MODEL PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRACT & RELEASE FORMS
MODELING CONTRACTS
A modeling contract is a document by which a model establishes a working relationship with an agency. It contains the rules, regulations, and guidelines regarding the duties and obligations that both parties have towards each other. It is important to know modeling contracts aren’t one-size-fits-all. Every agency has a unique way of doing things, and each one will have its own rules, regulations, and guidelines. The type of the contract specifies whether it’s non-exclusive, exclusive, or one-time-only contract. One-time-only contracts are used when applying for just one job. Exclusive contracts, which are mostly used by fashion and editorial models, state that the model can only be represented by that agency for the duration of the contract. Non-exclusive contracts are usually signed by commercial models and allow them to work with multiple agencies simultaneously.
MODEL RELEASE FORMS
In addition to the modeling contract, a model release form is designed for protection for all relevant parties in the modeling contract. A model release form is a liability waiver signed by a model, actor or other performer that grants a production entity the right to commercially publish their name, voice, image, likeness and/or performance within specific, agreed-upon terms.
In choosing or designing a model release form template for your individual needs, one must be sure to be specific, clear, and thorough in what the contract outlines. Some of the important clauses to include in a model release form are:
- Recitals: identifying both model and photographer.
- Use/Re-use: issuing absolute and irrevocable right and permission to use, re-use or publish the model’s photographs for whatsoever purpose
- Editing: A clause providing for an option to digitally manipulate a photo if so intended by the production entity;
- Sensitive Use: If the subject of your film or photo series is potentially controversial, include a clause that confirms your model’s awareness of that fact beforehand.
- Compensation: Discloses the model’s compensation for the services to be engaged of their photographs by the photographer.
- Copyright: The production entity must indicate their intention to retain all copyrights to all images created during the client’s session.
