Can I make him a porn movie?

Dr Catherine Hood, sundaymirror.co.uk 11/05/2008

Dear Dr Cath

My boyfriend is going abroad for three months and I'd like to give him something to remember me by. I thought we could make a raunchy film together that he could watch when he misses me. Are there any laws against this? Could he get the film confiscated when he leaves the country?

It can be very arousing to star in your own erotic film and it's a great idea if you're going to be separated for a while. But it's essential you're both keen before you start. If one of you is slightly reluctant then discuss what you're going to do in advance and set some ground rules about what you're going to get up to - not everybody is a natural exhibitionist.

Remember that you are in control and if you don't like the result you can always erase it and start again.

If you're still a little nervous set the camera up in a corner of the room and try to pretend it's not there. As you get more confident you may find the thought of a third eye watching you in the act even spurs you on.

Be sure to label the film well to avoid an embarrassing mix-up - and discuss its long-term fate. Relationships do break down and you need to decide what to do with it in that event. Jilted partners have been known to seek revenge by publishing home movies.

Don't worry about Customs - if the film is for personal use only then there is no reason for it to be confiscated.