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xxxRoyxxx Loyal user 218 Posts |
What, or is there a difference between having a manager and having an agent?
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Jim Snack Inner circle 1338 Posts |
A manager works for you, handling business your business affairs like coordinating dates and tour details, invoicing and collecting money, etc. A manager's duties might involve booking shows, but also includes much, much more. Generally a manager works for one act.
An agent works for a client seeking entertainment, and acts as a go-between, helping select the appropriate act to meet the client's needs. An agent will work for many clients, and work with many acts. I hope this helps. |
xxxRoyxxx Loyal user 218 Posts |
Thank you Jim. I have two more questions for anyone who holds the knowledge and will to answer them.
1.Is there a standard percentage recieved by managers? 2. Although opinions vary, many people seem to dislike working with agents. Well, is it a good idea to work with a manager rather than an agent? I ask, by the way, because a gentlemen took great interest in my magic and offered to be my manager. Well, we're still talking and am not sure what to do. The idea appeals to me, being that I am not too naturally business savvy and, OH YEAH, I hate having to do that part of the job! Help anyone? |
Jim Snack Inner circle 1338 Posts |
Ask the man who offered to be your manager, exactly what he will do for you. A good manager will guide a performer's career. How much experience and how many entertainment contacts does he have?
A manager could charge anywhere from 10% to as much as 50% (that's what The Colonel charged Elvis). It really depends on what you both work out. You may get a manager, but then you must manage your manager. It is a partnership, so make sure it is a partnership you are comfortable with. Kind of like marriage. Also, don't ever enter into a partnership without having a clear exit strategy. Make sure all parties agree on how the partnership can be terminated. Check out related books in the music business: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/det......;s=books and http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/det......;s=books and http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/det......;s=books and http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/det......;s=books Good luck. |
Brent Allan Elite user Chicago 415 Posts |
Wow, the Colonel took HALF of what Elvis made? Although on the outset, that seems like a lot, look what the Colonel did for Elvis' career. Heck, if I had a manager that could make me a superstar like Elvis, I would gladly pay half!
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Lee Darrow V.I.P. Chicago, IL USA 3588 Posts |
Also, check the laws regarding such management agreements, as well as those governing agents and their responsibilities and limitations with regard to your act.
More and more states are no longer allowing agents to sign "exclusive representation contracts" for variety talent. In Illinois, such contracts, at last word, were not allowed under law, as an example. This means that you can have as many agents representing you as you want to list with. The downside of such laws is the fact that every agent has more than one magician, mentalist or whatever. In situations like this, you need to make sure the agent(s) understand that you are THE quality act in your speciality, that you are well priced for your market and that, above all else, you are RELIABLE. One no-show can seriously damage your rep with ALL of the agents in an area. These folks talk to each other all the time - pulling acts from one source or another within their little community. So be aware of the consequences of screwing up for these folks. Also, managers come in all flavors and price ranges. A manager who is an attorney and a CPA is going to come in at a much higher price than someone who knows "some people in the business who can help you out." Also, regardless of hat ever else you do, have ANY agreement you have with a Manager reviewed by an independent entertainment attorney and, as noted abovem, make sure that there is a clearly defined cancellation clause. Avoid non-compete clauses like the plague. A non-compete clause is one that some managers and agencies will use that basically states that you will not work for or with a firm that competes with them for a specified period of time - or forever. That's a great way to shoot yourself in the foot. Almost all agents, however, will expect a cut of any business that you book as a result of any event that they book YOU into. This is allowed and proper, IMPO. I usually just hand out the agency's card, with my name and act title stamped on the back, at any event that I was booked for by a specific agent. This keeps the money path clean and tempers from flairing. Double deal an agent and the whole town will know about it, post haste. Hope this helps! Lee Darrow, C.Ht. http://www.leedarrow.com
http://www.leedarrow.com
<BR>"Because NICE Matters!" |
xxxRoyxxx Loyal user 218 Posts |
WOW! Thank you all!
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Thoughtreader Inner circle Calgary, Alberta, Canada 1565 Posts |
The hardest thing for me to ever do was to find a good manager BUT finding a good personal manager was the best thing I ever did! There is a nice comfort in knowing that you concentrate on your show, get the info for your gig, go and do it and leave. If you have a problem, one phone call and it is taken care of and you still come out looking like the good guy. Best thing I ever did.
PSIncerely Yours, Paul Alberstat |
Steve Hart Veteran user Cocoa, FL 388 Posts |
Beware of an agent who also wants to be your manager.
There is a conflict of interest here. Understand? I don't think they can effectively do both. Steve Hart Cape Canaveral, FL USA
www.SteveHartSpeaks.com
www.magic2motivate.com "Motivational Magicians are some of the highest paid magicians, find out why?" |
Kline Veteran user 361 Posts |
I agree with Paul on this one. Being free to create and brainstorm on magic and my clients needs really helped take my performance to another level. Kristine is the go between - she arranges meetings as well as all the paper work and payment. Although I have been doing this for a long time and have done all the logistical work as well as the creative as well at the execution, it sure is noce to deligate a bit.
When looking or a manager/assistant ( not the magic one either )do some serious thinking on what you would really like out of that person and then lay it all out on the line with them. If they can not handle it, it sure would be easier to find out in the beginning and not when the money is not there when you need it !
Steven Kline
<BR><BR>www.stevenkline.com <BR><BR>www.stevenklineproductions.com Follow me on Twitter @steveklinemagic |
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