Penthouse spokesperson Cory Hill told XBiz that the choice to begin in Los Angeles was based on a strategy to maximize the company's West Coast contacts and then move the scout east to New York and Miami by the first quarter of 2005.
The criteria for perspective candidates, Hill said, is that the girls be beautiful and between the ages of 18 and 25, with proper identification to prove their age. No prior experience is needed, just an interest in being a part of Penthouse's video and print ventures.
After emerging from bankruptcy recently, Penthouse is now under the management of Marc Bell Capital Partners of Boca Raton, Fl.
Bell and co-CEO Dan Staton have no experience in adult entertainment, but according to Hill, their intention is to revive the flagging Penthouse image through ramping up the magazine and launching a new high-definition adult video line through Penthouse Media Group subsidiary Penthouse Films. Video content will be both hardcore and softcore, Hill said.
The new video line will be distributed through satellite, cable television, retail DVDs and video-on-demand.
"It's a fantastic brand name and that's why we're involved in the company," Hill said. "Our goal is to be the highest quality video provider in the adult space."
The Penthouse model scout will be held at the Holiday Inn in Woodland Hills. Candidates must have one form of government-issued picture identification and another supporting piece of picture identification. Agencies are encouraged to call ahead for an appointment.
Models will be considered for the new video line, Penthouse pictorials and Penthouse Pet of the Month spots.
The Penthouse talent search hotline number is: 212-702-6060.