Types of Modeling Work
- Fashion (editorial) modeling
- Fashion (catalog) modeling
- Runway
- Commercial
- Swimsuit & lingerie
- Fitness
- Body part modeling (e.g. hands, feet, eyes, teeth)
What Should Be Included?
1. Scope of Work
Each model contract differs in scope depending on the type of modeling and how long the job will take, so it’s important for the contract to explicitly state what the job entails. What, specifically, will the modeling work produce – images, footage, or a fashion show, for example? Be clear as a means of managing a client’s expectations. If the contract covers headshots, for example, then the client can’t expect runway work.
Think about whether the contract will limit the work by time or by the product. Will it provide for a specific number of hours or a specific number of images?
2. Location
Where is/are the photo shoot(s) being held? It’s important to clarify this in order to establish the travel time involved in a particular job.
3. Payment
Most model contracts are signed by a model and an agent, but the actual client paying for the work is often a company that intends to distribute the images or footage as part of a marketing effort. A contract should outline how payment rendered by the client will be divided between the contractor (i.e. the model) and the agency representing the model. It’s common for agencies to take 20% of the commission for modeling jobs they book.
A contract should state how payments will be invoiced and transferred. It should also include specific terms and penalties for late payments.
4. Timeline
The scope of work can be limited to a particular photoshoot or it can cover a period of time more broadly. How many shoots will the contract cover? How long will each shoot last? A specific start and end date should be included. The contract should also contain language that explains the process of renewing it.
5. Usage Rights
Once the images or footage are finalized, who owns the rights to use them, and for how long? Will the product be depicted in print or digitally? Can they be published once or repeatedly? A contract should be specific about who can use the work product, as well as how liberally and how often. Typically, clients pay a higher price for the right to use visual products freely.
A contract might also state the circumstances under which the model can use the images or footage — for example, on a personal website or portfolio. Contracts can prevent the party who does not own the rights to usage from selling the product.
6. Cancellation Policy
If either party moves to terminate the contract, what are the consequences? A contract should outline how much notice should be given and the appropriate means for delivering it. Think also about the financial implications of terminating a contract before the work has been completed.
Say a contract covers an entire fashion event that lasts a week, but due to a personal dispute, the model decides to quit mid-week. The model hasn’t been paid. The agent has to quickly find someone to fill the vacancy. Both are frustrated. They can’t agree, so they end up in court. A solid contract could have prevented this situation from escalating.
What is Exclusivity?
Some models, even if they are independent contractors as opposed to employees, sign exclusive contracts with a single agency. This means other agencies cannot represent them within the period of the contract.
A non-exclusive contract, on the other hand, allows the model to sign with multiple agencies concurrently. Whether or not the contract is exclusive should be explicitly stated in the model contract.