|
|
Print-friendly version
Working with an Agency
There are many different types of modelling agencies around the world and it is essential to find the right one for you if you will be working with an agency rather than in freelance modelling. Each modelling agency is different and can work in many different ways. It is also important to remember that each and every modelling agency will have a different level of commitment to their models and before you sign a contract and begin working with them it is important to know exactly how committed they are too you. There are many scams out in the world of modelling unfortunately and before you being working with an agency it is important that you know it is not a scam.
A modeling agency is primarily concerned with finding the model work, in a representative or agent's role. They seek and negotiate contracts of employment for the model and take a percent of what the model makes. One of the most important things to remember when working with an agency is to ensure that they are constantly referring to your portfolio whenever calls for assignments come in. This can involve you personally working to keep your portfolio as current as possible to ensure you are always in the attention of the agency. Soem model agencies will also help you to build your portfolio. An alternative to working with an agency is to work in freelance modelling, with is attractive to many models who have a good contact list of photographers, stylists and make up artists that will look to them for work.
When working with an agency there are a range of agreements that are formed to layout the terms of your working with the agency. There are three types of contracts that you will find when working with an agency. Some modeling agencies will work with exclusive contract meaning that they are your exclusive representatives and they get a commission on any work you do. They get this commission whether they find the work or you find it on your own. When signing this kind of contract, be sure the agency is really going to be working for you. If they are providing a lot of guidance getting your career started and are out there beating the bushes to find work for you, this type of contract is fine. Another type of contract is a non-exclusive modeling contract which means if the modeling agency finds you work, they get paid their commission and if you find work on your own you pay them nothing. You are also able to sign non-exclusive contracts with other modeling agencies resulting in several agencies representing you at once. The final contract is a Mother Agency Agreement where the goal of the agency is to move you on to a major market and get you signed with a major modeling agency due to a lack of local opportunities. They may get you work locally but it is more with the idea of getting you ready for the major market. On this kind of contract the agency makes money by 'loaning' your talents to the larger agencies, ensuring that they are paid for each time you are used. This can be an attractive arrangement if the mother agency invests time and money in your career and gets you on with top money making agencies. This kind of agreement is quite rare when working with an agency and must be fully understood before you sign.
|
|
