You show up to the job, prepared, work as a team to achieve the goal, and leave.
So what does showing up look like for talent?
That depends on a few different things
- If it is a studio shoot
- If it is a location shoot
- Budget
- Studios can range from something the size of your closet to huge expansive spaces with amazing natural light and sets built just for the shoot.
- Locations can be anywhere, a street corner, to a hotel. Depending on budget will depend on what amenities will be available to you.
What does being prepared look like?
As crazy as this sounds, I have never heard anyone complain about being over prepared.
- Plan to arrive 15 minutes early
- Bring snacks and water
- Bring something to entertain yourself and your child (if there for your child)
- Have a pen
- Make sure you have your paperwork filled out
- Bring a model bag http://wsmmodeltalent.blogspot.com/2014/09/whats-with-bag.html
- wear comfortable shoes
- come either camera ready or clean face depending on what is required
- If shooting location make sure you are dressed appropriate. ie: if you are shooting in a barn in the middle of winter most likely it won't have heat....
- waiting is part of it all
Working as a team...
This should be the easy part right? Unfortunately, there are models and actors who get the feeling that they are the center of the photo shoot but the real star is whatever is paying your bill. Just like when you work for McDonald's...from the moment you punch in to the moment you punch out, "McDonald's is the best, how can I help you?" Your pay rate may be a little different but your attitude is just the same!
When going there with kids there will sometimes be a kids wrangler (depending on budget) their job is to get your child to smile or act a certain way. You may also be asked to help out.
There will also make up/hair people sometimes a stylist and production people as well as the client. If it is a commercial or TV/Film then there are more people (directors, producers, AD, PA, etc) and you are just a cog in the machine.
Leaving....
Leaving should be easier as working as a team but this is when you need to get your paperwork signed and send it off to the right person. We at WSM have a very simple system:
- you download the voucher from our website
- get the voucher signed
- take a photo of the voucher
- make sure you can read it
- hand the original back to the client
- send us a copy to vouchers@wsmtalent.com
Contact names are not always supplied but typically it would be the photographer/AD or production assistant.
Typically payment is received 30-45 days from the job. A W-9 will be required before receiving a check and payment from your agency will be minus their commission.
If there is ever a question always call your agent.
