Association of Talent Agents – It takes a village

I’ve never been a guy who felt a need to belong to any type of larger collective. Perhaps it was a deep-seated desire to break free from my childhood and growing up as part of a large family, or maybe I was just destined to be one of those lone wolves. Whatever the case may be, as I grew older, wiser and began to climb the corporate ladder, I quickly realized that there was something really appealing about belonging to a group of like-minded professionals. Sure, at first it may have been the mega conferences with their open bars, complimentary alcohol suites and gift bags, but I soon discovered that trade associations bring far more to the table.

The Association of Talent Agents (ATA) is the largest trade association for talent agents. ATA promotes a two-fold mission. While protecting and promoting the creative endeavors of artists, ATA members benefit from a wide array of services to include “negotiation of franchise agreements with industry guilds, interpretation of agency/guild and state regulations, professional development resources and seminars, dispute resolution expertise, a residual tracking system, and discounts on legal services (http://www.agentassociation.com/frontdoor/faq.cfm).” They also bring to light the legal differences between a manager and an ATA agent? In most states, agents must be licensed by the state; city or appropriate governing body, while managers are not regulated and are not required to be licensed. This could have dire consequences as invalidated contracts and relinquished commissions can result from rendering agent services without a license.

In addition, with an every changing regulatory and financial landscape in the entertainment industry, ATA offers members a way to stay informed and engaged in the future of their industry. It also gives agents validity and resources at a time when potential clients are expecting more services and results in a highly competitive talent market.

As I look to the future of BLBC, the ATA has a lot to offer my agents and I as we forge our place within the industry. The benefits of belonging to an association such as the ATA will aid us in better serving our clients and ultimately help us create a wholly successful environment for our company and our clients.

Who knows, there may even be a sweet swag bag in it for me somewhere along the way. For more information on the ATA visit: http://www.agentassociation.com.

Beautiful Music – What makes a hit?

As a mostly right-brain thinker, I spend the majority of my time and engaging in creative thoughts and things. Yet, I also am very keen to mathematics and logic and enjoy solving complicated problems as well. There are many occasions when I find myself in a paradoxical situation where the situation calls for one or the other and I must make a choice. In the music world, some so called “hit machines” seem to find ways to continue making hit songs year after year. Do they know something that the rest of us don’t? Have they figured out a formula that combines the best of both worlds in that they can mathematically assemble hit songs one after the other based upon a set equation? Some would say yes.

Many of you may have probably by now either seen this in a video or perhaps even performed live by any number of bands, but there is indeed somewhat of a formula for hit songs. There is a 4-chord structure that can be applied to a varying range of popular songs. This video by The Axis of Awesome says it all.

In addition to the 4-chord hit structure, almost all music has some form of repetitive structure. It is in fact this same repetitive structure that we find in poetry as well, that along with a rhythmic melody creates what we humans would call “beautiful” music. Now certainly, based upon the lyrics, the instrumental arrangement and the intensity, the view may vary on whether one person finds a song to be beautiful or not based upon their taste in music. Yet, almost all music contains some sort of mathematical repetition that connects with our human sense of rhythm and balance. Yet, what would happen if a song were created without any repetition whatsoever? What would that sound like?

In a 2011 TEDX talk by Scott Rickard, he brings to light some amazing computational mathematics that for the very first time in history, allows us to lay ears upon a song without any repetition at all, either in form or timing of the played notes. Take a look and listen and decided for yourself. Is this the ugliest song ever? More importantly, what would it mean to the music industry if it were to take on a challenge of not recycling those same 4 chords and what if artists began experimenting with a more random or original form of musical structure. It just may be that beauty, in fact, is in the ears of the beholder, and who knows, we could see an entirely new form of music arise.

Promises and Pitfalls

Now that you’ve proven that you have the talent, the moxie and the passion to pursue your dream, it isn’t as easy as just jumping on the bus and going on tour. I for one certainly wish it were. However, as I pointed out in a previous post, a key element in the equation is to seek representation. Yet, beware the promises and pitfalls that come along with not only choosing representation, but also that exist within the entertainment industry as a whole.

There are a lot of things no one ever tells you about making it in the industry. Following your dream and not giving up is a great place to start, but there are many entities out there that may or may not have your best interests at heart. The fact is that there are many who are only in it for their benefit and are willing to sacrifice your future for their short-term gain. The worst place to start your dream journey is by being naive, uninformed and ultimately exploited.  

Peter M. Thall is an attorney in entertainment law in New York City and has been in the game long enough and has seen the good, bad and the ugly. He offers aspiring artists, as well as seasoned professionals in the industry, insight into the inner workings of the business in his book entitled, What They'll Never Tell You About the Music Business. Thall’s book contains these topics and much more.

• Is one person's money another person's motivation
• What a personal manager should and should not be expected to do managing your money
• How 25% can equal 100%
• Radio promotion
• Touring concerns
• Merchandising
• When your publisher forgets you
• Copyright issues

The bottom line is that before you sign on the dotted line and jump in head first, make sure you read the fine print, do your research and surround yourself with those you trust to guide you along the way. The decision to pursue your dream is as big or bigger than any you will ever make in your life. Approach it as such, while understanding that even those who have your best interests at heart may not always be able to work miracles. It is a difficult industry for even the most talented individuals and those who represent them. Yet, being prepared and understanding some of the pitfalls that you can expect along the way will put you in a position to lay claim to your future and find success in pursuing your dream.

Pursuing The Dream – Don’t Ever Give Up

For those who dream of one day seeing their name in lights, it can be a daunting uphill battle to realize that dream. Whether you are an actor, musician, artist or author, the challenges of becoming a success in the entertainment industry are vast. That is why the most important part of pursuing your dream is a true love and passion for what you do. It is this love and passion that will be the fuel that keeps you in the game when obstacles are thrown your way. JD Charisma is one rising star who believes that following your dream with “heart and passion” can make the difference.

Today, like never before, we are able to witness the glory in realizing your dream and the overwhelming sadness of defeat. Reality TV talent shows such as XFactor, American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, America’s Got Talent and others have taken over primetime television. Many, if not all of these shows, not only give us a front row seat, but also put us in a position to determine whether a dream comes true or is shattered. For many of the ambitious, the chance to audition alone can be the thrill they are after, but for others, anything short of performing for the crowd and seeing their name in lights is falling short of their dream.

There are numerous reasons why it is so important to follow your dreams. “There is a reason why as kids we loved magic and dreams. Stop chasing your dreams and you will forget how it feels to live hopeful and young (Addicted2success.com).” One hopeful individual who believes in following her dreams is Rachel Potter, who wowed the judges in her initial audition and is rumored to be one of the sixteen finalists on this year’s XFactor. She has already given us a glimpse of her intention to follow her dream.

At the end of the day, pursuing your dream can and should become somewhat all consuming. There is nothing wrong with working hard to pay the bills while pursuing your dream or even finding a new calling along the way. Yes, I know that in the hardest of times, when it seems like you may have failed or the obstacles are too great, it can be very hard to stay the course and believe. However, I don’t believe that anyone has ever said it better than coach Jim Valvano. “Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up!”  

The Key to Success - Representation

The entertainment industry is full of glamour, fame and fortune. That is of course if you are fortunate enough to be on the inside and happen to be someone who has found they keys to open the front door. For every success story or rags to riches, small town extrovert turned Hollywood celebrity; there are dozens of hard luck stories of those who thought they had what it takes to make it big.

When it comes to the entertainment industry, there is one tried and true formula that has delivered fame and fortune to many a seemingly overnight celebrity success story. While there is no escaping a basic need for talent, and the long forgotten Milli Vinilli scandal notwithstanding, the one factor that has delivered for most, if not all those celebrities is professional management. Entertainers are proven to be more successful when represented by professional management companies. More importantly, contributing factors to that success include the management company’s industry contacts, media and legal experience and financial position.

Representation and Industry Contacts

Success in the entertainment industry does not happen overnight, or by chance. While the advent of social media has made it easier to promote yourself, and for even the oddest of talents to garner a small amount of overnight stardom and success, those who realize long term success do so with professional representation. More importantly, that measure of success can, in many cases, be directly attributed to the number and level of industry contacts an agency has and the clout it carries within the industry.

dailymakeover.com

Oprah Winfrey, Robert Downey, Jr. and Tiger Woods have been on top of their respective industries for many years. In fact, each of them was recently named to Forbes Magazine’s highest earning lists in their respective fields for 2013, each earning over $70 million to date according to Forbes Magazine.  Even more telling is that until recently, both Winfrey and Downey, Jr. were represented by the same management agency, Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Therefore, the question that begs to be asked is “How can one agency represent two of the highest paid entertainers in their field at the same time?” The answer is industry contacts.

When it comes to opening the door to fortune and fame, it helps to know the doorman. Simply said, it is all in whom you know. While on the surface it is the actor or athlete’s image that dominates the media, in actuality, it is the agent who represents them and brokers the deals that land the big payday for their clients. The personal and agency contacts and the influence those individuals possess drive the negotiations. When Magic Johnson, arguably one of the most recognizable names in sports, decided he wanted to start a business for himself, he asked colleagues and mentors alike whom he should turn to for advice. He was directed to the office of Michael Ovitz, co-founder of the Creative Artists Agency (CAA). In that meeting, Johnson says the first thing he learned from him was that to be successful you have to be willing to use every connection you have got.

Representation and Mastery of the Media and Legal Negotiation

Perception is the reality and drama drives the media. People love a good scandal and it seems the more successful you are, the more likely you are to find yourself in one. The truth is that most people only know celebrities based upon the image that the media has created of them. Therefore, when actions or lifestyles come to the forefront that go against such perceptions, it can wreak havoc not only on a celebrity’s personal life, but more importantly, on his or her earning capacity and success. The best agencies in the world know this and have a mastery of the media that can come to a client’s aid to ensure continuation of success.

examiner.com

When Tiger Woods, who many believed to be a clean cut, hardworking, pinnacle of success story, was found to be living an alternative lifestyle, it immediately took a toll on his image, and also his earning capacity.  His endorsements began to withdraw and ultimately his game began to suffer. When it comes to the world of negotiation and using influence to gain recognition for themselves and their clients, agencies and agents with mastery of the media provide the best skill set to deliver success for their clients. With multi-million dollar contracts at stake, experience with the media and legal matters can ultimately mean the difference when it comes to sustained success as an entertainer or athlete.

In 2013, less than five years since the scandal, Tiger Woods has regained his number one ranking and is slowly regaining the endorsement deals that made him the world's highest earning athlete. How has he been able to do that? The short answer is his management agency and his agent, Mark Steinberg. In fact, Steinberg recently negotiated a new endorsement deal with Nike that will take the place of a contract set to expire this year.

Entertainers who are represented by professional agencies that have a mastery of both the media and legal matters stand a better chance of weathering any type of career obstacle that may present itself. Image control and contract negotiations are key to longevity when it comes to career and financial success. Yet for management agencies to be able to deliver for their clients, it requires a certain level of success for themselves.

Representation from a Strong Financial Position

The entertainment industry has not been immune to the financial and business climate that has affected the U.S. in recent years. Movie studios are making fewer movies than at their peak, and in fact, are starting to venture into representation as well to save on costs. With that being said, success for clients begins with an agency that has a strong financial position.

A strong financial position allows for an agency to put its best foot forward for their clients and in return put more money in their own coffers. Agencies, to stay on top of the game as well as the financial market, have begun expanding their operations as well. Management agencies know that to be successful they have to be willing to bring more to the table. Having many resources under one roof allows for their clients success. Agencies are now going to greater lengths to secure business for their clients, such as packaging entire shows, creating clothing lines and securing branding and merchandising opportunities. An agency that comes from a strong financial position is better prepared to adjust to the financial climate and make these adjustments to its business strategy.

Seek Representation

The secret to success for entertainers is to secure professional representation from an established and reputable talent management agency. When looking to secure an agent or agency, three important factors to consider are the agency’s industry contacts, media and legal experience and financial position. Artists, musicians, athletes and entertainers seeking to reach a high level of financial success within their industry do so more often, when properly represented by a professional management company with these proficiencies. So, if you have the talent, the work ethic and the ambition to become a star unlock the key to your success through professional representation.