Starting An Entetainment Company

**BusinessAdviser** · 02-20-2008 11:07 AM

How has it contributed to the discussion? Akula's comment appears to be rather helpful actually.

**SlvrBulletV6** · 02-20-2008 04:08 PM

Originally Posted by jmenq2

How has it contributed to the discussion? Akula's comment appears to be rather helpful actually.

It is helpful because that's exactly how our promotional company did things as well in booking artists and putting on events. Of course there are more to it. I just didn't feel like going through all the details. Unless I am getting the wrong impression of what chalaceyyy question. It is pretty spot on how things work. We had to go through a lot of procedures and approvals etc. Of course Chalaceyyy can't just jump into this type of business without putting his dues by gaining experience by working in the industry.

I mean how was the posting NOT helpful? Yes, Akula's comment about "entertainment" is nice and sarcastic, but I didn't know YE's purpose was about spelling and grammar on the board (hilarious at times nonetheless).

**BusinessAdviser** · 02-20-2008 07:12 PM

But the comment is actually quite useful. It doesn't matter the setting - formal, informal, board room, on the street - others, who may be potential investors or customers, use any information that you provide (whether you intend to provide it or not) in forming an opinion of you. If you pay little attention to detail or do not know how to express yourself, they may form the impression that you are unprofessional, regardless of the truth of it, and write you off. I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with posting however you want here, but that's the lesson that I learned from his comment. That's all.

**chalaceyyy** · 02-22-2008 10:01 PM

Originally Posted by SlvrBulletV6

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.

That is correct because I DO stay in a rather small city thats why i said it. Ii is easier to get in contact with local club owners because there are not that many clubs in the area therefore they are happy for more business as long as it is official. So please think before making any other assumptions. I do appreciate your input

**chalaceyyy** · 02-22-2008 10:05 PM

Originally Posted by usakos

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!

thank u very much 4 ur input. Everything you have said are issues that I took into consideration before so you telling me this is very helpful with me not having any doubts. Thank you for being professional. Your advice is truly appreciated. AND YES THAT IS WHAT YE IS ALL ABOUT! LOL

**usakos** · 02-22-2008 10:06 PM

Originally Posted by chalaceyyy

thank u very much 4 ur input. Everything you have said are issues that I took into consideration before so you telling me this is very helpful with me not having any doubts. Thank you for being professional. Your advice is truly appreciated. AND YES THAT IS WHAT YE IS ALL ABOUT! LOL

you're very welcome, let me know if i can help.

**chalaceyyy** · 02-22-2008 10:08 PM

Originally Posted by SlvrBulletV6

It is helpful because that's exactly how our promotional company did things as well in booking artists and putting on events. Of course there are more to it. I just didn't feel like going through all the details. Unless I am getting the wrong impression of what chalaceyyy question. It is pretty spot on how things work. We had to go through a lot of procedures and approvals etc. Of course Chalaceyyy can't just jump into this type of business without putting his dues by gaining experience by working in the industry.

I mean how was the posting NOT helpful? Yes, Akula's comment about "entertainment" is nice and sarcastic, but I didn't know YE's purpose was about spelling and grammar on the board (hilarious at times nonetheless).

Yes I do think that some of you may have got a bad impression of me at first probally because reading something is diff. then listening to one say it in a certain tone. I didnt mean to be rude to anyone. The one persons comment about hot to spell entertainment just wasnt useful and it seemed like they may have been trying to be funny but I didnt take it hard. AND I AM A FEMALE

**harrymcwealth** · 02-23-2008 12:57 AM

You'll need some permits, maybe some waiver agreements...

**chalaceyyy** · 02-23-2008 11:44 AM

Originally Posted by harrymcwealth

You'll need some permits, maybe some waiver agreements...

What exactly would I need the permits and waiver agreements for?

**GhostFac3** · 02-23-2008 12:27 PM

decided to unpost.

**quickincorporators** · 02-23-2008 02:03 PM

You have to form a company..Protect your personal Assets. Go to our page below and get a discount.

**BusinessAdviser** · 02-23-2008 03:25 PM

Originally Posted by quickincorporators

You have to form a company..Protect your personal Assets. Go to our page below and get a discount.

There's a legal requirement to form a company other than a sole proprietorship or partnership, for example? I'm confused. Could you elaborate more for me? Thank you.

**amitch56** · 03-23-2008 04:04 PM

Try finding unknowns on social network apps. They're open to more exposure and you could find some good bands and artists.

**AREZZO** · 04-20-2008 10:55 AM

Hello, I will make this simple and save the professional talk.

I know exactly what you are trying to do. I do it myself. The overall term is called entertainment Promoter "Promoter". Throw parties at nightclubs and have big name artists perform. From that once you are in the position you can start holding large arena concerts. I am only 18, I live for this..quick advice

1. Frist you should study the business very closely. There is alot to know.

2. As it has been said many times, network with other people in your area that is in the same business. Your gonna have to pay your dues first. Start off sub-promoting. Building connections a guestlist, passing out flyers etc. Attend alot of events and build friendships with promoters, artists, radio DJ's and clubs in your city.

3. Create your plan- How are you goin to be diffrent and successful, you have to stand out from others and have the nessacery connections. The business is VERY SHADY, You also have to be professional at times. Make sure you keep records and plan EVERY detail of your event. Brand youself.

4. Now you want to register your company as an LLC, (I'm not gonna get into all that ) To be honest you are going to need atleast $5,000 to launch a club event. Depending on the artist you select there will be a deposit you have to pay upfront to book, the rest you pay once your artist arrives and you have made money from cover fees, normaly there paid once checked in at hotel, but if your a good talker and know your business you work it out...risky but if you promote your event properly and budget yourself, it will work. Myself, I promote an event for 4 weeks straight, every day, every hour. It is what I do, You have to LOVE it. If your artist is major the best way of contact is looking on their myspace/website for booking info. If not this is WHERE YOU CONTACT THERE LABEL. Here is where you will be professional. If not there, your last resort will be an acredited booking angency.

5. Select your venue, and do it. My advice start small. With a venue of about a 500 capacity and select a well known local artist. Might need about $3,000 for this, Also before this you can start off event smaller and get a feel by doing local halls, rec centers etc.

This whole process leading up to your first "SUCCESSFUL" event can be done in about a year if you work hard at it.

I would be of much more help by conversation and I'm tired of typing. I hope I have helped out some, ...Send me a message I would be glad to help you with this and depending on where you live we might can work together, I've been looking for partners.

**AREZZO** · 04-20-2008 11:03 AM

Originally Posted by chalaceyyy

What exactly would I need the permits and waiver agreements for?

Permit??? If you are holding events at a club/venue you won't need permits. They are mainly for outside events and very large concerts. The only type of legal documents you will need is agreements with your DJ and staff. Then the club/venue rental contract and your artist contract.

If you event is a some place like a ballroom or event hall you might need permits and a liquor license. Maybe even approval from the county. All depends. But not with clubs/venues.