Modeling 101 - Answering Reader Questions

Anonymous Wrote: We just signed to take our inexperienced 8 year old son to a Launch Showcase in Chicago with a 'mother agency'. From your blog sounds like a good start in this case? We were told about the 20% for signed agencies, but they say they don't take any extra % once signed with someone outside the mother agency, but want to be present if a contract is signed during the showcase. Is this typical and can you legally sign contracts if you are called outside such a showcase without a mother agency being involved? Hi, Anonymous! I typically advise dealing with agencies directly instead of attending showcases and conventions, however, after looking through the Launch Showcase website, I was happy to see that they state upfront that they are not a modeling school or agency. Being direct about what they are and are not is a good sign, especially if money is going to be involved. 20% is the current commission rate for agencies so that is legit. When it comes to m...

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania So I signed with an exclusive agency in Minneapolis about 5-6 months ago for 5 years and I just found out i will be moving to California in the summer and I haven't had the chance or guts tell my agents that I'm moving. I want to continue to model in Cali and wasn't sure if I can be with other agency like la models or elite and also with my agency now because agencies like that are also exclusive? Would i be possible? Do i just do a submission to cali agencies or do I let my agency deal with it? Because my agency and ones in cali like elite or la models are exclusive would it still be okay to sign with an exclusive one in cali and also be with my Minneapolis agency? Hi there, Anonymous! If you don't plan on moving back to Minneapolis, then you need to tell your agent right away. This isn't the kind of news that should be kept to yourself for too long. Does your agent have "Mother Agency" powers that would allow them to c...

Catt Wrote: Hey Dania it's Catt! I was wondering if the photographer doesn't have the model release form, should I bring one? -Catt xxx Hey, Catt, great to get a reader question from ya! :-) Did the photographer tell you he/she didn't have a release form? If so, you can bring one although it would be better if they provided you with it, since that's how it usually works. But if they're okay with you bringing one, then there shouldn't be any problems. There are many general model release templates available online that you can print out and bring with you. Sometimes the photographer will give the model the release form to sign after they've shot together (i.e. via email), which also works fine but it's typically better to have that document signed before shooting to avoid any issues or miscommunication as to what's being agreed to. Hope that helps!