On each shoot, we ask models to handwrite a small note describing how they feel before the shoot, and another after the shoot. Our customers enjoy seeing the difference between the two, and handwritten notes are a nice extra dimension to the still images and video.
It’s tempting to show you some examples, but we don’t want to be too prescriptive, and we don’t want you to just copy someone else’s design! Whatever you come up with, so long as it meets the broad guidelines below, will be fine!
To save some time on-set, some Shoot Producers prefer models prepare their “Before the shoot” handwritten bio at home and bring it to the shoot – you will have been referred to this page in those cases.
Making your “Before the shoot” handwritten bio (HWB)
Do I have to do this? Yes, you have to make a HWB – it’s part of the shoot. In some cases, we’ll ask you to do this before you arrive the shoot. You don’t have to do it at home, but it will mean you can go home a little earlier on a shoot day if you do! If you have not been asked to make it at home, you can still choose to do this – let your Shoot Producer know the day before, and include a link to this page so they know what’s going on!
When should I do this? Make your “Before the shoot” HWB the night before or the morning of the shoot day.
Select the paper: Thicker paper is preferred, but any notepad is fine. The ideal size is C5 (an A4 or US Letter sized page folded in half), but the size is not critical. Lined or unlined is fine. Unusual paper shapes and colours are fine if you prefer, so long as what’s written contrasts well with the page.
Select things to write with: We want you to express yourself. Perhaps that’s simply with a black biro, or maybe it’s an array of colourful felt-tip markers? Crayons? Watercolour paint? Mixed media? Whatever you choose, it should be “contrasty” so the words are clear (so, a grey-lead pencil or yellow markers are not preferred). The page needs to go through a flatbed scanner, so 3D elements are not appropriate (ie, don’t glue macaroni on to the page!).
What you have to write: The HWB must have your “site name” somewhere on the page (which the Model Liaison will have let you know), and the words “Before the shoot” as a heading. Apart from that, it’s up to you!
Ideas for other writing: Describe how you feel on the morning of the shoot, about the shoot that’s about to happen. How did you sleep last night? What did you do this morning to prepare? What are you most looking forward to? What are you anxious about? Where are you? What things do you plan to bring to the shoot? Between 20 and 80 words is best. Don’t worry about perfect spelling or grammar, and it’s fine if you cross-out some mistakes.
What you must not write: We’re pretty flexible, but there are a few things you must not write (if you do write these things, we might ask you to re-do it);
- Never include anyone’s real names, addresses, or contact info
- Don’t write a list of negative things
- No hate speech, nothing political
- No dates, and don’t reference news items, or cultural events (eg, Christmas). You shoot may not be released for several months, and will be accessed by people years into the future.
- Don’t mention anyone’s social media handles (including your own)
- This does need to be handwritten, so it’s not ok to use a computer, typewriter, or similar
Consider some drawings or decoration: We don’t expect you to be an artist – stick figures are fine (but if you have some illustration skills, go nuts). Abstract illustration is also fine, as are more realistic drawings… or anything in between. A self portrait, what you saw on a walk yesterday, what you’re looking forward to next weekend. Decorations to make the page pretty are good. Emphasise some words. You definitely don’t have to do all (or even any) of these things.
Keep it all loose and casual. Consider this more like informal doodling and playing, than writing a note to your neighbour asking them to feed your cat. Throw in some jokes, memes, references if you like.
How long should it take? The amount of time you spend on the HWB is up to you, but we ask for at least five minutes of your focussed attention. We do not expect a masterpiece, or more than 10 minutes’ effort, but you’re welcome to put more time in if you wish.
What next?
Bring your completed HWB to the shoot (otherwise, you’ll have make a new one!). Your Shoot Producer will take it and scan it after the shoot (they’ll keep it). On-set, after the shoot, you’ll be asked to do a similar thing, but this time describing how you feel after the shoot.
When your shoot is released on the abbywinters.com site, we’ll release your two handwritten bios with it.
