Copyright © 2003. All Rights Reserved.
SHOW BUSINESS
TALENT & MODELS
HOW DOES SHOW BUSINESS WORK
Modeling, theatrical, commercial, specialty, and trade show agents present all types of talent to potential clients. Most areas are exclusive
to one specific agent in one specific area. It is standard business practice to obtain fees from the talent and clients. We receive money for
the talent, take our commission and re-issue a check to talent.
From the U.S. Department of Labor Report from the Occupational Outlook Handbook dated August 1999 states that:
Page 6
T124C Demonstrators, Product Promoters and Models
2000-01 Occupational Outlook Handbook
Almost all Models work through agents. Agents provide a link between models and clients. An agency receives a portion of the model’s
earnings in return for the agency’s services. Agents scout for new faces, advise and train new models and promote them to clients. A
typical modeling job lasts only one day, so modeling agencies differ from other employment agencies by maintaining an ongoing
relationship with the model.
Agents find and maintain relationships with clients, and maintain relationships with clients, arrange auditions called "go sees," and book
shoots if models are hired. They also provide bookkeeping and billing services and may offer financial planning services.
Because models are self-employed, detailed records of income and tax-deductible expenses must be kept.
Page 10:
Because a model’s career depends on preservation of his or her physical characteristics, ect. Haircuts, pedicures, and manicures are
necessary work-related expenses for models.
Pg 13:
Hourly earnings are relatively high, but models may not have work every day, and jobs may last only a few hours. Almost all models work
with agents and pay 15 to 20 percent of their earnings to receive an agent’s services. Models, like other self-employed workers, must
provide their own health and retirement benefits. All of our bookings quote gross rate less commission.
FROM "MODEL" By Marie Anderson Boyd
Page 156
What it means to be self-employed? Your relationship with the modeling agency that represents you is that of an "independent contractor."
Page 156 second column
Agents Fees Webster’s Dictionary defines an agent as "one who acts for or in he place of another by authority from Him."
An agent resources, experience, and staff all have a price tag. A commission is paid on the monies you earn through his professional
efforts. Commission percentages vary from agency to agency and from city to city. The industry norm is 15 to 20 percent. One of the
services your agent provides is to bill clients for your bookings and collect payment.
Taxes will not be deducted because you are not considered an employee of your agency. You are self-employed. Your agency merely
facilitates your billing, collection, and promotional activities.
WILHELMINA GUIDE TO MODELING By Natasha Esch
Page 139-141
THE INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
Once you have been accepted by an agency, and have booked your first assignment, you are considered an independent contractor.
THE AGENCY CONTRACT
An agent who believes in your potential will eventually want to sign a contract to prevent you from becoming associated with competing
agents.
Under the Wilhelmina model’s contract, the model agrees to pay the agency 20 percent of all gross earnings. This is a standard
percentage.
YOUR MODELING CAREER By Debbie and Skip Press
Page 85-87
ALL ABOUT AGENCIES Although there are no set rules or regulations for agencies, you’ll find that most of them operate in a similar
manner.
WHAT DOES A MODELING AGENCY DO?
It is rare for a model to work on a freelance basis; successful career models work through agencies. An agency functions like an
employment agency, obtaining work for models by providing models for clients. The agency charges a fee for its services both to the
model and the client. The industry standard is 20 percent from the model and 20 percent from the client.
THE MODEL MANUAL By Sandra Morris
Page 78-79
A MODEL AGENCY’S ROLE
Nearly all modeling work is booked via agencies, so it’s virtually impossible to model on a freelance basis. Agents are the experts. Once
signed up, they will promote you, send you on castings organized assignments, haggle over contracts and invoice clients on your behalf.
And that’s just for starters! " There’s far more to it than meets the eye," explains Jose.
HOW AN AGENCY OPERATES
It is a model agent’s job to supple models to clients. In return for this service they take a commission (between 20 and 25 percent world
wide except in Japan, where it’s 40-50 percent) from their model’s earnings.
MALE MODEL by Eric Perkins
Page 22
CHAPTER TWO
THE MODELING AGENCY
Many agencies work on what is known as a voucher system. With this system, you paid the following week for any work that you do. Since
the agency usually does not get paid that fast, they charge you an extra percentage for the service. Most of the big New York agencies
follow this system, and most models take advantage of it, since many clients do not pay before 90 days.
Page 24
Other fees that are likely to be charged to a model are for messengers, shipping and postage fees for shipping out portfolios or modeling
cards, long distance telephone calls, or faxes.
THE COMPLETE IDIOT’S GUIDE TO BEING A MODEL
Page 343
MONEY MANAGEMENT
When a model receives a check from her agency, however, no income or Social Security taxes have been deducted from the check. This
is because the model is not an employee of the agency; she is an independent contractor.
ACTORS WORKING THROUGH THEATRICAL OR COMMERCIAL AGENTS:
Casting Directors are paid by the production company. They work with all of the agents.
Personal Managers work for the actor look at them at Research and Development.
Agents work for the actor look at them as your marketing and sales department. They send you out on auditions, negotiate your contracts
and receive 10% of the actors pay. Agents may subscribe to many trades and breakdown services. We work as an exclusive
representation to the actor as part of their team.
HOW TO ACT & EAT AT THE SAME TIME By Tom Logan
Page 61
Sign an Agent who is on the legit union’s agency list for your particular field. If you stick with that, you are protected from being ripped off.
The contract you sigh with a "legit" agent guarantees that he’ll make a percentage of your salary. The maximum an (theatrical,
commercial) agent can take from your salary is ten percent, which is standard.
Page 63
When an agent receives your check from a production company, he’ll cash it at his bank, and write you a check for your ninety percent of
the original amount.
Since managers are not franchised by the unions, they can’t legally negotiate contracts with employers, though frankly many of the do
through a third part-agent, the actor himself, or an attorney-all who can legally negotiate a contract.
Page 65
It is against all union rules to sign a contract with more than one agent at a time for a particular field. Obviously, having signed with two
agents for the same field creates a confusing situation for the casting directors-and could present you with "interesting" legal questions.
THE WORKING ACTOR By Katinka Matson
Page 146
Unlike agents, personal managers are not required to be licensed by the state, nor do they require a union franchise. Anyone can be a
manager-your layer, your accountant you mother, There is however, an association called the converence of Personal Managers which
has drawn up a standard management contract for the use of the conference’s members. It contains the following sentence: "It is clearly
understood that you are not an employment agent or theatrical agent or artists’ manager; that you have not offered or attempted or
promished to obtain, seek or procure employment or engagements for me, and that you are obligated to do so."
Lenz Note on Booking:
We book talent at a gross rate. Talent know what the client is paying. We take a commission from the Talent. All convention bookings are
booked at talents rate LESS 20%. We do not quote net rates. Talent and Models are independent contractors. Talent will receive a 1099.
All booking will have a talent confirmation detailing out the pay rate. All talent MUST have a talent voucher that is signed by the client.
HOW DOES SHOW BUSINESS WORK
Modeling, theatrical, commercial, specialty, and trade show agents present all types of talent to potential clients. Most areas are exclusive
to one specific agent in one specific area. It is standard business practice to obtain fees from the talent and clients. We receive money for
the talent, take our commission and re-issue a check to talent.
From the U.S. Department of Labor Report from the Occupational Outlook Handbook dated August 1999 states that:
Page 6
T124C Demonstrators, Product Promoters and Models
2000-01 Occupational Outlook Handbook
Almost all Models work through agents. Agents provide a link between models and clients. An agency receives a portion of the model’s
earnings in return for the agency’s services. Agents scout for new faces, advise and train new models and promote them to clients. A
typical modeling job lasts only one day, so modeling agencies differ from other employment agencies by maintaining an ongoing
relationship with the model.
Agents find and maintain relationships with clients, and maintain relationships with clients, arrange auditions called "go sees," and book
shoots if models are hired. They also provide bookkeeping and billing services and may offer financial planning services.
Because models are self-employed, detailed records of income and tax-deductible expenses must be kept.
Page 10:
Because a model’s career depends on preservation of his or her physical characteristics, ect. Haircuts, pedicures, and manicures are
necessary work-related expenses for models.
Pg 13:
Hourly earnings are relatively high, but models may not have work every day, and jobs may last only a few hours. Almost all models work
with agents and pay 15 to 20 percent of their earnings to receive an agent’s services. Models, like other self-employed workers, must
provide their own health and retirement benefits. All of our bookings quote gross rate less commission.
FROM "MODEL" By Marie Anderson Boyd
Page 156
What it means to be self-employed? Your relationship with the modeling agency that represents you is that of an "independent contractor."
Page 156 second column
Agents Fees Webster’s Dictionary defines an agent as "one who acts for or in he place of another by authority from Him."
An agent resources, experience, and staff all have a price tag. A commission is paid on the monies you earn through his professional
efforts. Commission percentages vary from agency to agency and from city to city. The industry norm is 15 to 20 percent. One of the
services your agent provides is to bill clients for your bookings and collect payment.
Taxes will not be deducted because you are not considered an employee of your agency. You are self-employed. Your agency merely
facilitates your billing, collection, and promotional activities.
WILHELMINA GUIDE TO MODELING By Natasha Esch
Page 139-141
THE INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
Once you have been accepted by an agency, and have booked your first assignment, you are considered an independent contractor.
THE AGENCY CONTRACT
An agent who believes in your potential will eventually want to sign a contract to prevent you from becoming associated with competing
agents.
Under the Wilhelmina model’s contract, the model agrees to pay the agency 20 percent of all gross earnings. This is a standard
percentage.
YOUR MODELING CAREER By Debbie and Skip Press
Page 85-87
ALL ABOUT AGENCIES Although there are no set rules or regulations for agencies, you’ll find that most of them operate in a similar
manner.
WHAT DOES A MODELING AGENCY DO?
It is rare for a model to work on a freelance basis; successful career models work through agencies. An agency functions like an
employment agency, obtaining work for models by providing models for clients. The agency charges a fee for its services both to the
model and the client. The industry standard is 20 percent from the model and 20 percent from the client.
THE MODEL MANUAL By Sandra Morris
Page 78-79
A MODEL AGENCY’S ROLE
Nearly all modeling work is booked via agencies, so it’s virtually impossible to model on a freelance basis. Agents are the experts. Once
signed up, they will promote you, send you on castings organized assignments, haggle over contracts and invoice clients on your behalf.
And that’s just for starters! " There’s far more to it than meets the eye," explains Jose.
HOW AN AGENCY OPERATES
It is a model agent’s job to supple models to clients. In return for this service they take a commission (between 20 and 25 percent world
wide except in Japan, where it’s 40-50 percent) from their model’s earnings.
MALE MODEL by Eric Perkins
Page 22
CHAPTER TWO
THE MODELING AGENCY
Many agencies work on what is known as a voucher system. With this system, you paid the following week for any work that you do. Since
the agency usually does not get paid that fast, they charge you an extra percentage for the service. Most of the big New York agencies
follow this system, and most models take advantage of it, since many clients do not pay before 90 days.
Page 24
Other fees that are likely to be charged to a model are for messengers, shipping and postage fees for shipping out portfolios or modeling
cards, long distance telephone calls, or faxes.
THE COMPLETE IDIOT’S GUIDE TO BEING A MODEL
Page 343
MONEY MANAGEMENT
When a model receives a check from her agency, however, no income or Social Security taxes have been deducted from the check. This
is because the model is not an employee of the agency; she is an independent contractor.
ACTORS WORKING THROUGH THEATRICAL OR COMMERCIAL AGENTS:
Casting Directors are paid by the production company. They work with all of the agents.
Personal Managers work for the actor look at them at Research and Development.
Agents work for the actor look at them as your marketing and sales department. They send you out on auditions, negotiate your contracts
and receive 10% of the actors pay. Agents may subscribe to many trades and breakdown services. We work as an exclusive
representation to the actor as part of their team.
HOW TO ACT & EAT AT THE SAME TIME By Tom Logan
Page 61
Sign an Agent who is on the legit union’s agency list for your particular field. If you stick with that, you are protected from being ripped off.
The contract you sigh with a "legit" agent guarantees that he’ll make a percentage of your salary. The maximum an (theatrical,
commercial) agent can take from your salary is ten percent, which is standard.
Page 63
When an agent receives your check from a production company, he’ll cash it at his bank, and write you a check for your ninety percent of
the original amount.
Since managers are not franchised by the unions, they can’t legally negotiate contracts with employers, though frankly many of the do
through a third part-agent, the actor himself, or an attorney-all who can legally negotiate a contract.
Page 65
It is against all union rules to sign a contract with more than one agent at a time for a particular field. Obviously, having signed with two
agents for the same field creates a confusing situation for the casting directors-and could present you with "interesting" legal questions.
THE WORKING ACTOR By Katinka Matson
Page 146
Unlike agents, personal managers are not required to be licensed by the state, nor do they require a union franchise. Anyone can be a
manager-your layer, your accountant you mother, There is however, an association called the converence of Personal Managers which
has drawn up a standard management contract for the use of the conference’s members. It contains the following sentence: "It is clearly
understood that you are not an employment agent or theatrical agent or artists’ manager; that you have not offered or attempted or
promished to obtain, seek or procure employment or engagements for me, and that you are obligated to do so."
Lenz Note on Booking:
We book talent at a gross rate. Talent know what the client is paying. We take a commission from the Talent. All convention bookings are
booked at talents rate LESS 20%. We do not quote net rates. Talent and Models are independent contractors. Talent will receive a 1099.
All booking will have a talent confirmation detailing out the pay rate. All talent MUST have a talent voucher that is signed by the client.
HOW DOES LENZ WORK!
We have two departments, Models for trade shows and theatrical/ commercial.
The Theatrical Commercial Department is EXCLUSIVE. I will not work with any actor that is working with
other agents. We specialize in representing talent from the Broadway shows in Las Vegas that have an
extensive resume. You must be a new face in Las Vegas to interview with our department head.
The Models division is non exclusive in the trade show industry. We book a small group of models that
have proven results. You must have a fun great attitude and beautiful Pictures.
We have two departments, Models for trade shows and theatrical/ commercial.
The Theatrical Commercial Department is EXCLUSIVE. I will not work with any actor that is working with
other agents. We specialize in representing talent from the Broadway shows in Las Vegas that have an
extensive resume. You must be a new face in Las Vegas to interview with our department head.
The Models division is non exclusive in the trade show industry. We book a small group of models that
have proven results. You must have a fun great attitude and beautiful Pictures.
