Model Contract Template

To make enforcement practical, add guidance on reporting issues and keeping records. State that breaches may lead to remedies defined in the agreement, such as cancellation of a booking or withholding of payments until the issue is resolved. Use precise, observable terms rather than vague promises, so everyone knows when obligations are met or violated.

Agency responsibilities

For templates that include agencies, define the agency’s duties clearly: promoting the model, negotiating jobs, handling payments, and offering career guidance. The contract should reflect that the agency acts in the model’s best interest, seeking opportunities that suit the model’s goals and capabilities, not just the agency’s own.

Key points to emphasize are transparency around commissions and deductions and timely communication about bookings. Specify how commissions are calculated and when earnings are paid to the model, with itemized deductions listed. For example, a typical arrangement might state a 15% commission on gross pay, with payments to the model issued within 7–14 days after a job completes, and all deductions clearly itemized in a statement. Clear language about ongoing duties, such as counseling on career decisions or negotiating favorable terms, helps prevent later disputes.

Include expectations for regular reporting and accountability. The agency should provide current, accurate information about each booking, including client details, shoot date, location, and contact persons. This transparency supports trust and reduces surprises for the model, especially when schedules shift or last-minute changes occur.

Client or hiring party responsibilities

The client or hiring party should be responsible for providing clear briefs, ensuring a safe work environment, and offering agreed support such as travel, accommodation, or per diems. Clear briefs help the model understand the scope, wardrobe, poses, and timelines, which minimizes re-shoots and delays. The hiring party should also ensure a safe, inclusive workspace, with accommodations for accessibility where needed.

Paying on the agreed schedule is essential, along with timely communication of any changes to the booking. The contract should specify payment terms and the process for submitting or verifying expenses. Additionally, advise including a commitment to comply with all applicable employment, safety, and anti-discrimination laws. This protects the model and the client and helps prevent legal risk for everyone involved. For example, a clause might require that hiring parties follow local labor regulations, maintain a nondiscrimination policy, and provide a safe, hazard-free environment on set.

To set up compensation and payment terms

In this section you’ll connect the rate structure to the scope of work and the release terms in your Model Contract Template. The goal is a clear, fair plan that shows how every price point ties to deliverables and rights usage. You’ll learn how to structure fees, set a payment timetable, and spell out who covers expenses and taxes. Using simple examples and a ready-made table helps prevent ambiguity for both sides.

Structure fees, rates, and agency commissions

Start by breaking compensation into clear subcategories that map to the work and the rights granted.

Break the total into a base fee for production, an hourly or daily rate for time, per-look or per-show fees for appearances, and additional usage fees for media rights beyond the initial grant. For example, a model might have a base fee of $2,000 for a shoot, plus $120 per hour for on-set time, plus $200 for each look, and a 15% usage fee on media gross. If an agency is involved, spell out the commission percentage, how it is calculated, and which payments are subject to commission. A simple table in the contract helps everyone see the numbers clearly.

If an agency is involved, specify the commission percentage, how it is calculated, and which payments are subject to commission. Typical agency commissions range from 10% to 20% of the model’s project fees, with 15% being common in many markets as of 2025. Calculate commissions on the model’s gross receipts for the project, after any client reimbursements, and apply them to each eligible payment line (base fee, hourly rate, per-look, and usage fees). To avoid ambiguity, include a short note or example showing how the commission reduces the amount the model receives and how it appears on the final invoice.

Define payment schedule and method

Now set when payments are due and how they are paid.

Include clear due dates, such as “net 30 days from invoice date” or milestone-based payments (for example, 50% upfront and 50% on delivery). Invoices should include essential details like the contract ID, project name, date, and itemized line items. Specify accepted payment methods—Bank Transfer, PayPal, Stripe, and Check—with any necessary account details or links. Also spell out what happens if payments are late and who covers transfer or processing fees. For example, late payments can incur 1.5% interest per month, and services may be suspended after 15 days past due to nonpayment.

Common payment methods you can offer include Bank Transfer, PayPal, Stripe, and Check. Each method should include the necessary details (such as a payment link or bank account information) to ensure smooth processing, minimize delays, and keep the project on track.

• Bank Transfer
• PayPal
• Stripe
• Check

Address expenses, taxes, and Withholding

Clarify which expenses are reimbursable and how to submit receipts.

Reimbursable expenses typically include travel, accommodation, meals, and wardrobe used for the shoot. Set a process for submitting receipts, such as uploading through Expensify or emailing scanned receipts within 30 days of incurrence. The contract should also state who is responsible for taxes, social contributions, and any mandated withholding, depending on jurisdiction and the relationship structure. In practice, many models are treated as independent contractors, meaning the model is responsible for self-employment taxes, while the hiring party does not withhold taxes unless required. In the United States, contractors may receive a 1099-NEC if payments total $600 or more in a calendar year. In other regions, withholding, VAT, or GST rules vary, so include jurisdiction-specific guidance in the template.

To define image rights, copyright, and usage

In modeling, the commercial value often comes from how images, video, and likeness are used. This section of your Model Contract Template helps you define image rights, copyright, and publicity terms clearly. It covers releases, where the content can appear, who owns the rights, and how credits appear, all aligned with 2025 norms for ads, campaigns, and social media. Clear language protects both the model and the client and reduces disputes before they start.

Clarify scope of release and consent

Start with a clear release scope so both sides know what is covered by the consent.

The release clause should state whether the model's consent covers only the described project or a broader, ongoing use. Decide if promotions are included, if the images can be resold, and whether third parties may license the material. For example, a local fashion shoot that lasts six months might use a release limited to that campaign in home markets, while a nationwide lookbook would require a broader permission.

Also define consent for image, likeness, and voice. In 2025, most contracts require written consent and an option to review where possible. Use a plain-language clause that can be signed electronically through tools like DocuSign, Adobe Sign, or HelloSign, and specify whether the model can revoke consent before publication and under what conditions. This keeps both sides aligned and reduces post-shoot disputes.

Set territory, media, and duration of use

Outline where and how the content can appear and for how long.

Detail exactly where and how the content may be used. List media types (print, digital, social, outdoor, broadcast), define territories (local, regional, global), and set the duration (campaign period, fixed term, or perpetual). By naming each category, you prevent overreach; for instance, a six-month print-and-online campaign in North America is different from a perpetual global license for all future media.

In negotiation, narrower rights usually mean lower risk for the model. If the client asks for broader, longer rights, require a higher fee or a tiered license with renewal options. You can also set an automatic sunset, such as a 12-month campaign with a one-year extension option, rather than indefinite rights. Keeping rights well-defined helps protect future opportunities and keeps the contract balanced.

Address copyright ownership and moral rights

Clarify who owns the copyright and how the model’s publicity rights are protected.

State who owns the copyright in the photographs or footage. In most cases, the photographer or the hiring party holds the copyright, while the license grants the client usage rights. The contract should also address the model's rights of publicity and personality; these rights allow the model's likeness and voice to be used within agreed terms and not misrepresented. If applicable, mention whether the photographer can retain moral rights and how they are handled across edits or alterations.

Include language about the model's own use of the images and any credit requirements. Many models want to feature the shots in their portfolio or on social media; specify that such uses are allowed under non-commercial terms, with clear credit to the photographer or brand when required. Also outline any restrictions, such as prohibiting association with products the model does not endorse or prohibiting modification of the image beyond agreed edits. For a robust Model Contract Template, put these rights into plain terms so both sides understand what's allowed.

To handle legal protections and boilerplate clauses

The Model Contract Template often includes boilerplate clauses that protect both sides and keep disputes from derailing campaigns. This section covers the standard protections you’ll see in most agency agreements, what each clause does, and why it matters in 2025. You’ll get practical guidance you can apply right away, with clear language you can drop into your own contracts.

Independent contractor status

This clause states that the model is not an employee unless the arrangement is employment-based, and it helps clarify benefits, taxes, and who controls work methods.

When drafting, specify that the model is an independent contractor and that the client maintains control over the final deliverables, not the day-to-day work style. This distinction affects eligibility for benefits, tax obligations, and legal responsibilities for workers’ compensation or unemployment insurance. For example, the model should invoice the client and handle self-employment taxes, while the client pays for completed campaigns and milestones. In practice, keeping the language explicit reduces misclassification risk and provides a clear framework if the relationship changes later.

Confidentiality and non-disparagement

Confidentiality obligations cover trade secrets, campaign details, and internal business information that should not be shared with competitors or the public.

Draft a robust confidentiality section that defines what counts as confidential information, including campaign briefs, client lists, pricing, and creative concepts. Include reasonable exceptions, such as information that becomes public, is independently developed, or is required to be disclosed by law. The term of the obligation should be clearly stated, often two to five years after termination, with trade secrets treated as indefinite. Add optional non-disparagement language that discourages false or damaging public statements on social media or press but avoid overly broad restrictions that could be unenforceable or chill legitimate feedback.

Governing law, dispute resolution, and venue

Governing law and venue clauses set the legal framework and where disputes will be heard, keeping the contract consistent across sections.

Choose one governing law and specify the jurisdiction or venue where disputes must be resolved. This helps with interpretation, enforcement, and predictability. Pair it with a simple dispute-resolution process: begin with direct negotiation, then proceed to mediation or arbitration, and finally court action if needed. If you choose arbitration, specify the seat and the provider (for example, AAA or JAMS) and note that the same governing law applies to the procedure. Keeping all related clauses aligned to the same law and venue reduces confusion later.

Severability, entire agreement, and amendments

Severability, entire agreement, and amendments are boilerplate clauses that protect contract integrity and future changes.

Severability ensures that if one clause is invalid or unenforceable, the rest of the contract remains in effect. The entire agreement clause confirms that this document supersedes prior discussions, notes, and oral promises, so nothing outside the written contract governs the relationship. Amendments should require writing and signed consent, with a clear process for updating the contract and dating the changes. Together, these provisions prevent a small flaw from unraveling the whole agreement and help you manage updates as terms or laws change in 2025.

To set professional conduct, safety, and termination rules

A well-crafted Model Contract Template translates high-level expectations into concrete rules for behavior, safety, and how the agreement ends. This section shows how to craft enforceable language that covers everyday conduct, on-the-job safety, and termination, with practical examples you can adapt in 2025 using tools like DocuSign for signatures and policy links.

Outline professional conduct standards

Outline professional conduct standards by turning broad expectations into a clear, enforceable clause that covers punctuality, compliance with lawful instructions, respect for colleagues, and neutral appearance standards when relevant.

For punctuality, specify start times and check-in requirements so everyone knows when the work begins. Example language: “Scheduled start times are 9:00 a.m.; entrants must check in by 9:15 a.m. on workdays. Repeated lateness—defined as more than two occurrences in a rolling 60-day period—may result in corrective action.” For compliance with lawful instructions, require following directions from supervisors and safety leads, provided they do not require illegal activity. Also emphasize respect for teammates to prevent harassment or discriminatory behavior. If the assignment calls for a specific dress code, state that clearly, while ensuring the standards are neutral and non-discriminatory, such as “attire must be professional and site-appropriate and align with client requirements.”

In addition, define how conduct is measured and enforced. Use objective standards and clear consequences tied to the Termination Rights section. Include sample language that helps: “Violations of professional conduct standards may trigger warnings, a performance plan, suspension, or termination for cause. Document all steps in your contract management system and through approved workflows (for example, DocuSign for signatures and PandaDoc for amendments).” By tying behavior to concrete remedies, you create a predictable process that supports fair treatment for both parties while remaining adaptable to different client settings.

Include safety, harassment, and workplace relationship policies

Include safety, harassment, and relationship policies to ensure a safe, respectful work environment and clear boundaries for professional relationships.

Safety and safe working environment: The contract should require compliance with applicable safety laws and a client’s safety policy, plus mandated training and hazard reporting. Require participation in safety training (for example, OSHA 10 or client-specific programs) and specify who provides PPE and how hazards are reported. For instance, “PPE will be provided by the Client; the Model must use PPE as required and report unsafe conditions within 24 hours.” Include a requirement to document injuries or near-misses and outline emergency procedures, with links to the relevant internal or client safety policies. This structure helps both sides stay aligned on who handles training, inspections, and incident follow-up, regardless of location or site rules.

Harassment and relationship boundaries: The agreement must state zero tolerance for harassment, including sexual harassment, with a clear process for reporting and remedies. Link to the company-wide harassment policy and specify how incidents are reported (HR, compliance, or an external hotline) and the investigation timeline. The clause should also set boundaries around romantic or intimate relationships between staff, clients, and models during work, including disclosure requirements and steps to mitigate conflicts of interest. Finally, spell out consequences for policy violations, such as suspension or termination, while preserving confidentiality as appropriate and ensuring compliance with applicable law and internal policy standards.

Define termination rights and consequences

Define when and how either party can terminate the agreement, including for cause and, if appropriate, without cause with notice, and what happens on termination.

For cause, identify examples such as serious breach, misconduct, non-payment, or breach of safety rules. Include a cure period and process: “Either party may terminate for cause upon 7 days’ written notice if a material breach remains uncured after a 7-day cure period; immediate termination is allowed for gross misconduct, including theft or violence.” On termination, specify the fate of final payments and property: “Final payments are due within 7 business days after termination; all equipment and confidential materials must be returned within 5 days; bookings scheduled after termination are canceled.” For image rights, clarify whether any use of the model’s image can continue: “If not expressly continued, all rights to use the model’s image shall cease at termination except for uses already licensed for the period prior to termination.”

Without cause, allow termination with notice: “Either party may terminate without cause on 30 days’ written notice, subject to payment for work performed up to the termination date.” The contract should spell out post-termination steps, including final pay, return of property, and the handling of future bookings. It should also explain how licensing of existing imagery concludes: “Any ongoing use of the model’s image beyond the termination date requires a separate post-termination licensing agreement, if allowed; otherwise, discontinue use immediately.” Include references to internal policy links and a process for wind-down, such as a transition plan and a final review with open items tracked in a contract management system.

To customize templates for fashion and freelance modeling

For any model, a solid Model Contract Template is the foundation you’ll adapt for fashion runs, castings, and direct bookings. This guide helps you tailor that template for agency-driven fashion work versus freelance, direct-hire gigs, and shows you how to balance flexibility with protection in 2025 realities. You’ll also see how to incorporate practical terms for rights, payments, and safety while keeping doors open for future collaborations with brands and agencies.

Adapt a fashion model contract template for agencies and brands

Tailoring for fashion work means aligning terms with agency processes and seasonal cycles.

In 2025, fashion agencies typically manage castings, fittings, and bookings, and brands often seek seasonal exclusivity. The Model Contract Template should spell out agency representation terms, the commission split, and the scope of exclusivity to prevent conflicts across runway seasons. Include clear language about who handles castings and go-sees, who pays for travel and per diem, and how errors or delays are managed. For the standard arrangement, assume a 15-20% agency commission on the model’s gross earnings, with the model receiving the net after deductions. Also specify who controls image rights for editorial and campaign shoots, and how long the agency or brand can use approved photos.

Use a freelance model contract template for direct bookings

Independent work often relies on direct bookings when there is no agency involved.

In freelance, direct bookings, payments flow straight from client to model and the contract should clearly state independent contractor status. Include a straightforward scope of work, the specific date range, deliverables (photos, reels), and usage rights limited to the agreed campaigns. Keep long-term commitments minimal and avoid implied employment. For payment terms, specify the amount, due date, and accepted methods such as Stripe, PayPal, or bank transfer. A typical setup uses a freelance Model Contract Template with a 50% deposit and the balance due on delivery, while keeping the rest flexible for smaller gigs.

Also include release, cancellations, and safety in detail. Include a model release for the client to use the images and ensure compliance with privacy and consent, including minor releases if applicable. Include a cancellation policy with fees (e.g., 20% if canceled within 48 hours, 50% within 24 hours) and a safety clause that lets the model decline unsafe conditions. Emphasize documentation of shot lists, wardrobe permissions, and location access. Remind the model to keep contract versions in HelloBonsai and to sign with an e-signature platform, so both sides can execute quickly and legally.

Balance flexibility and protection in any model agreement template

Flexibility plus protection helps templates fit many jobs.

Use optional clauses like exclusivity and travel requirements; label sections that may not apply; toggle them on or off depending on the job. For example, keep an 'Exclusivity' section deactivated by default and turn it on for high-fashion shoots with specific houses. Travel and early call times can be optional depending on location. Saving versions for recurring use cases helps keep things clean: one for fashion shoots, one for brand events, one for seasonal campaigns. This approach lets you respond quickly to inquiries while preserving core protections like release, payment, and safety.

To implement this, maintain a master template and create at least three versions; use a change log and clear headings so you can identify what changed. Store versions in a centralized system like HelloBonsai templates or a shared drive, rename files with the engagement type and date. Encourage users to test templates with small projects, then refine. Also ensure you label any section that may not apply and provide guidance on state or country-specific laws. Finally, remind readers to consult a lawyer for final tweaks and to keep a signed copy for both parties.

How Bonsai helps manage model contract templates

Bonsai connects the structure of a traditional model contract template to how Bonsai streamlines the entire lifecycle: drafting, reusing, tracking, and automating tasks around contracts between models, agencies, and clients. In 2025, businesses rely on smart templates to reduce back-and-forth, stay compliant, and speed bookings. This section explains how to align your model contracts with Bonsai’s tools so every booking follows a proven, legally sound path.

To create reusable model contract templates

Begin by creating a model contract template that holds all the standard clauses.

In Bonsai, go to Templates > Contracts, choose New Contract Template, and name it. Add core clauses for scope of work, compensation, release, confidentiality, and legal boilerplate. Use placeholders for model name, client, booking date, rate, and usage rights so you can customize later without rewriting the language. Save the file as a reusable template and keep the clause library organized for quick access.

Once saved, this template lets agencies, brands, and models generate drafts in minutes for each booking while maintaining consistent, legally sound language. You can customize fields per project without altering the base language, and every change to a template creates a clean version history for auditability. This approach reduces back-and-forth and minimizes revision cycles, so bookings move faster.

To track and manage model contracts in one place

Centralize contracts so you can see status at a glance and stay organized.

The Contracts dashboard in Bonsai shows filters by status—Sent, Viewed, Signed, Active, Expired—and by client or project. You can attach a contract directly to a specific client or project, and invite teammates to review or comment. This keeps context intact and prevents scattered files across email.

Each contract includes a complete audit trail, with time stamps and version history, so no agreement gets lost in inbox clutter. You’ll be able to search by model, client, or date to locate any document quickly. This centralized approach makes compliance easier and reduces the risk of missed renewals or late sign-offs.

To automate approvals, reminders, and downstream workflows

Automations streamline approvals, reminders, and downstream steps for model contracts.

Automatic reminders to sign can be scheduled at set intervals, such as three days before expiry or one day after sending, so signatures don’t slip through the cracks. You can customize the cadence to fit your booking timeline, improving close rates. Notifications when a contract is viewed or signed keep everyone on the same page and reduce back-and-forth emails.

When a contract is executed, Bonsai can trigger downstream work automatically. For example, it can create the corresponding project in your workspace, draft an invoice, and link the signed contract to the payment request. This end-to-end flow helps ensure models are booked, protected, and paid on time without manual follow-up. By automating these steps, you gain consistency and faster cash flow across bookings.