If you think modelling is all bikinis and champagne – think
again. Modelling is a job, and like any job, it comes with its fair share of
paperwork. In fact, as models are usually self-employed (this doesn’t
necessarily mean freelance – models signed with agencies are also
self-employed, simply because the agency doesn’t directly employ them and pay
them a wage.) they have more paperwork than a normal 9 to 5 office job.
Here are some of the forms that a model will use on a
regular basis:
Model Release Buyout
This document is signed by the model and a witness and
states that the model gives the photographer, client model relinquishes the right to examine the images before they are used for
promotional purposes or to object if they
don’t like the final result. The release must state that the model is
above the age of consent and able to sign for themselves. If they are not, then
a guardian must sign on their behalf.
or client representative
the right to use the photos. It will detail how the images are allowed to be
used, including as a whole or in part, with transformations and fictitious
names, and for promotion, art, trade, advertising etc. It will state that the
Self-Promotion Copyright licence
If you do Time for Print work, you need to make sure you get
it in writing that you are allowed to use the photos for your own purposes.
Without this signed piece of paper, the photographer could force you to stop
using them for your portfolio or for sending to modelling. This ‘copyright
licence’ can be narrow, meaning you are only allowed to use the images for
restricted uses, or it can be broad, giving you more rights. However, the
wording must be negotiated with the photographer, so their preferences will
have to be balanced with yours.
Agency Application Letters
In many cases you can apply to an agency online, by filling
in a form and attaching your pictures. However, sometimes you may need to apply
by post, or even via direct email. An agency application letter should include your
reason for writing (that you’d like to be represented by their agency), your
comp card if you have one, your physical statistics, age and education. You can
also describe any experience you have and you should tell them if you already
have a non-exclusive contract with any other agencies. If possible it should be
addressed to the relevant person in the agency, rather than just ‘Dear Sir /
Madam’. Application letters should be formal and businesslike, not chatty or
filled with rows of exclamation marks or overly emotional statements about how
much it would mean to you to be signed to that modelling agency.
