Wanna See What a Modeling Contract Looks Like? Have a Peek!

The almighty modeling contract is what just about every model entering the industry hopes to obtain. This document is one that can make or break the direction a model's career goes in. Because it is a legally binding document, there is a lot of confidentiality that comes with modeling contracts and what they say, which is why you'll be hard pressed to find an authentic contract from a well known agency like IMG, Ford, Elite, DNA or even a boutique agency, for that matter.

Of course for those of you that have never had representation before, you're probably super curious to know exactly what a modeling contract looks like, what it says and what terms you'd be agreeing to, should you be offered one. I actually still have a copy of my contract from when I was with Ford but due to confidentiality, I can't publish any of those contents here, even though I'm no longer signed with them.

But what I can do is share with you what a sample modeling contract looks like. Below are pages of a generic contract that contains basic clauses/guidelines that most agencies and models would agree to as part of their working relationship. However, please note the following when reviewing this contract:

• As I stated, it is a SAMPLE...and not the real thing. Any potential agency using this as a template would alter it however they see fit to suit their needs so the wording and clauses contained in the pages below are not absolute/set in stone or what a modeling contract would say exactly if you happen to be offered one.
• The agency commission listed reflects the current rate, which is set at 20% (very few agencies charge 25%).
• Most agencies have their contracts drawn up from scratch by their legal team/department.
• The length and contents of modeling contracts vary from agency to agency. Some contracts are 2-4 pages, while others may be longer. How long a model is signed for also varies.
• You'll notice that this sample uses the word "exclusive" in its wording, which means it is an "exclusive" modeling contract. Before signing, make sure to know whether what you're committing is exclusive or non exclusive. For those that don't know the difference, read my post, "Modeling Contracts."

I thought about doing a post to decipher what all the clauses mean but that would make for entirely too many lengthy posts. However, if there is anything in this sample contract that you need clarification on, don't hesitate to post your question in the form of a comment on this blog post and I'll answer it in the "Answering a Reader Question" series.