abbywinters.com is often their first exposure to being nude in front of people. Our
models are generally amateur, not professional and are aware that the adult ...
Principles of working with models / abbywinters.com Model Charter Friday, 7 May 2010 v1.2
Overview Models are at the very core of what we do, producing an erotic website. Their time with abbywinters.com is often their first exposure to being nude in front of people. Our models are generally amateur, not professional and are aware that the adult industry has a poor reputation, so may be initially wary of us. We are a leader in the industry because of our approach. With this comes our Principles of working with models. These guiding principles: • • •
Dictate how all staff behave when working with models Are not negotiable or voluntary: they are required Are the base, common and lowest-common-denominator of any dealings with models
Not following these requirements will lead to immediate discipline, including verbal and written warnings, and possible loss of employment.
The goals From these principles, our goals are that every model: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Experiences our passion and excitement Understands all the information we provide Is informed, empowering her to make decisions Is respected for the decisions she makes Arrives on time, well-groomed and ready to work Is paid fairly and on time for her work Leaves abbywinters.com happy, safe, and keen for more contact from us Refers shoot-suitable friends and locations to us Is pleased to hear from us when we contact her
The principles There are seven Principles for working with models. They are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Meaningful experience Dignity and respect Ethics Informed Leadership Responsive Communication
abbywinters.com Principles of working with models
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Meaningful experience Be nice. We want models to have a meaningful experience with us. A meaningful experience is one that has significance, purpose and value; it’s positive, memorable and satisfying, as well as fun and exciting. Staff work towards models having a memorable experience by being personable, while still being professional. While staff are tactful and polite, they are also educated, outspoken, positive, vivacious characters, who are passionate about their work and their lives. This positivity is contagious, and when caught by models they are infected them with a similar passion resulting in high quality shoots. Negative personal opinions are internalised when necessary and staff are never bitchy or complain about staff, other models, the Company or other companies. Where necessary, staff disengage from conversations about subjects that are likely to become inflammatory. Staff show empathy (identification with the feelings, thoughts or attitudes of another), using simple conversational tools, such as: • • • • • • • • •
Attending, acknowledging Providing verbal or non-verbal awareness of the other, ie, eye contact Reflecting, Reflecting feelings, experiences or content that has been heard or perceived through cues Interpreting Offering a tentative interpretation about the other's feelings, desires or meanings Summarizing, synthesizing Bringing together in some way feelings and experiences; providing a focus way that requests more Probing Questioning in a supportive information or that attempts to clear up confusions Giving feedback Sharing perceptions of the other's ideas or feelings; disclosing relevant personal information Supporting Showing warmth and caring Checking perceptions Finding out if interpretations and perceptions are valid and accurate Listening Giving the other time to think as well as to talk
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1
Score
2
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4
Name
Unacceptable
Poor
Acceptable
Excellent
Attributes
Is dismissive or disinterested in working with models.
Requires reminding that models having a meaningful experience is a critical factor in our success.
Actively works to ensure every second of contact with us is interesting and memorable.
Creates systems so others provide meaningful experiences for models.
Example:
Sometimes makes negative remarks (in fact, spirit or tone) about our competition and must be reminded not to.
Spirit and tone, when referring to our competition, is lacking.
Polite and respectful of our competition.
Delivers on a plan to help our competition differentiate from us, while adding value to our own business; leads other staff to treat our competition with respect.
Never thinks to call a model they have shot, just for a catch up.
Calls a model when pushed by someone to do so.
Regularly calls models from 3 months ago in 10 mins of downtime, just to catch up.
Understanding what makes a model happy, and why this is important to the company; delivers on a plan to educate others around this
Local competition
Friendly model call
abbywinters.com Principles of working with models
5 Game changing
Causes all local competition to significantly contribute to our goals.
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Dignity and respect We realise that models are sharing a very personal and private part of themselves, often for the first time and that they may feel vulnerable. This automatically elevates us to a position of power (compounded by the fact we’re a company, we’re paying the model, we are professional). All this can add up to a model feeling intimidated. We seek to empower our models and never encourage or engage this sense of vulnerability. Dignity is the quality of being worthy of respect. Of course, all people are worthy of respect, but especially our models who are often taking an enormous first step into their personal liberation. We work to ensure a model retains her dignity at all times, by perceiving and being responsive to her needs and feelings; compassionate but never to the extent of condescension. We have systems in place preserve a model’s privacy. This manifests in many ways, for example: • • • • •
Models are only ever publicly identified by their “site names” Personal information we hold about models is held extremely secure Personal information about models is only accessible to people who have a clear and present need to access that information A model’s payment is always kept confidential from other models Models are given private time on shoots (for example, toilet breaks)
A model’s comfort must be held paramount at all times. This includes obvious things like warmth, hunger and thirst, but also areas like poses, visibility and context of conversation. We ensure systems are in place, followed and maintained to ensure models comfort is always at the highest level. Because we never want a model to feel pressure that she “has to” do something, our systems are designed to give models an “out”, to change her mind. All staff who work with models use their judgement as to when to apply this, but also occurs at these defined stages: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Initial introductory phone call During the face-to-face information session Before the shoot, as the shoot day commences As the shoot begins At each posing level change during a shoot For five days, the “cooling off” period
Dealing with the daily quirks and differences of people’s bodies in an intimate way, we are always caring, diplomatic and considerate when working with models, especially things our society places a moral taboo on (for example, talking about menstruation), but any matter of discomfort for the model. Sometimes, we must inform a model of a situation that means she cannot work with us (for example, a grooming issue). These messages must be delivered in private and be planned, so
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it is clearly understood to not be a reflection on the model as a person, but on the situation at hand. All people have fears. Some are logical, sensible and instinctive, like falling off a cliff. Others appear irrational to a new acquaintance (for example, mirrors, clowns or colours). These peccadilloes (a small sin or fault) are always accepted and respected - never ridiculed. Models are likely to be nervous (apprehensive, anxious, fearful, uncertain) when arriving for shoots. We work to keep models informed about the process at all stages. We use our judgement and seldom leave a model alone at the “pre-shoot” stage, to engage her, make small talk and discuss what is happening now, and what will happen next. All staff support the severe penalties that apply for causing models personal information to be made available to un-authorised parties.
1
Score
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4
Name
Unacceptable
Poor
Acceptable
Excellent
Attributes
Is dismissive of a models dignity. Does not show models as much respect as required.
Grudgingly or thoughtless around models dignity or showing disrespect.
Is always conscious of a model’s dignity, and shows respect for her. Leads others to deliver at a similar or better level of excellence.
Delivers on a plan for a system to significantly improve all models dignity and respect when working with us.
Example:
Unthinkingly requires model to change clothes in a semi-public place (eg, models lounge at HQ)
Grudgingly allows a model to go to a bathroom to change; has to be reminded that model dignity is important.
Ensures model understands what is going on; Graciously leads model to a private changing area, and cheerfully ensures model understands what happens next.
Delivers on a plan for a system that ensures model dignity and respect is always cared for, and cannot be abused.
Deliberately or negligently causes.
Inadvertently causes
Always vigilant, leading others to be similar vigilant.
Delivers on a plan to improve processes to further reduce the risk.
Model changing into shoot clothes
Example: Making models personal information available to unauthorised parties
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5 Game changing
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Ethics Ethics is the identification of the morally correct course of action. While in some ethical considerations the direction is obvious, many situations are “grey” or subjective (what is obvious to one person is not to another, based on their beliefs and experiences). In general, we hold ourselves to very high ethical standards – to do what is intrinsically right in a situation. A common occurrence in the adult industry is for inexperienced, young models to be “taken advantage” of. In the hope of increasing profits and lowering costs, moral hazards abound. A moral hazard occurs when the party with more information and limited liability (i.e. one party indemnifies the other from loss) about its intentions has an incentive to behave inappropriately from the perspective of the party with less information. This hazard, or risk, is where this Principles of working with models | abbywinters.com models charter comes from, and works to address. We work to actively address underlying and unspoken assumptions, to bring them into the open and extend our social responsibility (a robust “do no evil1” approach, be an organisation that helps make the world better, not purely for our own self-interest). We have defined ethical standards in these areas: • • • • •
Health and safety. The physical (and mental) health and safety of models, staff and the general public is paramount to all our works. Fairness. Fairness in payment, work opportunities, care. Honesty. Models are informed of the scope of the process, risks, opportunities and rewards. Confidentiality. Models expect and deserve for their personal information to be kept confidential. Compliance. Laws, insurances, taxation.
Marketing initiatives directed at modelling candidates, or existing models, are run through a workshop committee with staff from various departments (some of whom have been models), to ensure the approach is ethical and responsible. Professional people are concerned with how the company and its work with models is perceived by outside parties, and work to ensure everything we do reflects positively on the business. For example, supplying alcohol to a model on a shoot to “calm her nerves” could be construed as deliberately impairing her judgement and manipulating her – for this reason, we have a strict no-alcohol on shoots rule. Ethical matters are frequently raised and debated among models, staff, management and shareholders and dealt with in a “guided democracy” fashion, and all staff are encouraged to speak up if they have a concern.
1
Google.com use this as their corporate tag line. More info, http://www.google.com/corporate/tenthings.html abbywinters.com Principles of working with models
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1
Score
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5
Name
Unacceptable
Poor
Acceptable
Excellent
Game changing
Attributes
Does not consider the effect that can be had on the owner, company or the model; never raises ethical issues; ignores cases that should be concerning; consciously performs against the company’s ethical requirements; makes poor ethical judgements.
Occasionally speaks up around ethical issues when pushed; tacitly allows others to make judgements based on poor ethics;
Speaks up and offers opinion on ethical matters; challenges others on assumptions around ethical areas; operates with an external view of the company and owner at all times; does what is right in a given situation.
Is aggressively aware of moral hazards and leads others to understand their significance. Delivers on a plan to increase the level of attention ethics enjoys in the company.
Delivers on a plan to increase the level of ethical behaviour in our industries.
Example:
Gives models alcohol on a shoot.
Tacitly allows a model to drink some alcohol on a shoot, so long as she’s not obvious about it.
Creates an environment where alcohol is not required for a shoot; cancels a shoot where a model appears to be drunk.
Leads others to understand the importance of not giving models alcohol on a shoot, how it could affect the owner and the company.
Delivers on a plan to ensure no adult industry producers provide or allow alcohol on a shoot.
Captures ID of a poor quality; does not check the validity of the ID; does not capture ID on the shoot.
Requires reminding to stick to ID guidelines.
Captures valid ID of each model on a shoot on the shoot day, to a high technical standard; files the ID image correctly; no questions ever asked.
Actively leads others to understand the importance of ID capture.
Delivers on a system to ensure ID is no longer required.
Giving a model alcohol on a shoot
Example Capturing ID
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Informed We ensure models are informed of how their choices may affect the risks, rewards and process. We know that only with all the information in hand, can models make an informed decision. We inform models clearly about: • • • • • • •
What the work actually involves What they can expect from us in terms of professionalism The risks of being involved How the process works, from their first contact with us onwards How media captured of them is distributed, and to whom What the rewards are for what level and amount of work That contracts models sign are binding indefinitely
We never use euphemisms or un-defined jargon. We always display an open, honest and factual approach. We use our judgement and our relationship with the model to establish language that the model feels comfortable with. Unless the correct answer to a query from a model is known, we never make up, guess or estimate an answer – models will be making potentially life changing decisions on information we provide to them, so information supplied must be accurate. We present information in a concise form and for critical parts in multiple mediums (for example, verbal, visual and a printed reference). We have established standard messages we deliver to all models (to ensure all models are equally informed and to ensure the quality of the message is not confused by personal style). Where necessary, we provide a variety of formal and informal training programs to models to help them do better in their role and increase the likelihood of more work being offered. We’re aware of “information overload” and so pace the information we provide to models. We structure the information so the most important aspects are delivered in simple, memorable terms. We follow the company-specified delivery terms for messages (for example, limiting detailed information in new model calls, but not holding back anything in model info sessions where face-to-face interactions are more likely to be recalled and understood). Some aspects of our work are inherently complicated to understand (for example, the legal contracts models sign; how our relationships with business partners may affect models). We go to additional lengths to ensure all staff are able to clarify aspects of these areas and present them in ways as to evoke understanding by providing real-world analogies and actual examples.
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1
Score
2
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5
Name
Unacceptable
Poor
Acceptable
Excellent
Game changing
Attributes
Omits or deliberately withholds information from models;
Fails to explain something fully to a model to the level that she understands; must be reminded to be more thorough; uses euphemisms, jargon; assumes the model agrees
Does not rest until a model is completely informed.
Delivers on a plan to lead others to understand the importance of fully informing models.
Delivers on a plan to lead others in the industry around the importance of fully informing models.
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Leadership When working with models, staff provide clear leadership, by actively involving people, moderating conflict, being balanced, in-control and approachable. We know this helps models themselves feel empowered. Staff are aware they are responsible for the safety, quality and quantity of work delivered, whole managing their allocated resources to ensure the results exceed our standards and for models to look their best. From this place of responsibility, staff may discipline models, being firm to ensure our standards are being met. Staff use their skills to diffuse awkward or emotionally charged situations, but to always be personable and engaging. On shoots with multiple models, staff meter their attention out to ensure all models feel engaged and equally part of the creative whole. Staff are conscious of the emotional bonds that can form when intense experiences are shared (as may occur on a shoot) and work to maintain a professional relationship with models. Whilst socialising with models may be a natural extension of working closely with them, staff remain aware of professional boundaries, even when not “on the clock”. Staff never bring their personal problems to work and especially to a shoot. Staff are consciously engaging and personable regardless of other demands on their time and emotions. Staff will actively remove themselves from a situation if they are not able to perform this duty, while the department works together to ensure the model’s experience is unaffected. Staff provide constructive feedback to models, freely complimenting good performance and working constructively with the model to change behaviours that reduce shoot quality.
1
Score
2
3
4
5
Name
Unacceptable
Poor
Acceptable
Excellent
Game changing
Attributes
Allows models to run roughshod over self, others, department, company; encourages or tacitly allows this behaviour.
Must be pushed and reminded to provide strong leadership to models.
Aware of models need for firm leadership; provides clear direction, makes fair decisions.
Leads others by delivering on a plan to increase the quality and attention to leadership for models.
Changes the industry as a whole in leading models to deliver results.
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Responsive Our staff are responsive to models needs, following up on commitments, providing additional information, replying to communications in a timely fashion (a matter of hours or days at the most). Should staff not be able to respond (for example, due to workload or illness), they ensure the matter is handed off to a peer who can deal with the matter. The company maintains relationships with all past and present models, allowing them to communicate with us via: • • • •
Landline phone numbers, out-of-hours answering service, returned missed calls Various email addresses monitored daily Models-only discussion forum (once their first shoot has been released on the site, or earlier if they request) Open for walk-in business 10am to 6.30pm week days
Complaints are dealt with swiftly, with the model kept informed of the progress of the matter. As necessary, issues are escalated to the Production Manager, Creative Director, General Manager, and lastly Owner. Disputes are worked on constructively to resolve the matter to both parties’ satisfaction, and if there is a risk of a dispute recurring, policy and procedure is updated and training delivered to reduce the risk to the business. Should a model wish to have her content removed from the website – policy regarding which has been discussed with all models at various stages – there is a process followed to deal with the matter, which is followed to the advantage of the business and the satisfaction of the model.
1
Score
2
3
4
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Name
Unacceptable
Poor
Acceptable
Excellent
Game changing
Attributes
Hides or obfuscates models concerns (deliberately or by being slack).
Must be pushed and reminded to respond to models needs swiftly.
Actively goes looking for models that need responding to, and responds to completely satisfy model; uses opportunity to sell benefits of our business (tacitly or otherwise).
Leads others by delivering on a plan to measurably decrease the response time, and quality of response.
Causes the industry to adopt standards that have been established at abbywinters.com, and credit AW appropriately.
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Model communication Staff work to build trust by being effective communicators, such as engaging in “active listening” techniques (listening for meaning by suspending one’s own frame of reference and judgment, to fully attend to the speaker). They paraphrase the speaker’s words to communicate that meaning has been understood, listen for feelings (rather than literal meaning), observe body language, and work to collaborate rather than contradict. While there is a risk that this behaviour can be interpreted as being condescending, style and approach is left to the judgement of the individual, while the principle of effective communication remains. Staff are on the lookout for barriers that make effective communication difficult, such as distractions, pejorative words (words that have come to mean more than their dictionary definition), unknown or misunderstood vocabulary, language difficulties, and limited attention spans, and work to change their method to further foster understanding. Staff use open-ended “W-questions” (what, where, when, why) to encourage models to explain what they think and how they feel – to communicate effectively – helping us to tailor an experience that will be meaningful for them. Staff work with models to get their input for their shoot, guiding the model around paradigm requirements. Staff use the model’s input to collaborate and create something greater than the sum of its parts.
1
Score
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Name
Unacceptable
Poor
Acceptable
Excellent
Game changing
Attributes
Issues where models report misunderstanding.
Must be reminded to communicate with models effectively.
All communications with models ensure the model is left feeling informed; tailors approach to ensure models understand.
Delivers on a plan to deliver classes for models about AW shoots
Delivers on a plan to deliver lectures on model communication, at adult tradeshows.
-End
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