Model agency: exclusive and non-exclusive benefits
Let’s face it, aspiring models may not have the opportunity to exclusively sign with a modeling agency. These days, celebrities and supermodels like Beyonce, Gisele Bundchen, and Joan Smalls have the luxury that many beginning models strive for. It’s not the end of the world for all other non-exclusive models.
What is the difference?
A model that is not exclusive has the luxury of registering with various agencies in her market. This gives the model greater visibility because they are not solely locked into one agency. Typically, the agency earns a 20% commission for each job the model is hired for. The model can also make the decision to do independent modeling on the side.
A model that is exclusive is signed only with that agency and is subject to a contractual agreement that can last from one to three years. Typically, the agency can earn 20-40% commission for each job the model is hired for. The commission is higher because the agency also acts as the management company for the model, which entitles them to more money. The agency usually charges the customer a service fee for reserving the model. The model is only responsible for the 20% commission.
Exclusive contracts are reserved for models who have a winning track record and have proven themselves in the modeling industry.
Agency approval
The chances of a new model being signed exclusively are rare, but can happen quickly. If you’re new to an agency and they hire you for, say, your first five auditions, that’s a great indicator that you can be a source of income. No agency will want to share its talent with the other agencies. In this scenario, the agency should be racing to sign you exclusively. If not, I would consider making a request to exclusively sign with them.
Personal experience
Since I made the decision to go back to modeling, I have registered with four agencies. Despite the recession, I have been attending numerous auditions. The funny thing about this is, I can remember sitting at my daughter’s graduation ceremony and my phone ringing. It was one of my agents auditioning the same day. I quickly and quietly gathered the information and hung up. Before I could put the phone in my bag, it rang again. This was another agent who called for the same audition. I had to tell them that they had already booked me. Now my other two agencies didn’t call me for this at all.
Moral of the story
If you are new to modeling or come back like me after a hiatus, sign up with as many agencies as possible. What you should keep in mind is that you don’t know what kind of talent the agency already has in the category you fit into. I have been fortunate to pick up where I left off due to the established relationships I have developed and maintained over the years. Beginners will not have that luxury and will have to work diligently to get to that level.
In the meantime, don’t give up and stay positive. If you’re targeting an exclusive contract, set some goals, write them down, and keep track of the prize.