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| Article: Modeling Contracts |
Unless a contract serves both parties, it is a bad deal for someone!
Contracts should be fair to both parties.
Models want to make money. The obvious rule for models should be that signing a contract that limits you in any way should compensate you financially. This should be either in guaranteed work or a guaranteed income.
Typical Contract Inclusions that Serve Models.
- Weekly Advance or Stipend for weeks when you do not work.
- Number of jobs a month you will work.
- Advance notice time for jobs.
- Ability to decline a job if applicable.
- Duration of the contract.
- Minimum pay for each job.
- Percentage taken for outside work if applicable.
- Any and all expenses including statement of totality. (*1)
Agencies ask models to sign contracts to ensure the model is available for them when they have work. This serves the agency. Agencies have expectations and they are serious. Agencies need to make an income and often, the careers and families of many models they represent are in the balance. Agencies need to know what they can expect from their models and each time they present a model to a client, they also put their reputation on the line. For this reason, a contracted model is often the best choice so an agency can have a reasonable expectation that they can honor their client agreements because the model will be available and willing to work. Agencies can list you without a contract and most amateur models work job to job without representation.
Typical Contract Inclusions for Agencies.
- Availablility.
- Percentage of gross income.
- Transportation agreement.
- Confidentiality agreement.
- Types of modeling that will be performed without objection.
- Advance payment reimbursement or stipend agreement.
- Minimum pay for each job.
- Cintract duration.
- Any and all expenses including statement of totality. (*1)
As a model, consider this, if you sign an exclusive contract or a limited MA agreement and then they only toss you a job once in a great while, then you have put yourself on a shelf and you are unable to model. Just be sure you have guarantees that benefit both parties.
Questions you should ask about contracts are:
1) Am I limited in any way from working with any company or listing with other agencies? (It is OK to have limits if you have guaranteed income.)
2) Are there any fees at all associated with listing with your agency?
3) When you get me work, what minimums do you pay?
4) What guaranteed do I get on paper that I will work?
5) Will I be paid a stipend for weeks I do not work and if so, how much? (You should be paid an advance or a stipend. You gotta eat!)
6) If I am able to accept a job offered to me by another company/agency, do I pay you a percentage and if so, what is it? (More than 15% is bad)
7) How many guaranteed jobs a month will I receive?
8) Will you accept my sample pictures? Can I use any photographer I want for my Portfolio pictures? (answer must be yes to both or it's a scam - unless they do your portfolio pics for free)
9) If I decide this agency is not for me, can I terminate my contract? (Good to know but if they offer you a good deal then typically contracts are year to year.)
10) Do you require me to buy any supplies like comp cards or anything related to wardrobe?
Contracts are typically for models who are in demand and amateur models with no experience are not generally represented by reputable agencies. However, there are exceptions.
*1 - Statement that any and all other expenses not declared are paid for by the agency.
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