Answering a Reader Question #856

Anonymous Wrote:

 Hi Diana. My 11 year was spotted at her school fair last weekend by the owner of a mother agency. They are based in America and we live in Asia. We've been told we have to wait 4-5 years and see how my daughter will grow and change but wants to sign a contract with her now. Is this wait and see period enough ? There are not many opportunity to start any experience where we are now, meaning that when she reaches 15-16 years she will have had 0 experience. Thanks for your advice.

Hey, Anonymous!

Since there aren't many modeling opportunities where you are currently in Asia, it sounds like a good chance for your daughter to have the first steps of her modeling career set up over the next few years. Have you read the contract to see what the business relationship with the agency would look like during this waiting period?

It would be nice if they set up test shoots for her in the meantime to get her feet wet and give her some experience in front of the camera. I doubt they would have her under contract for that long and just leave her alone with no kind of communication or contact. I'm sure they plan on developing her and grooming her over the years to gain the confidence, experience and training that will mold her into a marketable model that is ready to get right to work once she is old enough.

If they don't plan on doing any of that, then I would be wary. But if the contract clearly outlines what they plan on doing for your daughter during this down time, that is what you should take into consideration when it comes to deciding whether or not to move forward. Please make sure to read the contract from beginning to end--get a lawyer that knows entertainment law (if possible) to look it over as well so that you know exactly what you'd be signing/committing to. If there is anything you don't understand or have questions about, ask the agency before you sign it. This is very important.

Lastly, make sure you know how long you need to be in the contract before you can get out of it. In case she gets another offer or if you decide this isn't the best path for her, you want to make sure you aren't stuck in a binding agreement that you don't want to be a part of.

Best of luck to you and your daughter!

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