YNOT – Shane’s World, one of the first adult companies to popularize pro-am porn, has been acquired by Homegrown Video, known for 30 years as a pioneer in amateur adult content. The deal incorporates all websites in the Shane’s World network, including ShanesWorld.com, CollegeInvasion.com and CollegeInvasionMale.com.
Shane’s World “set the standard by which others are judged and have created an indelible brand,” said Homegrown Video co-owner Farrell Timlake. “We are so honored to work with them and genuinely impressed by how well their sites convert.”
In a joint statement released by the two companies, Shane’s World President Megan Stokes said a number of factors played into her decision to sell the company, including Homegrown’s reputation as a pioneer in the amateur content niche and its “analytically driven approach to marketing.” She indicated she feels comfortable Homegrown will treat Shane’s World’s fans well.
“Homegrown has unbelievable customer service and knows how to engage and retain members,” Stokes said. “Our fans are incredibly loyal, so this turned out to be an ideal fit for us.”
Founded in 1996 by Seymour Butts’ ex-girlfriend, the eponymous Shane, Shane’s World has remained true to its initial concept: adult performers filming hardcore sex with fans, often in exotic locations. Shane starred in most videos on the site until 1999, when she married and left the adult industry. Four years after Shane sold the company, the website generated a nationwide hullaballoo when it released a sex video reportedly shot on the campus of Indiana University. College Invasion spawned a mainstream media frenzy, threats of a lawsuit and criticism that the company exploited drunken students. Shane’s World reveled in the controversy, turned a single video into a series incorporating more universities and launched the College Invasion website. In 2007, the company launched a similar gay series and a corresponding website.
Homegrown video, established by swinger Greg Swaim in 1982, is thought to be the first adult entertainment company to solicit homemade porn expressly for the purpose of distributing the material on DVD. Adult Video News called the first title, Homegrown Video #1, “one of the 50 most influential adult video titles ever released.” Swaim sold the company to brothers Farrell and Moffett Timlake in 1993, and since then the company’s catalog of explicit amateur videos has surpassed 800 titles, making it the longest-running porn series in history.
Prior to acquiring Homegrown, Farrell Timlake performed in adult movies under the name Tim Lake. In 2009, Tim Lake was inducted into the AVN Hall of Fame.
