Book a model

This website is now about building AI models, but it was once a model booking platform. Since you’re here, we’ve included information about that process!

Model bookings

Booking a model should be a simple process, hence a simple model booking app, because the mainstream model booking options have significant pros and cons.

Before we look at the two options, I’ll point out that the world of model booking is changing. The rise of influencers and influencer agencies and management has disrupted the modelling industry significantly. AI and the associated image usage rights will continue to do this in the near future.

Agency vs direct bookings

Traditionally, models are signed to modelling agencies. A brand or company seeking “talent” for a commercial, photoshoot or show would reach out to an agency to fulfil their brief. The agency puts models forward, perhaps for a casting (like an audition for models) beforehand, and they also look after all the communication, legals and fee negotiations.

The alternative to all that is essentially cutting out the middle man (the agency) and going directly to the model. This saves on agency fees but relies on their being an agreement in place directly between the booking client and the model. This poses some obvious risks on both sides, besides the fact companies might have a tough job sourcing an appropriate model.

The agency model

Modelling agencies sign models of all shapes and sizes to their books. They then represent these models by helping them find work with brands, fashion designers, and companies. They act as the go-between, making sure the models get the best opportunities and are treated fairly.

Agencies represent models by promoting them to potential clients, arranging jobs, negotiating pay, and taking care of details like schedules and travel. Essentially, they support and guide models so they can focus on their work while the agency handles the business side. But there are both pros and cons to their work.

Pros:

Agencies handle the business side, so models can focus on their work without worrying about finding jobs or negotiating contracts.
They promote models to top clients, increasing exposure and opportunities.
Agencies often inflate the rates they charge clients, which benefits models by leading to higher pay for jobs.
They take care of details like scheduling, travel, logistics, and chasing payments.

Cons:

Agencies typically take a 25-35% commission from the models’ bookings, which can significantly reduce a model’s earnings.
While inflated prices benefit models, clients may find it less appealing, as they end up paying more for the same services.
Models can become overly dependent on their agencies to find work, which may limit their ability to manage their careers independently.

This balance of pros and cons makes the agency model both helpful and costly for models and clients.

So what’s the alternative?

Direct bookings

Many models take direct bookings, cutting out the middle-man. It’s an appealing choice for both the model and the client because it’s simpler and cheaper. But how do direct booking happen? There are a few methods:

There’s an existing relationship between the model and the booking client, so they can reach out and agree terms and a fee directly.
Brands post a job on a model listing site and they assess the applications they receive.
Brands go through a model listing site or even a social media platform like Instagram to find a model and reach out.
They use a model booking app which has some of the benefits of the agency model, but not the same cost.

So what are the pros and cons of going direct?

Pros:

Models keep all the money they earn, as there’s no agency commission involved. This leads to higher pay per job.
They have full control over their career, choosing which jobs to take and setting their own rates without any outside influence.
Direct bookings help models build independence, as they learn how to market themselves, negotiate contracts, and manage job details on their own.
This approach allows for more flexibility, enabling models to work with a wider variety of clients and projects.

Cons:

Finding work is more difficult without an agency’s network, so models need to spend more time and effort promoting themselves and securing jobs.
There’s less protection when it comes to ensuring fair treatment and timely payments, which the model must handle on their own.
Managing all aspects of a booking, such as scheduling and negotiations, can be very time-consuming, leaving less time for actual modeling work.
Without an agency negotiating higher rates, models may find it harder to secure premium fees, potentially leading to lower pay for their work.

Model agency app

The idea behind MODL was to evolve the modelling industry. Modelling agencies play an important role in finding and vetting professional models for brands and securing appropriate fees for models. But for many modelling jobs, they created as much friction as they removed. For these jobs, a model booking app could be a perfect solution.

From the original MODL app website:

“MODL is the new way to find and book professional, agency-represented UK models.

Our automated, hassle-free process allows you to book models in as quickly as one hour.

The model booking app. Bringing businesses and models together to make advertising your brand easier and more cost-effective than ever.