GETTING STARTED · INDEPENDENT
One federal form you've never heard of. One violation you can't afford.
Getting started as an independent producer.
2257 records, model releases, copyright registration, LLC basics, and how to structure before you shoot.
Independent production comes with federal compliance requirements most creators don't know exist.
18 U.S.C. § 2257 requires anyone who produces sexually explicit content to maintain age verification records for every performer. This is a federal requirement. It applies to independent producers, not just studios. Getting this wrong has serious consequences.
BEFORE YOU SHOOT
The questions to answer before you shoot.
What are my 2257 record-keeping obligations and how do I meet them?
What needs to be in a model release and what makes one enforceable?
How do I register copyright on my content and what does it cost?
Do I need a DMCA agent and how do I appoint one?
What business structure should I use as an independent producer?
What contracts do I need before I shoot with anyone?
What are my tax obligations as a producer?
GUIDE · $10
DMCA Field Guide
Register a DMCA agent and protect every piece of content you produce.
This guide provides general legal and tax information only. It does not constitute legal or tax advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by purchasing this guide. Consult a licensed attorney and CPA for advice specific to your situation.
Get this guide →GUIDE · $37
The Adult Creator Business Setup Kit
LLC, EIN, contracts, and compliance structure for independent producers.
This guide provides general legal and tax information only. It does not constitute legal or tax advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by purchasing this guide. Consult a licensed attorney and CPA for advice specific to your situation.
Get this guide →Legal Disclaimer
Siren System provides legal information, not legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by using this site or purchasing a guide. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Nothing on this site or in any guide constitutes legal, tax, or financial advice. Tax content is general information only — consult a CPA or enrolled agent for advice specific to your situation. Consult a licensed attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.