Modeling is hard work, so it’s essential you get the right lunch for you to refuel and feel ready for the busy afternoon ahead!
“I think the time that we paused for lunch was the most enjoyable. We got to speak and have tea and we were all on the same page. It was an informal moment where we got to talk about our lives. It was a good part of the day. I felt more relaxed after that.” (Gizela, Nov 2021)
Your Shoot Producer will provide a light lunch for you on shoot days (we reimburse them for this). On some shoots, you might visit a store with your Shoot Producer, on other occasions, the Shoot Producer may prepare or buy food before you arrive on set.
“My lunch was eggs with salad 🥗🥗. We had hummus, coffee with milk, fruit, water… She [Shoot Producer Giulia] gave me some super healthy snacks! I changed my diet after meeting Giulia. I eat a salad with hummus now and feel super good! ” (Madison A, Aug 2022)
“Giulia [Shoot Producer] made me a really cute rice salad with loads of veggies because I am vegan. I was actually really shocked and surprised. I thought it would just be like a sandwich, but she put all this effort in and it was really nice.” (Sascha, Feb 2020)
Your Shoot Producer is not psychic but would be really upset if they got you sushi 🍣 and it turns out you don’t like fish – or they bought you a healthy salad 🥗 when actually what you wanted was a sugar hit! 🍬🍩🍪🍰 Every person is different if you have foods you dislike inform your Model Liaison and Shoot Producer before the shoot so they do not prepare you a lunch that is not going to be to your liking.
“Ursula [shoot Producer] called me and asked me if I had any allergies or preferences or if I was vegetarian so it was good.” (Viviana, Apr 2021)
The Shoot Producer is not expected to provide three-course hot meals in sit-down restaurants, or similar! They’ll facilitate a modest but filling light lunch to keep the shoot productive. They will not make you a sandwich or cook you a meal, but they’ll make sure you have everything you need to make it to your taste.
“Hermann [Shoot Producer] brought fruit, nuts, some olives, and he made a super nice bread! He baked bread for the shoot. I made soup… We joined forces, It was teamwork!” (Flo, Mar 2021)
Of course, you can also bring your own food, there’s typically a fridge and microwave available at each shoot location, but that’s not a guarantee. If your lunch depends on these conveniences, confirm with your Shoot Producer beforehand. It’s also fine if you want to augment what your Shoot Producer provides with some of your own food (but see also, Can I have a drink (or, some other “pick me up”) for courage on the shoot day?).
Sometimes, the Shoot Producer will propose heading out for a meal at a local restaurant. They are working on a budget, and may not be able to get everything you want from the menu. It’s always fine if you choose to top up the difference, however.
If you have an unusual food preference, it’s likely the Shoot Producer cannot meet it. In those cases, you’ll need to cater for yourself, at your own expense. For example, “I only eat this sort of bread, and that sort of butter, and the avocados must not be too ripe!” – you’re on your own (normally the SP would provide a general type of bread to your taste (say, white or brown), generic butter, and a fresh avocado).
You’ll need to pay for your own takeaway coffees, but at most shoot locations and accommodations there are tea and coffee facilities. If this is important to you, check with the Shoot Producer beforehand.
If you use the cutlery and crockery at the shoot location, you are expected to work with the Shoot Producer and other models to clean up completely before departing.
An example lunch might be a salad, juice, some nuts, and small chocolate bar. Shoot Producers work to keep it under €10 / US$14 / AU$16.
