ASK AARON - July 2001 Answer

From Susan, TX

About a year ago, I signed a contract with an agent for my daughter. So far, we had one fashion show and it was a free bee. We signed an exclusive contract, so are we really stuck with agent or the year? Any suggestions?

Dear Susan:

First of all, I need to make it clear that I am not a lawyer, and cant give out legal advice. However, I am an actor and commercial model, and I currently work with 62 agents, so I can give you some non-legal suggestions about agents.

It is important for you to keep in mind that agents make their living from the percentages they receive by booking their models and actors. If your daughter is not getting much work, that means that your agent is not making any money either.

This is something you might want to try. Call and set up an appointment with your agent. Ask the agent if there is anything you can do to try and get more go-sees (the models audition) and work for your daughter. Do not start blaming things on your agent. You might find that your daughter needs different photos. Maybe the agent stopped sending your daughters pictures out because she ran out of them and didnt realize that she needed more.

If you are truly unhappy with the representation, and you have tried everything possible, but things still are very slow, then ask your agent if you can be released from the contract. I dont see why an agent would want to enforce a contract on someone who isn’t getting any work. If the agent still says no, then show the contract to a lawyer. There are generally provisions in a contract that will allow people to end the agreement if one or both parties are not satisfied with the relationship.

Actually, before anyone signs a contract, it should be shown to a lawyer to make sure you understand everything in the contract. This is true even if you are told that it is just a standard contract.

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