If your spidey sense starts tingling, listen to it. You’ll need to work out a contract and model release on your own, along with a way to pay your model (or exchange images, if you are doing a Time for Print agreement). Model Mayhem is a way to connect, not a CRM. Tell them how long you’ll be there and make plans to text or call at a certain time afterward. When you meet with a model for the first time, especially if you’re meeting alone, make sure someone knows where you’ll be. A Verified Credit will show you, right there in the platform, definite experience the model has under their belt. This means the model has worked with another Model Mayhem member, who confirmed their collaboration. Look for Verified CreditsĪs you’re searching for references, you may see some models with Verified Credits.
When you do make contact with a reference, ask about the model’s professionalism, what type of work they’ve done, and what impact their participation had on the project as a whole. If you don’t see helpful information on Model Mayhem, you can look at their other online presence as well. Look in their Credit Notes for more information, including collaborations they’ve done outside of Model Mayhem.
Checking references may seem like a hassle, but it’s the best way to hear firsthand about what to expect from your model. Check referencesĪ model’s work history should tell you a lot about how successful your collaboration will be. You can confirm this in the ways highlighted below. The most important thing is to know that the person you’re working with is who they say they are. However, take precautions any time you are working with internet strangers. One of the biggest draws of Model Mayhem is its reputation for safe collaborations. You should be able to perform basic communication, including attaching some files for reference, in the Model Mayhem system before switching to email or phone communication. Make sure they know what they’re getting into, so there are no hiccups on the day of the shoot.
Let them know what to expect from you in terms of workflow, turnaround, and method of payment.
Keep your communications professional to set the tone for a professional working relationship. Listen to any ideas they may have about your shoot (even if you already have a concrete plan, it will give you a clue about the kind of work they do). Explain why you’re doing this project and share your own qualifications. When you do message with a potential model, provide some information about yourself.
(See the full breakdown of membership benefits across the three plans - Basic, Premium, and VIP - here.) Your plan will determine how many casting messages, friend requests, and message folders you can use, and when.