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Having More Than One Agent


Did you know that a model can have more than once agency? It's true but there is a way to go about it without getting yourself in trouble. When you have more than one agency representing you as a model, the chances for getting booked, paid work increases. The only way a model can get more than one modeling agency is if they are only dealing with non-exclusive contracts.

To refresh your memory, a non-exclusive contract means that the model is allowed to sign with another agency, as well as get their own freelance work. The catch is to read the fine print. Even though an agency with a non-exclusive contract allows you multiple representation, it also lists where you can or cannot obtain representation.

For example, if you have an agent out of San Francisco with a non-exclusive contract, you are free to sign with another agency in Los Angeles, New York, or Miami (or all three in addition to San Francisco!), who also operate with non-exclusive contracts.

However, you may not be allowed to sign with another modeling agency located within 45-50 miles of San Francisco so if there is another agency interested in you that is in San Jose (which is less than 50 miles from San Francisco), you more than likely will not be able to have one agency in both cities since they are so close to each other. To have two agencies located so close together is bad for the model because they will more than likely book you for your same gigs...who would get the commission? There lies the problem.

If you go behind your agency's back and sign with another agent within the same competing market and your original agency finds out, you could be dropped from your contract. So play it smart and make sure to read the fine print of your non-exclusive contract to find out just where you can obtain additional representation.

For models signed to exclusive modeling contracts, the opportunity to have more than one agent is eliminated. Many exclusive contracts maintain control over their models within the United States, as well as other countries. This means you cannot sign with any other agency no matter if the contract would be non-exclusive or exclusive or if they are located 100 miles away from your original agent.

For example, FORD's exclusive contract states that their models cannot sign with any competing agency in the entire United States, Canada, France, and Brazil. That basically means you belong to the agency completely until your contract is up. If you decide you don't want to be under an exclusive contract anymore and would rather have multiple representation dealing with non-exclusive contracts, simply give your agent written notification and read your contract to see how the process works.

As one photographer once told me, "Don't let them [the agency] bully you. They are there to make you money. Just because they are exclusive doesn't mean they will guarantee you more work than a non-exclusive contract. If they don't get you work, you aren't getting paid and you are within your right to break your contract and move on."

While having more than one agency can be great, it can also be a lot of work. Be prepared to fly or drive often since you'll more than likely have to go to wherever the audition is. So if you have an agent in San Francisco and Los Angeles, expect to rack up some frequent flier miles. If you have the time and the money, traveling for these opportunities can definitely work in your favor.

But if your funds are limited and you're in school or have a full-time job, then sticking to one agency that is local to you may be your best bet. It's your choice just make sure that whatever decision you make, you'll be able to follow through.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Dania,

I would like to sign a modeling contract with multiple agencies, but I have a dilemma, and I would like to ask your opinion on it...

I have signed an exclusive contract with an agency in San Francisco about 3 years ago for commercial print modeling. I have got very few castings from them. I would like to change to non-exclusive representation. Would you please advise on which agencies in San Francisco Bay Area offer non-exclusive contracts?

Thank you very much in advance,
Tanya.
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Tanya! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #474," 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…
Dania,

I've recently started signing with other agencies in other cities, however, my mother agency has been "taking their time" in getting back with these agencies . Months have passed and I'm afraid these agencies may have loss their excitement. I wanted to know if I am allowed to contact my other agencies by my self and not have to go through my mother agency??

Thanks.
Anon.
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Anon! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #570," 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…
Dear Dania:

Thank you, so much for answering my question! I just wanted to say that you are very kind for giving some many people advice. I just have one more questions for you..
I've decided to leave my mother agency now, but I wanted to know if one of my other agencies would assume the role of my mother agency?

Thank you.
Anon.
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Anon! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #578," 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…
Hey D,

Thanks for the great info so far. I wanted to ask if you might be able to go further into the agency selection process. More specifically what to take into account when selecting which agencies you want to be with and apply to and then if and when receiving offers how to go choosing an agency and not hastily signing with one before opportunities with others have arrived.

I am in NYC are there are of course all the huge agencies and tons of smaller ones and I am a bit lost as to where to start in the application process.

Also on another note what do you think about incorporating as a model? As in registering an LLC (or equivalent) for a modeling career. How would one then sign with an agency as an entity?

Thank you in advance for your help! ;)
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Anonymous! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #598," 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…
Hello Dania,
I have an offer from two agencies in the bay area, one being exclusive and the being a non-exclusive contract. I am new to this market and have previous experience overseas. In this scenario, should i stick to one agency which i hope will find me dedicated work, or should i get on-board with a few non-exclusive type agencies?
Thank you.
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Anonymous! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #760," 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!
sarah said…
Hi D,
I have been signed with my agency for a year now and wishing to sign wish on in another state closer to me.
I don't know if i am meant to approach my agency about it, as they have not said anything about having another agency.
please help xoxox
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Sarah! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #890," 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, so i have been offered contracts from two different agencies in the same city. They are quite different, and each one has its own pro's and cons. I wanted to know if it would be wise to tske on two agencies as a beginning model in the industry.

Thank you
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Anonymous! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #1,011," 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 Diana,

So I have three agencies (1 in SF 2 in LA) that want to sign me. I’m pretty confident in which agencies I want to sign with in SF and LA (I have done my research and am aware that I cannot sign to two agencies in the same market). What i’m curious about though, is that each agency in these cities says they would be my mother agent when I sign. Let’s say, for example, that I sign with the LA agency first making them my mother agency. Would the SF agency still be interested? Or would the contract need to be altered? Also would i have to wait some time to sign with my secondary agency? They are aware of my interest in each and have a really good relationship between the two. They actually have a model that is signed to the same two agencies that I am planning on signing to. I have been very open and honest during this whole process and so have they, I just wanted another outside perspective since i’m new to the industry and still learning.

Thank you!
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Anonymous! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #1,028," 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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