Answering a Reader Question #415
Hi Dania, I have two questions. 1) I'm a new model in nyc and I have a agency it's for commercial and lifestyle modeling as well as acting. It's a non-exclusive contract and I want to sign with more than one agency. The agency that I am with now I've been with them for 3months total(I haven't gone on a single casting I contacted the booker and she says she submits me for anything I fit for but casting is by request only) and my professional pics have been on there website for almost one month. My comp cards and hard copy portfolio are still in the process of being printed via them. How do I gain additional representation with another agency I want to keep the one I have and gain another one basically I want two agencies. However, I don't want to jeopardize the relationship I currently have with my agency now. If I seek additional representation and I email my pics via their website do I send professional pics or simple snapshots. Which would they prefer and do I give them my current agencies contact information too. Also if I sign with another agency would I have to have a new portfolio and pics or could they use the ones I currently have? Can I still submit to more agencies and if they agree to take me on would I then have to let my current manager know?
2) What do you think makes someone photogenic. Why would someone look older in pictures than they do in person. Like why would someone who's 24yrs photograph like they're 30yrs but they don't look 30yrs in person.
Hi, Anonymous! All excellent questions...thank you for asking them for the benefit of not just yourself but other readers as well!
Agencies that offer non-exclusive contracts know that it's highly likely the models they sign will seek out additional representation. So don't worry that you'll be hurting your agent's feelings or make yourself look bad by wanting another agent. That would be like a model expecting to be the only one the agency plans on representing, get it? :-)
That being said, refer to the copy of the contract you have with your current agent. It should say somewhere what the guidelines are for which agencies and in which areas you can seek additional representation through. For example, a non-exclusive contract I once had stated that I could gain other agency representation as long as it was outside of a 45 mile radius of the San Francisco Bay Area. So if your contract tells you that info, it'll make it easier for you to figure out which agencies are okay to submit to and which ones are off limits.
If you can't find this info in your contract, simply ask your booker what the guidelines/restrictions are when it comes to the subject of gaining additional representation. Keep this question straight to the point--there's no need to go into detail about why you want an extra agent, etc. I'm sure you aren't the first and only model signed to them that wants or has more than one agent. If they are truly professional, they'll provide you with the info you need to know so you can accomplish that goal.
In order to seek another agency, simply do an online search for the ones that you're allowed to submit to (according to your contract's rules) and follow whatever submission instructions are given on each one's official website. However, it is important to note that you can only sign with other agencies that also offer non-exclusive contracts. That's the only way you'll be allowed to have multiple representation.
Did you submit snapshots to the agency you're with now? If so, that's a pretty good sign that they're strong enough to gain an agency's interest. Ultimately, you'll want to follow whatever the specific criteria is for the agencies you plan on submitting to. If they specifically state they want non pro snapshots, then give them that. Or if they accept pro pictures, then select your best ones and use those. Having snapshots is ideal, however, since those make for the strongest images that allow an agency to see a model's potential.
When sending your professional photos to other agencies, do NOT send them any images that may have your agent's name, logo or contact info on them (such as your comp card or headshot). Always send images that are free of watermarks, logos or agency info.
Unless asked during the submission process, you do not have to tell an agency that you're currently represented when sending in your photos. Some agency websites have you fill out an online form/questionnaire and may ask if you have agency representation already. In those instances, yes, provide them with the name of the agency you're with. Adding their contact info usually isn't necessary unless they ask for it. Telling them the agency name alone is usually enough to suffice.
If the agencies you submit to don't ask for this info and you end up getting invited to a casting call or interview, it is during that time that you can let them know you have non-exclusive representation. As long as they are also non-exclusive, this won't be an issue, especially if they are not located within the same distance/market as your first agent.
I don't know for sure that additional agencies would want you to shoot a new portfolio or use the existing images you have. I would guess that they'd reuse some of the same images, especially the strongest ones but depending on how they plan on marketing you, they may request that you do additional test shoots to give them the specific looks they are in need of. So be prepared to do more shoots to diversify your book/portfolio for each agency's purposes.
Should you get signed to one or more additional agencies, you have to let your current agent/booker know. Like I mentioned before, this is nothing new to agencies that offer non-exclusive contracts. Many professional models have more than one agent, so once you secure additional representation and let your agent/booker know, they'll guide you accordingly as to what the next steps will be and how they'll handle your career going forward.
As for your second question, there isn't a black and white answer for that. Being photogenic is one of those things that can't quite be explained very easily. I think the main factors that affect a person's ability to be photogenic include things like:
- Lighting (good versus poor lighting)
- Makeup or lack of
- Angles of a person's face
Many people photograph well when they are truly happy and comfortable being in front of the camera. As far as why some people photograph older when they are actually much younger is more difficult to answer. I would bring it back to the factors of what the lighting is like and the angle of their face.
Comments
Post a Comment