Modeling

I have a teen that is close to getting represented by an agency and I would like to talk to someone about what I should watch out for, contract terms etc. Please contact me. Lucy

MOL is not the place for this advice. If it's a real agent, you need a lawyer who specializes in modeling contracts.

MOL is exactly the place for this discussion. It is about reaching out to others and sharing experiences. If I needed a lawyer, I'd ask for one. I'm looking to learn about the industry.

If you would like to suggest a lawyer who specializes in modeling contracts, I'm sure not only myself but others interested in this topic for themselves would benefit.

Lucylily186 said:
MOL is exactly the place for this discussion. It is about reaching out to others and sharing experiences. If I needed a lawyer, I'd ask for one. I'm looking to learn about the industry.
If you would like to suggest a lawyer who specializes in modeling contracts, I'm sure not only myself but others interested in this topic for themselves would benefit.

I don't see why MOL wouldn't be able to assist her. She's only looking for shared experiences. If it gets too personal, the parties can always take it off line.

Good luck to you!

Is this one of the legit agencies and not one of those Barbizon types? I’ve been out of the fashion industry for awhile. My company hired from the top modeling agencies like Ford, Click, Elite and so on. Here’s a good article to start with below. HTH and good luck!

Modeling Contracts - Answers to Common Questions of How Models Can Protect Themselves
http://www.hg.org/article.asp?id=5597

There are primarily three types of modeling contracts out there. With an exclusive contract, the agency is your exclusive manager and booking agency and you will not be allowed to sign with any other agency for the length of the contract. Therefore, as discussed below, make sure you are signing with a reputable agency that can advance your career and not an agency that will simply tie you up.

A non-exclusive contract allows you to find work on your own without the requirement that you pay the agency a commission. You may also sign other non-exclusive contracts with other agencies. If the agency you are meeting with does not have the money to advance your initial costs of building a portfolio and the like, this type of contract is better suited for you.

A one-time contract is one that is signed for just one job and one job only. When the project is complete, the contract has been fulfilled as long as you have also been paid. If you have not been paid, you can sue for breach of contract.

A great article phenixisrising! But can anyone suggest a person I can talk to who is active in the industry now and could give me the idea of an agency's current reputation? If you are not in the industry, how do you find out the reputation of an agency, especially when they are privately owned?

Lucylily186, Is this agency in New Jersey or New York. Privately owned?

A good modeling agency will invest in YOU, not you investing in them meaning asking for money up front. If the modeling company requests an upfront fee— like headshots for their portfolio, after which the agency will start finding them work. You could be paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars in various upfront fees and these unscrupulous agencies finds few, if any, jobs. Agencies will not charge you up front money.

Some modeling agencies are just trying to make a fast buck and don’t deliver on promises of fame and fortune. I would researched agencies with the The Better Business Bureau for starters. Ask for references from other satisfied clients. There is so much info you may be able to find via the internet.

In the modeling world, income is never guaranteed and jobs can be sporadic. Consider a red flag when they say they can promise a lot of jobs. Walk. away.

My (now 21 year old) daughter worked for a major NYC casting agent as both model and then as an intern. Inbox me with questions if you like. Her "career" was exciting for a moment but then poorly promoted. She was placed in a film and a couple of other things. But , to give you an idea of how prevalent it is, once she was an intern, our daughter arranged to photograph and sign up our entire family (and a couple of friends) to be in the firm's look book.

Using the list above she had a few "one-time contracts" but no other obligation to the firm.

I will be able to help you- I am a talent agent in NYC repping kids and teens.

I have some familiarity with a few agencies but probably not enough to be that helpful. As a therapist who has worked with models, actors, singers, etc quite a bit in NYC, what I would encourage you to watch out for more then anything is disordered eating and eating disorders. While I am fairly sure you are aware of how prevalent it is in the these industries, I can not stress it enough. Modeling is so competitive it is almost inevitable that eating problems develop with the value and expectation put on thinness. I've seen anorexics told to lose 5-10 lbs for a film or for a bathing suit gig. Imagine trying to like yourself and your body when you are constantly being told it's not good enough due to all the rejection that goes with these highly competitive jobs.

Good luck to her and to you in your efforts to look out for her! Sounds like you are on top of wanting to protect her and make sure she is in a good, safe place. It's much trickier with the food issues..