Explore Modeling - Do I Need a Manager?

Do I Need a Manager?

Summary:

Do I need a manager?

One of the questions I am always getting asked is “do I need a manager”? A manager is someone who attempts to obtain you agency representation and from time to time an actual booking.

When I started modeling, I initially signed with a manager in California. He was targeting the overseas market for me- which I knew nothing about. I always thought he must have the most amazing contacts there and if it wasn’t for him I could not even dream of getting an agency there. After my first contract in Tokyo, Japan, I watched the more experienced models and saw how they would in a way represented themselves by contacting agencies on their own. So when I wanted to model in Singapore, I e-mailed a well-known agency there my photo and in 5 minutes they e-mailed me back a contract! I was modeling in Singapore two weeks later! By doing this I saved the 5% that I was paying a manager. Now 5% does not seem like a lot but this is 5 % of your gross salary. Let me break this down for you. A minimum contract in the Japanese market pays $16,000 US dollars gross for two months. Then you have to take away 20 % for the agency fee, your plane ticket, composite card, subway pass, model’s apt. food and so on… Usually you are only left with a few thousand dollars but then you have to pay your manager 5% of $16,000- that is $800 from your possibly only three thousand dollars. That works out to be roughly 30%!

Now from time to time a manager can knock down a door that you couldn’t solely by using their connections in the industry. At these times a manger can be helpful but if you decide to take this route I recommend you exhaust all other avenues first. This can save you a great deal of money in the long run.

On the other hand, if you are already listed with an agency they can also serve as your mother agent, which in many ways is the same as a manager. A mother agent is your primary agency; however they can also find you contracts either overseas or in various cities throughout the U.S. Your mother agency is paid a partial commission by the agency they secure for you. Nothing comes out of your pocket.

Please note however that when dealing with any agency or manager you must do your homework and investigate them very carefully. It is always important to verify the reputation of any agency or manager before doing business with them.

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#2
Whitneyshianne Model	Whitneyshianne - OH, USA: report misuse This is valuable information Cristina. Thanks for sharing!! Quote and Reply to this post >

#1
Autumn Model	Autumn - CO, USA: report misuse thanks!thanks!thanks! Quote and Reply to this post >