SMG Model Management

COVID-19 POLICIES

In the face of many unknowns, we are committed to providing our talent and clients with solutions for safer interaction as we navigate COVID-19. There is nothing more important than ensuring the health of our talent and community as a whole.
We’ve gathered information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and industry colleagues to compile a comprehensive list for safe on-site practices. This is a ‘living’ set of recommendations that we intend to adapt as research continues to develop surrounding COVID-19, we will communicate any new information and procedures as they change.

The booking Process

The Booking Process We suggest that when you book one of our models, also put a back-up on hold. We want to make sure that you have another option in the event that our talent is exposed.
Before confirming any job, we will ask our talent the following questions:

  1. Have you been experiencing any symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath in the last 14 days?
  2. Have you been in close contact with anyone who has been diagnosed (or has shown symptoms, regardless of confirmation) with COVID-19 in the last 14 days?
  3. Have you traveled out of state in the last 14 days?

If the answer is yes to any of these questions, our suggestion would be that you consider an alternate for your shoot, just to be safe.

If any paperwork needs to be signed, we suggest sending it ahead of time and we will have our talent sign it digitally. If it needs to be signed on set, we will ask our talent to bring their own pen. We can also sign most contracts or paperwork for our talent, as their representative.

We will also want to know the following information in order to make sure our talent is prepared:

  • Location of the job, and whether it is indoors or outside.
  • The size of the crew, and how many people will be on set.
  • The schedule, so the talent can prepare adequate snacks and food to bring with them. Consider extending the booking length to allow additional time for new protocol needs that may slow down the process. Examples might be having time between different model’s hair and makeup sessions to clean and sterilize, and having individual wardrobe fitting time so multiple models aren’t fitting together.
  • Any PPE that the models will be required to bring or will be provided with, and if crew members will be masked.
  • If there will be a private dedicated changing room/area for them to use while working.
  • Whether it is possible for talent to do their own hair and makeup. We are charging one additional fee equal to half the model's hourly rate (no agency fee added) for models who are asked to do their own hair and makeup ahead of time. If there is more time-intensive direction being requested, that rate may be subject to change.
  • If talent is able to do their own hair and makeup or provide their own wardrobe, please provide instructional materials/mood board as early on as possible, so they know the expectations in advance and can prepare accordingly. Please keep in mind that they are not all professionals when it comes to hair and makeup.

Casting Recommendations


Digital casting is strongly recommended. For in-person castings/callbacks, please consider the following criteria:

  • Schedule enough time between auditions to ensure proper space for social distancing while talent is entering/leaving and during wait time.
  • Limit the number of people at the audition to essential personnel.
  • Consider avoiding the talent’s handling of props during auditions, especially if props will be passed from one to another.
  • Proper PPE, including face masks and hand sanitizer should be available.

On-Set Recommendations


  • Limit the number of people scheduled to be on set to essential personnel.
  • Every individual on set (crew, talent, support staff, etc.) should be up to date on the latest symptoms released by the CDC and OSHA, prior to arrival.
  • Prior to arrival and while on set, every individual should self-monitor for any of the following symptoms and/or if they feel any slight symptoms of being sick, such as: headaches, body aches, fever, nausea, runny nose, coughing, fatigue, or vertigo and report to the production head immediately if they do.
  • Every individual should confirm that they have not exhibited any of these symptoms within the last 14 days, prior to arrival.
  • Ensure enough space for all talent’s arrival and waiting, maintaining a 6’ social distance consistently wherever possible. Physical markings, signs and enforcement are highly encouraged to make sure that everyone on set follows the 6’ rule.
  • Check the temperatures of everyone on arrival, using a contactless infrared thermometer.
  • Any individual on set may be excused if they are exhibiting any symptoms or there is cause for concern.
  • Every individual on set should be encouraged to bring their own personal protective equipment, food, water and all personal products.
  • Proper PPE, including face masks and hand sanitizer (and disposable gloves for hair and makeup artists) should be used whenever possible.
  • Talent should maintain proper PPE until they are required to begin work.
  • Hair and makeup should be done in individual sittings, with the artist wearing a mask and fresh disposable gloves. Sterilize all hair and makeup tool sets, and dedicate an individual set of tools per talent.
  • Face guards are suggested to have on set for the talent, to prevent disturbing makeup between shots while keeping both them and the set protected.
  • Establish a dedicated dressing room. Ensure all personal wardrobe sizes and options are in place well ahead of time to evaluate all needs.
  • Fittings should take place individually, with stylists wearing masks if they are working closely and adjusting wardrobe on-body. Sanitize all accessories properly. For fit bookings, moving to a larger room/space is encouraged.
  • Every individual on set should use best sanitary practices, such as covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding touching mouth, eyes and nose, and thorough and frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Hand sanitizer and hand soap should be provided.
  • All surfaces and objects being touched should be consistently cleaned and disinfected.
  • Any food or beverages provided should be contactless.

We hope that you have found the above information to be helpful. We are all learning how to exist in a changed world, and during these difficult times one of our many hopes is to be a part of the solution. In this and in everything, we’re here for you.