Fees & money – what our models need to know

“How much could I earn as a Models Direct model?”

“Do I need to pay upfront to become a Models Direct model?”

“When do I get paid once I’ve completed a Models Direct assignment?”

Hire a model

These are all valid questions, and we’re sure models have several other questions about the finances and the Models Direct processes.

We’ve stressed that the above questions all relate to Models Direct models, because not all agencies have the same way of conducting their business. We don’t speculate on other agencies, other than to say that any model should research agencies before they register with them.

Whilst it’s positive for models to undertake voluntary work / work experience in their spare time, models registering with any modelling employment agency will be paid for their work.

But before we answer some money-related questions, we must reiterate that Models Direct is a modelling employment agency. That means we actively find work for registered models on behalf of the thousands of brands (clients) that approach us looking for the right models. That also means we are not a “photo agency” or a “showcase agency” or whatever title people wish to use for companies who charge models for photos with no intention of finding them employment. These so-called agencies are not even permitted by law to find models work.  

So, what about the finance side of legitimate modelling employment agencies? Let’s be as clear as we can answering some questions.

Question 1: “Do I need to pay anything upfront to become a Models Direct model?”

Yes. The only payment we ask is a modest, one-off fee that goes toward your appearance in our work seeking publication. This fee can cover one year, two years or three years. This is the only fee a registered model will pay. The fee guarantees that we proactively seek work whenever a model’s looks are required by our well-known, vetted clients – the majority of which we have worked with for years and have developed strong working relationships. We have a legal responsibility to keep our model’s best interests at the forefront of our business, ands we follow strict government-regulated guidelines.

Question 2: “Do I need to pay for photos when applying with Models Direct?”

No, you don’t need to. You can take photos on personal digital cameras or Smartphones. They must be clear and as accurate as you can make them.

You can submit professionally taken photos if you choose, but we don’t specifically ask for them.

And we certainly have never charged models for photos (any reputable employment agency wouldn’t, either).

Question 3: Should I pay for a professionally made showreel?

No, this isn’t usually necessary. Reels are very useful for self-promotion on your Models Direct portfolios and on your social media pages, but free apps are available to do just that.

Question 4: Is it worth paying the admin fee when agencies can’t guarantee work?

Yes, it is. We can’t guarantee work to any model, simply because the client always makes the final choice for their selected models. However, being put in front of the decision-makers (who have access to your portfolios) means your chances of being in the spotlight and working with professional film makers and photographers for top brands is increased significantly.

Hire a model

Question 5: “How much could I earn as a Models Direct model?”

This is difficult to answer – different clients have different budgets. However, a general guide is between £100-£250 per assignment / day. Some modelling families have made more than that. Models who are asked to work multiple times (e.g. our model Neri) have earned thousands of pounds.

Question 6: “When do I get paid once I’ve completed a Models Direct assignment?”

We pay our models within 5 working days upon an assignment’s completion. Not bad, eh?

Our question to you: If you have serious aspirations of becoming a commercial model, why wait to apply? We receive requests daily for models, so you’ll be missing out!