FAQs for commercial shoots

I cannot open an attachment that has my contract (or submission instructions). What should I do?

Most attachments are PDFs and can be opened in most browsers, but not all phones. If you browser isn't opening it, try downloading a new reader at www.adobe.com/reader.

What is the normal procedure for getting booked online into a commercial shoots?

Submissions are generally three steps. First you are asked to submit certain basic things. If that goes well, you may be asked to supplement or to answer a few questions. We do it this way so you can freely submit without too much work. Lastly, if you have not shot with us yet, there is a phone interview.

What else besides what's required should I include in my submission?

It's never a bad idea to address the person casting and include a short paragraph about why you would be good for the job. But keep it short. Two or three sentences max. Links to your work or images, Facebook etc are always a good idea too, but never substitute that for any pictures asked for. Remember that links are not always clicked on and when they are its only because there was initial interest to begin with.

I forgot to include (or I made a mistake), what should I do?

Do a completely new submission. Emails are not put together so if part of the info is one email, and other info is in another, both would get deleted for being incomplete.

Is there anything I should not include?

Some things can be damaging with many clients. For example, staged magazine covers. Pictures from shoot-outs. Logos of adult brands. Also, never include pictures that are old, dated, or of a look different than your current one.

I have a new tattoo (or my hair color has changed), will that matter?

You should always submit a recent un-retouched picture with every submission of your CURRENT look. If you have anything like a tattoo to disclose, be sure to do it in each submission. Tattoos are rarely a problem unless coming to us for agency submittal.

When will I see a contract and release?

Full paperwork is sent once you have been selected for the shoot. You are given a couple days to review your contract before you need to commit.

How do travel expenses work?

Every shoot and client is different. At a minimum, when we say travel is paid it means at least air and lodging and usually ground and some food on location . We usually describe it in the opportunity and it will be very detailed in your contract. Expenses in your home city (like airport parking, taxis etc) are rarely covered. Same with miscellaneous food, sundries, phone, internet etc.

We generally prepay your airfare. If you have not worked with us before its usually limited to Southwest Airlines. The reason is that Southwest is the only airline that if you don't show up gives the travel credit back to the ticket purchaser. If you are not in a Southwest city other arrangements are made.

Hotel stays are prepaid but most hotels will require you to put of a credit card for room charges.

How am I paid?

Every client is different. The bigger the company, the stricter the policies. Some will bring a check to the shoot, others may process a voucher through their accounts payable department.

What do I bring with me?

Anything you may need to bring will either be listed in the casting notice, or when you get the 1-sheet for the shoot. Wardrobe is usually provided or shopped for, usually by one of our wardrobe stylists. The exception is shoes, we ask all talent to bring comfortable heels because shoots that do not show feet do not have footwear at them. Also, unless told otherwise always arrive with little or no makeup (or be prepared to wash your face) and your hair washed and dry.

Always have a copy of a government issued picture ID with you please.

Do you check IDs, and why?

We need to know you are who you say and your age is correct. There are laws about age, for example you cannot be in a liquor ad if you are under 25. Or beer under 21. And of course if you are a minor we need to know that you parents approve and sign off on the shoot.

Are you an agency?

No. And we never take a commission or cut of your pay. The only time we get any fee from talent is if they book a CAT-shoot with us and its never required. Most our income comes from publishers, advertising agencies or corporate clients.

Do you work with agencies?

Yes. Most our clients book talent through agencies. If you are with an agency: On shoots that are not booked through agencies we ask that you collect all the information, follow our normal procedure, and then after your phone interview, if selected, we will send the paperwork to your booker for final booking. Your agency must be an industry  known agency. We do not work with digital agencies or agencies that do not sign talent exclusively. Regional agencies are fine.

Do you work with managers?

Only for celebrities. Unless you consider your booker at an agency described above as your manager.

My mother is my manager, will you work through her?

We respect all parents and will speak with them. But we will need direct access to you and do not treat parents as managers. In cases where the talent is under 18, a parent or guardian is treated as the legal entity for the talent.

I have a friend (assistant, manager, etc) that helps me at shoots. Is that ok?

For the privacy and security of the crew, equipment and other talent no one but you will be permitted on set or in studio. The only exception is a parent of a minor under the age of 18. For the privacy of other talent that may be present, we ask this be a female parent or guardian.

Sorry, but no. We do have many opportunities though.

Will I get pictures from a shoot?

Not at a  commercial shoot, no.

I have certain limits for wardrobe. How do I make you aware of them?

If your limit is that you do not shoot nude, you are fine. We don't accept work that includes most nudity. If you are not comfortable in swimwear or lingerie, unless you are under 18 you are not a good fit for us. Even if the shoot doesn't call for it we ask that any talent that does not adhere to industry standards and practices simply not submit for any work with us. Our contracts require that you work within all normally accepted industry standards.

The shoot I am submitting for is at a resort (hotel or other public place). How will I be protected from the public at the shoot?

When we shoot a resorts or public places we almost always have security present. We do ask that if a resort guest causes any issues that you bring it to the attention of the crew or security and not take any matters into your own hands.

Why are you so strict about us reading everything instead of asking questions?

The most obvious reason is that it takes less of our time. However, more important is that we need to know you are reading everything. We have had talent show up at airports the wrong day  and even show up at the studio the wrong month. Details are important.

How can I cast for FHM?

FHM will not shoot anyone without being seen in person. Castings are the obvious method but if you have attended any shoot with Laurens, or others with an editor present, that can count as a casting after you finalize an application.

Shoot Policies

For everyone's privacy, no cameras or recording devices are permitted. If your cell phone has a camera, it will need to be off inside the studio or on set.

For everyone's security and privacy absolutely no visitors are permitted on set or in studio.

No alcohol is permitted to be consumed before or during a shoot. You may not be under the influence of any drug or alcohol.

No drugs of any kind are permitted without a prescription. On international shoots, all prescriptions must be registered with the location coordinator.

Please be respectful of the client. This may be in the form of an art director who can be quirky or demanding at times. If you have an issues with a client, please see someone on our staff and address the siiue with us first.

Your privacy, comfort and security is important to us. Feel free to address any issues that may compromise any of these.