Modeling & Acting 101 - A Model/Actor's Diary

Before diving into this post, make sure to read the original article I wrote to get caught up: MODELING INVOICES . Happy November! Wondering why I'm writing about a topic that's already been covered on my blog?  Well, that original post was penned back in 2008 and a lot has changed since then so I figured it couldn't hurt to add a few extra updates where they apply, especially since that particular post was mostly aimed at freelance models. GETTING PAID AS AN AGENCY REPRESENTED MODEL Similar to actors with representation getting paid, models with an agency behind them have the convenience of payment being taken care of by their agent. This could involve the agent billing the client directly after the work has been completed or you might be required to have a blank voucher signed by the client as proof of the work done and time put in. Once the client has been billed, it's time to wait for the payroll process to kick in and your agent will send you your cut by check or d...

Acting is fun, no doubt about it, but it's even better when you're being paid for your craft!  Whether you're new to the industry or consider yourself a veteran, I decided to do a general post to cover the topic of getting paid as an actor, the popular/common methods used today, and things to keep in mind as a freelance actor, agency-repped or both! Models, don't worry, my next blog post will be tailored just for you. FYI: I purposely write about the industry in a generalized/standardized manner. There are always exceptions to the rule but I feel tackling what tends to affect the majority is more beneficial from an informational/educational standpoint. GETTING PAID AS AN AGENCY REPRESENTED ACTOR Direct Billing. When you're booked for an acting job (commercial, short film, feature, etc.), some talent agencies automatically invoice the client through direct billing once you've officially wrapped. This is a popular and super convenient arrangement because you as t...

To this day, many newbies don't take into account that the payment aspect of modeling isn't immediate. In fact, even with an agency it can take time to receive the money owed to you from paid bookings. Why is that? Ultimately, it's the efficiency of the client's payroll department that plays a huge role in determining how long it will take to get paid, especially if the form of compensation is by check. FYI: cash is NEVER the form of payment from a gig booked through your agent...this is more commonplace with freelance modeling gigs. Let's take a closer look at the way payment is handled and broken down in the modeling industry for both agency represented and freelance models. GETTING PAID AS AN AGENCY REPPED MODEL Having an agent means securing the best paying gigs and dealing with reputable clients and brands. But agencies and the companies they work with are businesses and that means following protocol when it comes to payment terms. In agency c...

There is a lot to be said for how one measures "success" or defines "professional" when it comes to an industry like modeling. Most people automatically think about money. Of course it makes sense that a professional model is one who gets paid for his/her services. Supermodels make tons of money so it's easy to see why the every day person would consider the almighty dollar as a major factor. However, while earning income for modeling is a big perk, it isn't the only form of compensation female and male models receive for their efforts. Sometimes models have to determine whether a gig is worth taking or not based on the form of compensation. Project type, budget, client and job duties all factor into what type of compensation will be provided to a model and as with much in the industry, the details almost always vary from project to project. Below are a few of the most common forms of modeling compensation aside from money that models will want to ...

This is the final part of a 3-post series I decided to write in order to tackle the commonly asked question, "How Much Do Models Get Paid?" If you haven't done so already, I highly recommend reading Part 1 ( "How Much Do Models Get Paid Part 1 - Overview" ) and Part 2 ( "How Much Do Models Get Paid Part 2 - Determining Factors" ) first so that Part 3 will make more sense and put the content into better perspective). Part 1 talked briefly about why such a question isn't so easy to answer and Part 2 covered in more detail all the factors involved in pay rates in modeling. Part 3 will wrap up this series by talking about the reality of the situation when it comes to whether or not one can make a living off of this particular profession. I am a firm believer in reality checks because for anyone to be successful in the modeling industry, it is vital to put everything in perspective and not let unrealistic expectations interfere with generating r...

If you've read Part 1 in this 3-series post ( How Much Do Models Get Paid? Part 1 - Overview ), then you're already caught up on where my train of thought is going when it comes to explaining how the average working female and male model earns income. The first part of the series served as a summary or overview of the subject but part 2 will focus on breaking down the factors that typically influence the kind of pay a model could command per booked assignment. As I mentioned in my other post, there is no guidebook, rule book or other established chart that says exactly what clients should be paying models. Why? Simply because not every modeling gig is exactly the same. It all varies from project to project, client to client, budget to budget and situation to situation. However, there are some common factors that help clients determine what kind of pay rate to offer a model. I'm speaking in generalities here so keep that in mind. There are always exceptions to the ru...

I was looking through my blog posts under the Label/Category "Money Matters" on my blog here lately and realized that while I have a good number of posts related to pay rates, advice on how to charge for modeling services, etc., I didn't really have a post that just kept it black and white when it comes to this very common question: "How much do models get paid?" I believe you can never have too much information on any subject so that's why I'm adding another post to this category (a 3-part series to be exact) that will hopefully present yet another perspective and additional knowledge as to how models earn their keep. Please note that this post is talking about payment and earnings for the average working model, not supermodels and the other high earning types of models we ogle over. So How Much Do Models Make Anyway? Whenever I'm asked this question I can't just give a straight answer because there isn't really just one that appl...

A lot of people do modeling just for the fun of it and/or for the perks (free clothes/products, store credit, etc.) but another upside to this career choice is getting paid. But not everyone understands or knows the process of how models get paid for their time...well, that's what this post is all about! There are several different methods of payment for modeling. The method used all depends on the situation. For example, freelance models won't necessarily get their money the same way an agency represented model would. Here's more info on common methods of payment most models can expect to deal with: Agency Represented Models Modeling agencies are in charge of a number of things related to a model's career and development. That includes getting paid. Not only do agencies have the power to negotiate pay rates, they also deal with the payroll process (for you younger newbies that aren't familiar with this term, it's basically the business way of handling...

(This post is intended for models seeking agency representation, not freelance models). Of the many concerns that comes with wanting to pursue modeling, cost tends to play a major factor and rightfully so. With so many scams and shady people out there, new and aspiring models often wonder just what amount is legit and what is okay to pay for and not pay for. Seeking an agent to represent you? The good news is that getting signed to an agency almost all but removes a model from the potential of getting scammed or taken advantage of. The most legit and reputable agencies only deal with other legit and reputable professionals and assume responsibility for protecting their models. However, there are fake agencies out there, too, whose purpose is to get as much money from people as possible. So how does that help newbies figure things out? Below are the types of modeling fees that are okay to pay for if you're dealing with an agency that you know to be legit and reputab...

(This post is mainly for freelance models dealing with clients asking you what your rate is, not for gigs where the budget/pay has already been set.) Although the modeling industry is a business and operates like one, it isn't quite the same as a traditional 9-5 job. Working as a freelance model means being self employed and what might come as a surprise to many is the fact that when it comes to charging for services, there aren't any hard and fast rules or some ultimate guidebook that has all the answers. A common question I get from many freelance models deals with the subject of not just charging for modeling services but figuring out when in their careers it is appropriate to begin doing so. As I just stated above, there are no hard and fast rules regarding this topic. However, there is some basic criteria that I believe would qualify a male or female model to begin charging clients wanting to hire them for assignments/gigs. A Strong Portfolio: This is a freelance...

(This post is intended for both freelance models and those with agency representation.) When it comes to modeling and pay rates, it isn't always easy to say exactly how much a person can expect to make. Each project has a budget and depending on how large or small that budget is, will determine how much a model could possibly make. However, if you're fairly new to the industry, you'll want to be familiar with certain terms, such as a "Buyout Rate." Most of us know about the fact that actors who book national TV commercials are paid a small percentage each time their commercial airs on television. Known as "residuals," this is one way actors are paid over and over for doing one commercial. Even if it was 5-10 years ago, anytime a television station plays that particular commercial, the actor will get mailed a check with their residual amount. You must be asking yourself why I'm talking about actors when this is a blog for models...this example h...

I'm pretty sure this won't be the last time I speak about this topic but lately I've seen a lot of online questions (not through this blog but elsewhere on the Internet) about how much money models can make. Some of the posters want to know the exact figures and other tedious information that simply isn't that easy to provide. This isn't going to be the answer most people want to hear but literally the pay rates completely vary from project to project . The final pay rate is influenced by various factors, including but not limited to: The client (is it a local company or a nationally recognized one?) Nature of the project (is it a photoshoot, a fashion show, an editorial, a print ad?) Duration (how long is the model need for...2-4 hours? An entire day? Multiple days?) The budget (not all clients and companies have big bucks to spend in this area) Level of the model's experience (this is especially the case for freelance models)  Location (major market...

It still baffles me how people are so ready to whip out their checkbooks and credit/debit cards when it comes to getting started in the modeling industry. Hopefully this post will shed some light on why I, and many others that practice common sense, emphasize the importance of approaching modeling in the most cost-effective way possible. Getting into the modeling field is different from any other type of occupation so you'll be dealing with an entirely different set of rules. Some people think that the more money they spend, the higher their chances are of becoming successful as a model. But it's simply not true. Here are the top reasons why: 1. Dealing with agencies is FREE! That's right, attending open casting calls, emailing or snail mailing your pictures and information and getting scouted are all free of charge to you. Not only do these methods of getting in front of an agency keep money in your wallet, it gives you a direct connection to the agency itself. No mi...

I'm sure I've mentioned this topic in a post but haven't actually done an entire post devoted to the hierarchy models should strive to follow when it comes to payment for gigs so here you go! As I always like to say, real models are those that get paid--not just take pretty pictures. This statement does not apply to or mean to discredit models (male or female) that do it as a hobby or for fun. However, there is a distinct difference between "working" models that are paid for their services and those that like to label themselves as "models" when all they really do is take pictures for free. But I digress... The point of this post is to explain what order models should put their modeling assignments in when it comes to priority--for those that seek to make some kind of "career" that involves pursuing the industry seriously, whether it is part time or full time. Below is a list (in order of highest priority to lowest) of payment arrangement...

(This post is for freelance models. The type of modeling work mentioned in this post are for cases where you are paid in cash or by check at the end of the shoot.  If the client wants to pay you at a later date make sure you have every means of contact info possible: phone, email, address where they do business--if applicable--so that you can make sure they stay true to their word of paying you after the shoot is over and/or remind them to pay you if you have not heard from them or received payment.) The subject of pay rates is always mentioned when it comes to modeling, especially for new models that are trying to establish their careers. I've done posts in the past about this topic and ones related to it but wanted to also briefly mention the types of pay rates you may come across while submitting for modeling assignments. Learning what you should charge as a model is one thing but there are also those instances where the pay rates for certain modeling gigs will already b...

(This post is more targeted towards freelance models and not those with agency representation, although it may apply to those that have an agent but continue to find their own work.) A part of being a successful model is making money from the jobs that you book. However, being a freelance model comes with many challenges--figuring out what you should charge is one of them. I will say upfront that there are no established black and white rules when it comes to pay rates. Each modeling job is different, each client is different and budgets vary. Ultimately the factors that should influence what you charge should be the amount of experience you have, the strength of the images in your portfolio and the client's budget/needs. Not every client is going to pay what you want to charge. There may be times when you will be skipped over for charging too much or taken advantage of for charging too little. It's going to happen so be prepared for it and do not take it personally. It...