Fashion Shoots Post Pandemic
As we transition into a new era, New York is returning to its luster. Bars are opening up, and restaurants are filling up with folks. So what does this new glorious time mean for fashion shoots? We, at On Time Elite are longing for Photo Shoots to come back.
From what we’ve seen here at On Time Elite, things are picking back up and can we just say, “It’s about dam time!” As we are all happy, we must all wonder how we can be back up-and-running while minimizing the spread of this virus that crippled entire societies for two years. Fortunately, it’s easy when we take the necessary precautions to keep everyone safe. Personally, since productions and campaigns resumed, I’ve seen various protocols followed, and I am here to share my tidbits with you, my fellow entertainment, production and fashion comrades.
Vax, vax, vax, vax, vax
Vaccinations are crucial for any and all projects. What was once not a mandate is now becoming law. I have clients who confirm bookings tell me, “Cris, I need a driver, tech, or PA who is fully vaccinated; otherwise, they cannot be on set.”
This is a huge way to ensure that the spread of the virus is minimized. Also, it’s now becoming a mandate, meaning that sooner or later, for full functions to return to what they were, all personnel will have to be vaccinated. Now, as this keeps many safe, there are still rules that must be followed on site. On nearly every call sheet or client release form, wearing a mask is mandatory; any removal results in removal offset.
Getting a vaccine helps minimize risk, but it does not eliminate it altogether. When we helped shoot the Victoria’s Secret Love and Lemons commercial, for example, only the models could to remove their masks, and that was only for hair and makeup and, of course, when they were being filmed or in shots.
Testing on Site
While vaccine cards are becoming a staple on all shoots, on-site testing is still an occurrence. Where typical call times were 6 AM, they‘re now 4 to 5 AM, meaning that all cast, crew, talent, and aids must submit to testing before any sort of production or fashion-related movement will take place. Anyone who works in productions knows that the days typically run long. What used to be a normal 12-hour day is now 14 plus. All these precautions ensure the safety of all team members. We’ve been lucky enough to have our units serve as these safe and user-friendly hubs. Vehicles like the Blue, the Ambassador and the Infinity have been the arcs on-site. Most of our clients, crew, and team members enter one entry point and leave through another, making us all very happy to aid in the protection of all members.
Buhhhh Byeeee Craft Service
Remember when you would go on set and find catering tables filled with goodies to fuel us through the day? From fresh fruit and subs to salad and meals, everything was within a hand’s reach. But now that the mere act of touching anything puts us all at risk we have to find a new way to fuel and energize all cast and crew members.
Directly before almost every shot, I provide our clients with the food requests of every team member. We package each meal for the day individually, per person. Although it’s neater, the amount of waste produced to maintain safety can be concerning.
ANNNDDDDDDD TAKE ONE – ( GETTING THE SHOT)
When it comes to shooting the talent, this feels very familiar to all, the interaction is mainly between the talent and the photographer. Sure the makeup artist will step in for a few tweaks here and there, but that I am happy to report has remained the same, and thank the stars for it.
Fashion shoots have come back, and that’s all that matters. To turn the page and step forward, these protocols will soon enough become staples in every shoot.
Preparing for a fashion shoot? Get on the schedule!