File puptcrit/puptcrit.0809, message 48


From: Christopher Hudert <heyhoot-AT-mindspring.com>
Date: Sun, 7 Sep 2008 03:08:40 -0400
To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Agents!?


Hi Michelle,
   Though I don't have a huge amount of experience with agents, I do 
have some. 20% is not out of the normal range. Actually, in most areas 
it is perfectly normal to charge 15% to 20%, so having someone you can 
trust and giving them 20% for the work they will do to get you work is 
reasonable. An agent does not draw 20% on your expenses (mileage, 
hotel, etc.), only on your fee. Some agents will give you your straight 
fee, then tack on over and above for themselves. This may be 20% to 
200% or more, depending on how much scruples the agent has. Some 
agents, particularly ones with a suite of services, give a figure for 
the entertainment, then hire within that figure. Sometimes it works 
very much in their favor, sometimes less so. Sometimes they will take a 
break even or loss on the entertainment if it means they can also sell 
tents, bounces, games, etc. That's where they'll make the money.
   No harm in signing with this agent if he is taking 20%. It really is 
not much for the amount of work he'll do. (If I could get someone to do 
all of my selling and booking work for 20% I'd certainly consider it. 
The selling and booking part is far more than 20% of the work, and the 
most tedious part! But I would miss the selling time where you build 
relationships with clients.)
   Yes, it is a good thing this is not an exclusive deal as you won't be 
his exclusive talent. When a client calls looking for talent, a good 
agent will try to sell them a number of things that they feel best fits 
the clients needs. Sometimes you will be in the mix, sometimes not.
   It is not unusual for agents to ask for/require a set term for repeat 
business to a particular client. For instance, if they book you for a 
gig at ABCD Company, if you rebook at ABCD again on your own within 1 
year, you will owe the agent 20% on that fee. The exception might be if 
you already do gigs at ABCD Company. In that case I usually inform the 
agent that ABCD is already a client and the clause regarding repeat 
business is waived. I have not had a problem with this, perhaps because 
I work with agents I can trust and vise versa.
   The main benefit of having an agent is that it is someone else 
selling your services to clients you might not otherwise reach. 20% for 
the leg work (well, really mostly phone work) that they do is not out 
of line. Just make sure the agent knows what you offer and can sell 
your services well. AND that they don't sell things you don't do.
   Both you and your husband are partially right. It is an opportunity 
to work more. But, although you will be working (performing) more and 
making a little less, you will have to work a little less to perform 
more. Hope that makes sense.

Christopher

On Sep 4, 2008, at 4:35 PM, Puppet People wrote:

> Hello all. We have been approached by an acquaintance to be 
> represented by
> him in a new agency he is forming. We trust him and respect him as an 
> artist
> but are leary of the % he is asking (20%...which I thought was high). 
> Anyone
> care to share their experiences with agents and the % they take, as to 
> what
> the "going" rate may be and benefits of having an agent and the 
> services
> they offer? I look at it as an opportunity to ad to our income...my 
> husband
> looks at it as working more for less $$$...any comments are greatl;y
> appreciated. Oh, this is not an exclusivity deal, we will still be 
> obtaining
> most of work ourselves.
> Thanks in advance!
>
> Michelle
> The puppet People

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