Modeling Contracts – Things to Know Before You Sign

Receiving a letter, a phone call, or a message from a modeling agency that they want to sign you is quite an accomplishment and, for some, a dream come true. Before you grab a pen and sign, you must know these essential aspects of modeling contracts before signing. 

 

Congratulations – all that hard work has finally paid off, and a modeling agency has just discovered you. Now comes the most important part – your contract.

 

This profession has been around for centuries, and while that may be the case, there is a dark side to it, in that if you don’t know your rights, it could impact you down the road.

 

Here are some main points to pay careful attention to in your modeling contract.

 

Type of contract

 

Are you modeling for a one-time opportunity, or is this more long-term? Make sure that the agency and yourself are aware of the length and duration of your contract.

 

Agency Reputation

 

Knowing the type of agency you are signing with can ensure you want to represent them and have them represent you. Nowadays, you can find anything and everything online; therefore, before you even apply or sign a contract with an agency, you do your background research. Consider how long they have been in business and what their portfolio looks like – does it feature examples of shoots you are interested in, or is it not what you expected?

 

Fees 

 

Despite you thinking that once you sign with an agency, you can start making money, there are sometimes fees associated with the agency you sign with. What kind of fees could there be? These fees could include everything from administrative to hosting your portfolio on their web. Make sure you of these fees, but you and

 

Commission 

 

All agencies, whether you sign in the US or internationally, take a form of commission on all work you do. What you should be aware of when you sign is what the commission is between yourself and the agency. Most US agencies take up to 20% of most jobs, while international agencies can take slightly more due to their high overhead costs and the type of work they may provide. At no point will the commission ever be 50% - if it is, there is a good chance the agency is a scam or they have bad practices.

 

Work 

 

Being signed with an agency does not necessarily mean you will get work; typically, models who are part of an agency have the leg up on models who are not represented; however, being represented does not equate to more work. For example, when brands plan for Fashion Week, they may use a particular agency as they know they can expect the best models or experience. This means that models who aren’t represented probably don’t have a great chance of representing this brand, which only deals with agencies. When you are about to sign, see if your contract sets out expectations about the amount of work you will be doing, or if it is whatever is available, they’ll present you as an option. 

 

Taxes

 

As a model, you are essentially a contractor or freelancer, despite being part of an agency. With that said, most models do not pay taxes or for benefits – see if or what your agency provides if they do. When it comes to filing taxes, it will be up to you to file accordingly.

 

Compensation

 

It is vital that when you receive your contract, you or someone you trust and know reviews the terms of your compensation. Sometimes having this extra set of eyes can protect you from falling scams to the many modeling agency scams out there. Make sure to see what the breakdown is between yourself and the agency. Ask for clarification if it seems a bit unclear. Models who have been signed may find that when they first start, they may pay more to the agency before they see the tables reversed and begin to make more money.

 

Term

 

Some models may think that once they have been signed, the contract is for life; however, most agencies will sign a model for a certain period. Most modeling contracts last anywhere between one to three years – there are exceptions to this, but these are the typical terms. 

 

Expectations

 

Depending on the agency and the project, specific criteria and expectations may need to be met and upheld during the contract is active; you must be aware of these expectations. Something that may be part of the expectation is one’s behavior, as depending on the contract and the agency, you are a representation of their brand, and they want to protect that image at all costs – knowing right away whether you are okay with these expectations will help you succeed with the agency but also in the industry. Not being aware or realizing that there are specific clauses to be followed through could result in your contract being terminated sooner rather than later.

 

Exclusive vs. Non-Exclusive

 

Each type of contract comes with its pros and cons. Before you sign, make sure you understand the type of contract you are entering. Depending on the agency and the kind of work you are entering, there are two contracts to be aware of – exclusive and non-exclusive. An exclusive agreement means that the agency will provide you with work that falls or meets your needs, whereas a non-exclusive contract means you may deal with multiple agencies for different types of work. Again, know what kind of contract you will be signing and whether or not you are okay with whichever is being presented. 

 

Early Termination

 

Sometimes things don’t work out – and that is okay. Why does this matter? It is essential to ensure that there is a clause that explains early termination either by the agency or you, the model. If you, as the model, are not feeling represented, comfortable, or think that you can’t work for the agency, you should, without fear or repercussion, be able to end your contract early. The caveat, of course, that needs to be considered is what or if there are any penalties. Penalties may depend on the type of work and the contract signed.

 

Why Does This Matter? 

 

You must read the fine print and every clause in your contract to protect yourself because you want to ensure that you are being paid and treated fairly compared to others in the industry and the agency. 

 

When you are presented with a contract, don’t feel pressured to sign on the line immediately – take all the time you need to review and ask the necessary questions. If you want to protect yourself, you can also seek legal advice to review the terms and conditions of your agreement.

 

In an industry that has often been negatively viewed as taking advantage of its models, the only way to change this narrative is to be proactive.