Helpful Hint #1

Reach for the Skype — A great tool for enhancing communications with producers abroad is Skype, a computer program that essentially lets you talk for free and even see the person you're talking to via a webcam hooked up to your computer.

Helpful Hint #2:

Never trust a model's judgment on wardrobe — Always instruct the producer or stylist to have clothing options. We once did a shoot that featured two models hiking, and we told them to wear appropriate clothes. One model showed up wearing slippers.

Helpful Hint #3:

Get a grip — I have found that grips, the lighting and rigging technicians from the motion-picture business, are very knowledgeable and sometimes can be better than traditional photo assistants.