No, and in fact, we don’t allow anyone on-set other than models appearing in the shoot today and a Shoot Producer.
Why is no one else allowed on set?
We’ve got nothing to hide here, so let us share the reasons for this policy:
- We’re a business with time constraints and lots to get done on a shoot day
- Our Shoot Producers need to wholly focus on the task at hand
- We need you to completely focus on the work you’re being paid for
- Non-workers are not covered by various insurances
- Having a non-worker present may make other models on set uncomfortable (though on your first shoot, you will be the only model)
- If we’re making a shoot in someone else’s home, having non-working people in their home is not part of the agreement we have with them
Non-workers on set, no matter how well-meaning, can interfere with a smooth and safe shoot day.
Exceptions
There are some special exceptions to our no-one-else-on-set rule;
- On some shoots with two or more models, we have a Second Camera Operator for video
- We’ll always let you know about that well before the shoot day;
- Very occasionally, we may have a Shoot Producer Trainer on set
- You’d be asked beforehand if you’re ok with that and it’s never a problem to say no;
- If you are genuinely disabled and require a support person to do the job, we allow that support person
- For example, if you’re deaf and rely on a signing language to communicate
- If you require someone for “emotional support”, we’re not able to faciliate that, sorry. Nude modelling is probably not for you.
How can I feel more comfortable with this policy?
We understand and appreciate that this is the first time you’re going to be alone with our Shoot Producer who you do not know, and you may feel uncomfortable with that. So here’s what we do offer:
- Once your Shoot Producer is assigned to you, we’ll link you to a page with more info about them, including comments from other models who have worked with them
- You can video call / voice call / email / SMS with the Shoot Producer before the shoot day. Your partner or friend is welcome to attend these calls.
- You’ll have the contact info for your Shoot Producer, and for real people in our company that have worked here for years
- Your partner can drop you off at the shoot location, meet the Shoot Producer at the door
- But they are not welcome to enter the shooting space for insurance and liability reasons
- We commit that you’ll not leave the location, or be asked to go to a different location, without having an option to notify your partner
- For example, your Shoot Producer might suggest visiting the store to buy some lunch together; or, maybe it’s a nice day outside, and Shoot Producer wants to get some footage of you walking in a park to complement the inside component of the shoot
- You can have you phone on (on silent, please!), so people you trust can track your phone
- You can call or message trusted people to let them know you’re ok at any time during the shoot
- However, it’s not appropriate to have ongoing text conversations with people during the shoot – we’ve got work to do!
- You can call or message someone if the shoot is running late
If there’s something else you’d like us to do to assure your safety and comfort, let us know and we can work something out (and probably add it to the list above).
You should know that each Shoot Producer has completed a background check, is required to comply with our Principles of Working with Models, and we have a copy of their their ID on file. We do a post-shoot check-in call with every model the first time she works with us so we can get feedback on how the Shoot Producer worked with them.
Also see related FAQs:
How do I know you’re legit?
How do I know I’ll feel safe on a shoot?