Can I Work with More Than One Agency?
Summary:
Can I Work with More than One Agency?
Yes! And I encourage you to do so! This does apply to those models that have only signed non-exclusive contracts however.
Most professional working models have representation in every major city. This is the difference between those models who only work once and a while and those who actually make a profession out of modeling in smaller markets.
Keep in mind however; if you are with a high fashion agency they most likely will have you under an exclusive contract. So either you will only work through their agency or they will find you representation in other cities on their own- serving as your mother agent.
If you live in a smaller market- do not get enticed by signing an exclusive contract. Most likely they will not have enough work to keep you busy. If they insist- ask them if you can work on a non exclusive basis for a three month period. If you are working a ton- then sign- if not stay non exclusive!
Video Transcription
Cristina: You can have more than one modeling agency. That is how I work pretty consistently. You get a modeling agency for every larger city that is around where you live and then go as far as you are willing to travel. So as for myself, I have an agency in Richmond, Philadelphia, New York, Vermont, Florida, North Carolina, anywhere I am willing to drive. Now of course, I have to do the weigh factor. I have to ask what the job is paying. I am going to have to pay for my own travel. Some clients will pay for travel, some clients do not. So, you have to ask yourself what I making enough to make the trip worth it? For example, I worked in North Carolina; I knew the day rate was $2,500. It cost me $150 on the train, one night hotel which was $65 and the 20% agency fee. Now that was worth my time. You see, I deducted those things and realized I would still make about $1800, so it is definitely worth the trip. So that is basically how I figure out which bookings I should take.
The travel is harder for young girls that are in high school because parents have to take off work and there are so many other things to juggle. So, parents are going to want to cast your net a little closer to home than mine. For me, I am willing to go a little bit further. So, if you are living in Northern VA, you are going to want to maybe do Baltimore, DC and Richmond.
If you contact a lot of agencies in one city, you will need to decide to take representation from only one modeling agency in that specific area. I do not suggest you accept representation from more than one agency because there is a limited amount of work in smaller markets and most likely every agency you are listed with will call you for the same job. Eventually this will frustrate the agencies you are with and they may end up dropping you as a model. You should stay loyal to one modeling agency per city. If you are not working or getting any castings after a year you may decide to change agencies.
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