How to Keep Your Modeling Agent Happy

19Jun09

Your modeling agent has a pretty hectic job. Because each Casting call has a working relationship with his/her agent, it is important that you do what you can to ensure that this relationship is smooth and free of drama. When your agent is happy, your modeling career will be smooth sailing.

Step1
When an agency takes on a model, there is a lot of work that goes into finding clients, getting bookings, dealing with payroll and maintaining portfolios. All models represented by an agency should do what they can to make things on the agency’s end easier. There are enough divas out there so being free of a snotty, bad and holier than thou attitude will keep your agent happy and create a steady business relationship.

Step2
Your agent must be able to reach you no matter what time it is. Your agent must be able to reach you no matter what time it is. Keep the lines of communication open. You should be available at a moment’s notice. Make sure you have a contact number where your agent can reach you 24/7. This is where having your own cell phone comes in handy. While rarely used, there are still models and agencies that use pagers to communicate. Also be diligent about receiving and responding to agency emails.

Step3
Your agent should be aware of your daily schedule so they’ll know when to submit you for bookings. Your agent should be aware of your daily schedule so they’ll know when to submit you for bookings. Keep your agent in the loop. If you’re a student, your agent should have your school schedule handy. Update them anytime something with school changes. Note the dates and times when you are completely open and when you’re not. Your agent shouldn’t have to track you down to find out this info, nor should they risk submitting you for a casting that you can’t attend.

Step4
Be considerate. If you know you’re going to be leaving for a vacation for a few weeks or even a month, give your agent a heads up way ahead of time.

Step5
Return all missed calls and emails ASAP. When an agent needs a open casting call for a casting, they don’t have all day to wait around for you to get back to them and will book another model at the drop of a hat. Don’t assume your agent will wait for you. Even if you get the message way past the time when you should have responded, call them anyway and explain why you weren’t able to get back to them in time.

Step6
Be prepared. Keep a stack of blank modeling vouchers on hand at all times. If you’re running low, call your agent and they can email you a digital one to print and copy or you can drop by the office to pick them up.

Step7
Make sure all necessary paperwork is properly filled out and turned in on time. Make sure all necessary paperwork is properly filled out and turned in on time. Turn in your paperwork on time. If you just finish a shoot or other modeling job, turn in your modeling voucher to the agency right away, unless the client takes care of this on their end. The sooner the voucher is turned in, the sooner you and your agent get paid. Any delays can cause weeks or even months of waiting.

Step8
Don’t be difficult. Work with your agent, not against them. Remember, they are supposed with work with you and not for you. No agent wants to deal with a model with an attitude or who doesn’t show respect. If it weren’t for your agent, chances are you wouldn’t get very far in your modeling career so be drama-free and hassle-free.

Step9
Mind your behavior and avoid bad habits. Agents do hear back from clients about models who arrive to the job late, unprepared or who maintain an unprofessional attitude. Stay in your agent’s good graces by being on time, organized and prepared, and easy to work with.

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Tags: casting call, open casting calls