How does someone go about launching a porn site, like SeanCody, JakeCruise, ACM etc?
Before you start remember that these sites cashed in at the right time and are now established based on a devoted membership. It may be hard to get going in a market which is already so-very crowded.
But how do they find their models at first, before their site is well known?
It depends, they will either use models locally by advertising in newspapers and online. Local gay rags will sometimes carry ads for "models wanted" which is usually for some form of adult shoot. They may also use a talent agency, if you wanted someone well known you would need to contact their management. They may also get guys by simply approaching them on the street etc.
How much do models generally get paid?
Once again it depends. An unknown model would usually get their travel expenses and a fee of somewhere between $200-$500 but thats just an approx guideline. Well known names will set their own price.
What types of cameras and camera techniques are needed for video of similar quality to the popular sites?
All of the major gay porn sites (Corbin Fisher, Blake Mason etc) use multiple compact HD digital video camera such as the Sony HDR-FX7 (or similar). They nearly all also use additional lighting rigs and a set or somesort (a house, bedroom etc). Camera techniques would be hard to describe but a full body, half body and close up at the very minimum.
Do you need any kind of licenses or permits to start that sort of "business?"
You would need to keep a record of all the models, and proof of their age (some form of ID) so that you can legally declare all performers are legal to perform. You don't wanna get into hot water with this issue!
Does anybody have any answers or know good resources and contact info for the popular site runners?
You will find that the people who run the well established sites are incredibly brutal about their competition. If you're looking for help from inside the industry I am pretty sure you would find it hard to get any advice from any of the big sites. The smaller ones perhaps.
Think hard before you go into this. There is a lot of hard work involved both in creating and maintaining a successful adult website
