Freelance Models Guide to Promotional Work
I've been a promotional model for the past 3 yrs, and I've done every kind of gig from street team and crowd gatherer to demonstrator and convention hostess. You have to be able to find work, get it, do it, and keep track of your paperwork and payment all within a short period of time. It can be a very challenging and rewarding job, but it does take a lot work and organization to keep up with it. That's why I created this guide for freelance models, so that you can help traverse many of the industry's pit-falls.
Where to Find Gigs
Promotional Company
Some sites like Encore employ models in every corner of the US and accept registrations from both beginner and advanced level promotional models. It's in your own best interest to not only seek out companies in your area, but to also find out which companies hire models nationally.
Craigslist
A lot of promo companies that have an insufficient amount of models for their market will often post gigs on craigslist. In the message they'll often identify the company they work for, the rate of pay, location, and duration of the gig.
Model/Talent Agency
Many model/talent agencies will work directly with clients. So they'll often keep a roster of talent at their disposal to fill any gigs that they might acquire.
Modeling Sites
Some agencies, companies, and even clients will look through modeling sites for models that might be interested in doing promotional work for them. It's in your own best interest to post your information on these sites as a form of self-promotion. Some of these sites are:
www.modelmayhem.comwww.onemodelplace.comwww.retrokitten.comwww.onesourcetalent.comwww.musecube.com
What You'll Need
-You'll need a recent headshot and full body shot.
-A resume of any previous modeling or acting experience complete with your full contact information.-Most promo gigs require you to have either: blue denim jeans, beige khaki pants, a white button down shirt, and/or black dress pants.
How to Get the Gig
-Early bird gets the gig. The sooner you apply to a gig, the much more likely you'll be to get it since agencies and companies are looking to book the gig out as quickly as possible.
-Cover letters matter. If someone is looking to put together a street team, or if they're looking for someone to demonstrate a specific product. It's a good idea to list that you have previous experience with that type of promotion or product.
-Be versatile. You'll get a lot more gigs if you're willing to work more than one kind of promotion, or work several different kind of promotions for the same campaign.
-Follow Directions. If they ask you to put what location you're apply for in the subject line of your email, or they ask you to put your contact number in the body, etc. Do it Companies/Agencies know that if you can't follow simple directions then you're definitely not worth hiring.
-Answer the Phone. It's crucial that you be able to answer whatever contact phone you give them ASAP since they want to book as many models quickly, they'll continue down the list until they have enough people.
Paperwork
No matter who you're working with, you'll more than likely be working as an independent contractor, which means filling out a W-9. You might also have to fill out a disclosure agreement, a contract stating your knowledge of being an independent contractor, and/or a waiver allowing yourself to be filmed/photographed during the event. Sometimes the event itself will have reports that you'll have to fill out. Make certain you read and agree with everything that you're signing before you sign it
It's your own responsibility to make certain that these items are filled out either before, or shortly after the event. Failing to do so in a timely manner could mean delayed, partial, or no payment at all. You'll also have to make absolutely certain that the paperwork is received by the company/agency you're sending them too as bounced emails/failed fax transmissions are common place.
Work
-Show up on time, preferably 10-15 mins early, unless otherwise specified. This will help you get acclimated to where your working and also allow you to get any necessary information from other possible promoters you might be working with.
-Follow your dress code for the event. Failing to do so might force you to be sent home without pay.
-Stay professional no matter what. There's rude people everywhere, even if someone is rude to you, just remember that this is temporary, and you probably won't see them ever again.
-Do the training. Often there's either mandatory training for promotions. This training might be live, in-person the day of the event, or over the phone. The training is always paid, and you're responsible for paying attention and taking notes as necessary.
-Be positive. People are simply more engaging when they smile. If you look and sound friendly than people will be more inclined to either sample your product, or participate in the activity you're promoting.-Stay active. Don't slouch, sit, etc or generally make it look like your bored, or don't care.
-No cellphones, food, or drinks. Many promotions prohibit the use of cellphones during their promotion as it distracts people from their job. They also don't allow the consumption of food or drinks (with the exception of water) while working as well.
Payment
Much like with paperwork, you're responsible for making certain you get paid. Sadly there's many agencies/companies out there that don't care if you get paid on-time, or at all in some cases, regardless of the job you do. So keep a calendar handy make certain to mark on it when you'll be paid. (Usually 30-45 days after the event occurs.) Save all your previous contact info, and should your check not show on time, speak with your contact at the company or agency and find out if your check had been mailed. In some cases checks will get lost, paperwork will get lost, or the client hadn't paid so issuing payment to you isn't possible.
Should a company fail to pay you despite numerous emails, phone calls, etc you are well within your rights to report them to your local Labor Board, Better Business Bureau, and any other applicable associations/agencies.
