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Michelle Uwase
"After the help I received from Model Advice, I was quickly signed to several agencies – including..."
It is important to understand your rights as a model in order to know where you stand when certain situations arise. A model will have to face difficult obstacles in their career when it comes to chasing their images, seeking payment for a job or even dealing with sexual harassment. Below are a few tips to ensure you are always protected:
- As of October 2010 it is illegal for an agency to charge upfront fees. This law only applies to photographic and fashion models. If you do not fall into either of these categories, an agency can charge you a small fee to include you on their website in a directory.
- Be wary of any agency that will only sign you on the condition that you pay this fee. No money should exchange hands until after you have signed up with them.
- Child modelling agencies generally charge a small fee to set the model up in their books or talent directories. Like adult modelling agencies, it is illegal for a child modelling agency to charge to simply represent your child. Any fees paid should only be done after your child has been signed up to the agency.
- Never sign a contract until you have read through it thoroughly and understood all the terms and conditions. Ask to take the contract home to read over if need be. Be wary of any company that has a problem with you doing this.
- Keep clear and accurate records of everything. Always ensure that you know who you have modelled for, where your images will be used and which products and services you are endorsing.
- Whilst it will be the photographer or their employer who will own the copyright in any photograph they take of you, no image of you can be used without your permission.
- Always ensure that you know what you are agreeing to before entering into a contract as this will determine how and where your image will be used, and who it can be used by.
- Always agree payment terms and late fees in writing in advance of doing any work.
- Register as self-employed with the HMRC and make sure to pay your taxes on time, or you could be slapped with a hefty fine.
- Be aware that there are different tax laws in different countries. You should make sure to familiarise yourself with tax laws or you may find yourself in trouble.
- You have the right to work in the best possible conditions. Nobody has the right to infringe upon your basic human rights. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, you do have the right to say NO.
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How do I maintain a healthy body and mind in a highly competitive industry?
It is a challenge to keep this balance when it seems you are being judged by others all the time. Try to find some balance in your life by keeping in touch with friends who are not in the 'industry', and spending time on other activities. Having interests outside of modelling will help too. Being self critical, judging yourself harshly, or paying too much attention to the opinions of others can all get you down. Think about how you could help be positive towards other people- giving them compliments, or encouragement because what goes around comes around too.
