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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.

Comments

Anonymous said…
When sending pictures to an agency, Can hair be in and style involving weave, like microbraids for example?
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Anonymous! You'll find the answer to your question in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #310." Thanks for reading!
Anonymous said…
Hi, I am 16 years old and I know that I am at least 5'8 (I haven't gotten measured in awhile and that's where I was at last time) and I weigh around 120lbs. I have always wanted to start modeling and I think now is a good time to start. Can you please give me any tips on good agencies to contact in Pennsylvania? Thank you!
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Anonymous! You'll find the answer to your question in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #314." Thanks for reading!
Unknown said…
Hy! Can a modeling agency want to sign with them even if they never seen you live' but just on pics and videos? Who pais for the model apartment, food and plain ticket?ft
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Izabela Serban! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #517," which can be found on my new blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
Unknown said…
Thank you for answering my question! I should have been more accurate. The agency is from another country than me and they offered me a contract just by seeing pics and videos of me. Is that normal? They are o mother agency, not a model management one. And in the contract they are the only one who can breach it...if I do so I could get sued. Is that a matter written in most modeling contracts?
PS: Your blog is so helpful is wonderful what you do!
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Izabela!

Thanks for the additional info! Were you the one that submitted to them with your interest first and then they contacted you with the offer or did they contact you randomly? Are you currently signed to an agency?

I've heard of situations where a model already signed to a mother agency in one country was able to sign with another mother agency in a different country without meeting them in person (they only saw the model's photos and videos). So that isn't an uncommon situation but I've yet to hear of a situation where the model wasn't represented at all and got such an offer (not saying it hasn't happened but I haven't heard of it yet).

Do you have a copy of the contract? The one-sided breach thing bothers me the most. If you have a copy of the contract, find out if there is an Exit Clause or wording to that effect. I've never worked with a mother agency before (just a regular one) so I don't know what the exact differences are in contracts but of all the contracts I've signed in the years, they always said something along the lines of, "This contract can be terminated by either party at any time for any reason."

If the contract they're offering says something to that effect, then you should be fine. If it doesn't, then I would really exercise caution, unless you feel confident you'd be fine working with them and have no immediate aspirations to try and seek different agency representation.
Anonymous said…
It's me, Izabela. I have a copy of the contract, but it it sais clearly that the mother agent is the only one who can terminate this contract before the 3 years...the model canterminate it 90 days prior the date of termiantion.
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Izabela!

When it comes to this contract situation, I can't tell you what to do--that's a decision you need to make for yourself.

But what I will say is that if you have no other offers on the table from other agencies and since the agency is in another country, it could mean a chance for you to travel and gain experience. So it might be worth looking into as long as the agency itself is reputable and legitimate.
Anonymous said…
Does a modeling agency ask you for a passport copy? I mean it is a personal document.
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Anonymous! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #544," which can be found on my new blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
Anonymous said…
Hi, I know a girl that has been modeling a long time now and she told me that her contract has her getting six figures to a million but she doesn't get it til the end of her contract which has been extended to over a year. Is that true?? You do not receive anything til the end of your contract?? Thanks
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Anonymous! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #593," which can be found on my new blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
Anonymous said…
Hi Dania. My 16 year old daughter has been offered a three year exclusive modeling contract. Most of the contract seems to be pretty typical. But I'm not sure if this is typical: the "manager" can terminate the agreement early without penalty, while my daughter would incur penalties - $2,500 if she terminates within the first year, $5,000 in the second and $7,500 in the third. Does that seem typical/appropriate to you? Or should that raise red flags?

Thanks!
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Anonymous! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #666," which can be found on my other blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
Anonymous said…
Hi, im 15 almost 16 in two months and I wanted to know if there is anything I should work on before going to an agency and seeing if they will sign me. Thank you!
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Anonymous! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #683," which can be found on my other blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!

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