Intro
Trawling the local circuit for paid work will inevitably introduce you to the local 'Entertainment Agent or Promoter'. Both provide an essential service to artists/bands by removing the hassle of finding gigs. (In Theory!!) Their main function is to find the acts on their books as many gigs as possible, some may even help to put together a sensible gigging strategy. A good agent will be in touch with other agents and promoters who may exchange information on who they currently have touring or swap/share gigs. This gives their artists the opportunity to open a show or appear with a more established act or deputise for a late cancellation in a venue otherwise unavailable.
The Going Rate
An Agent can either negotiate on your behalf with the venue or promoter for a fee and charge you a commission for arranging the booking or the agent will 'buy' the band for a fee, and then 'sell' the band on to a venue for a higher fee. The difference between the purchase and selling price is the agent's profit. He/She may switch between the two methods depending on the type of show that the venue requires. The standard commission fee is between 10% and 15% of your GROSS earnings on each booking they provide and for each subsequent rebooking in the venue. Sadly many agencies are charging 20% but avoid paying more than 15% if at all possible and don't bother with those that charge more unless they getting YOU loads of work for lots of money!!
Know Who You’re Dealing With
Since registration with the DTI ceased to be a requirement anyone can set up their own agency. There is very little regulatory control, many agencies are here today and gone tomorrow or have been know to collect artist fees but not pass them on, so do be careful, check them out prior to using, chat to other performers using their services, contact local venues for recommendations. There were some rumours that the DTI regulations where going to be re-instated we don't have any further information at this time. Seek advice from local artists/bands, use long standing agents with good reputations and read the trade newspapers for news of agents who have defaulted or stopped trading.
Stop Press!! Up-front fees prohibited!! Agencies that charge up-front fees to entertainers, models and extras before finding them work have finally been outlawed in legislation published by the Department for Trade and Industry. Know your rights!
The Entertainments Agent
The Entertainment Agent deals mainly with all styles of 'Covers Acts, Bands and Entertainers' ranging from Classical to Cabaret and Comedy with a myriad of artists on their books all pushing for more work! Their range of venue varies depending on the reputation of the agency and the chosen area of specialisation. Most local agents are independent and book acts / bands for pubs, clubs, local and some corporate events whereas others concentrate on providing entertainment for Cruise Ships, Theatres, Hotels and International Venues. The only way to tell which area the agency specialises in is to visit their sites or find their ads in local and trade papers, directories etc. If you are searching for one agent to represent you look at their past endeavours and talk to musicians who have used their services before signing an exclusive contract. Unless an agent can guarantee regular work it is not productive to use one agency, most have many artists on their books and are required by their bookers to provide a variety of entertainers. This limits the amount of paid bookings you are likely to receive, so find several reliable agents who like your act and are perceptive enough to place you in venues that are going to appreciate your style of music.
The Entertainments Agency
Is made up of several agents, each of whom may cater to a different type of venue. Some specialise in new artists and original bands but the majority are similar to the independent agent and deal with a variety of entertainers including dancers, singers, musicians, comedians etc.
The Music Promoter
Books covers, tributes and original acts / bands for regular Showcases, Festivals or Venues, sometimes running a circuit within an area to promote specific styles of music. The Promoter is NOT an agent but organises events where they book acts to appear. Many promoters work on behalf of a venue and do not charge a commission to the act / band. More established promoters will often give local original artists a support gig for one of their more popular or major acts / bands with 'Audition or New Band' nights to encourage and promote live music.
Payment to the artists vary with many promoters handing out tickets to the band members which are counted after the gig and a small percentage of the takings paid to the artist/s. More established and headline acts/bands may be offered a flat fee. The promoter either takes a percentage of the door fee or is paid by the venue.
Its true that many artists have lost money through dodgy promoters, however, those that are not on a weekly wage invariably pay out all expenses, advertising, PA hire, sound engineer and other staff fees from the door money!! In other words, don't expect to get paid if there isn't much of an audience unless you have signed a contract or made prior agreement with the promoter on a standard fee.
It’s a totally different ball game for signed or popular artists who can command a fee, specify P.A. & Lighting requirements plus provide their own sound engineer.
National Bodies
Agents' Association of Great Britain
54 Keyes House
Dolphin Square
London SW1V 3NA
Tel: 020 7834 0515 Fax: 020 7821 0261
Email:- association@agents-uk.com
The Official Association for Entertainment Agents and Bookers. Search for registered agents in the UK providing every style and genre of music plus an Artist Search facility at the Directory of British Entertainment.
National Entertainment Agents Council
PO Box 112
Seaford
East Sussex, BN25 2DQ
Tel: +44 (0) 870 755 7612
Professional Trade Body for Entertainment Agents. This site provides fully searchable contact details for UK Agents, as well as describing the Rules, Code of Conduct, Aims of the organisation, and the Benefits of Membership.
