How to understand modelling contracts (Part 2 of 2)

How To Get an Experienced Mother Agent

Is having a mother agency a good idea? Yes, yes, yes! A mother agency is there to guide and protect you. They have experience and knowledge of the industry you simply won't have when you are first starting out.  The tricky part though, is finding a good one. This can be very difficult if you live in a small market.  A good place to start would be a professional model scouting company like ModelScouts.com.  All the agents at ModelScouts have been mother agents for over 30 years and fully understand all aspects of the modeling industry from modeling contracts, travel arrangements, overseas accommodations, work visa's in foreign countries and more.

How To Understand Modeling Contracts (Part 2 of 2)

Different Types of Modeling Contracts

As discussed in Part 1 of this article, modeling contracts aren’t one-size-fits-all. Every agency is unique in the way they do things and each one will have its own rules, regulations, and guidelines. The more contracts you sign, the more you’ll get to know their similarities and differences, but until you reach that point you’re bound to feel a bit lost. It might help to know that there are generally four primary types of modeling contracts in the industry: Mother Agency Contracts, Non-Exclusive Contracts, Exclusive Contracts, and One-Time Only Contracts.

Here’s how they break down:

• Mother Agency Contracts

A mother agency (or mother agent) is the one you first begin working with. They’re the one who helps you learn the industry, helps you build up your portfolio, and gives you the guidance you need to succeed as a model.  Therefore, a mother agency contract will most likely be the first one you’ll ever sign. Mother agencies are often smaller, local modeling agencies. To help their models book more lucrative and important jobs, the mother agency will often promote its models to other agencies in larger markets such as New York, Paris, Milan and Tokyo. 

Your mother agency will receive a commission, generally between 5% to 10% from the commissions the larger agency already deducts.  Since the mother agency is getting a percentage of what the larger agency is deducting anyway, it will not cost you more to have both a mother agency and larger agency representing you. Having said that, there are some markets, particularly in Asia, in which the mother agency commission is taken over and above the larger agency commission.   

With mother agency contracts, it’s important to note how long the contract is binding. Some contracts only last a year or two, while others can last the duration of your entire career.  

• Non-Exclusive Contracts

A non-exclusive contract gives models the power to sign with as many agencies as they want and possibly to find their own non-agency side jobs. This is more common for commercial models rather than the high fashion or editorial models.  You might not get as many opportunities and as much guidance with an non-exclusive agency as you would with an exclusive one, but this type of contract does offer models a lot of freedom. If the modeling agency finds you work, they get paid a commission. And if you find work on your own you owe them nothing.  

• Exclusive Contracts

When you sign an exclusive contract with a modeling agency, you can only be represented by that agency for the duration of the contract. Sometimes there are exceptions—the term “exclusive” may be limited by time, geography or type of modeling—but if you’re working with a top agency like Ford or Wilhelmina Models, then it means you can't sign with anyone else without the express permission of them or your mother agent.

This type of contract gives a lot of power to the modeling agency, so if you’re considering signing an exclusive contract it’s extra important to make sure you’re working with a reputable modeling agency that has your best interests at heart.   

• One-Time Only Contracts

This type of contract is only good for a single booking. As soon as the project is complete, the contract ends. Be sure that all the details such as, the amount you'll be paid, how your photos are going to be used, how long they'll be used, restrictions for working with competing companies, etc. are clearly explained in the contract.  It is always advisable to work with an agency that can help you with this sort of contract rather than signing one on your own.