ripleymonroe 794 Report post Posted August 23, 2011 Hey everyone, As some of you know, I'm just starting out in the porn industry as a director, producer and distributor. I'm creating a new porn production company in Ottawa this fall (I know, crazy eh?). A friend of mine recommended that I join this forum so I could connect with others in the industry, whether it be other porn industry professionals, escorts, dancers, sex workers, etc. Thing is, it's been a pretty isolating experience so far. I've been learning a lot from reading the threads here.. there's so much stuff I can relate to! I'd love to get some feedback or advice from women here about how you manage your professions while keeping it secretive from some people... that's been a big struggle for me. I'd also love to know if you have any connections to the porn industry here (does it even exist?). Someone has recommended that I check out POWER as a possible association to get involved with. Are there any other sex industry-related associations in Ottawa? The other reason why I'm asking to connect is because I'd like to donate a part of my profits to associations or causes that directly affect all sex workers - whether it be for legal funds or social & educational programs. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. (By the way, some dancers/escorts have expressed an interest in working for me, but if that's the case, please message me privately and not in this thread so it doesn't go off topic. Thanks!) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Bri*****e Da**** Report post Posted August 23, 2011 I don't have any experience with these associations, I've simply heard of them, but hopefully they'll be of some help to you: SPOC (Sex Professionals of Canada), the Adult Entertainment Association of Canada, Exotic Dancers Alliance, and The Sex Workers Alliance of Vancouver. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waterat 20911 Report post Posted August 23, 2011 From what I've read POWER would be an excellent resource for you. Given that they are working at educating the public via legal initiatives and also supporting social research to porvide an accurate picture of the sex industry they are well positioned to bring positive change to a very miss-understood business. J Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Megan'sTouch 23875 Report post Posted August 23, 2011 the Adult Entertainment Association of Canada NOOOOOO!!!!! These guys are not supportive of sex workers at all!!! If you are interested in political activism and public education, POWER is a great group in Ottawa! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ripleymonroe 794 Report post Posted August 23, 2011 Thanks for the replies! In regards to the Adult Entertainment Association of Canada, I looked them up and it looks like they're an organization that helps create regulations for strip clubs? Not sure, but I saw their name on a strip club website. Anyway, their site is outdated and isn't very helpful. I love the idea of POWER but they too have outdated info on their website. I contacted them on what appears to be an old Facebook group and got info for their mailing list... and subscribed. Other than that, what do they do? Are there monthly meetings so people can meet up and get to know each other and work towards common causes? Are there any other social events for people in this industry? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Megan'sTouch 23875 Report post Posted August 23, 2011 I love the idea of POWER but they too have outdated info on their website. I contacted them on what appears to be an old Facebook group and got info for their mailing list... and subscribed. Other than that, what do they do? Are there monthly meetings so people can meet up and get to know each other and work towards common causes? Are there any other social events for people in this industry? POWER holds meetings roughly bi-weekly. Some are open to all members, and some are closed board meetings. Meetings open to the public and always publicized on the mailing list. POWER holds various events throughout the year. We will be marching in the Dyke March and at Pride this year. We hold monthly socials that are sex-worker-only. Feel free to PM me for more information. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waterat 20911 Report post Posted August 23, 2011 Power hosted a letter signing campaign in Ottawa (Jan. or Feb.?) which addressed the (then) and still upcoming Himel case. They provided links to a few academic papers addressing issues and (miss-) perceptions of the sex industr. The papers were thoughful, considered and relevant as well as being very believable for Joe public. I'm sure Megan will be able to provide much better intell. than me! J Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ripleymonroe 794 Report post Posted August 23, 2011 Yes, I checked out those papers - definitely a good resource! :) It's nice to know that something exists in Ottawa. I'll be establishing the production company here but if it becomes too burdensome to try to organize shoots or find cast/crew, I may make a move to a larger centre. Either way, I want to get involved politically too because there are a lot of myths about sex work that need to be dispelled and I think we need to make it easier for people like myself to just be able to "be" without people passing judgment. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gntlmn 796 Report post Posted August 25, 2011 Since there is supposed to be a burgeoning but modest "legit" movie industry now in Ottawa I would think finding crew may not be an issue for the "a job is a job" types. And it would seem casting should get easier as time goes on, too, since you've already made contact with some potentials. Always fun to see people/locales you recognize in a porno. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VedaSloan 119179 Report post Posted September 1, 2011 POWER hosts lots of events, including a monthly sex-worker only social. I know how isolating it can be to move to a new city and work in an industry that doesn't exactly have a workplace for the most part--making it hard to meet colleagues and other like-minded folks. Sadly, I can't offer you any advice on how to manage your business while keeping it secret--I'm out to everyone I know and don't keep what I do for a living secret. Feel free to PM me if you want to grab coffe and chat sometime. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
