Inevitably, there are grey areas with the never-touch-models rule. By this we mean, occasions where it’s not obvious if touching the model is appropriate.
Our “default position” is that it’s not ok to touch models. However, if the model is both in trouble, and specifically requests physical assistance from the Shoot Producer, it is probably appropriate to give it in a professional way.
It’s not appropriate to offer physical assistance un-asked (“white knighting”), but it is ok to ask if the model needs help more generally (“How can we solve this problem?”, instead of, “Let me lift you down!”).
Never just assume that touching the model is warranted: let the model ask for assistance
Never “set up” (design, engineer) a situation where the model needs to be touched: for example, it’s never appropriate to ask a model to get into a pose that she needs your help to get into. Instead, simply do not direct the model into that pose!
Let’s consider some practical examples…
Grey area: Help getting out of a difficult physical situation
Example scenario: The model is climbing on a tree as part of the shoot. The Shoot Producer has ascertained that the activity seems safe, but the drop from the lowest branch to the ground is higher than the model is comfortable with.
Greyness: It’s normally not ok to touch models. Men are often encouraged to help women in challenging physical situations, and are praised for doing so. In this example, it may seem appropriate to support the model as she leaves the tree, perhaps grabbing her by the waist to lower her down. In the context of an abbywinters.com shoot, this is inappropriate touching.
Appropriate approach: Plan ahead, “You said you’re comfortable climbing this, but how will you get down from the last branch? Shall I get a ladder ready?”
When it is appropriate to touch: The model asks for assistance. Follow her request (for example, “Can I just lean on your shoulder while I get down?”). Consent only exists only in the moment – consent given for one time, does not mean consent is given forever, or even 5 minutes later.
Corollary: when it’s not ok to touch: Model is climbing over some large rocks on the way to a shoot location. Offering the model your hand to steady her may seem “gentlemanly”, but that’s inappropriate touching (and a bit condescending).
Corollary approach: Brief the model beforehand: “On our way to the shoot location today, there are some large rocks to scramble over – how do you feel about that?”.
Grey area: Tangled hair
Example scenario: The model’s hair is tangled up in her headphones cable. She’s struggling with it.
Greyness: It’s normally not ok to touch models. It’s tempting to just help the model by doing the untangle – it’s easy for you to do, and hard for her to do. It’s not a sexual situation – the model is fully clothed. You’d help your friend in this situation, so…
Appropriate approach: “No problem, take as much time as you need. Maybe the mirror in the bathroom will help?”.
If the model explicitly asks for help: Follow her request, with as little touching as possible. Disengage as soon as possible.
Remember: It’s never appropriate to offer to touch the model to solve a problem. Wait for her to ask, and offer alternatives first.
Grey area: Injured model
Example scenario: The model has grazed her knee during the shoot, and said she’s squeamish about blood, inferring she’d like for you (the Shoot Producer) to treat the wound.
Greyness: It’s normally not ok to touch models. The model is in distress, and has asked for help. You are calm and know what to do. However, she’s a capable adult, and we know it is not ok to touch the model – even if you’re a qualified nurse or EMT (in this context, you’re a Shoot Producer).
Appropriate approach: Calmly guide the model on what to do. “As you know we have a strict no-touching policy on shoots (unless you’re bleeding-out, but don’t think it’s that bad, haha!). So, here’s the first aid kit. Let me get the stuff for you to clean the wound first, here you go. Now, you need to apply this cream. Lean on this chair to stand up.”
(This whole process is an excellent backstage opportunity, if the model is ok with it!)
If the model still insists on the Shoot Producer tending to the wound, it’s permissible.
Corollary counter-example: Model slipped and fell on some sharp scrap steel in a workshop shoot. Blood is freely gushing from the wound, and the model is in shock.
Appropriate approach: Promptly apply firm pressure on the wound with a towel / her t-shirt / your t-shirt is appropriate. Call an ambulance. If the model faints, it’s appropriate to carry her. If she stops breathing, administering CPR is appropriate.
Grey area: Model wants to “read your palm”
Example Scenario: At lunch, the model claims to be an expert in palm reading. She takes your hand with a view to “reading” it.
Greyness: It’s normally not ok to touch models… but the model initiated the touching.
Appropriate approach: It’s inappropriate for anyone to be grabbing your hand without your permission! Respond with “Gosh, I’m flattered, but as you know, we have a strict no-touching policy – even for things like this! Sorry. What if I hold my hand out like this?” and gently disengage.
Grey area: Applying sunscreen
Example scenario: Model says, “Hey, can you please put sunscreen on my back?”.
Greyness: It’s normally not ok to touch models. A model’s health and safety is the highest priority on a shoot, and most people cannot reach well enough to apply sunscreen all over their back. And, she has asked you for assistance.
Appropriate approach: Let the model know that while touching is not normally allowed, this is one of the few exceptions! 💯 Apply sunscreen only to the middle of the model’s back (ie, where she cannot reach), and leave her to do the rest of her body.
Counter example:
It’s not ok to have some sunscreen left over, and offer to put it elsewhere on the model (even with her permission). Putting the extra on your own body is fine, however.
It’s never ok to ask the model to put sunscreen on you – you should be wearing clothes, so there should be no areas that are unreachable.
Grey area: Gymnastics assistance
Example scenario: Model has started doing gymnastics as a hobby, and shares how her coach always supports her in a backbend position.
Greyness: It’s normally not ok to touch models. As the Shoot Producer, you agree this would be good for the stills shoot, but grabbing the models bare buttocks…? 😕 But, the model has asked for assistance!
Appropriate approach: Suggest to save this activity for the video, where she can demonstrate how much of this activity she has learned to do on her own. It’ll be interesting to share that journey (and probably more interesting than the destination!).
It’s not ok to touch models in a situation like this, even if the model invites it.
Counter-example: Model does the back bend, but injures her back while doing it, and is crying in pain. She cannot get out of the position without causing more pain and possible injury. Take the model’s instructions to help her get into a relaxed position. Keep hands clear of buttocks, pubic region, and breasts. Use forearms not fingers. Disengage from touching as soon as possible.
Grey areas: Others
If a Shoot Producer encounters an occasion where they thought it was appropriate to touch a model, contact the Shoot Producer Trainer as part of the post-shoot admin, so that this scenario can be added to Training.