How Does an Model or Entertainment Agency Work?

joej75 01-30-2007, 11:58 AM

Rating: ()

There has been some limited discussion on how agencies work. I would just like to put in my two cents worth. Im very old school and like many of the larger agencies in this country most of us work on the same basic rules. There are basicaly two types of contracts, Exclusive and Non Exclusive. In my opinion if you are new to modeling and the agency you are considering signing with is more of a local (usa only) agency then Non Exclusive is the way to go. Just make sure even with a non exclusive there is a buy out clause that way if down the road you get to sign with a company like Ford there is a way to do so, since they will more then likely want you to go Exclusive thou they have been known to allow models to go NON depending on season and the models management team.

Just a thought for those who might be interested.

austinmodelsandtalent

Rather than a buyout clause, I wouldn't recommend signing any non-exclusive contract that does not allow cancellation, with notice, at any time. A non-exclusive should, by nature of what it is, be relatively non binding. Also, if it is non-exclusive, there wouldn't seem to be a need to buy any contracts out since a non-exclusive provides the talent opportunity to work with a variety of agents, hence the term itself as being 'non-exclusive.'

To contribute, here's a few articles I have written on this topic:

Signing With an Agency
http://www.onetalentsource.com/view_article/4/

Agency Contracts: Exclusve vs. Non-Exclusive
http://www.onetalentsource.com/view_article/21/

joej75

For my agency I have the clause because I also aim to get my clients into international agencies which most of the time want them to be exclusive. And after an agency like myself invest thousands of dollars into any given model it is nice to revamp some of my investment when it occurs. And yes a model can cancell my contract simply by submitting in writing that this is what they wish to do.

austinmodelsandtalent

Generally, in a situation such as this, utilizing a Mother Agency contract would be most beneficial.

joej75

Could you explain the Mother angency clause that you are referring to? I am never to old to learn new things. Thanks