You could face serious issues if you proceed with a shoot without a model casting contract!

Is your shoot approaching, but you still haven't drafted a model contract? If you don’t prepare a proper contract, you may face various issues, such as legal disputes, portrait rights problems, and additional costs.

If a model no-shows on the shoot day, you might not receive compensation, and if the contract doesn’t clearly specify the usage period, the model could request content removal later.

As a shoot coordinator, you're already busy with studio rentals, styling, and model casting—drafting a freelance model contract can be overwhelming. That’s why many brands use model booking platforms to simplify the process. Today, we’ll cover types of model contracts, key points to check, and the easiest way to handle them! 🙌

Essential Points to Check Before Model Casting

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The most crucial aspects of a model contract are portrait rights and content usage scope. If these terms are unclear, the model may request content removal after the contract ends.

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📌 Portrait Rights & Usage Scope

• Usage Scope: Platforms where the ad will be displayed (digital, outdoor ads, print materials, TV commercials, etc.)

• Usage Territory: Limited to domestic use or global distribution

• Copyright Usage Period: Duration for portrait rights and image usage (e.g., 6 months, 12 months, etc.)

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Additional costs apply for outdoor advertisements and print materials, and extended usage periods tend to increase model casting expenses.

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How to Calculate Model Casting Costs

Model contracts generally fall into two categories :

• Short-term contracts – One-time agreements for specific ad campaigns

• Long-term contracts – Ongoing partnerships as a brand ambassador​

For commercial shoots, fitting models, and other temporary roles, short-term contracts are commonly used. Today, we'll focus on this type of contract. When hiring a freelance model, fees are typically determined based on daily shooting hours. In addition to portrait rights and usage scope, costs may vary depending on the type of shoot (e.g., photography, behind-the-scenes film, brand film) and the level of exposure.

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Legal Risks Brands Often Overlook

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📌 Parental Consent for Minor Models

• In Korea, labor laws allow only individuals aged 19 or older to work as models. Be sure to check labor laws for each country.

• If the shoot involves children or teenagers, a legal guardian’s consent form is required.

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📌 Portrait Rights Consent Form

It’s safer to have a separate document confirming the model’s consent to the use of their portrait rights. Even if a model has worked with you before, a new consent form should be signed for each shoot. Most importantly, clearly state whether the content can still be used after the contract ends. Make sure to include the following in the portrait rights consent form!

• Purpose of usage: Advertising, promotions, social media, etc.

• Usage platforms: TV, online media, print materials, etc.

• Retention & usage period: Within the contract period or a specific duration

📌 Liability & Compensation for Contract Breach

Clearly define the scope of liability and compensation terms in the contract. Setting legal responsibilities for both the brand and the model in advance helps ensure proper legal action in case of disputes.

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• Example clause: "If a party breaches contractual obligations, they shall compensate the other party for all damages incurred."

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Need a Hassle-Free Way to Draft Model Contracts? Model Booking Platform, Spotlite

Even a small missing clause in a contract can lead to legal disputes or unexpected costs. However, consulting a legal expert for every contract can be both time-consuming and expensive.

That’s why many brands use the model booking platform, Spotlite. With Spotlite, you can hire models at a reasonable price and simplify tedious contract processes, making your workflow much more efficient!​

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Why Use a Model Booking Platform?

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With Spotlite, you don’t have to worry about drafting model contracts manually. The platform automatically generates a contract draft, including essential clauses such as portrait rights duration, exposure scope, and payment terms—all you need to do is fill in the necessary details. You can also customize the contract to include any additional terms.

The electronic contract system ensures that the contract is automatically sent to the model. Once the model reviews and signs it, the agreement is finalized effortlessly. Say goodbye to the hassle of drafting contracts yourself! With Spotlite, you can handle model booking and contract signing all in one place.

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How to Book Models with Spotlite

① Select the Perfect Model

Visit the Spotlite website and choose a model that fits your shoot. With a database of over 2,000 models worldwide, you can search based on 📋 model criteria and 💰 budget range.

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② Get an Instant Quote & Connect

Add your desired models to your list to view a 💲 detailed quote instantly. Once you send a request and the model accepts, a chat window automatically opens, allowing seamless communication between the model and the brand.

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③ Auto-Generated Contracts

When the booking is confirmed, Spotlite automatically generates a contract📝. Simply fill in the necessary details and make any final adjustments—no need to draft a contract from scratch!

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Everything is handled online, eliminating the need for printing, signing, and scanning. Once the contract is finalized, payments are securely processed through Spotlite's safe escrow system.

From contract to shoot, Spotlite simplifies the entire process!
Experience fast and hassle-free model booking today.
👉 [Go to Spotlite]