Solo

A production in which only one person stands in front of the camera. Everything that has to be organised in this production form concerns only you, the technique and direction — there is no second diary, no second limits list and no second proof that has to be present.

The smallest crew in the industry

Solo shoots often manage with three to four people: camera, lights or sound in one person, direction and if needed hair and makeup. Some productions even work with two people. That has a practical consequence many newcomers find pleasant: few people stand in the room, and after ten minutes you know who has which task.

Because less has to be coordinated, the shoot day is on average shorter than in other formats. Still count on a half to a full day: rebuilds, light changes and repeats arise independently of the number of people.

What falls away organisationally

The actual difference sits in the preparation. There is no date matching between two diaries, no matching of two limits lists and no arrangement about a shared process. An STI-Panel is required where scenes with further people take place; on a pure solo production that reason falls away. Whether the production still wants to see a proof stands in the contract and is said beforehand, not on set.

What does not fall away: ID check with identity card or passport, model contract, consent and the clarification of the usage rights. These points do not hang on the number of people involved.

Fee and billing

Billing is like every other production: 250 to 600 euros per photo day, 400 to 1,200 euros per video day, payout within 14 days by transfer. Where exactly you land in the span hangs on duration, scope and usage rights — not on the fact that you work alone. A short solo day sits rather at the bottom; a full day with wide exploitation clearly higher. The placing for that stands under pay.

The calmest start, but not the least demanding

Solo is considered by many a gentle beginning, and for the nerves that is true. Professionally the demand is higher than thought: you fill the setup alone. There is no counterpart you can orient yourself on, no reaction that bridges a pause. Direction instructions come directly to you, and repeats always concern you.

One point on which you should not give way

Because solo shoots need little staff, they appear disproportionately often in unreliable offers — combined with the suggestion of shooting “uncomplicatedly at someone’s home”. With us the rule for every casting is: studio or booked location, never a private flat, at least three people present, a companion is allowed, no sexual acts. Anyone who names a private address as the shoot site is not a production. The recognition features stand in the article on unreliable offers.