the ads were about a “joke advertising a tickling spa”. For people unfamiliar with our topic, this sounds very innocent and more attractive than a fetish video. Of course in this case the shooting takes place without bondage and even nudity.
Under what other pretext can you invite models to a shoot?

I mean… tricking people into starring in wank material, without them knowing exactly what they’re getting into, isn’t cool. Informed consent is key.

 

[The Last Laugh]

I've seen before when models were invited to shoot supposedly for an “interactive app game”, or for a “research video blog”, and there was no mention of a fetish. In some cases, the ads were about a “joke advertising a tickling spa”. For people unfamiliar with our topic, this sounds very innocent and more attractive than a fetish video. Of course in this case the shooting takes place without bondage and even nudity.
Under what other pretext can you invite models to a shoot?

Highly unethical, and quite frankly that's just begging for trouble. No one should ever recruit models that way. Transparency is essential.