Los Angeles production guide
How to hire a commercial model in Los Angeles
A good model booking is not only about choosing a face. It is a clear agreement about the creative, the working day and where the images will appear.
01 / The creative brief
Give the model enough information to say yes intelligently.
Before asking for availability, send the brand or project name, shoot date, location, expected hours, visual reference, wardrobe direction and deliverables. A model can respond much faster when the request is clearly paid and the production is identifiable.
For e-commerce, include the approximate number of looks and whether motion clips are part of the day. For beauty, clarify close-up requirements and any product sensitivities. For fitness, swim or lingerie, name the wardrobe category directly rather than revealing it after the booking.
02 / Usage
“A few photos” is not a complete license.
Modeling compensation covers both the working time and the commercial use of the model's likeness. State where the final assets will run: brand website, organic social, paid social, marketplace listings, retail displays, packaging, print, broadcast or out-of-home.
Also name the territory, duration and any category exclusivity. A six-month regional social campaign is a different scope from a perpetual worldwide buyout. If usage is still uncertain, ask for separate options instead of requesting unlimited rights by default.
03 / The quote
Include the variables that actually change the rate.
A useful quote request contains the shoot fee or planned budget, usage, term, territory, exclusivity, overtime rules, travel, fitting time, cancellation terms and payment timing. If a platform or agency will deduct fees, clarify whether the number sent to talent is gross or net.
For a direct booking, confirm who is issuing the agreement and who will pay. If the project grows after the shoot, additional use can be licensed later rather than quietly extending the original scope.
04 / Production day
Prevent avoidable surprises.
Share parking or transportation instructions, call time, expected wrap, private changing arrangements, hair and makeup plan, meal timing and a day-of contact. Confirm whether the model must arrive camera-ready or whether glam is supplied.
Send final wardrobe information early enough to confirm fit. If products or samples are being shipped, verify the address privately and provide tracking. A concise call sheet signals that the production is organized and protects everyone's time.
05 / Copy this
Commercial model inquiry checklist
- Brand, production company and contact
- Shoot date, hold dates, hours and location
- Creative reference and wardrobe category
- Still, video and raw deliverables
- Media, territory, term and exclusivity
- Shoot fee, usage budget and payment terms
- Hair, makeup, fitting and travel details
- Cancellation, overtime and release terms