For the producers and actors: what was your worst recording session like?

[Fred588]

I've had no shows but the worst was when we shot a nice night scene with a model who did a great job and was very enthusiastic, and then woke up the next morning sick. That has happened twice - migraine both times.

[TK421]

A model took to scratching her face before the shoot began, causing it to bleed profusely, saying that she started using meth again. Yikes! I was instantly watching her every move to make sure she didn't steal anything and paid her a quick cancellation fee to leave immediately (she refused to unless I gave her something).

I have had my share of models try to change the terms (ask for more money), refuse to sign agreements, refuse to complete the shoot, and in one case, start openly cursing me out during the shoot. I have had models not show up. I have been in situations where models' escorts try to take photos of their own (including photos of me!) or try to fly drones or do something similarly disruptive.

Yikes! Where are you looking for these women?! I guess I been very fortunate in that regard. Every model I have worked with not only has been absolutely top of their game but actually enjoy working with us. In fact, many of whom I chat with on and off outside shoots and will be pulling in for non fetish based stuff (glamour, fashion etc) this year

[Jumpoff_Joe]

A model took to scratching her face before the shoot began, causing it to bleed profusely, saying that she started using meth again. Yikes! I was instantly watching her every move to make sure she didn't steal anything and paid her a quick cancellation fee to leave immediately (she refused to unless I gave her something).

I have had my share of models try to change the terms (ask for more money), refuse to sign agreements, refuse to complete the shoot, and in one case, start openly cursing me out during the shoot. I have had models not show up. I have been in situations where models' escorts try to take photos of their own (including photos of me!) or try to fly drones or do something similarly disruptive.

Yikes! Where are you looking for these women?! I guess I been very fortunate in that regard. Every model I have worked with not only has been absolutely top of their game but actually enjoy working with us. In fact, many of whom I chat with on and off outside shoots and will be pulling in for non fetish based stuff (glamour, fashion etc) this year

It's usually by networking. And, sometimes it's the same model that was great on one shoot and then they change their attitude the next time. In fairness, we all have bad days. But, for the most part, there is a level of unprofessionalism that I see frequently in the talent pool. I have seen it with talents whom I thought to be reliable, I have seen it with talents that are popular. I speculate that for some of them, it is drug- and/or maturity-related - this is especially true in the open-air drug market that my city has become. I also know that some talents in my current region see no problem with changing the dates at the last minute. I'm not sure why they do this, but it has led to predictable outcomes for them (ie, a lack of work and potential homelessness).

[dlodoski]

.... I also know that some talents in my current region see no problem with changing the dates at the last minute. I'm not sure why they do this, but it has led to predictable outcomes for them (ie, a lack of work and potential homelessness).

There used to be a thing called 'The Code'. It was still in place when we got started in the late 90's.

There were some nuanced aspects of it, but the main point had to do with cancellations/no-shows. If a model cancelled late or was a no-show, it was understood that the photographer would never hire her again (even if it was advantageous to do so). And the same went for photographers who cancelled; the model would never work for them again. This seems rather draconian nowadays. But it was effective.

I'm not sure when it went by the wayside. But I do remember talking it about it with a couple models who were aware of it, and they agreed that it was no longer being honored.

I haven't thought about it for quite a while. But Joe's comment above makes me wonder if the models in question would wish it was still around.

[Duncan Edwards]

There were some nuanced aspects of it, but the main point had to do with cancellations/no-shows. If a model cancelled late or was a no-show, it was understood that the photographer would never hire her again (even if it was advantageous to do so). And the same went for photographers who cancelled; the model would never work for them again. This seems rather draconian nowadays. But it was effective.

I'm not sure when it went by the wayside. But I do remember talking it about it with a couple models who were aware of it, and they agreed that it was no longer being honored.

This is one answer for those who ask why we had many ladies for several years at a time. Brinke, Brittany, Lena, Kristine, Nyssa, Jessica, Paris, Star, Summer, Candle, Ludella, Annabelle, Anabelle, Darby, Gummi, and most others never missed a flight, showed up late or left early. They feared little and tried to make everything work. All of them really took ownership of their role in working with us. They were true professionals. We knew then we could trust those they brought to us. That's much more difficult to come by now.

A couple of very similar examples - We helped Fred get together with Brinke to shoot at Studio 588. The first night we were ready to shoot after she arrived was a bit disorganized but when we looked around for Brinke she was standing next to the clay with her towel in her hand ready to go. Nobody said a thing to her. She knew what the right thing to do was and did it. That's a pro.

DSC_0092.JPG

Some years later on Ludella's first time at Camp MPV we had told her we'd shoot a jungle girl pinup thing. We turned around and there she was after having found the costume in the truck, put it on, and was standing there holding her towel waiting on us to begin. That's a pro.

2014S3LH-8047.jpg

[Fred588]

I had a model once, who had been to my Studio several times, and was booked again. Two days before her scheduled arrival she emailed to ask if it was ok if she brought her two cats, phrasing it to suggest she would not come otherwise. I said no and that was that.

[Jumpoff_Joe]

.... I also know that some talents in my current region see no problem with changing the dates at the last minute. I'm not sure why they do this, but it has led to predictable outcomes for them (ie, a lack of work and potential homelessness).

There used to be a thing called 'The Code'. It was still in place when we got started in the late 90's.

There were some nuanced aspects of it, but the main point had to do with cancellations/no-shows. If a model cancelled late or was a no-show, it was understood that the photographer would never hire her again (even if it was advantageous to do so)...

I haven't thought about it for quite a while. But Joe's comment above makes me wonder if the models in question would wish it was still around.

I don't think the models would want it around. They don't have the same level of commitment to work, at least the ones who sense that they are popular. However, I think that as they mature* they realize too late that their attitude is at fault for their declining career (*maturity is not a factor of age - there are plenty of people in their golden years who never matured).

[TK421]

.... I also know that some talents in my current region see no problem with changing the dates at the last minute. I'm not sure why they do this, but it has led to predictable outcomes for them (ie, a lack of work and potential homelessness).

There used to be a thing called 'The Code'. It was still in place when we got started in the late 90's.

There were some nuanced aspects of it, but the main point had to do with cancellations/no-shows. If a model cancelled late or was a no-show, it was understood that the photographer would never hire her again (even if it was advantageous to do so). And the same went for photographers who cancelled; the model would never work for them again. This seems rather draconian nowadays. But it was effective.

I'm not sure when it went by the wayside. But I do remember talking it about it with a couple models who were aware of it, and they agreed that it was no longer being honored.

I haven't thought about it for quite a while. But Joe's comment above makes me wonder if the models in question would wish it was still around.

This is my code of conduct. I was raised by the “old guard” of production managers who didn’t have time to put up with people’s bullshit. For instance, If the planner says 2pm call time, that doesn’t mean you are just showing up or just getting ready or grabbing a coffee. It means you are on set, dressed and ready to shoot.

One shoot in particular that stands out was for a music video, I was running the jib/focus pull. Problem was our camera 2, despite being very talented, was new and had a hard time keeping his mouth shut. One scene was a particularly spicy shower scene and the model crushed it but my producer wanted to grab a couple of shots in a tight off speed shot to really enhance the scene. What does this clown say? “Oh I get to see tiddies?”

He was joking, of course but the model heard him loud and clear (which was clearly apparent by the look on her face) as did everyone else. Possibly the most cringe moment I seen. The producer didn’t even blink. He simply called him over, pulled him away in private for a few words and sent him home before apologizing to everyone on set (as well as the model). He then pulled me off Jib for that scene and had me on camera 2 for the duration of the shoot. I have witnessed this same producer send talent home as well. It’s production. We have a limited amount of time to get so much accomplished and shenanigans like that only hold everyone else up and is disrespectful to the men and women who DO show up and are committed. It’s really that simple.

In production, it’s your time and money as well. Be respectful to the talent, of course but it is a two way street. It’s on you to save the shoot if a model cancels or pulls out at zero hour without a valid reason (family emergency, etc).

[Duncan Edwards]

In production, it’s your time and money as well. Be respectful to the talent, of course but it is a two way street. It’s on you to save the shoot if a model cancels or pulls out at zero hour without a valid reason (family emergency, etc).

We had one performer who maybe got a little big for her britches over the years. She eventually had difficulty telling time among other things but work had to get done so you do what you gotta do. Following season she's wondering why she's not been invited. Fortunately her absence on the bench made room for a new player who filled her shoes nicely. It was once a very competitive business and there was always somebody just as good or better to take the job for whatever reason.

And your story also illustrates what being professional behind the camera is about.

[TK421]

In production, it’s your time and money as well. Be respectful to the talent, of course but it is a two way street. It’s on you to save the shoot if a model cancels or pulls out at zero hour without a valid reason (family emergency, etc).

We had one performer who maybe got a little big for her britches over the years. She eventually had difficulty telling time among other things but work had to get done so you do what you gotta do. Following season she's wondering why she's not been invited. Fortunately her absence on the bench made room for a new player who filled her shoes nicely. It was once a very competitive business and there was always somebody just as good or better to take the job for whatever reason.

And your story also illustrates what being professional behind the camera is about.

It still is a very competitive business. Like, I had plenty of women inquiring about working with me at Nostalgic Erotica once the word got out. The issue is I have a VERY high bar. Communication, attitude, drama, how well they work with others all factor into whether or not we are working together. I’ve turned away women who are the hottest thing on the market right now because they failed to meet any of these criteria and I am not afraid to admit it. As you stated, there is always someone who is better committed and suited who is willing to step forward and that is who we want here.