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Model Agent POV: How Do I Know If A Contract Is Fair?
written by
Sarah Gabillia.
PART 6: HOW DO I KNOW IF A CONTRACT IS FAIR?
For this instalment of our Model Agent POV series, we’re addressing a question that often feels intimidating, particularly for those new to the industry: How do I know if a modelling contract is fair?
Contracts can feel overwhelming. They are often written in legal language, full of clauses and terminology that are unfamiliar so it is understandable that many models and actors feel uncertain about what they are signing.
Katie (Head of New Faces) and Lily (Actors Booker) share their perspectives on contracts, about what to look for, what to question, and how to approach them with confidence.
STARTING WITH RESEARCH
Before signing anything, the first step is simple: take your time and do your research.
KATIE: “I absolutely recommend doing your research. When you’re approached by an agency and you have terms and conditions or contracts to sign, you need to look into it properly.”
A fair contract should never feel rushed or hidden. Transparency is key and you should be able to clearly understand what the agreement covers, how long it lasts, what the commission structure is, and what obligations sit on both sides.
Look for clarity in areas such as:
- Commission
- Payment terms
- Exclusivity
- Territory
- Notice periods
- Usage and image rights
- Termination clauses
If anything feels vague or overly complicated without explanation, that is a reason to ask questions.
TRANSPARENCY AND FLEXIBILITY
A fair agreement is not just about numbers, but also about flexibility and balance.
Our Actors booker, Lily, notes that when reviewing agency terms, “you’re looking for transparency and contracts that offer flexibility as well.”
Flexibility can mean reasonable notice periods rather than being locked into long, restrictive agreements. It can mean clearly defined exclusivity rather than broad wording that limits your ability to work. It can also mean open communication about how the agency operates.
At Sandra Reynolds, talent do not sign long-term binding contracts on joining. Instead, we operate with clear terms and conditions, which are publicly accessible.
LILY: “We don’t require talent to sign contracts when they join us, but we do have terms and conditions, as all agencies should, and you’ll be able to find those on the website.”
This level of openness allows talent to understand how we work before making any decisions. A reputable agency should not be reluctant to share its terms.
UNDERSTAND COMMISSION AND JOB TYPES
One of the most important practical elements of any modelling or acting agreement is commission.
It is essential to understand:
- What percentage the agency takes
- Whether VAT is applied
- Whether commission differs between job types
- How and when you are paid
A fair contract should make this clear.
You should also understand what types of work the agency specialises in. A commercial modelling agency operates differently from a high fashion agency or a theatre-focused acting agency. The contract should reflect the type of work they are securing for you.
ASK QUESTIONS
KATIE: “If you have any questions regarding contracts or something that you’re not sure about, ask your agent who you’ve been in contact with.”
A reputable agent should welcome questions and if an agency is unwilling to explain clauses clearly or discourages you from seeking clarification, that is a warning sign.
Signing a contract should feel informed and not pressured, so you should feel comfortable enough to discuss terms openly.
RELATIONSHIP OVER RESTRICTIONS
Perhaps the most important perspective from this discussion is that agency representation should be built on alignment, not obligation.
LILY: “You want to be finding an agent that you’re comfortable working with and that you align with their terms and conditions.”
A fair agreement is not just legally balanced, but it reflects a working relationship built on trust.
LILY: “Working with an agency is about building up that relationship. You don’t want to be bound to someone because you have to be. It should be because you want to work with them and value the way they operate.”
An agency relationship is ongoing. It involves communication, negotiation, career guidance and advocacy. If the only thing holding the relationship together is a restrictive clause, it is unlikely to be sustainable long-term.
A fair contract supports collaboration and sets expectations clearly on both sides. It protects the talent and the agency without being unnecessarily restrictive.
SUMMARY
Knowing whether a modelling or acting contract is fair comes down to clarity, transparency and trust, so take your time, read the terms carefully, and ensure you understand commission and obligations.
Ask questions.
A reputable agency will provide clear terms, explain anything you do not understand, and operate in a way that feels professional and aligned with your long-term goals.
At Sandra Reynolds, the focus is always on open communication and long-term working relationships built on trust, transparency and mutual respect.
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written by Sarah Gabillia.
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