Answering a Reader Question #337

Anonymous Wrote:

Hi Dania, I just had one quick question- if a reputable agency really wanted me, would they pay for me to get to shoots? This is what my mother thinks any agency should do and I'm not too sure if that's how it works/if it's completely out of line for her to mention that to any agency. The last thing I want to do is come off as rude. Thank you!

Hi, Anonymous! Great question, thank you for asking it here on my blog so other readers can also benefit!

When it comes to castings/go-sees, where you're "auditioning" for a project, then, no, agencies will not pay for your expenses related to travel (gas money, plane ticket, parking) and/or lodging (hotel). If it is for an actual project that you've officially booked, this part is negotiable and totally dependent on the client, budget and nature of the assignment. The client is the one that would cover such expenses, not the agency so that's important for you and your mother to know. The agency itself has no obligation/responsibilities to the model in that respect. Their job is to negotiate the terms and arrangements necessary for getting you from point A to point B.

Agencies will negotiate to have your travel expenses included in the pay rate/covered by the client. That's typically if you're required to travel outside the city limits so you can trust your agency to talk to the client and work those details out.

I would recommend that your mother not make a huge deal out of the topic. It's okay to ask about this subject (each agency handles situations differently) but the key is to know how to ask the question the right way. Instead of saying something like, "You're going to pay for her travel to shoots, right?" Make sure she approaches the subject more along the lines of, "When it comes to traveling for shoots, how does it work for travel expenses? Does the client pay for that or do we?" Then see what the agency says and take it from there.

As long as such concerns are brought up to an agency in a more inquisitive/curious way and not in a demanding, "I think this is what you should do for me," type of manner, you can get your answers without rubbing the agency the wrong way.

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