Payments
PAYMENTS
Payments
How agency commissions, client timelines, and payroll work — and why payment takes time.
Understanding how you get paid.
Getting paid for a modeling job is rarely immediate. There are several steps between completing a shoot and receiving your check. Here's a clear breakdown of how it works so you know what to expect.
Commission vs. Agency Fee
These two get confused constantly. They are not the same thing, and only one of them affects what your child takes home.
Commission
Commission is deducted from your child's earnings. It's how Sprout is paid for representing your child — submitting, negotiating, and managing the booking. Standard commission is 10% on union work and 20% on non-union work. When a rate varies for a specific job, it's always disclosed upfront in the audition breakdown, so you'll know before you ever submit.
Agency fee
Agency fee is paid by the client, separately, on top of your child's rate. It does not come out of your child's earnings. When you see "$500 + AF" or "plus agency fee" in a casting notice, the $500 is your child's rate and the agency fee is an additional amount the client pays directly to the agency.
What this looks like on a real job
Say your child books a non-union print job at $500 + AF:
- —Your child's rate is $500. The agency fee the client pays is separate and doesn't reduce it.
- —Sprout's 20% commission comes out of the $500 — that's $100.
- —Your family receives $400.
For New York talent, at least 15% of your child's gross earnings is also routed to their trust account. That money isn't lost — it's your child's, held for them until they're of age.
Contracts and Billing Address
Any contract that asks you to list an address should use Sprout's address only — not yours:
1695 Meadow Vale Dr South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150Agency Commission
Standard commission is 10% on SAG/union work and 20% on non-union work. Rates can vary by job — when they do, the rate is always disclosed upfront in the audition breakdown, so you'll know before you ever submit.
Client Payment Timelines
After a job is completed, the client is invoiced by the agency. Clients pay on net-60 to net-90 terms — meaning payment is due 60 to 90 days after the invoice date. A payment is not considered late until after the 90-day mark. Some clients pay faster; some take the full window. This is standard in the industry and is outside of Sprout's control.
Payroll Companies
Many larger clients — especially those doing union or commercial work — pay talent through a third-party payroll company rather than directly. These companies handle tax withholding, union dues (if applicable), and payment processing. You may receive a check or direct deposit from a company name you don't recognize. This is normal.
Why Payment Takes Time
Even after a client pays the agency, there are additional processing steps before funds reach you. Between client payment terms, payroll processing, and agency disbursement schedules, it's common for payment to arrive 60–90 days after a job. If you haven't received payment after 90 days, contact Sprout.
Keeping Records
Keep a record of every job you complete — the date, the client, and the rate you were quoted. This helps you track outstanding payments and makes tax time easier. Sprout will provide payment documentation, but your own records are a good backup.
New York Talent — Trust Account Deposits
New York law requires at least 15% of your child's gross covered earnings to be deposited into their UTMA/UGMA trust account. This happens as part of the payment process, but the account must already be open and on file with us. If it isn't, those funds go to the New York State Comptroller instead of your child's account.
Submit your trust account details on the NY Work Permit & Trust Account page. →Taxes
Your child's earnings are reported under their own name and Social Security number, which is why the W-9 in your onboarding paperwork is completed in their name, not yours. We are not tax advisors — please consult your accountant about how your child's earnings affect your family's return.
Questions about a specific payment?
If you have a question about a payment you're expecting, reach out to Sprout directly. Please allow the standard payment window before following up.
Contact Sprout