Questions to Ask Before You Start to Prep

Prep means to prepare for a shoot. On a job you are allocated prep days – use the time to plan and be fully prepared. In order to start prepping, you will need the following information:

x contact details for the shoot team.

Make sure you have all their contact details.

x Who is the model and which agency represents them?

Check them out on their agency website.

x What are the models’ measurements?

You can’t start prepping until you know this. If the client is using lifestyle models or celebrities, as opposed to catwalk models, they may not be PR standard size (UK size 6–8). For lifestyle models you will have to shop on the high street, depending on your budget; for celebrities you may be able to borrow from PRs.

x Will there be a pre-production meeting (PPM)?

This is a chance for all departments to discuss and approve the direction of the shoot (see PPM blog).

x For an ad campaign or music video, do you have the contact details of all the models / band members?

You will need to discuss wardrobe requirements with them or their agents. You’ll also need to contact all the extras to ask them to bring in pieces from their own wardrobe.

x Where’s the shoot location?

Will there be anywhere to set up, a Winnebago perhaps? Or are you expected to lug everything around from a suitcase or use the back of a car?

x Will there be a steamer, iron, ironing board, rail and hangers on location?

This is the clients expense, not yours. And a must for every job.

x For the return of samples, would they prefer you to use their couriers or to hire your own?

Sometimes the client’s couriers are cheaper than yours.

x Does the shoot involve a band, solo artist, group?

Do your research, look them up online – what market do they appeal to, are they new or already getting good press? This may be key to borrowing clothes. Listen to their music – if it’s a dance track then you know you’ll have to dress them in clothes they can move in.

Make sure you have looked at the questions on Following a Brief, as these are all interlinked.

For more information on the business behind fashion styling, click the link for my book Fashion Stylist’s Handbook.

Danielle xx