LEGAL ADVICE FOR MODELS
 AND MODELLING AGENCIES

Ippolito Lawyers offers affordable legal advice to models and to modelling agencies.

We recognise the modelling industry as a special area of the commercial law we practise.

We strive to provide a service that allows modelling agencies as well as models get on with what they do best (representing models and the actual modelling!), whilst we take care of all their legal needs.

We can act for male and female models as well as child models and their parents and offer advice and representation for those new to the industry as well as those who are more established.

A modelling contract is an important document for models and modelling agencies alike.

There are rights, responsibilities and obligations for both parties in a modelling contract and therefore it is important that any contract between the two is clear about what is expected of the model and what the modelling agency will provide in response. 

We believe in foresight rather than hindsight especially as the consequences of not properly understanding the requirements and obligations of a modelling contract may result in financial and emotional distress for models and modelling agencies alike if things don’t go as planned.

So therefore we encourage models to get legal advice before entering into a contract.

We also encourage modelling agencies to get legal advice regarding the contract they intend to use for engaging models.

We can act on behalf of models as well as modelling agencies to negotiate contracts that get the best possible deal for those involved.

We also advise on important employment issues relating to the modelling industry such as employment status, tax withholding, superannuation guarantee payments, payments to minors, commissions payable, GST, workers compensation and public liability insurance.

Knowing what is expected from both parties as well as what happens if things don’t go as planned is as important for models as it is for the modelling agency.

Modelling agencies will want their contracts have provisions to ensure models conduct themselves professionally, abide by the policies of the modelling agency and don’t do anything to damage the agency’s reputation.

Ippolito Lawyers welcomes enquiries from models and modelling agencies regarding any legal issues and contracts relating to modelling work.

We encourage first time models, those new to the industry and those unsure of what to expect to call us for an appointment. Parents and partners are always welcome to attend with you when you come and see us.

Call Ippolito Lawyers on 9528 0235
for all your modeling contract needs.

Modelling Law Blog Articles

How Ippolito Lawyers Can Help Modelling Agencies

Professional modelling agencies need legal advice in order to operate reputable efficient and profitable modelling businesses.

The modeling industry demands that modelling agencies be professional in their interactions with models and modeling agency clients and having one’s legal requirements clear and upfront shows the outside world that they are serious when it comes to operating in the modelling industry.

Indeed reputable modeling agencies even tell their models that before they sign up that they should see a lawyer, demonstrating the agency’s professionalism.

The trick for all parties concerned is to have clear communication lines upfront before the model starts work for the agency’s client.  Raising issues and addressing them in writing beforehand means it is less likely to raise its head as a problem or distraction later.

Modelling agencies want their businesses to run smoothly so it is also in their interests in making sure models know equally what their rights and but also more importantly what their responsibilities, obligations and commitments are.

We as lawyers can help modelling agencies by;

·         Drafting modelling contracts

·         Negotiating contracts for agencies with models

·         Drafting and / or reviewing modelling agency client third party contracts

·         Dealing with disputes that arise between parties

·         Assisting with following up debts

·         Helping modeling agencies with risk management.

·         Assisting with migration law issues for models

·         Dealing with copyright issues

·         Assisting with conveyancing, lease issues and other business structure legal advice

We can provide affordable legal advice for modeling agencies.

Indeed we believe that a few hours of legal work now will save many more later if a problem or dispute arises later.

We invite modelling agencies to contact us for a confidential discussion regarding their legal needs.

Think Before You Sign

We believe in models getting legal advice before signing a modelling contract

 rather than after signing it.

Indeed most reputable modeling agencies agree that the models they sign up should see a lawyer before signing a modelling contract and indeed insist models consult a lawyer before signing any modelling agreement with them.

The alarm bells should be ringing if there is any pressure on a model before signing any contract and especially before a model has a chance to really digest the contents of their modelling agreement and before they have time to consult their parents, partner, lawyer and even their accountant properly.

And well yes whilst we agree the excitement factor of being offered a modeling contract or modeling agreement is very high at the time it is made and we know models fear that asking too many questions may cause waves or they may lose the deal because of it, it may only be much later that the model may realise some of the realities and more importantly the pitfalls of the actual workings of the contract that they have signed and how it binds the model in so many different ways well into the future and how by then the model has very little say and control in its working.

Our favourite saying around the office is therefore think before you sign.

Ask yourself a few questions about your modelling contract such as:

How long is my modelling contract for ?

How can I get out of it?

How much do I get paid?

When will I get paid?

What happens when it ends?

What exactly is my modeling agency going to do for me?

What is expected of me ?

Do I get a say in what type of modeling work I do?

Can I reject a modeling assignment I don’t like?

What is an exclusive modeling agreement?

What is a mother agent

Can I work for other modeling agencies?

Who owns my image?

All of the above are relevant questions that a model should ask of their modeling agency, understand and have properly reflected in their modeling contract. 

As a commercial lawyer who spends a significant amount of time reviewing and negotiating contracts of all descriptions, I can assist you in understanding what you are getting into before you sign anything.

Indeed we may be able to help you get a better deal or else make changes to the contract that will benefit you well into the future.

We can provide affordable legal advice for models so that they can help understand what they are committing themselves to.

Reputable modeling agencies want the models they sign up to have proper legal advice so that everyone is clear in what is expected of them. It makes sense for the modelling agency so that they know you are professional and committed in your approach to a future in modelling and you are fully conversant in what you are getting yourself into.

Indeed a few hours of legal work now will save many more later if a problem or dispute arises. 

Therefore we invite all models, male, female and child models as well as their parents and partners to contact us for a confidential discussion regarding their modelling contract needs.