Question 1

What is the Locations Allowance Policy?

Garion Hall · Accepted Answer

Overview

abbywinters.com BV pays Location Allowances to Shoot Producers in some circumstances. The Location Allowance is intended to assist Shoot Producers when they are out-of-pocket for paying for a location for an abbywinters.com shoot. The amount of the Location Allowance varies, based on the Solo Level the Shoot Producer is on - the higher the Solo Level, the higher the Location Allowance. If the Shoot Producer’s Level changes up or down, the Location Allowance varies with it. See the table of Shoot Producer Level fees and associated Location Allowance fees. More information on how Levels work.

Locations where a shoot can occur

There are four scenarios where a shoot can occur;

At the model’s own home
1. In this case, the Company pays the model a fee for this directly
At a location the SP claims a Location Allowance for
1. In line with the requirements described here in this document
At a location the model also stays overnight at
1. The SP claims a Location & Accommodation reimbursement
Outside
1. Eg, in a park or similar public environment

Location & Accommodation reimbursement

Separately to the Locations Allowance policy (this page), the Company will reimburse the Shoot Producer for a shoot location when;

We have travelled the model to the Shoot City ♠, and
That location is used by the model to stay overnight in, and
The Shoot Producer primarily shoots at the location, and
The fee for the Location & Accommodation is acceptable to the Company, and
The Shoot Producer selects, books and pays for this expense up front, and
The fee claimed for reimbursement is the agreed amount ♣, or lower.

♠ And it’s not practical for her to return to her Home city the same day, as it would be for Rotterdam to Amsterdam, for example.

♣ This varies by the city the Shoot Producer is in.

So the Shoot Producer has control over the location of the shoot (Shoot Producers are assessed on the final shoot, and the location can have a strong effect on their assessment. Also, Shoot Producers are aware of local conditions that affect travel time, convenience, and suitability), the Shoot Producer will select, book and pay for this at a cost of no more than the agreed rate per night (or, accept the overages will be at their own expense). The Shoot Producer will claim a reimbursement on their next invoice, supplying evidence to support their claim. Typically, two nights must be booked, so the Shoot Producer has a full day to complete the shoot at the location, without being affected by check-in and check-out times. We also get models to travel into the Shoot City the day or night before the shoot day, so there is less chance of the shoot being negatively affected by a late flight arrival. If the accommodation can only be used for one shoot, the model is relocated to cheaper hotel-style accommodation once that shoot is complete, to reduce the overall costs, so long as the minimum stay has been met. In circumstances where the Shoot Producer does not intend to shoot at the model’s accommodation, the Company will organise and pay for model accommodation, and select accommodation that is not suitable for a shoot (ie, a hotel room). Example invoice line items; [table id=12 /]

When a Location Allowance can be claimed

A Location Allowance is not necessarily due for every shoot - it’s considered on a shoot-by-shoot basis and is only due in these situations;

The Shoot Producer was wholly responsible for securing for a location for this shoot; and
The Shoot Producer is out-of-pocket for this; and
Appropriate supporting evidence is supplied; and
The amount is the actual fee for the location, or the Location Allowance for the Level the SP in on, whichever is the lesser.

Each of these conditions are described in more detail and with examples below. The Shoot Producer can claim Location Allowance fees on their invoice, after the shoot has occurred and has been ingested successfully (as confirmed by the Media Ingestor by email).

Shoot Producer is wholly responsible for supplying the location

To claim the Location Allowance for a shoot day, the Shoot Producer must be wholly responsible for supplying the location. For example;

✅ The Shoot Producer asked a friend who agreed to let the Shoot Producer use their location.

✅ A friend of the Shoot Producer knows someone who’s open to having their home used as a shoot location.

✅ The Shoot Producer places an ad in an online classifieds site, and finds locations that way.

❌ The Shoot Producer booked the location and paid for it, but as the model was staying in it as well, they claim reimbursement from the Company for that separately. We consider that to be a Location & Accommodation reimbursement (that we also use as a shooting location; described above). A Location Allowance is not due to the Shoot Producer in this case.

❌ The Shoot Producer shot at the model’s own home. While the Shoot Producer organised it, the Company pays the model for this. A Location Allowance is not due to the Shoot Producer.

The Shoot Producer is out-of-pocket for this expense

To claim the Location Allowance for a shoot day, the Shoot Producer must be out-of-pocket (that is, actually have paid real money) for the location used. For example;

✅ The Shoot Producer’s friend lets them use their home for the shoot, on the condition that the Shoot Producer pays the friend for the use of their home. The Shoot Producer is “out of pocket”, so a Location Allowance is due.

❓ The Shoot Producer makes a shoot in their own home. See Using own home as a shoot location, below.

❌ The Shoot Producer makes a shoot outside in a large forest park. The Shoot Producer did not pay anyone for the use of the park, so a Location Allowance is not due.

Note that the company often places a “bounty” for making shoots outside (more info), so in this example the Shoot Producer may be eligible for an additional payment - but not a Location Allowance.

Supporting evidence of the expense is supplied

The Location Allowance is a reimbursement intended to assist Shoot Producers when they are out-of-pocket for a location expense. As always for any reimbursements, appropriate supporting evidence that a location expense has been incurred by the Shoot Producer is required. Examples of suitable supporting evidence are;

Either, a Tax Invoice from the location provider;
- Eg, AirBNB or similar location sharing marketplace / platform
Or, a Location Agreement, that includes relevant details
- Including the date of the shoot, the address of the property, signatures of the location owner and Shoot Producer, and the amount due for the location rental
- If the location is owned or controlled by the Shoot Producer themselves, this interest must be declared (more info below)
- One Location Agreement is required for each Location Allowance being claimed

The Company can provide recommended draft text for a Location Agreement upon request. Some examples of Supporting Evidence situations;

❌ Shoot Producer Laurie makes a shoot and claims a Location Allowance on their invoice, but does not provide supporting evidence. Not acceptable.

✅ Shoot Producer Charlie asks a friend to use their home and negotiates a modest fee that suits them both. Charlie gets his friend to complete a Location Agreement that records the necessary data. Charlie provides the Location Agreement as the supporting evidence when invoicing the Company and claims the appropriate Location Allowance, which the Company pays.

The amount on the supporting evidence may be for more than the Location Allowance, which is always fine (but the Company will only pay the Location Allowance due based on the Shoot Producer’s Level for that shoot - the difference is at the Shoot producer’s own expense).

Location Allowance only covers up to the incurred amount

The Location Allowance only covers up to the incurred amount on the shoot day, never more - the Location Allowance scheme is not intended as an “additional revenue stream” for Shoot Producers - it’s only to help in sourcing quality locations for abbywinters.com shoots. Consider the situation of Shoot Producer Mary; She is on Level 3 for Solo shoots, meaning her Location Allowance is €100 (assuming the given situation meets other criteria for claiming a Location Allowance). Mary secures a location for a shoot that only costs her €65.

✅ She invoices the Company for the actual amount she incurred (€65), not the full Location Allowance per her Level (€100). Acceptable.

❌ She invoices the Company for the €100 (even though she only paid €65) taking the additional €35 for herself. Not acceptable.

The Location Allowance is intended to contribute to (or in this example, completely cover) the Shoot Producer’s actual out-of-pocket expenses. It’s not an opportunity for some extra “cream” - increased earnings are due to Shoot Producers for their shoot work coming from the consistent delivery of quality shoots and increasing their Level.

The Location Allowance can be for the Shoot Producer’s own home sometimes

The Location Allowance is intended to support excellent and varied locations for abbywinters.com shoots. While a SP’s own home might meet the requirement for diverse and appropriate shoot locations, it likely cannot be used for more than a few shoots! Making shoots in different homes is beneficial because everyone has different tastes, ornaments, colour choices, furniture, and views out of their window. Together, this typically means additional set dressing is seldom necessary (especially if the resident of the home is a young woman themselves!), and the resulting shoots are diverse and on-paradigm. For these reasons the Company does not actively support Shoot Producers in repeatedly re-dressing their homes (or a studio, or similar) in an effort to make them suitable for additional shoots. While shooting at the SP’s own home can work well, the Company is sensitive to the Locations Allowance being abused in this circumstance. While Shoot Producers are welcome to use their own home for abbywinters.com shoots as often as they wish, if they claim a Location Allowance for this, the shoots will receive closer scrutiny as to the suitability of the location, and how it was used. These attributes are less-preferred;

Recognisably the same room as used in previous shoots
Set dressing that has appeared in a recent shoot by the same Shoot Producer
The model’s use of the location appears constrained (in an effort to not-expose room features that appear in other shoots)

Serious or consistent breaches will result in warnings and may lead to lesser Location Allowances in the future. An attempt to administratively hide that the shoot occurred at the Shoot Producer’s own home is also not acceptable. For the above reasons, we recommend “saving” shooting at a Shoot Producer’s own home only for emergencies.

❌ Shoot Producer William lives with his partner in a one-bedroom apartment. He makes a shoot at his own home, and claims a Location Allowance providing the Location Agreement signed by himself. When reviewing the shoot, the Company sees very little of the location has been used by the model (perhaps in an effort to not reveal a unique feature?) Not acceptable - the Location Allowance is for excellent (not only “convenient”) locations.

❌ Shoot Producer Tony makes a shoot in his own home, and gets his girlfriend to sign the location agreement he submits as supporting evidence. She enters a fake address so he can claim the Location Allowance without any questions being asked. Not acceptable - making misleading statements is not appropriate.

✅ Shoot Producer Lisa lives alone and makes a shoot at her own home. She’s quite proud of her lounge room that’s both comfortable and colourful - ideal for an abbywinters.com shoot! On the Location Agreement she signs for herself, she adds some extra text to make it clear this is her own home she is claiming the Location Allowance for. Her lounge room has not appeared in an abbywinters.com shoot before, and it looks great! Declaring relevant self-interests is always required.

✅ Shoot Producer Sanita lives on a small farm with a large home and private garden. It’s possible to make many varied shoots there. She declares her own self-interest (as the location owner) on each Location Agreement she makes with herself, and delivers shoots created in diverse and interesting locations.

✅ Shoot Producer Mike had an AirBNB location cancelled on the morning of the shoot - seems like there’s black mould! 🥀 He has not used his home as a location before, but uses it this time to ensure the shoot can happen as planned. He declares his self-interest on the location agreement.

The Location Allowance is not intended to cover all location expenses

The Location Allowance is not intended to cover all of the expenses the Shoot Producer incurs relating to a location. It’s intended to be a contribution to those expenses. Fundamentally, Shoot Producers joined our program on the understanding they would be providing complete shoots to abbywinters.com, entirely at their own expense (apart from the model fee), including location expenses - see our Shoot Producer recruitment page. In an effort to encourage Shoot Producers to improve shoot quality, we offer an increased Location Allowance based on the Solo Level that Shoot Producer attains. The Shoot Producer is still liable for (that is, cannot claim reimbursement for) expenses incurred in the making of a shoot, even if they relate to the location. For example;

❌ Some set dressing fabric is required to improve the look of the set - the Shoot Producer pays this.

❌ The Shoot Producer catches a cab to the shoot location - the Shoot Producer pays this.

Exceptions are made when securing locations for “Special Redux” shoots, which will specify the type of location required and often have a greater Location Allowance amount that can be claimed.

The quality of the location selected matters

If a Location Allowance is being claimed, the location is expected to meet or exceed the requirements for shoot locations (as specified on the Fact Sheet for Locations and Environment), and to see various aspects of the location and the model in it.

✅ Shoot Producer Mark uses his neighbour’s home for some shoots, because it’s convenient. The home only has two bedrooms, and Mark knows that because the bedrooms are small and sparsely furnished, he can only make one quality shoot in each room at most - otherwise the shoots will look too “samey”.

In the first shoot he makes there, he includes a section of the model doing some activities in the hallway, and does a chunk of the second shoot in the bathroom - both of these “other” rooms are too small to do full shoots in, but adding this variety to the bedroom shoots makes the shoot more interesting, and we get more value from the location fee.

❌ Shoot Producer Andrew uses his neighbour’s home for some shoots, because it’s convenient. The home has two bedrooms, so he squeezes eight Solo shoots (one in each corner of each bedroom). The shoots look “samey”, and while Andrew is now on great terms with his neighbour 🤑, this approach is not acceptable, as shoot quality is affected negatively. Not acceptable.

❌ Shoot Producer Liza shoots in her own home frequently, and spends the absolute minimum on set dressing fabric and ornaments. She sometimes artificially limits where the model can be shot, so other parts of her home can be preserved for other shoots she plans to make. Not acceptable.

The Company may choose not to pay the Location Allowance if the Shoot Producer selects poor quality locations, uses those locations poorly, uses their own location frequently to the detriment of shoot quality, or re-uses locations inappropriately. The Company may issue warnings for this, or in serious situations make a decision without warning.

Shoot Producers can propose “better” locations

By agreement with the Company, Shoot Producers on Level 2 or above can propose locations that are objectively better (that is, they will improve the shoot quality customers perceive, or facilitate the production of additional high quality shoots). We have a budget for this, ready to spend! Should a Shoot Producer wish to exploit this opportunity, at least one week before the shoot is scheduled to occur they;

Provide info about the location and shoot type, including images;
Indicate how they see shoot quality being significantly positively affected;
Nominate what the additional fee will be.

Creative staff in the Company may choose to support the Shoot Producer by increasing the Location Allowance in that instance (or, they may offer suggestions, or suggest a different Shoot Type). For example;

✅ Shoot Producer Andrew is due to make three girl-girl shoots, three Solo shoots, and a 4-model IM day, over a nine day shoot block. He recommends renting a “country house” where the models can stay, and that has gardens he can shoot in. He links to a few places that are suitable and indicates the cost (noting that there will also be additional fees the company will need to pay for model transport to the remote location). The company agrees to this exception, and many marvellous shoots result. 🎈

❌ Shoot Producer George’s friend is very proud of his home. He has a “good eye”, and has decorated it very nicely, but he wants a daily fee of €900. George asks the company to pay this. The company rejects the proposal - a nicely decorated home is fine to make shoots in, but does not add real value to a shoot.

✅ Shoot Producer Emily has a model who works in a charming second-hand bookstore. A bookstore after-hours could make an excellent location for a quirky and unique Solo shoot! Emily asks the model to ask her boss if she could rent the location on Sunday when the shop is closed. The boss agrees, but asks for more than Emily expected to pay. Emily proposes the idea to the Company and includes some images of the location and ideas of how the shoot could work. The company agrees to this exception. ⭐

❌ Shoot Producer Liz tells her friend she can make some quick cash by letting Liz make abbywinters.com shoots at her house. Liz encourages her friend to set her fee higher, so she can get the Company to pay more for the location. There’s nothing special about Liz’s friend’s house (and the Company takes a dim view on manipulating the system!).

If the Shoot Producer believes a specific home that’s more expensive would make a significant difference to the shoot (or perhaps for a Special Redux?), they can certainly propose it and it will be seriously considered. But if it’s just a run-of-the-mill Redux, a special expense is less-likely to be approved.

Location Allowances are paid on a per-shot-day basis

Location Allowances are considered on a per-shoot-day basis (not per Shoot). While often we produce one shoot per day, that’s not always the case, for example;

❌ A day in which four Intimate Moments shoots are created attracts one Location Allowance - all shoots were created on the same day, in the same location.

✅ Girl-Boy shoots always occur over two days, so two Location Allowances apply, one for each day.

When Location Allowances are not due

Location Allowances are not due if the Company is paying for the location anyway, or if a paid location was not used. Thus, in these situations a Location Allowance is not due;

The model allows the shoot to be made at her own home, and it’s practical for the SP to shoot there
- AW BV pays the model directly for each time this occurs
AW BV is due to reimburse the Shoot Producer for the shoot location because it doubles as model accommodation for the model who has travelled to the Shoot City
- We call this "Location & Accommodation", described above on this page
- It’s the responsibility of the Shoot Producer to source suitable locations that meet the Location requirements in this scenario
The shoot occurs outside in public parkland or forest or similar
The shoot is a “Special Redux” where a specified Locations Allowance is nominated in the Special Redux Shoot Plan
The Shoot Producer is not out of pocket for a location expense.

How to invoice for a Location Allowance

Shoot Producers charge the Location Allowance each eligible shoot they produce when they invoice abbywinters.com. Shoot Producers make a separate line item for each aspect of that shoot, clearly indicating what shoot the Location Allowance is for. Each Location Allowance being claimed must appear as a separate line item, grouped with all the line items for one shoot together, one line item after another, eg, shoot fee, locations, model lunch, other shoot-specific reimbursements. Here’s an example for one shoot; [table id=13 /] More info about invoicing abbywinters.com.

Question 2

What is the Locations Allowance Policy?

Garion Hall · Accepted Answer

Overview

abbywinters.com BV pays Location Allowances to Shoot Producers in some circumstances. The Location Allowance is intended to assist Shoot Producers when they are out-of-pocket for paying for a location for an abbywinters.com shoot. The amount of the Location Allowance varies, based on the Solo Level the Shoot Producer is on - the higher the Solo Level, the higher the Location Allowance. If the Shoot Producer’s Level changes up or down, the Location Allowance varies with it. See the table of Shoot Producer Level fees and associated Location Allowance fees. More information on how Levels work.

Locations where a shoot can occur

There are four scenarios where a shoot can occur;

At the model’s own home
1. In this case, the Company pays the model a fee for this directly
At a location the SP claims a Location Allowance for
1. In line with the requirements described here in this document
At a location the model also stays overnight at
1. The SP claims a Location & Accommodation reimbursement
Outside
1. Eg, in a park or similar public environment

Location & Accommodation reimbursement

Separately to the Locations Allowance policy (this page), the Company will reimburse the Shoot Producer for a shoot location when;

We have travelled the model to the Shoot City ♠, and
That location is used by the model to stay overnight in, and
The Shoot Producer primarily shoots at the location, and
The fee for the Location & Accommodation is acceptable to the Company, and
The Shoot Producer selects, books and pays for this expense up front, and
The fee claimed for reimbursement is the agreed amount ♣, or lower.

♠ And it’s not practical for her to return to her Home city the same day, as it would be for Rotterdam to Amsterdam, for example.

♣ This varies by the city the Shoot Producer is in.

So the Shoot Producer has control over the location of the shoot (Shoot Producers are assessed on the final shoot, and the location can have a strong effect on their assessment. Also, Shoot Producers are aware of local conditions that affect travel time, convenience, and suitability), the Shoot Producer will select, book and pay for this at a cost of no more than the agreed rate per night (or, accept the overages will be at their own expense). The Shoot Producer will claim a reimbursement on their next invoice, supplying evidence to support their claim. Typically, two nights must be booked, so the Shoot Producer has a full day to complete the shoot at the location, without being affected by check-in and check-out times. We also get models to travel into the Shoot City the day or night before the shoot day, so there is less chance of the shoot being negatively affected by a late flight arrival. If the accommodation can only be used for one shoot, the model is relocated to cheaper hotel-style accommodation once that shoot is complete, to reduce the overall costs, so long as the minimum stay has been met. In circumstances where the Shoot Producer does not intend to shoot at the model’s accommodation, the Company will organise and pay for model accommodation, and select accommodation that is not suitable for a shoot (ie, a hotel room). Example invoice line items; [table id=12 /]

When a Location Allowance can be claimed

A Location Allowance is not necessarily due for every shoot - it’s considered on a shoot-by-shoot basis and is only due in these situations;

The Shoot Producer was wholly responsible for securing for a location for this shoot; and
The Shoot Producer is out-of-pocket for this; and
Appropriate supporting evidence is supplied; and
The amount is the actual fee for the location, or the Location Allowance for the Level the SP in on, whichever is the lesser.

Each of these conditions are described in more detail and with examples below. The Shoot Producer can claim Location Allowance fees on their invoice, after the shoot has occurred and has been ingested successfully (as confirmed by the Media Ingestor by email).

Shoot Producer is wholly responsible for supplying the location

To claim the Location Allowance for a shoot day, the Shoot Producer must be wholly responsible for supplying the location. For example;

✅ The Shoot Producer asked a friend who agreed to let the Shoot Producer use their location.

✅ A friend of the Shoot Producer knows someone who’s open to having their home used as a shoot location.

✅ The Shoot Producer places an ad in an online classifieds site, and finds locations that way.

❌ The Shoot Producer booked the location and paid for it, but as the model was staying in it as well, they claim reimbursement from the Company for that separately. We consider that to be a Location & Accommodation reimbursement (that we also use as a shooting location; described above). A Location Allowance is not due to the Shoot Producer in this case.

❌ The Shoot Producer shot at the model’s own home. While the Shoot Producer organised it, the Company pays the model for this. A Location Allowance is not due to the Shoot Producer.

The Shoot Producer is out-of-pocket for this expense

To claim the Location Allowance for a shoot day, the Shoot Producer must be out-of-pocket (that is, actually have paid real money) for the location used. For example;

✅ The Shoot Producer’s friend lets them use their home for the shoot, on the condition that the Shoot Producer pays the friend for the use of their home. The Shoot Producer is “out of pocket”, so a Location Allowance is due.

❓ The Shoot Producer makes a shoot in their own home. See Using own home as a shoot location, below.

❌ The Shoot Producer makes a shoot outside in a large forest park. The Shoot Producer did not pay anyone for the use of the park, so a Location Allowance is not due.

Note that the company often places a “bounty” for making shoots outside (more info), so in this example the Shoot Producer may be eligible for an additional payment - but not a Location Allowance.

Supporting evidence of the expense is supplied

The Location Allowance is a reimbursement intended to assist Shoot Producers when they are out-of-pocket for a location expense. As always for any reimbursements, appropriate supporting evidence that a location expense has been incurred by the Shoot Producer is required. Examples of suitable supporting evidence are;

Either, a Tax Invoice from the location provider;
- Eg, AirBNB or similar location sharing marketplace / platform
Or, a Location Agreement, that includes relevant details
- Including the date of the shoot, the address of the property, signatures of the location owner and Shoot Producer, and the amount due for the location rental
- If the location is owned or controlled by the Shoot Producer themselves, this interest must be declared (more info below)
- One Location Agreement is required for each Location Allowance being claimed

The Company can provide recommended draft text for a Location Agreement upon request. Some examples of Supporting Evidence situations;

❌ Shoot Producer Laurie makes a shoot and claims a Location Allowance on their invoice, but does not provide supporting evidence. Not acceptable.

✅ Shoot Producer Charlie asks a friend to use their home and negotiates a modest fee that suits them both. Charlie gets his friend to complete a Location Agreement that records the necessary data. Charlie provides the Location Agreement as the supporting evidence when invoicing the Company and claims the appropriate Location Allowance, which the Company pays.

The amount on the supporting evidence may be for more than the Location Allowance, which is always fine (but the Company will only pay the Location Allowance due based on the Shoot Producer’s Level for that shoot - the difference is at the Shoot producer’s own expense).

Location Allowance only covers up to the incurred amount

The Location Allowance only covers up to the incurred amount on the shoot day, never more - the Location Allowance scheme is not intended as an “additional revenue stream” for Shoot Producers - it’s only to help in sourcing quality locations for abbywinters.com shoots. Consider the situation of Shoot Producer Mary; She is on Level 3 for Solo shoots, meaning her Location Allowance is €100 (assuming the given situation meets other criteria for claiming a Location Allowance). Mary secures a location for a shoot that only costs her €65.

✅ She invoices the Company for the actual amount she incurred (€65), not the full Location Allowance per her Level (€100). Acceptable.

❌ She invoices the Company for the €100 (even though she only paid €65) taking the additional €35 for herself. Not acceptable.

The Location Allowance is intended to contribute to (or in this example, completely cover) the Shoot Producer’s actual out-of-pocket expenses. It’s not an opportunity for some extra “cream” - increased earnings are due to Shoot Producers for their shoot work coming from the consistent delivery of quality shoots and increasing their Level.

The Location Allowance can be for the Shoot Producer’s own home sometimes

The Location Allowance is intended to support excellent and varied locations for abbywinters.com shoots. While a SP’s own home might meet the requirement for diverse and appropriate shoot locations, it likely cannot be used for more than a few shoots! Making shoots in different homes is beneficial because everyone has different tastes, ornaments, colour choices, furniture, and views out of their window. Together, this typically means additional set dressing is seldom necessary (especially if the resident of the home is a young woman themselves!), and the resulting shoots are diverse and on-paradigm. For these reasons the Company does not actively support Shoot Producers in repeatedly re-dressing their homes (or a studio, or similar) in an effort to make them suitable for additional shoots. While shooting at the SP’s own home can work well, the Company is sensitive to the Locations Allowance being abused in this circumstance. While Shoot Producers are welcome to use their own home for abbywinters.com shoots as often as they wish, if they claim a Location Allowance for this, the shoots will receive closer scrutiny as to the suitability of the location, and how it was used. These attributes are less-preferred;

Recognisably the same room as used in previous shoots
Set dressing that has appeared in a recent shoot by the same Shoot Producer
The model’s use of the location appears constrained (in an effort to not-expose room features that appear in other shoots)

Serious or consistent breaches will result in warnings and may lead to lesser Location Allowances in the future. An attempt to administratively hide that the shoot occurred at the Shoot Producer’s own home is also not acceptable. For the above reasons, we recommend “saving” shooting at a Shoot Producer’s own home only for emergencies.

❌ Shoot Producer William lives with his partner in a one-bedroom apartment. He makes a shoot at his own home, and claims a Location Allowance providing the Location Agreement signed by himself. When reviewing the shoot, the Company sees very little of the location has been used by the model (perhaps in an effort to not reveal a unique feature?) Not acceptable - the Location Allowance is for excellent (not only “convenient”) locations.

❌ Shoot Producer Tony makes a shoot in his own home, and gets his girlfriend to sign the location agreement he submits as supporting evidence. She enters a fake address so he can claim the Location Allowance without any questions being asked. Not acceptable - making misleading statements is not appropriate.

✅ Shoot Producer Lisa lives alone and makes a shoot at her own home. She’s quite proud of her lounge room that’s both comfortable and colourful - ideal for an abbywinters.com shoot! On the Location Agreement she signs for herself, she adds some extra text to make it clear this is her own home she is claiming the Location Allowance for. Her lounge room has not appeared in an abbywinters.com shoot before, and it looks great! Declaring relevant self-interests is always required.

✅ Shoot Producer Sanita lives on a small farm with a large home and private garden. It’s possible to make many varied shoots there. She declares her own self-interest (as the location owner) on each Location Agreement she makes with herself, and delivers shoots created in diverse and interesting locations.

✅ Shoot Producer Mike had an AirBNB location cancelled on the morning of the shoot - seems like there’s black mould! 🥀 He has not used his home as a location before, but uses it this time to ensure the shoot can happen as planned. He declares his self-interest on the location agreement.

The Location Allowance is not intended to cover all location expenses

The Location Allowance is not intended to cover all of the expenses the Shoot Producer incurs relating to a location. It’s intended to be a contribution to those expenses. Fundamentally, Shoot Producers joined our program on the understanding they would be providing complete shoots to abbywinters.com, entirely at their own expense (apart from the model fee), including location expenses - see our Shoot Producer recruitment page. In an effort to encourage Shoot Producers to improve shoot quality, we offer an increased Location Allowance based on the Solo Level that Shoot Producer attains. The Shoot Producer is still liable for (that is, cannot claim reimbursement for) expenses incurred in the making of a shoot, even if they relate to the location. For example;

❌ Some set dressing fabric is required to improve the look of the set - the Shoot Producer pays this.

❌ The Shoot Producer catches a cab to the shoot location - the Shoot Producer pays this.

Exceptions are made when securing locations for “Special Redux” shoots, which will specify the type of location required and often have a greater Location Allowance amount that can be claimed.

The quality of the location selected matters

If a Location Allowance is being claimed, the location is expected to meet or exceed the requirements for shoot locations (as specified on the Fact Sheet for Locations and Environment), and to see various aspects of the location and the model in it.

✅ Shoot Producer Mark uses his neighbour’s home for some shoots, because it’s convenient. The home only has two bedrooms, and Mark knows that because the bedrooms are small and sparsely furnished, he can only make one quality shoot in each room at most - otherwise the shoots will look too “samey”.

In the first shoot he makes there, he includes a section of the model doing some activities in the hallway, and does a chunk of the second shoot in the bathroom - both of these “other” rooms are too small to do full shoots in, but adding this variety to the bedroom shoots makes the shoot more interesting, and we get more value from the location fee.

❌ Shoot Producer Andrew uses his neighbour’s home for some shoots, because it’s convenient. The home has two bedrooms, so he squeezes eight Solo shoots (one in each corner of each bedroom). The shoots look “samey”, and while Andrew is now on great terms with his neighbour 🤑, this approach is not acceptable, as shoot quality is affected negatively. Not acceptable.

❌ Shoot Producer Liza shoots in her own home frequently, and spends the absolute minimum on set dressing fabric and ornaments. She sometimes artificially limits where the model can be shot, so other parts of her home can be preserved for other shoots she plans to make. Not acceptable.

The Company may choose not to pay the Location Allowance if the Shoot Producer selects poor quality locations, uses those locations poorly, uses their own location frequently to the detriment of shoot quality, or re-uses locations inappropriately. The Company may issue warnings for this, or in serious situations make a decision without warning.

Shoot Producers can propose “better” locations

By agreement with the Company, Shoot Producers on Level 2 or above can propose locations that are objectively better (that is, they will improve the shoot quality customers perceive, or facilitate the production of additional high quality shoots). We have a budget for this, ready to spend! Should a Shoot Producer wish to exploit this opportunity, at least one week before the shoot is scheduled to occur they;

Provide info about the location and shoot type, including images;
Indicate how they see shoot quality being significantly positively affected;
Nominate what the additional fee will be.

Creative staff in the Company may choose to support the Shoot Producer by increasing the Location Allowance in that instance (or, they may offer suggestions, or suggest a different Shoot Type). For example;

✅ Shoot Producer Andrew is due to make three girl-girl shoots, three Solo shoots, and a 4-model IM day, over a nine day shoot block. He recommends renting a “country house” where the models can stay, and that has gardens he can shoot in. He links to a few places that are suitable and indicates the cost (noting that there will also be additional fees the company will need to pay for model transport to the remote location). The company agrees to this exception, and many marvellous shoots result. 🎈

❌ Shoot Producer George’s friend is very proud of his home. He has a “good eye”, and has decorated it very nicely, but he wants a daily fee of €900. George asks the company to pay this. The company rejects the proposal - a nicely decorated home is fine to make shoots in, but does not add real value to a shoot.

✅ Shoot Producer Emily has a model who works in a charming second-hand bookstore. A bookstore after-hours could make an excellent location for a quirky and unique Solo shoot! Emily asks the model to ask her boss if she could rent the location on Sunday when the shop is closed. The boss agrees, but asks for more than Emily expected to pay. Emily proposes the idea to the Company and includes some images of the location and ideas of how the shoot could work. The company agrees to this exception. ⭐

❌ Shoot Producer Liz tells her friend she can make some quick cash by letting Liz make abbywinters.com shoots at her house. Liz encourages her friend to set her fee higher, so she can get the Company to pay more for the location. There’s nothing special about Liz’s friend’s house (and the Company takes a dim view on manipulating the system!).

If the Shoot Producer believes a specific home that’s more expensive would make a significant difference to the shoot (or perhaps for a Special Redux?), they can certainly propose it and it will be seriously considered. But if it’s just a run-of-the-mill Redux, a special expense is less-likely to be approved.

Location Allowances are paid on a per-shot-day basis

Location Allowances are considered on a per-shoot-day basis (not per Shoot). While often we produce one shoot per day, that’s not always the case, for example;

❌ A day in which four Intimate Moments shoots are created attracts one Location Allowance - all shoots were created on the same day, in the same location.

✅ Girl-Boy shoots always occur over two days, so two Location Allowances apply, one for each day.

When Location Allowances are not due

Location Allowances are not due if the Company is paying for the location anyway, or if a paid location was not used. Thus, in these situations a Location Allowance is not due;

The model allows the shoot to be made at her own home, and it’s practical for the SP to shoot there
- AW BV pays the model directly for each time this occurs
AW BV is due to reimburse the Shoot Producer for the shoot location because it doubles as model accommodation for the model who has travelled to the Shoot City
- We call this "Location & Accommodation", described above on this page
- It’s the responsibility of the Shoot Producer to source suitable locations that meet the Location requirements in this scenario
The shoot occurs outside in public parkland or forest or similar
The shoot is a “Special Redux” where a specified Locations Allowance is nominated in the Special Redux Shoot Plan
The Shoot Producer is not out of pocket for a location expense.

How to invoice for a Location Allowance

Shoot Producers charge the Location Allowance each eligible shoot they produce when they invoice abbywinters.com. Shoot Producers make a separate line item for each aspect of that shoot, clearly indicating what shoot the Location Allowance is for. Each Location Allowance being claimed must appear as a separate line item, grouped with all the line items for one shoot together, one line item after another, eg, shoot fee, locations, model lunch, other shoot-specific reimbursements. Here’s an example for one shoot; [table id=13 /] More info about invoicing abbywinters.com.

38398 Ayesha Solo 4, Solo Open-Leg shoot (Level 2)	€3
38398 Ayesha Solo 4, Location & Accommodation reimbursement. See Attachment E.	€2
38398 Ayesha Solo 4 model lunch	€1

38392 Juniper J Solo 3, Solo Open-Leg shoot (Level 2)	€3
38392 Juniper J Solo 3, Location Allowance (Level 2). See Attachment C.	€2
38392 Juniper J Solo 3 model lunch.	€1