Almost all professional models have more than one modeling agency representing them. Things can get a little confusing if you don’t have one agency that is overseeing everything for you. This is where your mother agent / mother agency comes in.
Usually your “mother agency” is the first agency you begin working with. But that is not always the case. It can depend on the agency and the contract you sign.
A mother agencies job is to help you learn about the industry. They will provide advice and guidance on the best directions of your career. They will help you begin your modeling portfolio/book. A good mother agent will have many connections worldwide to different agencies. This will allow them to be able to present you to those agencies with the hopes of securing you representation.
If your mother agency secures representation for you in another market, they will receive a commission from the placement agency based on the amount you earn.
Typically, agencies earn 20% of a models gross earnings. If you have placement agencies in addition to your mother agency. The placement agency pays your mother agency 10% FROM THAT 20%. Meaning it doesn’t cost the model more to have a mother agent. It is actually the absolute same.
Therefore, models do not lose anything from having a mother agency. They actually gain A LOT by having someone who can help guide and support them throughout their career.
Keep in mind though, that you can only have ONE mother agency.