Model agency contract

Free Modeling Agency Contract Template Examples

To help you grow your business, we've created a fairly simple, yet reliable model agency contract template in Word and PDF versions so you can use it over and over.

What's in this model?

• The scope of services

• Contract length

• Code of Conduct

    

What is a modeling agency contract?

Model agency contracts are what binds a person to a client or business in the modeling industry. This includes normal terms and conditions which are necessary to remain within the scope of the contractual agreement. Nevertheless, based on these agreements, there are different types of models of modeling contracts and commitments between the parties. 

Before signing, you must be sure that you understand exactly what you are agreeing to, otherwise you risk putting yourself in a situation that could have a long-term impact on your modeling career or accepting conditions that are not within your best interest.

What is a model agency?

A model agency refers to a company promoting models in fashion, working for the fashion industry. These companies earn their income by contract, usually from the agreement they enter into with the model and/or the main agent. The biggest agencies work for fashion designers and big-budget advertising agencies. They invest money to cultivate their talent to improve their reputation within the industry.

By introducing them to designers, photographers and advertising agencies, companies find work for models. Agencies are also responsible for scheduling work, billing for work, and ultimately paying for their time for models. An agency also helps a client focus on advertising by managing information and not on the commercial end.

What are the types of modeling agency contracts?

There are generally four forms of modeling contracts that an individual can sign. These are parent, exclusive, non-exclusive and one-time contracts.

The dream may include the exclusive contract where the person is signed with the exclusive rights of an agency. However, many start with a parent agency. They help the designer create a portfolio for potential clients and thus the professional becomes a business expert.

• The parent contract : Once a model has started learning the craft, a parent type agency hires them to teach the experience. These contracts are often the first, and companies are less common and more personal than other companies. The models are then promoted to larger markets in bigger cities around the world, so there is the possibility of bigger and more lucrative contract jobs. This could lead major companies to hire a designer like Gucci, Vogue and similar agencies. Staying with the parent agency with another company is advantageous because the costs of the statutory percentage taken remain low.

• Non-exclusive contracts : A non-exclusive contract allows a model to keep as many agency jobs as necessary for all side jobs and other work when the model has not yet found the perfect contract with an agency they want. These practitioners are more often in business with this type of deal than in journalism or high fashion. The agency collects payment for the work, but the model can find work on their own and does not have to pay the company anything.

• Contracts one-offs: Many job seekers can find contracts that are one-time only, or one-time jobs or even one-timers as they move up the modeling career. These are often seen as one-time contracts that only appear for scheduled shoots with obligations. Certain requirements that change times, locations and agencies may apply. Also, the contract ends and the model has to look for additional work, once the job is done. Requirements for the use of images, advertisements that can be inserted and similar situations should be specified in the criteria in order to protect the image from any negative effects.

• Exclusive contracts : An exclusive contract is one of the main types of contracts sought by many models. Only one modeling agency represents professionals in this type of contract. This can be for a defined period, country or type of modeling work. These agreements are generally in force with larger entities representing other large companies. This can be financial, editorial or otherwise. The downside, however, is that the model is not allowed to sign with another agency under these contracts unless the mother or a specific agency has given express permission. It is important to understand what the terms entail and what is expected when signing these contracts.

Important Terms

What should a modeling agency contract include?

Most reputable modeling agencies are usually careful to keep the details of their contracts confidential. A modeling agency contract can include many elements, such as some of the following:

• How will the model's income be split between the model and the agency?

• The duration of the contract is generally between 1 and 3 years and is automatically renewed unless either party gives 30 to 60 days notice to terminate the contract.

• It will also include whether the contract gives the agency worldwide exclusivity or whether the model can be represented by other agencies at the same time.

• It must also mention how the model must behave and maintain its statistics or measurements for the contract to be fulfilled.

• The contract will also talk about things like taxes as well as other expenses that are the responsibility of the model. 

You should ask why and get answers before agreeing to anything in case your contract does not include any of this information.

What if you want to terminate a modeling contract?

If you've raised your concerns with your agent, done your best to resolve the issue, and are ready to sign with a new modeling agency, there are still a few things you need to think about before officially parting ways:

• The legal aspects: Before you do anything, you should read your modeling contract. Many contracts require models to give at least 30 days' notice (sometimes more) in order to terminate the agreement, and some have "loopholes" that allow you to get out if the agency hasn't fulfilled specific obligations (such as reserving a certain amount of work for you, for example). If you leave before you have duly terminated your contract, you could face serious legal consequences, including financial penalties. Sometimes the agency won't particularly care about you leaving (don't take it personally) and won't discuss the contract at all. If this is the case, you should always have the agency or a lawyer draw up a termination agreement, just to cover your back. 

• Ask for a second opinion: Whether it's from a lawyer or an experienced model agent, getting a second opinion can be very helpful.

• Don't cut ties: The modeling industry may seem big, but in reality, it's incredibly small, and chances are you'll meet your agent or related professionals at some point in your career. It is therefore important that you leave your agency in the best possible conditions. Break up with them in person if you can (Skype is a good back-up plan), please explain your reasons, thank them for all they've done, and wish them the best. And never disparage them to other models, agents or industry professionals. Chances are, your harsh words will come back to them, and that can seriously damage your reputation as a professional model.