We are writing to ask for your support.

Our models are the representatives of your brands, the faces of your business, the image, the look and personalities that deliver the message from you to your customers and social media followers.

MAMA the Models Agents Managers Association bears a special responsibility to safeguard the integrity and reputation of modeling worldwide.

Modeling is a business and a profession. Our agents and managers scout the streets to find you the best talent. We invest time and money to develop the careers of our models.

Models, Agents and Managers worldwide are increasingly concerned with regards to the industries deteriorating working conditions:

Low wages, “trade” for work, unpaid or non guaranteed “exclusive” option requests. These options may be repeatedly cancelled, limiting the model from working with other clients. “Exclusive” blocks cause friction and alienate competing clients & casting directors.

Excessively long waiting times during fashion week limit models from meeting other clients or booking other jobs.

Late night fittings at times lasting until the early morning.

Unpaid or low pay rates for editorials while photographers, stylists and artists are paid for their services, and at times paid much more than the models receive.

Poor working conditions, that do not include food and beverage breaks (by some clients). These are all among the matters of importance we wish to address.

We are therefore proposing:

Exclusivity should reward: (“Exclusive”, “Semi-Exclusive”, “Debut”, “Casting director exclusive”).

Models held on “exclusivity” that may limit a model from working with any other client, should be negotiated, paid or guaranteed by an agreement to participate in the show and/or to participate in the client’s image campaign. Cancellations fees should apply.

Fittings: Fittings should be terminated daily by 11pm. Fittings for underage models must be held in accordance with local laws.

Fitting waiting times for models (requested or held on option) should not last more than 30 minutes starting from the models arrival time.

Clients should be charged a fitting fee per each 30 minutes beyond the initial 30 minutes.

Food and Beverage breaks: Models must be given sufficient food and beverage breaks (healthy food appreciated). If food and beverages are not provided on the set, models must be given sufficient time to go out and purchase refreshments.

Work for free: If models are asked to work for free, so should the photographer and artists working together on the project. If the motive is mutual promotion they should be equality for all those involved in the project.

Models expect: that Managers (mother agents) and Agents shall do their best to better negotiate model fees for fashion shows (including fittings and extra waiting time), day rate fees for print campaigns and or online (web shootings, look books, e-com), overtime work hours, usages, royalties, “buy outs” and extra usages for extended usage periods.

The exposure of our models image with our clients brand on digital-online “new media” and social networks platforms reach millions of consumers and should be negotiated and compensated accordingly.

We appreciate your business and passion. We do understand the competitive nature of business between designers, brands and casting directors. We must however represent our models best interest and ensure they can maximize their opportunities.

Our models are vulnerable young people. They should be treated with equality, dignity and respect. We are grateful for your support in working with us to achieve these aims starting now in order to achieve the change for the coming seasons.

Models, Agents, Managers

MAMA WORLDWIDE

www.mamaworldwide.com

[email protected]