Duo

A production with two performing people in front of the camera. Against the solo a second side is added whose dates, proofs and limits have to fit yours — and exactly that matching, not the shoot itself, is the laborious part.

Three things that stand before the booking

First the proofs. Both people involved present an STI-Panel that is no older than 14 to 30 days on the shoot day. The costs are borne by the production. If a proof is not present, there is no shooting; that is not a matter of discretion and is not decided on set either.

Second the matching of the limits. Both Yes-No-Maybe lists are laid side by side before the acceptance. What remains is the intersection — only what stands in Yes for both is the subject of the booking. The list is with us part of the contract and not a non-binding statement of intent.

Third the process. Which setups are planned, in which order, with which breaks. Anyone who informs both sides beforehand prevents the most common friction on set: different ideas of what was actually agreed.

Binding rules that apply independently of arrangements

For vaginal and anal intercourse there is a condom rule, without exception and independently of what two people involved have discussed between themselves. This rule is not up for negotiation and cannot be lifted against a higher fee either. It protects both sides and the production equally.

Independently of the number of people the right to stop also applies: every person involved can stop the take at any time without having to give a reason. How that runs in practice is placed on the page on safety on set.

Getting to know each other before the shoot day

Many productions set a short pre-talk, by phone or directly before shooting starts. Use it. Ten minutes are enough to settle how you communicate, which word means a stop, and who on set is your shared contact.

If after that conversation you have a bad feeling, cancel. A cancellation before the shoot day is unproblematic for everyone involved. A stop in the middle of the shoot day costs the production a day — it is still doable, but the earlier decision is the better one for you.

What you watch in the contract

A duo does not double the fee. Billing is per person at the usual day rates: 400 to 1,200 euros in video, 250 to 600 euros in photo production, payout within 14 days.

Also check whether the contract says what happens if the second person drops out: is there a recast, a postponement or a cancellation, and do you receive a cancellation payment in that case? A recast without a fresh matching of limits you do not have to accept. What else stands in such contracts is explained in the article the model contract clause by clause.