When the atmosphere goes “wrong” on set, it can have a serious consequence: a low quality shoot where the SP and model expect to be paid. At the company, we wonder, why are we paying two people for a low quality shoot? Shouldn’t the shoot have been cancelled instead?!
We all work hard to make it so shoots don’t need to be cancelled in the middle of a shoot day, but it is an option (more info). The tips on creating the right atmosphere on set, sticking to the Models Charter, this series of model care FAQ’s, the training we provide to Shoot Producers on working with models all help a lot towards making professional shoot days – we acknowledge that not every day will be amazing, and some days will be more “workmanlike” than “magical”.
When the wheels fall off, here’s what to do…
Do whatever necessary to remain calm and professional (assume the model will be Tweeting about this after you leave, with your real name attached. Behave how you’d like to be seen publicly). Leave the room for a few minutes to calm down if tempers are high.
It’s never appropriate to touch a model, that includes in-anger – it’s not ok to push, shove, slap, hit, punch a model under any circumstances. In fact, it’s not ok to do that to anyone!
Never raise your voice. This is difficult to maintain in a frustrating situation, but it’s important because as soon as you do, the model raises their voice (if they have not already), it becomes a “shouting match” and the atmosphere on the day is lost and cannot be recovered from. Try walking away for a few minutes, then starting the conversation again.
If the model raises their voice, ask them to take a “time out”. If they do it repeatedly, warn them that raising their voice is not tolerated, and if they continue the shoot day will stop. Consider lowering your level of speaking to tacitly encourage the model to also speak more quietly.
Step back and assess the situation. It’s not ok for you to feel threatened or disrespected (nor is it ok for the model to feel that way). If that seems to be the case, the SP needs to take action – never ignore it. It’s always fine if the SP feels they are unable to complete the shoot with the model – the SP will always be supported by the company when making this decision.
Put the cameras down, take a few breaths. Chat with the model, review what has been established in the Pre Shoot Briefing – could this be a misunderstanding? Ask the model what they need to make the shoot today (and do your best to accommodate it, so long as the shoot is not significantly compromised).
Consider if this is a problem the SP can resolve – or will this need support from others in the organisation (someone from the Collective is always available to support you on WhatsApp).
Consider bringing in the “voice” of other people in the organisation – “What did the Model Liaison say in your Booking call about this?”; “What did you read in the Model FAQ about this?”. The goal is not to attack, or blame the model, but to identify the specific problem / misunderstanding, and move forward.
Work to offer models options to select from (as opposed to telling her what to do. Work to never “shut down” a model (ie, telling her she’s wrong).
Consider if the situation could be improved with “adjudication” by someone else in the organisation. They can be the “bad cop” if it’s necessary (for example, making a decision that the shoot cannot go ahead due to grooming). This person will likely be perceived by the model as being “neutral”, and they should help to ascertain what the model’s concerns are, and assist in reaching some kind of agreement to move ahead.
Ask the model how they want to move ahead; point out the strained atmosphere you’re feeling. Ask how we might resolve it. Make it clear that if she is not comfortable, the shoot should not go ahead. Ask what you might change to help. Ask her if she would like to talk to someone else in the organisation to see what her options are (it’s fine to position the Shoot Producer Trainer or Model Liaison or Creative Director as “your boss” – people often feel better if they can raise the issue with someone more senior).
Work to make models feel listened to. Repeat her concepts back to her in your own words – do you agree on what the issue is? (this is essential to do before talking about how to solve the issue!).
If the model is not happy and the issue cannot be resolved to both the model and SP’s satisfaction, cancelling the shoot should be considered – see Cancelling Shoots.
Don’t project personal frustrations (loud sighs, eye rolls, dragging of feet). This is passive aggressive behaviour, and is unprofessional.