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agency vs. freelance?
Hi all. I'm in the SF Bay area and started modeling earlier this year. I have a full time job so I model part time. I've found quite a few gigs through craigslist and MM, but I've been wondering if I should try getting representation through an agency in hopes of landing more gigs (and higher paying gigs). My schedule is fairly flexible but I can't make casting calls every day of the week due to my full time job. Does anyone have any experience with modeling part time and belonging to an agency? thanks in advance.... Dec 09 06 05:29 pm Link Hey Matt, There are some pretty good medium sized commercial agencies in SF that I would highly recommend submitting yourself to. I've done both commercial and freelance modeling, and from what I can see, you would probably do best with an agency and you have a good chance of getting into a good one. If I wasn't female and interested in doing nude work, I don't think that I'd get many worthwhile, paid gigs without an agency. Most of the larger agencies won't be very nice about working around your job, but since you're in such a good location, I'm sure you'll be able to find a smaller agency that will be willing to work with you. HTH! Also, please read the info at www.newmodels.com. Dec 09 06 05:46 pm Link I'm no model, but I work for a smaller commercial agency where most of the models are in it part time. From the look of your port you're aiming for a commercial market which is hard to book without an agent. You also look like you'd do really well in the commercial and fashion industries. I'd start checking out the agencies and just be upfront about the fact that you want to keep it part time. Go to a few and see which one (or ones) agree with you. Worst case scenario you wasted a couple hours and decide that an agency isn't for you.  Best of luck!Dec 09 06 06:09 pm Link Thanks for the info Sarah and Starla. much appreciated. If there any part time models in the bay area who can recommend some agencies, please do. I've searched online and have read up on the big ones like Stars, CityModels, etc. Dec 09 06 06:37 pm Link Hey, I'm a freelance model as well and it works for me, however it wouldn't hurt to talk with a few agencies and feel them out for what your looking for. Just because you meet with them and they offer you a contract does not mean you have to take it! Weigh all your options! Best of luck to you! Dec 09 06 06:40 pm Link Matt Toomey wrote: I was with Stars for many years and found that they were very unwilling to work around my schedule - they're a big agency and, at least in my experience they only care about getting as much money out of each of their models as possible. I have a friend who is still with Stars and she's happy, everyone's different. I've heard lots of good things about CityModels and I know that Ford is opening (or has opened) a branch in SF, and they are supposed to be very supportive. Dec 09 06 06:47 pm Link Matt Toomey wrote: Here is my list of Bay Area Agencies and some of what I know about Dec 10 06 06:09 am Link Matt I can tell you that having representation in this biz has done wonders for me to say the least.......take a moment to view my port and see what I've done and who I've worked with in just under a year! I'm an independent sales rep so I can make auditions if and when I want which is nice. Right now I my phone is ringing almost daily for commercial jobs and auditions....and I mean some pretty nice ones too. It's nice that I live right by the "Motor City" ...Detroit.......the car manufactures are calling my agencies weekly for some type of commercial gig.....print or film. So......you should most definitely hook with agencieS.......yes.....more than one...all you can for that matter. They're in the business of making you $$.....if you make $$$.........they make $$$.......so get your comp card made and get it out there for them to see! Dec 10 06 08:16 am Link Oh forgot to add if you want just part time availability you will have to talk to them first as some agencies are ok with that and others are not. Dec 11 06 09:49 am Link Leo 3 wrote: This is interesting to read. I didn't think were was much in this area for good representation. At least in Cleveland. I will have to see about Detroit. Dec 11 06 10:13 am Link If you're planning on just posing for local photographers to develop portfolios and small jobs, then don't go to an agency... however, remember that you'll be competing with every other person that accepts TFP or other low pay or no pay positions. Contrary to the ever so popular MM members belief, photographers are usually not the people that hire models. It's usually someone from an ad agency, p.r. company, an art director, or a magazine editor that makes the call, and they normally don't sit there and scour the internet to find someone that may or may not show up. Therefore, the people that REALLY hire models usually go through a model / talent agency. The agency usually deals with all the paperwork (Tax forms, workmans comp insurance, liability insurance, and stuff like that). It's a one stop shop... only one call is required whether they need 1 person or 1000 people... and the agency will usually be able to find someone to replace another model quickly if the need arises. And no, not every model has to be young, tall, and gorgeous... but that's a whole 'nother subject. Dec 11 06 01:14 pm Link I also model part time and have a full time career. I am represented by a small but very legit agency in L.A. and pretty much did the same thing you are doing. I was getting jobs here and there from castings I found on my own, but finally I did go the agency route. Of course the pay is generally better, and you get sent out to castings you would have no way of knowing about. That said, I am able to be very flexible with my day job, and I often leave for a go-see and come back to work, or work a half day. (I have plenty of paid leave and vacation time.) Without the flexibility of my job I would not be able to manage, and I am sure I would be dropped. Dec 11 06 04:25 pm Link Take Dan's advice and start contacting the local agencies. They're the only ones that can tell you whether or not they'll be willing to work with you and your schedule. Dec 11 06 04:38 pm Link thank you all for the very informative advice and comments! Dec 11 06 08:39 pm Link |
