Effective Date: July 4, 2026 Version: 1
These Talent Marketplace Terms ("Marketplace Terms") govern your use of the CENTRA Studios Talent Marketplace platform. These terms are in addition to our general Terms of Service.
1. Platform Role
CENTRA Studios operates as a platform that facilitates connections between creative professionals ("Talent") and those seeking their services ("Clients").
Important: CENTRA Studios does not employ Talent, is not a staffing agency, and is not a party to any service agreement between Talent and Client. We are a technology platform that enables discovery and connection.
2. No Employment Relationship
2.1 Independent Status
Talent using the CENTRA Studios marketplace are independent professionals, not employees of CENTRA Studios. CENTRA Studios does not:
- Control how Talent performs their work
- Set Talent's rates or pricing
- Determine Talent's schedule or availability
- Select which Clients Talent works with
- Provide tools, equipment, or training
- Withhold taxes or provide benefits
2.2 Talent Control
Talent maintains complete control over:
- Their service rates and pricing structure
- Availability and scheduling
- Which booking requests to accept or decline
- How services are performed
- Their professional methods and techniques
3. Direct Engagement
3.1 Talent-Client Relationship
All service engagements are directly between Talent and Client. CENTRA Studios facilitates the introduction but is not a party to the service agreement.
3.2 Responsibilities
Talent and Client are solely responsible for:
- Negotiating and agreeing to engagement terms
- Payment collection and disputes
- Model releases and content rights
- Compliance with applicable laws
- Tax obligations (1099s, withholding, etc.)
- Insurance and liability coverage
- Quality of services delivered
4. Platform Service Fees
4.1 Fee Structure
CENTRA Studios charges platform service fees for use of the marketplace. These fees compensate CENTRA Studios for platform services, not as a commission on Talent's labor.
Current fee structure:
- Standard Talent: 15% platform service fee
- Talent Pro Members: 10% platform service fee
- Studio Partner Members: 0% platform service fee (waived)
4.2 What Fees Cover
Platform service fees provide:
- Access to the talent marketplace and discovery features
- Profile hosting and portfolio display
- Booking and scheduling tools
- Secure messaging infrastructure
- Payment processing through Stripe Connect
- Platform infrastructure and support
- Dispute mediation assistance (if needed)
4.3 Fee Transparency
All applicable fees are displayed before booking confirmation. By completing a booking, both parties acknowledge and agree to applicable fees.
5. Payment Processing
5.1 Payment Facilitator
CENTRA Studios uses Stripe Connect to facilitate payments between Clients and Talent. Talent maintains a direct account relationship with Stripe as a connected account holder.
5.2 Payment Flow
- Client submits payment for booking total
- CENTRA Studios's platform service fee is allocated for services rendered
- Talent's portion is transferred to their connected Stripe account
- Transfers typically complete within 2-3 business days
5.3 Not an Employer
CENTRA Studios processes transactions as a platform service, not as Talent's employer or payment agent. CENTRA Studios does not issue W-2s to Talent.
6. Disputes Between Talent and Client
6.1 Direct Resolution
Disputes regarding services should be resolved directly between Talent and Client. CENTRA Studios encourages professional communication and good-faith resolution.
6.2 Platform Assistance
CENTRA Studios may, at its discretion, assist in mediating disputes but is not obligated to do so. Any mediation is provided as a courtesy and does not create liability.
6.3 Limitations
CENTRA Studios is not responsible for:
- Non-payment by Clients
- Service quality disputes
- Content or intellectual property disputes
- Missed bookings or no-shows
- Any claims arising from the Talent-Client engagement
7. Talent Responsibilities
7.1 Profile Accuracy
Talent agrees to:
- Maintain accurate and current profile information
- Accurately represent skills, experience, and portfolio
- Update availability promptly
- Use recent, authentic photos
7.2 Professional Conduct
Talent agrees to:
- Respond professionally and promptly to booking requests
- Honor confirmed bookings
- Communicate clearly about expectations and deliverables
- Maintain professional standards during engagements
7.3 Compliance
Talent agrees to:
- Obtain necessary releases, permits, and licenses for their work
- Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws
- Maintain appropriate insurance coverage as needed
- Handle their own tax obligations
8. Client Responsibilities
8.1 Accurate Information
Clients agree to:
- Provide accurate booking information
- Clearly communicate project requirements
- Disclose any special conditions or requirements
8.2 Payment Obligations
Clients agree to:
- Pay for confirmed bookings as agreed
- Not circumvent the platform for payment
- Honor cancellation policies
9. Prohibited Conduct
The following are prohibited on the marketplace:
- Circumventing CENTRA Studios to avoid platform fees
- Misrepresenting identity, skills, or credentials
- Harassment or discrimination of any kind
- Sharing contact information to avoid platform (before confirmed booking)
- Soliciting Talent for off-platform work during active engagement
- Creating multiple accounts
- Any illegal activity
10. Account Suspension and Termination
10.1 Suspension
CENTRA Studios may suspend marketplace access for:
- Violation of these terms
- Repeated client complaints
- Suspected fraudulent activity
- Non-payment of platform fees
10.2 Termination
CENTRA Studios may terminate marketplace access for:
- Material breach of these terms
- Pattern of policy violations
- Conduct harmful to the platform or community
- Legal requirements
11. Disclaimer of Warranties
THE MARKETPLACE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND. CENTRA STUDIOS DOES NOT GUARANTEE:
- The quality, safety, or legality of services offered
- The accuracy of Talent profiles or Client listings
- That bookings will result in satisfactory outcomes
- Continuous, uninterrupted access to the platform
12. Limitation of Liability
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:
- CENTRA STUDIOS'S TOTAL LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE PLATFORM FEES PAID IN THE SIX (6) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM
- CENTRA STUDIOS IS NOT LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
- CENTRA STUDIOS IS NOT LIABLE FOR DISPUTES BETWEEN TALENT AND CLIENTS
13. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless CENTRA Studios from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:
- Your use of the marketplace
- Your violation of these terms
- Disputes with other users
- Your services or engagements
14. New York Law
These Marketplace Terms are governed by the laws of the State of New York. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of New York County, New York.
15. Changes to These Terms
CENTRA Studios may modify these Marketplace Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated via email or platform notification. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.
16. Contact
Questions about these Marketplace Terms:
- Email: legal@centrastudios.com
- Subject: "Marketplace Terms Question"
Last Updated: July 4, 2026
By using the CENTRA Studios Talent Marketplace, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Marketplace Terms.