Kill Fee
A Kill Fee is a payment made to a model when a scheduled job or booking is canceled by the client. It's like a cancellation fee that protects models from lost income when work is unexpectedly called off. The amount is usually a percentage of the original booking fee, typically ranging from 50% to 100%, depending on how close to the shoot date the cancellation occurs. This term is important in modeling contracts because it helps ensure models are compensated for keeping their schedule open and turning down other opportunities.
Examples in Resumes
Negotiated Kill Fee clauses in modeling contracts ensuring 50% compensation for cancellations
Successfully recovered Kill Fee payments for last-minute booking cancellations
Managed contract terms including Kill Fees and booking rates for runway shows
Typical job title: "Modeling Agents"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Modeling Agents
Professional Organizations
Industry Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you handle disputes over kill fee payments with major clients?
Expected Answer: A senior agent should explain their negotiation process, mention documentation requirements, discuss relationship management, and describe their escalation procedures when needed.
Q: What factors do you consider when setting kill fee percentages in contracts?
Expected Answer: Should discuss client history, booking value, timing of cancellation, model's status, and industry standards while explaining how these influence kill fee rates.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you explain kill fee clauses to new clients?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate ability to clearly communicate the purpose and structure of kill fees, including standard percentages and timeframes.
Q: What documentation do you maintain to support kill fee claims?
Expected Answer: Should explain tracking of booking confirmations, cancellation notices, and communication records needed for kill fee enforcement.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is a standard kill fee structure?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain basic kill fee percentages and how they typically increase closer to the booking date.
Q: When does a kill fee typically apply?
Expected Answer: Should understand the basic scenarios where kill fees are applicable, such as client cancellations versus model cancellations.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of modeling contracts
- Knowledge of standard kill fee rates
- Ability to process kill fee payments
- Basic client communication
Mid (2-5 years)
- Kill fee negotiation
- Contract clause writing
- Client relationship management
- Dispute resolution
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex contract negotiation
- High-value client management
- Agency policy development
- Industry standard setting
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unfamiliarity with standard kill fee percentages
- Poor understanding of contract terms
- Lack of experience in handling booking cancellations
- No knowledge of industry-standard booking practices
Related Terms
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