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Answering a reader Question #317

Anonymous Wrote:


Dania,

My daughter is with a reputable agency in Ohio but hasn't had a paying job in over a year. They keep telling her the market is bad but she learned via Facebook that other girls with same height/features have been doing jobs. Is her agent just not promoting her? Should she consider terminating her contract/is that legal? Also, she is interested in New York and her agency said they are trying to place her there but we've heard nothing for a while now. We are thinking of going to New York to visit agencies soon. If we have to go on our own & own wallet, should she terminate her mother agency prior to visiting? Thank you for your advice. 

Hi, Anonymous! It sounds like her agent is simply not putting enough effort into marketing her to clients, which is unfortunate but does happen in the industry. If the other models getting work that you mentioned are also with the same agency, it could also be the case of playing "favorites."

It is completely legal to terminate the contract--all modeling contracts state that both parties have the right to terminate the agreement at any time for any reason. It is important, however, that you go about doing this the right way. You'll want to first refer to your daughter's contract to find any instructions about an "Exit Clause," which deals with information outlining how you can effectively terminate your working relationship with the agency. In most cases, all it takes is a written letter stating that you wish to end your representation, effective immediately. You are not obligated to explain why, either. Simply state that you no longer want to be represented by them.

As far as seeking New York agencies and the status of your daughter's contract, if you feel that you've exhausted all attempts at getting her agency to do more for her career, then by all means, go ahead and end your relationship with them prior to going to NY. It isn't like they're doing a whole lot for her anyway and being free of any ties will open her up to sign right away with any agency in New York that shows interest in her. 

Hope that helps but if you have more questions, feel free to send me an email directly about your daughter's situation: daniadenise@gmail.com.
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Anonymous said…
Dania,

Thank you for your reply! I should have clarified but yes, girls in the same agency are getting paid jobs. My daughter recently became friends with some of them and we were surprised to find out they were doing jewelry, swimsuit, magazine, bridal and hair ads. All this time we'd been thinking there just wasn't much work locally. This agency is well-known but I do think you're right about playing favorites. I do worry that breaking ties with the agency might cause them to blacklist her with NY agencies. I hope this isn't something within their power to do. Thank you again for responding!!
February 24, 2012 at 7:04 PM
Dania Denise said…
You're very welcome! No, you won't have to worry about being blacklisted or anything like that. It would be different if your daughter was one of the favorites, made the agency a lot of money and then decided to go elsewhere. They don't even know you're going to New York. :-)

Like I said, as long as you just terminate the contract and don't tell them why or that you're looking at agencies in NY (remember, you're allowed to terminate the contract at any time for any reason and aren't obligated to tell them anything), you'll both be good to go!
February 24, 2012 at 8:01 PM
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