Starting An Entetainment Company

[BusinessAdviser]

lol those connections will all come in due time...i know some local artist...i plan on booking a celeb artist...i might have to contact a local club owner if i decide to have my event at a club...groupies..whereever theres a party/celeb/etc. they will come!

Good luck!

[NamesCody]

If your trying to book a "celeb" artist that is at the caliber of say Beyonce or Jay-Z then most likely they aren't going to go to a nightclub to perform, they don't have time for it. They go for the big bucks which is usually in a venue like Phillips Arena in Georgia, or Madison Square Garden because it caters to thousands instead of the low hundreds if even that that a bar would cater to. Your best bet if you want to have an "entertainment" company is first I would find a niche, do you want to be a record label or do you want to produce concerts, huge parties and such? Yes you probably want to do both, but you first need to get into doing one aspect before the other because doing one will lead to you finding contacts in the industry which will back moth aspects more successful.

Some things I would suggest you do are:
-When you type (or talk) to people, don't be rude or be a smart ass and use appropriate wording and grammar.
-take some college classes that relate to your industry, to give you a better feel and more understanding on what needs to be done in order to succeed, you may think you know everything about the industry but a few college classes could change that and determine weather you succeed or fail and what your trying to accomplish.
-Get connections, talk to the local musicians and bands, get to become on good terms with them, perhaps become friends with the people who are always at the clubs - they could shed some light onto some things that you may have overlooked.
- If the local talent is already playing at bars and other places consider opening up your own local venue that hosts to this.
- Make sure all the local talent knows who you are and what you are about, the entertainment industry is not just music artists, it consists of many different types such as comedians, theater plays, films. Try to get to know everybody that does this.
- Check your community for clubs or groups that might want to use your venue for their entertainment productions.
- Partner with Non-for-profit organizations and other

Starting out in a local area is more likely to succeed then trying to hit Grammy award winning artists, if you run the business right and build up THEN they might come. Yeah, if you had the thousands of dollars for in artist to come to one of your party's I'm sure they would come but if you want any chance of them coming back then you need to do it on a professional level not a fan level. Also when booking people from out of town take into consideration all of the expenses that will be accrued not just them actually performing, think of travel (car, plane, etc.?) Where are they going to stay (I wouldn't suggest booking them a room in a Motel 6.) Also take into consideration that some artists may come with a writer, or a list of "demands" they require for them to perform, it could be having a specific type of water in their room to having a certain type of toothpaste or they might not have one but you should always leave enough money to pay for it if it comes along.

Hopefully I have helped you in some way, shape or form - If not I apologize. But if I did don't PM me asking if I can help you any further, I am not in the type of industry your trying to get into and I don't know anybody who is the things mentioned above are just some things that I have gathered over the years from reading here on the forums, my own opinions, and regretfully watching MTV.

[MASapparel]

you need to refocus and get your priorities straight before you venture into anything. Nothing is just going to come to you. I used to book bands and made a small business out of it. It takes a lot of work, you need to go out and meet people, have cards, make contacts.
At first be the nice guy do a lot of favors, use your connections to hook people up. Become the go to guy and then you are in business. It takes a while to build, this isn't something you can rush into and it will be a while before you make money doing it. You cant just pick a name and say you are the next big thing, people work hard to build companies and the entertainment industry is brutal.

[jasaunders]

I would help you, but I'm not sure I understand what your specific question is. It came out something like "do I need a contract to book an artist and how?" And the answer is it depends, and I don't quite understand the how part.

Now if you could clarify the information you are seeking and use propper grammar, I may be able to help you.

[veikoh]

depending what kind of artists you want to have? professionals have tour shedules booking agents, managers so you should contact with those. Usually you can find the necessary information from their official website.
If you want indies (independent artists) you should contact them directly. Look around sites like SoundClick, MySpace, CDBaby, etc.
It's difficult to make touring profitable for artists and people to your event. Besides renting a proper venue and PA, you should cover travels, promotion, etc. Usually there won't be any money left as you drink what you have earned from the event.

[chalaceyyy]

If your trying to book a "celeb" artist that is at the caliber of say Beyonce or Jay-Z then most likely they aren't going to go to a nightclub to perform, they don't have time for it. They go for the big bucks which is usually in a venue like Phillips Arena in Georgia, or Madison Square Garden because it caters to thousands instead of the low hundreds if even that that a bar would cater to. Your best bet if you want to have an "entertainment" company is first I would find a niche, do you want to be a record label or do you want to produce concerts, huge parties and such? Yes you probably want to do both, but you first need to get into doing one aspect before the other because doing one will lead to you finding contacts in the industry which will back moth aspects more successful.

Some things I would suggest you do are:
-When you type (or talk) to people, don't be rude or be a smart ass and use appropriate wording and grammar.
-take some college classes that relate to your industry, to give you a better feel and more understanding on what needs to be done in order to succeed, you may think you know everything about the industry but a few college classes could change that and determine weather you succeed or fail and what your trying to accomplish.
-Get connections, talk to the local musicians and bands, get to become on good terms with them, perhaps become friends with the people who are always at the clubs - they could shed some light onto some things that you may have overlooked.
- If the local talent is already playing at bars and other places consider opening up your own local venue that hosts to this.
- Make sure all the local talent knows who you are and what you are about, the entertainment industry is not just music artists, it consists of many different types such as comedians, theater plays, films. Try to get to know everybody that does this.
- Check your community for clubs or groups that might want to use your venue for their entertainment productions.
- Partner with Non-for-profit organizations and other

Starting out in a local area is more likely to succeed then trying to hit Grammy award winning artists, if you run the business right and build up THEN they might come. Yeah, if you had the thousands of dollars for in artist to come to one of your party's I'm sure they would come but if you want any chance of them coming back then you need to do it on a professional level not a fan level. Also when booking people from out of town take into consideration all of the expenses that will be accrued not just them actually performing, think of travel (car, plane, etc.?) Where are they going to stay (I wouldn't suggest booking them a room in a Motel 6.) Also take into consideration that some artists may come with a writer, or a list of "demands" they require for them to perform, it could be having a specific type of water in their room to having a certain type of toothpaste or they might not have one but you should always leave enough money to pay for it if it comes along.

Hopefully I have helped you in some way, shape or form - If not I apologize. But if I did don't PM me asking if I can help you any further, I am not in the type of industry your trying to get into and I don't know anybody who is the things mentioned above are just some things that I have gathered over the years from reading here on the forums, my own opinions, and regretfully watching MTV.

I am sorry if i came off in a wrong way towards anyone. That is not what i was trying to do. As far as booking a big time artist, that is not what i am trying to do at this point of time. I am trying to book an artist that is affordable, but can bring in a large fanbase.

Thank you for your pointers. They are truly appreciated.

[chalaceyyy]

I would help you, but I'm not sure I understand what your specific question is. It came out something like "do I need a contract to book an artist and how?" And the answer is it depends, and I don't quite understand the how part.

Now if you could clarify the information you are seeking and use propper grammar, I may be able to help you.

Thank you for replying. My questions are:
How do I form up a contract to book an artist?
and also
What other legal issues may arrive when booking an artist for a show and how can I prevent them?

[chalaceyyy]

you sound very young, and not willing to actually hear people out. You dont ask for these "connections" you earn them. go out and do some filed work. Get to know your market. I currently do alot of shirts for this one promoter here in town and he puts on pretty big shows, He got his start by working at one of the local night clubs and metting these people,, maybe you should try the same,

Carlos

Yes i am young (19 year old female) and sorry if i came off in a wrong way. And i am not looking for any connections. I am looking for advice. Thank you for your help

[NamesCody]

I read two posts up that you are wondering on how to form a contract to book an entertainer, search online for 'entertainment contract' I would also consult a attorney to help in creating a contract and to review it to make sure it covers everything it needs to. If you already have the local connections then start by making yourself more noticed go to all the parties, make business cards and hand them out, become friends with the people you need to.

[SlvrBulletV6]

Entertainment companies are almost like Night Club promoting companies and can be almost intertwined.

Starting either type of companies is determined by:
1) your location (Hollywood),
2) the type of patrons and guests that you can bring in (i.e. you need promoters with a lot of outgoing friends and a huge following)
3) connection to managers and club owners (venue)
- negotiating about bar tab minimums etc.
4) relationships with other necessities, djs, musical talents, etc.

I suggest before you start an entertainment company on your own, is that you first go work in promotions with a promotional company. Solidify your network, then branch off on your own.

Otherwise in just ONE event, which could be your opening event, you can go into the RED fast and owe the musical talent and the venue a lot of money. Some venues require either you rent out the place, split the cover charge, and/or meet a bar minimum (and if you don't meet that minimum...your paying for it out of your pocket, as in better have enough cash or checkbook on hand). Some musical talents like be pre-paid a portion and the rest at the end of the event.

In addition, don't think you can just book an musical talent and hope that itself will draw out big crowds. You must have great market skills and TEAM of promoters. The promoters want to be paid as well. Do you pay them hourly, do you pay them by commission of how many go under their guestlist, what about if they book VIP tables, etc...

The entertainment and promotions business is brutal industry if it is saturated, like in Hollywood.

Furthermore, it is a known that managers and club owners fudge their bar tab numbers just a little. If you sue them, good luck trying to ever work in that city again in promotions etc. It is a tight knit community among owners and they know which promotional or entertainment companies produce huge revenues at a given time and those who are duds.

The money is good and the nightlife is definitely fun...although it is going to take a toll on your liver and sleep schedule.

[SlvrBulletV6]

lol those connections will all come in due time...i know some local artist...i plan on booking a celeb artist...i might have to contact a local club owner if i decide to have my event at a club...groupies..whereever theres a party/celeb/etc. they will come!

Now that is extremely funny. You have a lot to learn. That might work in a small town or something, but that is sure not enough in metropolitan areas like NY or Hollywood.

[usakos]

Yes i am young (19 year old female) and sorry if i came off in a wrong way. And i am not looking for any connections. I am looking for advice. Thank you for your help

Okay, let me see if I can help.

Here is what you do;

You already know most of the artists, you listen to music, you know which most people, your audience like; so that's who you want to focus on to.

The type of the artist you are considering has to be able to fill the venue you have in mind. I have worked with artists like Seal, Boyz II Men, Simple Minds, Paul Simon, etc., so I don't really know how to book a small act. I am currently in the middle of the negotiation to do a show with some of the world's best acts in Johannesburg in October of this year.

So, this is what I usually do; I first figure out the type of music I want to have a concert and the artist(s), and then I check out the venue, it has to be the appropriate venue, the venue that my prospective artist can fill out at capacity.

And then I check out if that artist is on tour and if he or she is, if will be in the proximity area. Because if they are on tour, you'll get her or him cheaper.

And once I check out their tour schedule, and even if they are or not on tour, then I contact their management. You can find their management contact information everywhere, CD covers, official web sites, etc., and if you can't find his or her management contact info, I contact his or her record company, and this is what I say when I contact his management.

hi, my name is this and that, would you please give me the booking contact info for your artist "artist name". And they will be gladly give it to me, no further questions asked.

And then I contact their booking agent, and this is what I say. I am usakos with "company name" and I am interested in booking "artist name" for a show in "city name", and then they may cut me off and ask me, what venue, and I tell them the venue. If they are not familiar with the venue, they will ask me how many people does it hold, and then I tell them because I have already checked it out and know it well.

And then, they may ask me what is our budget, and here is where I don't tell them how much I have, because they are simply trying to figure out how much to charge me. And I simply tell them that I'd like to know their fees, and they will ask me how much will I sell the tickets for, and then I give them a bulk figure.

Then they may ask me if the artist will be the headliner and or will there be other artists and I tell them yes or no, depends on what/how i am doing the concert.

And then they give me a bulk figure of how much the artist charge, including lodging and air flight and ground transportation. Then if the price is reasonable, I may proceed. What they will need from me from there on is a an offer from me stating exactly my offer to the artist, fees, etc, for the artist to do the show.

This is where the catch comes in. Your letter has to be worded professionally and on a company letterhead. Because they will take that letter and evaluate it and then decide whether to accept the offer or not.

If they accept the offer, they will contact you, if they don't, then i contact them to follow up in a day or two. Then once I or they call me back, then they will, not me, draft up an agreement with all the details; including their Rider, which simply details their production requirement and stuff, such as their sound, lighting requirement, etc.

They will likely require a deposit depends on your letter offer, they may require 50% up front and the rest on the day of the show before the show or a few days before the show, this is really just depends on how they trust you and believe in your ability.

Your question I think was about how you come up with the contract, and the answer is no, you don't write the contract, they write the contract, they send you the contract and you sign it and send it back with the required deposit.

But before you sign and pay your deposit, make sure you also have talked and secured the venue for the exact date and time.

There are many details and stuff that leads up to the show. I used to do this full time. I am a certified audio and multimedia engineer, worked for NBC and many other TV networks in Europe, doing TV news, ENG, live sound, studio recording, engineering, mastering, sporting events production, etc., and concert production. I have worked on a concert at Roskilde Musik Festival in Roskilde, Denmark, one of the worlds' largest out door concerts with The Rembrandts, and many acts. So, have the experience and skill in doing this.

I still do that but only part time because I love it. So, if you need help, PM me, but typing these long stuff is just too much time consuming, but I don't mind helping you out. And I am located in Columbus, Ohio and I go back and forth to Los Angeles and Boston and New York. So, if I can help, just let me know.

Hopefully all works out for you, and good luck!

[SlvrBulletV6]

Okay, let me see if I can help.

Here is what you do;

You already know most of the artists, you listen to music, you know which most people, your audience like; so that's who you want to focus on to.

The type of the artist you are considering has to be able to fill the venue you have in mind. I have worked with artists like Seal, Boyz II Men, Simple Minds, Paul Simon, etc., so I don't really know how to book a small act. I am currently in the middle of the negotiation to do a show with some of the world's best acts in Johannesburg in October of this year.

So, this is what I usually do; I first figure out the type of music I want to have a concert and the artist(s), and then I check out the venue, it has to be the appropriate venue, the venue that my prospective artist can fill out at capacity.

And then I check out if that artist is on tour and if he or she is, if will be in the proximity area. Because if they are on tour, you'll get her or him cheaper.

And once I check out their tour schedule, and even if they are or not on tour, then I contact their management. You can find their management contact information everywhere, CD covers, official web sites, etc., and if you can't find his or her management contact info, I contact his or her record company, and this is what I say when I contact his management.

hi, my name is this and that, would you please give me the booking contact info for your artist "artist name". And they will be gladly give it to me, no further questions asked.

And then I contact their booking agent, and this is what I say. I am usakos with "company name" and I am interested in booking "artist name" for a show in "city name", and then they may cut me off and ask me, what venue, and I tell them the venue. If they are not familiar with the venue, they will ask me how many people does it hold, and then I tell them because I have already checked it out and know it well.

And then, they may ask me what is our budget, and here is where I don't tell them how much I have, because they are simply trying to figure out how much to charge me. And I simply tell them that I'd like to know their fees, and they will ask me how much will I sell the tickets for, and then I give them a bulk figure.

Then they may ask me if the artist will be the headliner and or will there be other artists and I tell them yes or no, depends on what/how i am doing the concert.

And then they give me a bulk figure of how much the artist charge, including lodging and air flight and ground transportation. Then if the price is reasonable, I may proceed. What they will need from me from there on is a an offer from me stating exactly my offer to the artist, fees, etc, for the artist to do the show.

This is where the catch comes in. Your letter has to be worded professionally and on a company letterhead. Because they will take that letter and evaluate it and then decide whether to accept the offer or not.

If they accept the offer, they will contact you, if they don't, then i contact them to follow up in a day or two. Then once I or they call me back, then they will, not me, draft up an agreement with all the details; including their Rider, which simply details their production requirement and stuff, such as their sound, lighting requirement, etc.

They will likely require a deposit depends on your letter offer, they may require 50% up front and the rest on the day of the show before the show or a few days before the show, this is really just depends on how they trust you and believe in your ability.

Your question I think was about how you come up with the contract, and the answer is no, you don't write the contract, they write the contract, they send you the contract and you sign it and send it back with the required deposit.

But before you sign and pay your deposit, make sure you also have talked and secured the venue for the exact date and time.

There are many details and stuff that leads up to the show. I used to do this full time. I am a certified audio and multimedia engineer, worked for NBC and many other TV networks in Europe, doing TV news, ENG, live sound, studio recording, engineering, mastering, sporting events production, etc., and concert production. I have worked on a concert at Roskilde Musik Festival in Roskilde, Denmark, one of the worlds' largest out door concerts with The Rembrandts, and many acts. So, have the experience and skill in doing this.

I still do that but only part time because I love it. So, if you need help, PM me, but typing these long stuff is just too much time consuming, but I don't mind helping you out. And I am located in Columbus, Ohio and I go back and forth to Los Angeles and Boston and New York. So, if I can help, just let me know.

Hopefully all works out for you, and good luck!

Very nice post Usako, very nice. Now THIS is what YE is all about.

[usakos]

you're very welcome, SlvrBulletV6

[mjohns]

it's spelled "entertainment"

How has that contributed to the discussion?

And I think you need to go through agents, if you would like to book local artists advertise in loacl media and put posters up in 'hotspots*'.


*Areas where your demograph are likely to be.