新着情報（information）

Many assume that a model must belong to only one agency. However, in the Japanese international model industry, this is not always the case. Today, the market operates on two primary systems: “Registered Models” and “Exclusive Models.”
This article explains the differences between these two systems, their pros and cons, and essential precautions for production and advertising professionals.

1.　What are Registered Models?

Registered models are freelance professionals who sign service agreements with multiple agencies and work on a per-project basis. Once a model agrees to an agency’s registration terms and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA), the agency acts as their representative for specific bookings, handling:

 
For individual projects, the agency takes full responsibility for management and troubleshooting. However, since these models are freelance, they can register with multiple agencies. Therefore, the models themselves are responsible for:

As a result, production companies may sometimes receive the same model’s portfolio from different agencies. This occurs because the freelance model is registered in multiple databases simultaneously.
 

2.　What are Exclusive Models?

Exclusive models sign an exclusive contract with a single agency. All professional activities must be funneled through that specific agency. This system is typically used by:

・Japanese domestic talent agencies
・nternational agencies that scout and sponsor visas for models from overseas

In this case, the agency centrally manages every aspect of the model’s career, including schedule coordination, conflict management, and contract negotiations. This provides a high level of security and peace of mind for clients and production houses.

3.　Pros and Cons: Registered vs. Exclusive

The following is a breakdown of the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of both systems.

＜Registered Models: Pros & Cons＞
■ Pros
・Access to a large pool of talent, enabling diverse proposals across various nationalities and genres.
・Highly effective for requests such as “I want to see a wide range of candidates” or “I need a large number of people on short notice.”
・Allows agencies to meet a vast array of casting needs.

■ Cons
・Management of competing projects (industry conflicts) and double-booking tends to rely heavily on the model themselves.
・There is an inherent risk in coordinating schedules across multiple agencies.
・Working with an agency that has weak management systems can lead to potential issues on set.

＜Exclusive Model Agencies: Pros & Cons＞
■ Pros
・High level of security due to clear and centralized management of conflicts and schedules.
・Contract terms, conditions, and usage rights are strictly organized.
・Ideal for high-stakes projects like major brand advertisements where strict management is paramount.

■ Cons
・The roster is limited, making it difficult to respond to broad or varied casting requests.
・Cases may arise where the agency simply “does not have a model that fits the specific requirements.”

Free Wave’s management system eliminates these concerns!
Free Wave, we leverage the flexibility of the “registered” system while maintaining the rigorous management standards of an “exclusive” agency. We have implemented a proprietary check system to ensure top-tier reliability:
・In-house database management of past appearance history (conflict tracking).
・Visual verification of Residence Cards (visas).
・Thorough pre-shoot reminders and mandatory response checks. By doing so, we minimize the risks unique to registered models and provide a casting service you can trust.

4.　Key Considerations for Casting on Set

While there are differences in the type of contract, the most important factor in model casting is “whether the agency is capable of appropriately managing the project.”

Specifically for international models, verifying their Residence Status (visa) is mandatory, regardless of the contract type. Even if an agency has a strong management system for registered models, if they have a limited roster, you may find yourself compromising on the creative quality of the production. For more details on the basics of visas and contracts for international models, please refer to the article below.
▼Click here for details: 【外国人モデルのキャスティングガイド➁｜在留資格（ビザ）と契約の基本ポイント】

5.　FAQ

Q1. Which is better: a registered model agency or an exclusive model agency?
A. One is not inherently better than the other. Registered agencies are ideal when you prioritize volume and diversity, while exclusive agencies are suited for projects where centralized management is the top priority. The most important factor is the agency’s actual management track record and reliability.

Q2. Are registered models more prone to issues?
A. The registration system itself is not the problem. Risks tend to increase when working with agencies that have weak management infrastructures. There are no issues if you choose an agency that strictly manages schedules and industry conflicts.

Q3. Is it a problem if the same model is proposed by different agencies?
A. In the registered model system, this can happen because models are often registered with multiple agencies. Therefore, the key is to determine which agency will take full responsibility for the final point of contact, contracting, and project management.

Q4. What should I be particularly careful about when casting international models?
A. In addition to conflict management and contract terms, verifying and managing residence status (visas) and work permit conditions is crucial. It is essential to select a model agency with a proven track record in handling international talent.

Q5. Can you handle urgent, large-scale, or multi-national casting requests?
A. Yes, provided the agency has a large pool of registered talent and a robust management system. We recommend confirming in advance how much of the management process (checking conflicts, visas, etc.) the agency will cover.

6. Summary: Casting Success is Defined by Management, Not Contract Type

In this article, we have explained the mechanisms and precautions associated with the two types of model agency systems: “Freelance (Registered)” and “Exclusive.”

The most important point we want to convey is that the success or failure of model casting is not determined by the “form of the contract”—whether it is registered or exclusive—but rather by the agency’s “management capability” and “reliability.” In the modeling industry, relationships of trust are valued above all else. To ensure a successful casting, it is not enough to simply assign a model; the following elements must be guaranteed:

・Strict Adherence to Industry Rules：Whether the model correctly understands the specific business customs of the industry.
・Compliance with Contracts：Whether the model strictly follows appearance terms and conflict rules.
・Fulfillment of Confidentiality Obligations：Whether the model correctly understands Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA) and can prevent information leaks.
・Assurance of Responsibility：Whether the agency will respond responsibly in the unlikely event of an issue.

In many cases, it is difficult for individual models to guarantee these points on their own. Therefore, when an experienced and proven model agency steps in to take full responsibility for management, clients can finally place their orders with peace of mind.

Choose “Free Wave” for International Model Casting

At Free Wave, we represent both exclusive models scouted from overseas and one of the largest databases of registered international models and talent in Japan. Our greatest strength is our “management power,” built on over 30 years of experience.
We have established a “system” that prevents human error in conflict checks and visa management, which are unique challenges in international casting. This allows us to provide the benefits of both the registered and exclusive systems with the highest level of safety. As a result, we can provide a one-stop solution for diverse needs, such as:

・Broad casting orders (multiple nationalities and genres).
・Rapid response to urgent or large-scale projects.
・High-risk projects requiring strict management of conflicts, contracts, and residence status (visas).

Even for projects where “volume,” “variety,” and “management” are all required, we propose flexible and secure casting solutions based on our long years of experience. Even if your project details are not yet finalized, please feel free to consult with us.

▶︎▶外国人モデルの出演のご相談・お問い合わせはこちら

（Written by Mutsumi Takahashi, CEO of Free Wave Inc.）
Founded in 1992, expanded to corporation in 2003.
A leading agency representing international talent for advertising, film, and commercial media in Japan.