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Advice on topless/semi-nude shooting
I'm planning a low budget video project that has several scenes where models appear topless. I have a good idea on how to shoot several of the topless scenes it but I need some advice. 1. How is the best way to recruit and discuss the project and those scenes with potential models with out coming off as a creep, sleaze or other bush league putz other than the usual casting calls and project information literature? I had the idea of using Craigslist along with MM for getting the word out on the project. 2. is it possible to shoot TFP and if that's not possible, what is the acceptable rate of pay for a model to appear topless without busting my budget? 3. A hot tub scene is in the works. Is a water housing recommended and can I fit the housing through a shotgun microphone? I've probably overlooked a ton of other details that I haven't thought of yet. I want to do this right. It's a glamour film. Not a porno. Thanks for the help. Aug 22 15 10:02 am Link 1. How is the best way to recruit and discuss the project and those scenes with potential models with out coming off as a creep, sleaze or other bush league putz other than the usual casting calls and project information literature? I had the idea of using Craigslist along with MM for getting the word out on the project. --------------Just be straight forward in describing the project, your bona fides (A list of your prior video projects with links to the videos themselves if possible--rest assured, you will come off as a sleaze if this is the first project of this sort that you've done) Make sure you can provide the model(s)/actor(s) involved with full details as to what you expect them to do. A shot list and dialogue samples wouldn't hurt. I would think you'd have a hard time finding anyone CL to do this sort of project for trade. 2. is it possible to shoot TFP and if that's not possible, what is the acceptable rate of pay for a model to appear topless without busting my budget? --------------Depending on the model, your bona fides, and the project it's always at least possible to shoot TF, although not all that likely, especially in the smaller cities. You can always ask. If you can't arrange, TF, the rate will be a matter of negotiation depending on all the above plus the model's rates and the usual rates in your own area. 3. A hot tub scene is in the works. Is a water housing recommended and can I fit the housing through a shotgun microphone? -------------- I assume you mean a waterproof housing to protect your camera and/or microphone. Never worked them but my assumption would be that you'd be better off with equipment that was designed for this environment, rather than anything that's been retrofitted. You might bet better answers in the photography forum. Hope it helps and as always IMHO of course. Aug 22 15 11:45 am Link Robert Schuette wrote: Contact the people on this list, they're the people that would be most likely to work with you as described. Aug 22 15 11:53 am Link Robert Schuette wrote: 1. Explain in short, but clear detail about what the shoot is, and what it requires of the model. Perhaps include why it's important for your film that the model is topless. Show that you've done a bit of pre production and let them know what the goals and end result of the project is to show that this isn't just so that you can have video of topless girls. Unless it is. Aug 22 15 12:06 pm Link I've got a few bits of advice for you from a model's perspective ^_^ Some of this you may already know, but I'm sharing just in case. I think one of the best things you can do is to provide some examples of what you are going for. Since you haven't shot this before, find some example clips to show potential models, but make it clear that they're only examples and not your work. Also share some examples of your video work if you can, even if they're not the same type of video. It sounds like you'll have multiple models working together, so make sure they know that. Most models get along pretty well, but there are always the catty ones and girls (like me) who just prefer to pose on their own most of the time. A lot of models who are willing to pose for photos, may not be as willing to pose for video and many will require a higher rate for topless video than they would for topless still photography. On the other side of that, you might be able to find models who haven't had as much opportunity to shoot video and might be willing to do so as TF if they feel the video will benefit them somehow. As far as casting... make sure it is worded well and sounds professional. Avoid text speak and slang. Be open and honest about the project. Don't try to talk people into it or try to convince them that you're "legit." Just present what you are doing and let them decide if they're interested or not. (I add this because I've had many issues with people trying to sell me on something and it comes across as desperate or pushy, and it's a red flag for me). Hopefully that helped and I hope your project goes well ^_^ Aug 28 15 10:16 am Link I agree with the comments that you will need to be able to show quality examples of video work that you have done to get models interested in the concept. Finding anyone willing to do TFP would be really difficult unless it's readily apparent to the models that there are benefits from doing that, or a beginner model just wants to gain experience. The more professional you come across and the better your samples of previous work, the more likely you will be to find models willing to participate. You can research how much nude/topless models typically get paid in your area but I think the numbers already mentioned of $50 to $100 per hour are realistic, and video work usually pays higher than photography modelling. Having excellent references from other models who have worked with you on previous projects is also a big plus, and pretty much a requirement if you don't have an established reputation in that field. Aug 28 15 10:22 am Link |
