Japan’s adult filming industry is significant, at least according to The Economist, a British publication. They make around 4,500 videos every month, amassing 55 billion yen (which is about 60 billion Kenyan shillings) each year.
About 10,000 people work in this sector. Although it’s not as big as it used to be in the early 2010s, it’s still a major export, even to countries like South Korea where making and selling adult films is against the rules.
In Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, they once put pictures of a famous Japanese adult filming star on metro cards.
While piracy continues to bedevil the already-struggling video business, industry insiders are still upbeat, and the sector is estimated to make roughly $14 billion per year in revenues.
Adult Filming Industry in Japan
Notably, runaway success of films like “Fifty Shades of Grey,” has made major mainstream platforms like Hollywood and Bollywood more curious and open to the industry.
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Talking about money in the adult entertainment industry is like entering a mysterious realm.
However, people think it’s a multibillion-dollar business, but there’s no substantial proof to support that claim.
Companies often exaggerate their earnings when talking to the public and might downplay them when it suits them.
In addition, the same goes for the performers in the industry—they might not always give accurate information about their earnings.
Worth noting, adult filming involves more than just on-screen performers. Although the production values may not match Hollywood standards, various roles need to be filled.
Creatives Pay According to Statistics
Directors in the adult film industry are hands-on, handling tasks such as securing locations, managing lighting, and even serving as the cameraperson.
Directors typically earn $1,000-$1,500 per day, and in some cases, when they take on additional responsibilities, this can go up to $3,000.
Writers earn $250-$400 per day, camerapersons (when not the director) can make $500-$700 per day, and sound technicians may earn $300-$400 per day.
Production assistants receive $100 to $250 for their work. Still photographers, a part of virtually all film shoots, earn $500 per day.
Makeup artists can earn $500 for a full day on set, or they opt for a shorter “come and go” arrangement, charging $100 to $150 per person.
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Beyond the film shoots, performers can diversify their income through feature dancing, product endorsements, and other avenues.
Feature dancing, especially for those with a substantial fan base, can be lucrative, with performers earning appearance fees, tips, and merchandise sales, sometimes totaling $7,000 to $10,000 per appearance.
Film Makers Ways in the Industry
Affiliating with adult novelties can also bring in income, either through a base payout or a percentage of product sales.
A performer’s earnings depend on factors like work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, popularity, and longevity.
The adult entertainment industry sees a high turnover, with many performers quitting after a short time.
However, those who choose to make it a long-term career tend to have the greatest financial success.
For an industry that’s striving for some mainstream acceptance, the money that’s hidden in there is worth chasing after.
