Expert: Charles Taylor - 4/2/2007

Question
Beyond model releases, and 2257 compliance how do talent agencies look out for what's in their best interests?  As I see it, there are two ways of looking at this.  One way of looking at this is what's within the agency's immediate interests, and another is what's in the interest of their models.  My guess is that the key is to draw a line somewhere in the middle so that you have a give/take relationship.

More specifically, if an agency foregoes using exclusive representation contracts, then how is the agency looking out for its best interests?  Do such agencies not lose business without such protection, or is it a calculated move where it is assumed that the business gained from not using exclusive representation contracts will outweigh the business lost from using them?


Answer
You are right in your first question....it’s a thin line and a grey area indeed. Since there are really very few models that can achieve the status of "contact girl" with a major production house anymore.


Exclusive representation contracts would also have to stipulate some type of financial compensation toward the model such as a model who is under an exclusive contract with a motion picture company. So it is better to have a model being independent.