Before an image makes it to print or a campaign is splashed across social media, there are teams tirelessly working behind-the-scenes to make sure it is all executed to perfection. Marcos Fecchino is someone who has earned recognition as one of the industry’s resources for helping bring the vision of the creative team to life. From planning photoshoots with Sebastian Faena for Vogue Italia and campaigns with Marc Jacobs, the New York-based producer and creative director makes sure no detail goes overlooked.

We caught up with Fecchino to hear more about his path to fashion producer, and more about how to return safely to set in a the era of COVID.

How did you get involved in fashion? Was this always an industry you wanted to work in? 

I was interested in art, photography, and fashion from a young age. I remember spending all of my money on books and magazines. From a young age, my grandmother would take me to museums on the weekends where I would obsess over all the art. While studying film in Buenos Aires, I started working for a creative agency, which is where it all started.

How were you able to make the transition from model to producer? 

Both modeling and producing more or less happened around the same time, so there was not much of a transition from one to the next per se. While finishing high school and during college I was doing some modeling, but started working as a producer around the same time period. Modeling was a great side gig but my interest in photography and fashion started before modeling and has always taken precedent.

How did this role help you in working behind the camera? 

Modeling helped me become much better behind the camera. Having a dual point of view helped define a much better operating POV which still applies to my work today. I am able to lay out the overall production strategy while breaking things down at a granular level having had both experiences from the start. As a producer or creative director you have a lot of work leading up to the shoot day where as a model, you walk on to set without much preparation. My experience in both of these areas allowed me to really appreciate everyone involved in the process, and to respect what each crew member brings to the table.

How would you describe your job? 

Every project requires a new crew, location, story, idea, and of course its own set of challenges. There is no day that is the same, which is a lot of fun, but also incredibly demanding. When you are working on a project, anything is possible! Everything is completely unpredictable and I have to be ready to pivot which is one of my favorite things about the job.

What are some career highlights for you looking back? 

The biggest highlight has been working with major industry titans I have admired as a child. Seeing their work in books and magazines growing up in Argentina, I don’t think I could have imagined for myself that I would one day be a part of creating those stories. It certainly brings a level of gratitude I do not take for granted.

What is your favorite part of what you do? 

The diversity of the work makes every project into a new adventure. Coming across new and inspiring people every day adds thrill to the unexpected.

What is the most challenging? 

Making everyone happy is an impossible task.

How has your role changed as a result of COVID-19? 

My role hasn’t really changed, but the way we now work has shifted massively. A big part of my job is working with a team, and due to various COVID restrictions we are not able to experience working in close proximity as a large group. I really miss a hug at the end of a long long day!

What are some of the key factors and precautions you and others should take when returning to the studio?

The COVID guidelines and restrictions consist of many things and varies on the crew size and location. If we are shooting outdoors will have different restrictions than if it’s indoors. General rule of thumb, we try to work in big open spaces rather than small ones when possible.

For bigger projects, we require everyone to get tested before or the day of the shoot now that testing is more efficient and easily accessible. Everyone on set gets a PPT bag with their own hand sanitizer, wipes, face mask and gloves. We of course take temperatures of every crew member before entering location and a second time during lunch break. Practicing social distancing is a must, and of course everyone wears face coverings at all times. We make sure everyone is washing their hands and uses hand sanitizer regularly. Catering is quite different. All meals are individualized.

So far, everyone has respected all the precautions set in place; after all, we all want to continue doing what we love and this is the only way for us to keep going!

How do you see the industry changing as a result of the pandemic? 

In New York there has been a shift, and quite honestly I love it. The people that live here and have stayed here, want to be here more than ever, while a lot of people that grew out of the city have left. I believe the same principle applies for the industry; there are folks here who are reinventing themselves, thinking of creative ways to be nimble and successful in this new world.

But on a somber note, this pandemic has brought change in ways that will change the landscape forever. A lot of people are hurting. People I’ve been working with for years have been fired or furloughed, companies are cutting budgets, and a lot of friends have been forced to leave the city. But in the end, I really believe hardship like this only makes us stronger, and despite its unpleasantness, this experience will be the social glue that fosters solidarity within each other.

What advice would you give to someone looking to break into the industry?

Do what you love and work hard. Know your goals and be persistent! Always be kind to one another. It’s been said many times before, but cliches are cliches for a reason!