The contract, which extends for five years and includes public appearances at events like this month’s Adult Novelty and Marketing Expo in Pasadena, Calif., is long compared to studio contracts, which usually last one or two years, but de rigeur for toy company partnerships.
“Considering that a new [co-branded] product might come out every six months, a five-year deal is a good length of time to develop name recognition of the brand and create a quality catalog of products,” Pipedream spokesperson Janie Lisziewski told XBiz. Lisziewski handled contracts for novelty manufacturer Topco Sales prior to becoming a publicist.
“I am ecstatic about the possibilities that the future may hold for Pipedream and SMP International,” Michaels said. Michaels has logged nearly two decades in the adult industry in front of and behind the camera, and is credited with being the first performer to start his own production company, SMP International.
Pipedream acquired Las Vegas Novelties earlier this year and re-signed LVNI contract stars Ron Jeremy, Jacklyn Lick and Michaels. Pipedream also will repackage existing LVNI stock in addition to developing new products, Lisziewski said.
Michaels will be branding a "Sean Reloaded" line of products, featuring high-tech, "Matrix"-reminiscent vibrators and cock rings. Michaels will also be "molded" for a anatomically-correct latex version of his member, and is considering launching a men's grooming line, a Pipedream representative told XBiz.
Pipedream was founded in 1973 as a smoking accessories company and diversified into adult products in 1989. The company also markets toys for Red Light District, Monica Sweetheart and Seymore Butts.