(PORN VALLEY, CA) — I read on The Hardcore Source yesterday about Metro signing Ann Marie. To read that story click here. Then later in the day I got a press release from Elegant Angel, one that seemed a little defensive and pointed fingers at AnnMarie, implying that she lied to get out of her contract with their company.
Regardless of what really went down, there always seems to be a controversy surrounding contract girls. Movie companies claim they got screwed over, talent says they got taken advantage of. In many cases, talent enters into these agreements, not realizing that they DID make a commitment and even though partially into it, deciding they’re not happy, it is their responsibility to fulfill the agreement.

But, what about when agreements break down? When movie companies don’t deliver what they promise? Is that a breach and a reasonable exit for the talent? That all depends on how the contract is written, and many contracts from movie companies lock talent out of options. But talent isn’t forced to sign them either.

What about when companies bounce pay checks? It’s rumored that Extreme and even Metro has had their issues with rubber checks. Does that classify as a breach and allow the talent to run?

Steve Seidman of AdultStarsNews.Com and BunnyRanch.Net, gives his insight:

“Contracts are usually a good thing for girls. They give the girl a little security. In many cases as a result, it also gets them on the dance circuit, doing feature sets and making extra money.

The negatives are, the girl is locked in and the limited money can cut into your potential income. A non-contract girl who works her tail off can make $100 to $150k a year. A contract girl makes $60-$70k a year, maximum as a salary, but can make more elsewhere.

Big company contracts are good because the girls will get Feature Film spots, box covers and great promotion. There’s also a lot of side money in appearances and really good exposure, building their name.

Look at Carmen Luvana. A contract made her.”

But what about companies who don’t deliver all their promises? There’s been many rumors lately about Patrick Collins of Elegant Angel. Some girls allege that he’s changed and become a different leader, deliberating over contracts while still using the talent, until he decides to not sign them in the end. Others have said he has gone back on promises of certain incomes and guarantees, even claiming he never made certain offers. Seeing many of his big stars leave in the last 6 months may bring credibility to those comments. Or, is it another case of talent walking away for a better offer, pushing the blame on the well known company?

That is the problem with some of the talent in the industry. In many respects, some talent will lose their loyalty to a company when they think they can get a better deal somewhere else. Instant cash. Talent likes instant cash and many performers won’t grow with a company that has potential, instead they run to who’s hot now. And when that hot company starts to dip, they move on to the next hot spot.

All in all, I believe a contract is probably the best way to go. Working in mainstream radio for years is not that far off then working in the adult world. It’s better to be protected. And the contracts are not out there just to protect the company. They exist to protect the talent as well. Talent must review them carefully, probably with an attorney, before signing. Then if things start to fail, they have recourse. A contract should protect both parties. It may be in your own interests, to write your own contract as talent. You may pay a few bucks in legal fees, but you’ll be able to feel secure that an attorney is looking out for you, not the company.