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Model Agent POV: Can you be signed to more than one agency?
written by
Ione McLeod
PART 14: CAN YOU BE SIGNED TO MORE THAN ONE AGENCY?
If you are building a modelling or acting career, you may wonder whether you can be represented by more than one agency.
The answer is: sometimes, yes. But it needs to be handled carefully.
CAN YOU HAVE MULTIPLE AGENTS?
At Sandra Reynolds, we understand that some artists may need more than one agent, particularly if they work across different areas of the industry.
Katie: “We completely understand that some artists need to be with multiple agencies.”
The key is making sure those agencies are not directly conflicting with each other.
HOW TO AVOID AGENCY CONFLICTS:
If you are looking at working with more than one agency, it can be sensible to think about location or type of work.
Katie: “What we suggest is that you look for agents that aren’t conflicting, so perhaps they can be in different areas.”
For example, an artist might have one agency in the North and another in the South, particularly if those agencies work with different client bases.
Lily: “It’s sometimes an advisable idea to have an agency in the North and then perhaps another one in the South.”
This can work well if the agencies are genuinely covering different opportunities, rather than putting you forward for the same jobs.
DIFFERENT AGENCIES FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF WORK:
It can also make sense to have agencies that focus on different areas.
Lily: “With acting, it’s OK to have an acting agent that covers stage and screen and then perhaps a more commercial agency that’s dealing with photographic and TV commercial.”
This kind of setup can work well because each agency has a clear role. Problems usually arise when two agencies are trying to represent you for the same kind of work, in the same market, to the same clients.
WHAT ABOUT EXCLUSIVE CONTRACTS:
Some agencies offer exclusive contracts. This means you are tied to that agency for certain types of work, territories or time periods.
Katie: “There are some agencies that will offer exclusive contracts, which is great. It does offer its benefits.”
Exclusive representation can work well if the agency is the right fit and is actively supporting your career. It can give the agency more control over how you are presented and help avoid confusion in the market.
However, you need to understand exactly what you are agreeing to before you sign
ALWAYS READ YOUR CONTRACTS PROPERLY.
Before signing with any agency, make sure you know whether the agreement is exclusive or non-exclusive.
Lily: “You just need to make sure that you’ve done your research… you won’t be able to join anybody else within your contract.”
This should always be discussed before you sign, not afterwards.
Katie: “People aren’t sure they’re exclusive and they read the contract and go, ‘Oh, I didn’t know about that.’”
If you are unsure, ask the question directly. It is much better to clarify everything at the start than to realise later that you have agreed to something you did not fully understand.
A FINAL THOUGHT
Being with more than one agency can work, but only when everyone is clear on the arrangement.
The most important things are:
Know whether your contract is exclusive
Avoid agencies that directly conflict
Be honest with each agency about your representation
Understand which types of work each agency is covering
If you are signing with another agent, always ask how their contract works and whether you are free to be represented elsewhere.
Clear communication at the start protects you, your agencies and your long-term career.
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written by Ione McLeod
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