While we generally prefer to only list good examples in this kind of policy guidance, we have a wealth of real examples that are instructional.
Scenario: SP is culturally insensitive
Cultural insensitivity means making comments that disparage or belittle groups of people with a careless approach. Shoot Producers strive to be aware that cultural differences and similarities between people exist, without assigning them a value.
For example, the SP says;
❌ Transgender people are just seeking attention. We should all just live with the sex we’re born with!
While the SP may disagree with transgender people’s position on identity politics, the model may be a strong supporter (or even, transgender themselves!). Politics (like religion) can cause the atmosphere to turn sour quickly if there is a disagreement. Best to steer clear of any political talk for this reason.
Other culturally sensitive issues that Shoot Producers are considerate of include;
- Use of requested personal pronouns (for people in present company, and others)
- Ethnicity / nationality (unless mentioning it is required for communication)
- Denigrating other cultures (for example, by doing “funny accents”; mocking religious practises)
- Mocking someone’s disability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, or sexual practises (eg, polyamory / non-monogamy)
- Teasing a model about her “fringe” beliefs (for example, tarot, crystals, and similar)
Consider being open and honest if unsure: Admit you don’t know the right word to use in a given situation, ask the model what terms they find appropriate. Use those terms with this model.
Ask models off-camera if she’s comfortable talking about her ethnicity on-camera. It’s always preferred for abbywinters.com customers, but only if the model is ok with it.
Scenario: SP is “enjoying” the shoot too much
It’s natural for people to be sexually aroused in a sexual context… even if that context is also professional (like making a shoot for abbywinters.com). While most Shoot Producers become desensitised most of the time, everyone can be caught unawares.
For female Shoot Producers, this is seldom even evident with basic self-control. For male Shoot Producers, an erection can occur at any time (even in a non-sexual context!), and cannot be practically controlled. This can cause discomfort to the Shoot Producer, usually alleviated by moving the erect penis in their pants to a more comfortable position.
The erection may be visible to the model, and the man “handling” it (to a more comfortable position) can be assumed to be masturbating -this is likely to cause offence to the model.
Of course, models are deliberately posing in ways intended to cause men to be sexually aroused, so it’s ironic that models can be offended when this happens… but we should do what we can to reduce models being offended, as their shoot performance is likely to be compromised.
✔️ If you get an erection on-set, if necessary, move briefly to another room to adjust your penis to be more comfortable (perhaps under the guise of getting a drink, or opening a window), then return and continue with the shoot, with the expectation the erection will go away of its own accord.
✔️ If the erection persists, consider “changing gears” to less sexually-explicit stuff for a short period.
❌ Never adjust your erect penis directly in front of the model.
❌ It’s never appropriate to masturbate in front of a model, or in another room of the location, or to referring to yourself masturbating and thinking about this shoot.
Scenario: SP needs to do a poo 💩
The SP says,
❌ You stay here and do your hair, I need to go and have a monster dump.
Just because we shoot nude content doesn’t mean the models are comfortable with crude language – it’s unprofessional and over-sharing. Instead, consider;
✔️ I will be back in a few minutes, please style your hair so we are ready to start shooting once I am back.
While it is good to inform models of what is going on and why throughout the day, the model does not need to know what an SP does behind the locked door of a bathroom!
Scenario: SP makes a mistake and is too frustrated
The SP says;
❌ Argh! I am such a fucking retard, I belong in an institution with the crazies! Everything is going to shit, we are fucked for time now! I don’t know what to do?!
First, hate speech directed at any group – even in a joking or self-deprecating way – is never appropriate.
Further, a panicked SP does not appear professional, and it’s never ok to burden the model with things going wrong. Time management is the Shoot Producer’s responsibility to manage. We all know shoots seldom go exactly to plan, try to flow like water around obstacles.
Instead, consider;
✔️ Well, I could have done without that! Still, this is why we give ourselves 8 hours to shoot, so let’s try that again!
Shoot Producer’s don’t lie or hide mistakes from models (we are all human), but a positive approach will “rub off” on the model, and increase the likelihood of a successful shoot.
Scenario: SP overshares how bad their week has been
The SP has shot several other models in this block of work and found yesterday’s model difficult to work with. When talking with today’s model, the model asks the SP how their week has been, and the SP responds;
❌ This week has been a nightmare – I am so bloody tired 😔. The worst was yesterday’s model Jane, she took 20 minutes to orgasm at the end – I thought I was going to fall asleep – so boring 🥱! Glad I am working with you today 👍🏽 as the other models have been such hard work 😞.
There are a few issues with this share;
- SPs should not focus on negatives – they brings everybody down, in an atmosphere that should be positive;
- It is never ok to tell negative stories about other models (even if they are not named). Today’s model will assume she’s going to be gossiped about to tomorrow’s model – that does not make today’s model feel good (more info on what can be shared with models)
- How long a model takes to reach orgasm is not a bad thing, we never want to set that standard (tacitly encouraging models to take a shorter amount of time, and maybe fake their orgasm to meet this timeframe)
Consider these alternative shares for a similar situation;
✔️ It’s been a busy week, I have shot 5 models and am looking forward to my next day off so I can recharge my energy levels. What do you do to relax after a busy week?
✔️ The best thing was on Tuesday when the model tried to teach me Spanish during the video – I was not good and kept getting the giggles.
✔️ I am excited to be ending this block of shoots working with you, we’re a good team!
SPs are honest but focus on the positives when relating stories about their abbywinters.com work to models, and omit stories that paint models or the company in a negative light.
Scenario: A model asks about the SP’s weekend
The SP responds;
❌ It was epic! We went clubbing and got absolutely shitfaced 💀. One of the girls we were with has the most killer bod and her tits are ridiculous 🥥🥥. I am playing the long game but hope to get in her pants in the next few weeks!
Then I met someone who used to model for us, and I ended up fucking her in the toilets. We did a bit of coke and I’m still buzzing 👃, so let’s MAKE THIS SHOOT HAPPEN! ⚡
SPs do not share tales of their sexual conquests, as we do not want models to conclude that they are working with a sexual predator.
Stories of illegal activities are not appropriate to share (even if the model looks like she is someone who is ok with taking party drugs). There is no way of knowing how a model will react, and even if she is ok in general with party drugs, knowing the SP did illicit drugs the night before her shoot shows the SP to be less-professional.
Instead, an appropriate response;
✔️ It was good thank you – I had a night on the town with some friends and we went to the big city club, the one that is just off the main square and DJ Gamma was performing and he nailed it – I love his sets. How was your weekend?
SPs should share aspects of their personal life during down time on set, it makes for a better atmosphere, and makes it more likely that the model will open up about her own life on-camera.
SPs are selective in the details they share, sticking to things that, for example, a relaxed father-in-law would be comfortable hearing about from their son-in-law.
Scenario: The SP wants the model to do finger insertions in the next sequence
The SP says;
❌ In the next bit, put your leg on the wall, shove in some fingers and wiggle them about.
Just because a model is booked for the INS Posing Level (and even if she has done fisting in previous abbywinters.com shoots), SPs never assume consent, they ask instead of tell – even when consent is implied from the Pre Shoot Briefing. Everyone appreciates respectful language and a considerate attitude, especially in an intimate setting.
While there’s plenty of room for humour on shoots – and crude humour can indeed be hilarious – it’s too risky. A joke “landing wrong” could get the model “off side”, and affect her performance for the rest of the shoot.
Instead, consider this professional approach;
✔️ Next up, we’re starting the Insertions Posing Level – that means, inserting your fingers inside your vagina. How are you feeling about that?
Great. We have 8 separate poses to do. For the first one, I’d like to try it with you placing your foot on the wall – this gives room for the camera and for light. Would it be ok for you to do finger insertions from the front, in that position? We’ll start with one finger first, just the tip, then deeper.
SPs always use respectful language when directing models – asking, not telling. This helps models feel respected and cared for, gives models permission to say if they are uncomfortable at any point, and improves the sense of collaboration.
And perhaps most importantly: the model is being asked to give her consent throughout the shoot!
Scenario: SP ridicules customers
The SP says,
❌ The creepers love feet stuff, so we should shoot some of that I guess. Weirdos.
Customers pay the company for the content we make so the company can pay Shoot Producers, models, and other people who work in the business. Our customers respect us for making shoots they like, so – beyond any other human reason – we should respect our customers for giving us their hard-earned money!
We refer to them as “our customers” meaning, they are customers of the model and of the Shoot Producer, and of the company – equally. If all three of us are focussed on satisfying our customers, we’re more likely to be able to make more shoots in the future.
If we take our eye off the ball even for a second, our customers are spoiled for choice (many of their options are free), and will simply stop being our customer. Instead, consider this approach;
✔️ Many of our customers really like videos showing your feet – foot fetishests! They like clean well groomed feet especially, and yours look great! What are some things you could do with your feet to show them off and keep our customers happy?
Scenario: Scenario SP wants to layer Props, Tease, and Conversation
The SP wants to use the hairbrush as a Personal Prop, layered with breast tease and some Conversation. They direct the model;
❌ Now, hold a hairbrush, pull your bra down a bit, and talk about your boobs.
While the paradigm seeks spontaneity and individuality from model performances, models who are not given enough instructions may feel lost and embarrassed – or even frustrated.
These emotions should be minimised as much as possible, as an embarrassed or frustrated model is unlikely to make a good shoot (and is unlikely to refer her friends). Other models may feel irritated at being asked to do the creative “heavy lifting” (coming up with something to say and do).
Shoots should be a collaboration between model and SP. Instead, consider this approach;
✔️ We present a window into what you might do in your life. Brushing your hair is a good example of this – it’s simple, and our customers enjoy it. So, I’d like you to brush your hair perhaps for longer than normal, two minutes or so.
While doing that, we need to “introduce” your breasts as a tease before clothes start coming off. I’d like you to lengthen one bra strap, then casually “fix” it in the middle of brushing your hair (like you just realised).
I’ll ask some specific questions to get the ball rolling. How does that sound to you? Do you have some interesting stories about your breasts you could share?
As you’re still clothed, I wonder if we could shot this outside on the porch?
Clear, straight forward instructions paired with context so the model understands why they are being asked to do things (plus, we’ve asked the model for her consent – and to contribute!).
Taken all together, this empowers the model to do a great job and create an atmosphere where the model feels comfortable to improvise and take some risks. Often, the best content comes from this basis.
Scenario: The shoot day will finish within 6 hours (not the booked 8)
The Shoot Producer says;
❌ This is the fastest I have ever gotten through a Solo shoot, let’s keep up the pace and we can both have the afternoon off!
While working quickly and finishing early could be seen as a positive, models may feel they have been rushed, cheating them of the “full experience”. Some models like to do the work well and to have space to enjoy doing the work. If a model thinks SPs are rushing, they may worry that their content will not be as good as it could have been, that they are not important, or that they are not valued by the Shoot Producer.
✔️ We’ve done well for time today, thanks for being so efficient! I am checking we have everything captured correctly, and it looks good.
Because we have some extra time, let’s shoot a sequence I have been wanting to try – then we can stop a little earlier than planned!
If a shoot day does finish early, as well as praising the model for being efficient, SPs should reassure the model that no corners have been cut, and that the work produced is of a high quality.
Scenario: The model reveals her interest in a kink, the SP shares this kink
During the lunch break, the SP says;
❌ You mentioned on camera you’re into BDSM – I am as well! I am a Slave Master so it’s cool that you’re a sub – I am actually looking to train a new sub at the moment…
A model may misinterpret this conversation as the SP trying to “recruit” a new sub. It’s unprofessional to be recruiting for personal sexual projects in this context, and could even be perceived as threatening (a model may wonder, “What happens next, if I say I am not interested? Will he be angry?”). Models should not be put in this position.
While it is nice when an SP and model share a hobby, a hobby that is connected with sex should not be highlighted by the SP.
Instead, consider this approach;
✔️ You mentioned on camera you’re into BDSM – I read “Coming to Power” a few months ago, do you know it? It has basic explanations and safety tips about BDSM practices. I found it helpful to go back-to-basics on this topic.
Talking about the shared hobby in the abstract is fine, so long as it’s kept abstract and not personal. While it’s possible the SP will gel with the model’s BDSM preferences, there’s also a risk of it backfiring which could make the model uncomfortable (which would affect the rest of the shoot’s quality negatively, and decrease the likelihood of her referring her friends).
If in doubt, stick to safer conversation topics – the weather, pets, favourite foods, sport (and never politics or religion)!
Scenario: The SP hints at staying with the model overnight
The Shoot Producer is having a rough time because their upstairs neighbour flooded their bath and the water came into the SP’s apartment, and now they are homeless during the repairs. This has been playing on their mind all day. The SP has rented a location with two bedrooms that the model is staying in while in the Shoot City…
The SP says;
❌ I’ll be sleeping in my car tonight – I hate not being able to go home and just shower or make a proper meal. I love cooking, I was going to make this really cool pasta dish tonight I think you would love… Do you know how cold it will be tonight? It sucks having nowhere to live.
First, no one likes a downer! It changes the atmosphere negatively on a shoot, making it harder for the model to do a good job.
Second, it’s never acceptable for an SP to stay in the same accommodation as the model.
Third, SPs are careful to never say anything that might make a model believe the SP is “fishing” to be invited to stay at the shoot location / model accommodation overnight.
Shoot Producers are never expected to be “fake happy”, but should look for “silver linings” instead of “rainy parades”. If that’s not possible, the topic should be avoided – or the shoot rescheduled.
Instead consider this approach;
✔️ It’s been a stressful week for sure, my upstairs neighbour flooded their bathroom and my apartment was damaged and needs to dry out.
I’ll get some insurance money, which is nice, so now I get to decorate a little. I always meant to start a pinterest, but never got around to it… Got any ideas?
Talking to a model about aspects of their real everyday lives is a good way for SPs to build a rapport with a model, and that leads to a better on-set atmosphere – and better shoots – so it’s never discouraged. When talking about their lives SPs always remember to bring the conversation back around to the model’s life. This is both so that the model feels appreciated (“My SP cares about my life!”), but also in case the model brings up anything that would be interesting to include in the shoot!
Where the SP sleeps at night is not the model’s problem.
Scenario: The SP delays helping a model in need
The SP is in the middle of making a shoot. They get several calls from the model for tomorrow’s shoot, who is lost finding her hotel in an unfamiliar city. The SP answer the model’s third call and says;
❌ I don’t have time to help you right now, I am shooting – call back in an hour!
There are a few issues here;
First, when models travel from their home to a different city to make shoots with us, that model is the company’s “responsibility” and they should never feel alone or uncared for. Travelling as a single woman in an unfamiliar environment is stressful enough, promised support missing will destabilise her (and may even be a safety risk, for example, if she’s not able to make it to her hotel by the time it gets dark).
Secondly, the model being shot today can hear this conversation. While she understands the SP is busy, she’s probably been in a similar situation herself (lost in an unfamiliar city), and knows how far a little help can really go.
While making a quality shoot of today’s model is a priority, keeping tomorrow’s model happy and safe also matters.
There are two approaches to other models needing aid when an SP is actively making a shoot;
- Take a break and help the model directly;
- Call the Model Liaison or post a message to the Collective, so they can assist the model.
Consider these different approaches;
✔️ Let me just pause this shoot. Can you drop a pin in Google maps on your phone, and share your location with me?
Or;
✔️ Sorry, I am making a shoot right now. I just called with Model Liaison Leena, she is available to help you via WhatsApp – you should have a message from her already? Let me know if you can not connect with her. Good luck, looking forward to seeing you soon!
Either approach is fine, but ignoring the calling model is never ok.