A Word About Agents
In the short article 'How to Plan a Banquet,' we consisted of a restricted discussion about home entertainment, and our basic recommendations was to employ a skilled talent scout who specializes in "casuals," which means one-day or one-night events, such as parties, weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs and other
fun events.
Some representatives represent actors and actresses, and unless they have a department that deals with variety acts and bands, they would be of no aid to you.
Some other agents handle only significant tourist attractions and stars, and unless you're dealing with a serious spending plan, they won't be able to help you get a band for Aunt Sarah's 50th anniversary celebration.
A range representative is able to assist you get that close-up magician, band, and sometimes even call artists like Reba McEntire or The Temptations. Those that focus on range entertainment are often called "full-service" agencies.
How do you inform who is a competent agent? That's a good question, because if you asked a representative if he's skilled he 'd be a fool to say anything but "Of course!".
Having actually remained in the entertainment company for over forty years, I've seen a lot of individuals started a business as representatives. Some last, some do not.
A huge percentage of my business comes from individuals who either have utilized my services prior to or were referred by someone who has actually utilized my services.
Discovering Talent.
Discovering your own entertainment can be enjoyable. I have invested years seeing other acts, bands and tourist attractions, and I never cannot enjoy it.
The internet or the Yellow Pages are a great beginning place. Try utilizing an internet search engine to discover what you're looking for. You'll discover listings in the Yellow Pages under performers, party coordinators, home entertainment bureaus, and maybe some other categories.
Attempt a look for something like "bands in los angeles" or "juggler orange county" or whatever is proper. See exactly what you develop.
Be careful that a stunning website may not imply the very best performer. Numerous site are not built by the entertainer and even it is, a nice-looking website does not equate to excellent entertainment.
Referrals from pals may be beneficial to you if you follow the reviewing procedures laid out below.
Enjoy your regional newspaper for entertainers that are scheduled to appear for other groups in your location, and make it a point to catch their acts if possible. Obviously, if you start going to other events, you'll see some poor home entertainment, too. (I guess it holds true that you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find a prince!) But even that can be helpful, if you are observant and take down exactly what made the act great or bad.
Evaluating An Act/Band.
If you're not dealing with a representative, you will require to evaluate the act yourself. There are three techniques of evaluating an act: You can (1) go see the act perform live, (2) enjoy a video of the act, or (3) have actually the act come audition for you.
Without a doubt the very best method is to see the act perform under approximately the exact same set of situations as your event. Seeing people carry out in Las Vegas to a night-club crowd does not imply they'll be able to perform for little Gloria's 10th birthday party (or vice versa).
The issue with visiting live performances is that it is certainly very time consuming, and you will only be able to see a minimal number of contenders before it's time making a decision. But on the other hand, think about the fun you'll have!
Enjoying DVDs is an outstanding approach, as you can cover a great deal of ground in an evening. Unfortunately, not all acts have DVDs or videos, and it would be a shame to eliminate a superior act simply since they might not supply one.
Another BIG issue with video is that many acts provide a short, modified variation of their act. This can be really misleading. When examining an act by video, I constantly insist on (but do not always get) an unedited version of the show. I never ever hire an act based on an edited video. I've become aware of circumstances where an act was worked with because they had a really powerful video, just to find that in their whole show, the only part that was any great was those few minutes on the video.
Do not be overly impressed by a DVD or video of a motion picture appearance, guest spot on a TELEVISION show, or commercial. That still does not suggest they can do the job you desire them for.
Unless you're a representative, you can just about ignore having the act audition for you. Possibly an act will drop off literature. In the case of a magician, mime, or comparable variety act, you might receive a short demo. However, this small section in addition to its glib pitch can be really deceiving.
Do not take possibilities; be sure of exactly what you're purchasing!
When you talk with an artist on the phone, ask him to send his "press kit" or literature and a DVD or video tape.
The majority of variety acts will have printed literature or a total press kit (which includes a photo, biographical details, letters of suggestion and references or list of previous efficiencies).
Please don't be taken in by excellent printed material. Typically, however not constantly, you can get a pretty great concept of their level of professionalism by the materials they send you.
I do understand some truly great acts that work all the time and have practically absolutely nothing in the method of printed materials. Naturally I've likewise seen some actually outstanding printed materials but was dissatisfied when I saw the act. I have a band that I send to a great deal of small wedding events and installation banquets, and it took me virtually a year to get a picture from them. (I'm still wishing to get a song list some day.) I've got another band that is definitely tops in advertising product and their band is absolutely tops, too!
Some entertainers no more make use of paper press kits but rather choose an electronic press kit either contained on a DVD they send you or merely up on their website. That's fine. It's definitely a more contemporary technique of ensuring one's self.
Plans.
It's essential, when you've decided what entertainers or band you're going to hire, that plans be made clearly and in writing. I've confined a sample letter you may want to use. Some entertainers have their own agreements, however many do not, making it necessary for you to put everything down on paper and send it to the artist. I'm not a lawyer so I have no idea how enforceable the letter is, but at least you have the information down on paper and you both understand and consent to the terms.
If I'm serving as Agent, I complete an agreement based upon our discussions, then forward it to my customer for a signature. I attempt to gather as much information as I can about the event so that I can prevent any surprises. The artists also receive a binding agreement.
By the way, this may be an excellent place to point out that talent representatives are like travel representatives in that they don't charge you for their services, however rather charge the artists. The agent is truly watching out for your interests and can draw from many entertainers and bands, being fairly acquainted with what each act does. There is a web membership service that notes thousands of artists, who their personal supervisor is (if any), and/or ways to reach them. All artists are readily available to a full-service agent, instead of simply a handful of acts that the representative has actually had the ability to assemble.
When making your plans with artists make certain that you talk about everything:.
Place. Best to send out the act a map.
Date of efficiency.
Time and period of performance. Bands normally work 4 hours, with a 10-15 minute break each hour. Talk to them about their breaks and just how much overtime will cost. Some bands supply tape-recorded music during their breaks.
Put the charge down in writing. I would think twice to pay the act a deposit, although some performers and bands require it. I'm a licensed agent, so an act understands that once I send out the agreement their pay is ensured. Both you and the artist are acting on a trust not yet shown. The performer questions if he'll get paid, and you wonder if he'll appear! It's the only system we have.
Technique of payment. Acts always expect to be paid completely following the efficiency. If other arrangements are to be made, please not only discuss it with them, but put it in your letter of arrangement.
An act will would like to know your time schedule ... exactly what time is the cocktail hour, supper, etc. and this brings up a fascinating topic: feeding the act. Typically, if you have only one individual doing a show after supper (e.g. a magician or a vocalist), you ought to welcome him to join your group for supper. However, it would not be expected of you to feed the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Even bands are hardly ever fed. If you utilize the band for the cocktail hour, throughout dinner, and after that have them take a break while you provide awards or conduct other business, then.
it would be suitable to feed them throughout that hour. It's not compulsory, nevertheless. (Keep in mind that a meal is a good alleviation for the act if they are giving you an unique break on the charge.).
Who supplies the public address system? Bands normally have their own equipment; other acts may not. A guitarist who sings might need 2 microphones. Four vocalists might require microphones and expect you to provide them. If you're at a hotel or other banquet facility, you might be able to get everything you require from them. Substantial noise systems will have to come from a professional noise business. Make sure you discuss this with your entertainer and put it in writing.
Lighting. Once again, your facility might have exactly what you need. Spotlights with an operator can be rented for around $350. Huge concerts will require the services of a professional lighting business.
Stage? A banquet of less than 50 individuals might not even require risers, but when you start standing up in the numbers, you'll have to get your performers up to where the audience can see them. A catering facility or hotel will normally have 4' x 8' risers at various heights so that you can build a platform or phase for your entertainment.
Is it outdoors? Exactly what if it rains? You should truly specify what you will do. Will you then hold it inside your home? The act or entertainer has blocked out that day for you and possibly rejected other work. They are actually entitled to their charge even if the program is rained out, unless you've made other plans.
Seating. It's very difficult for an artist to have a dance floor between himself and the audience. If you're having a dance after a comedian or other entertainer, talk with the act about how close the seats or tables require to be. Perhaps he/she can deal with the dance floor.
Does the act require a place to alter clothing or established devices?
Does the act sell albums or other product at the performance? Some musical acts provide albums after the program. Is this all right with you?
Parking and unloading. How great it is for a performer to pull up in front of the YMCA and find a sign "Reserved for Entertainer." You cannot always do that, however bear in mind that some acts have a lot to bring in. If the only parking offered expenses money, you ought to reimburse the performers. Talk about it and include your choice in your letter of arrangement.
There are plenty of things to ask about. Take time to photo in your mind precisely how things will be. If there is a question in your mind about anything, ask. Ask the hotel, the band, the act, the agent.
Conclusion.
Well, really, that was simple. Just spend months taking a look at acts and days working out and a couple of weeks wondering if you blew it. (Or provide a call to a proficient skill representative and let him fret about the tough things!).
Maybe a good guideline to bear in mind is "You get exactly what you pay for." A buddy called me and desired Mariachis for a Church Mexican Fiesta. I quoted him a rate for five Mariachis for 2 hours, but he headed out and hired his own for less. He called me up later simply sick about it. He had actually called a group promoted somewhere and got a low price ... and low quality. It's not a brand-new story.
Don't search for the most affordable price; appearance for quality. If you can't manage top quality, it's most likely better not to have home entertainment at all instead of to employ an act that makes you and everyone else squirm in their seats.
In the short article 'How to Plan a Banquet,' we consisted of a restricted discussion about home entertainment, and our basic recommendations was to employ a skilled talent scout who specializes in "casuals," which means one-day or one-night events, such as parties, weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs and other
fun events.
Some representatives represent actors and actresses, and unless they have a department that deals with variety acts and bands, they would be of no aid to you.
Some other agents handle only significant tourist attractions and stars, and unless you're dealing with a serious spending plan, they won't be able to help you get a band for Aunt Sarah's 50th anniversary celebration.
A range representative is able to assist you get that close-up magician, band, and sometimes even call artists like Reba McEntire or The Temptations. Those that focus on range entertainment are often called "full-service" agencies.
How do you inform who is a competent agent? That's a good question, because if you asked a representative if he's skilled he 'd be a fool to say anything but "Of course!".
Having actually remained in the entertainment company for over forty years, I've seen a lot of individuals started a business as representatives. Some last, some do not.
A huge percentage of my business comes from individuals who either have utilized my services prior to or were referred by someone who has actually utilized my services.
Discovering Talent.
Discovering your own entertainment can be enjoyable. I have invested years seeing other acts, bands and tourist attractions, and I never cannot enjoy it.
The internet or the Yellow Pages are a great beginning place. Try utilizing an internet search engine to discover what you're looking for. You'll discover listings in the Yellow Pages under performers, party coordinators, home entertainment bureaus, and maybe some other categories.
Attempt a look for something like "bands in los angeles" or "juggler orange county" or whatever is proper. See exactly what you develop.
Be careful that a stunning website may not imply the very best performer. Numerous site are not built by the entertainer and even it is, a nice-looking website does not equate to excellent entertainment.
Referrals from pals may be beneficial to you if you follow the reviewing procedures laid out below.
Enjoy your regional newspaper for entertainers that are scheduled to appear for other groups in your location, and make it a point to catch their acts if possible. Obviously, if you start going to other events, you'll see some poor home entertainment, too. (I guess it holds true that you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find a prince!) But even that can be helpful, if you are observant and take down exactly what made the act great or bad.
Evaluating An Act/Band.
If you're not dealing with a representative, you will require to evaluate the act yourself. There are three techniques of evaluating an act: You can (1) go see the act perform live, (2) enjoy a video of the act, or (3) have actually the act come audition for you.
Without a doubt the very best method is to see the act perform under approximately the exact same set of situations as your event. Seeing people carry out in Las Vegas to a night-club crowd does not imply they'll be able to perform for little Gloria's 10th birthday party (or vice versa).
The issue with visiting live performances is that it is certainly very time consuming, and you will only be able to see a minimal number of contenders before it's time making a decision. But on the other hand, think about the fun you'll have!
Enjoying DVDs is an outstanding approach, as you can cover a great deal of ground in an evening. Unfortunately, not all acts have DVDs or videos, and it would be a shame to eliminate a superior act simply since they might not supply one.
Another BIG issue with video is that many acts provide a short, modified variation of their act. This can be really misleading. When examining an act by video, I constantly insist on (but do not always get) an unedited version of the show. I never ever hire an act based on an edited video. I've become aware of circumstances where an act was worked with because they had a really powerful video, just to find that in their whole show, the only part that was any great was those few minutes on the video.
Do not be overly impressed by a DVD or video of a motion picture appearance, guest spot on a TELEVISION show, or commercial. That still does not suggest they can do the job you desire them for.
Unless you're a representative, you can just about ignore having the act audition for you. Possibly an act will drop off literature. In the case of a magician, mime, or comparable variety act, you might receive a short demo. However, this small section in addition to its glib pitch can be really deceiving.
Do not take possibilities; be sure of exactly what you're purchasing!
When you talk with an artist on the phone, ask him to send his "press kit" or literature and a DVD or video tape.
The majority of variety acts will have printed literature or a total press kit (which includes a photo, biographical details, letters of suggestion and references or list of previous efficiencies).
Please don't be taken in by excellent printed material. Typically, however not constantly, you can get a pretty great concept of their level of professionalism by the materials they send you.
I do understand some truly great acts that work all the time and have practically absolutely nothing in the method of printed materials. Naturally I've likewise seen some actually outstanding printed materials but was dissatisfied when I saw the act. I have a band that I send to a great deal of small wedding events and installation banquets, and it took me virtually a year to get a picture from them. (I'm still wishing to get a song list some day.) I've got another band that is definitely tops in advertising product and their band is absolutely tops, too!
Some entertainers no more make use of paper press kits but rather choose an electronic press kit either contained on a DVD they send you or merely up on their website. That's fine. It's definitely a more contemporary technique of ensuring one's self.
Plans.
It's essential, when you've decided what entertainers or band you're going to hire, that plans be made clearly and in writing. I've confined a sample letter you may want to use. Some entertainers have their own agreements, however many do not, making it necessary for you to put everything down on paper and send it to the artist. I'm not a lawyer so I have no idea how enforceable the letter is, but at least you have the information down on paper and you both understand and consent to the terms.
If I'm serving as Agent, I complete an agreement based upon our discussions, then forward it to my customer for a signature. I attempt to gather as much information as I can about the event so that I can prevent any surprises. The artists also receive a binding agreement.
By the way, this may be an excellent place to point out that talent representatives are like travel representatives in that they don't charge you for their services, however rather charge the artists. The agent is truly watching out for your interests and can draw from many entertainers and bands, being fairly acquainted with what each act does. There is a web membership service that notes thousands of artists, who their personal supervisor is (if any), and/or ways to reach them. All artists are readily available to a full-service agent, instead of simply a handful of acts that the representative has actually had the ability to assemble.
When making your plans with artists make certain that you talk about everything:.
Place. Best to send out the act a map.
Date of efficiency.
Time and period of performance. Bands normally work 4 hours, with a 10-15 minute break each hour. Talk to them about their breaks and just how much overtime will cost. Some bands supply tape-recorded music during their breaks.
Put the charge down in writing. I would think twice to pay the act a deposit, although some performers and bands require it. I'm a licensed agent, so an act understands that once I send out the agreement their pay is ensured. Both you and the artist are acting on a trust not yet shown. The performer questions if he'll get paid, and you wonder if he'll appear! It's the only system we have.
Technique of payment. Acts always expect to be paid completely following the efficiency. If other arrangements are to be made, please not only discuss it with them, but put it in your letter of arrangement.
An act will would like to know your time schedule ... exactly what time is the cocktail hour, supper, etc. and this brings up a fascinating topic: feeding the act. Typically, if you have only one individual doing a show after supper (e.g. a magician or a vocalist), you ought to welcome him to join your group for supper. However, it would not be expected of you to feed the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Even bands are hardly ever fed. If you utilize the band for the cocktail hour, throughout dinner, and after that have them take a break while you provide awards or conduct other business, then.
it would be suitable to feed them throughout that hour. It's not compulsory, nevertheless. (Keep in mind that a meal is a good alleviation for the act if they are giving you an unique break on the charge.).
Who supplies the public address system? Bands normally have their own equipment; other acts may not. A guitarist who sings might need 2 microphones. Four vocalists might require microphones and expect you to provide them. If you're at a hotel or other banquet facility, you might be able to get everything you require from them. Substantial noise systems will have to come from a professional noise business. Make sure you discuss this with your entertainer and put it in writing.
Lighting. Once again, your facility might have exactly what you need. Spotlights with an operator can be rented for around $350. Huge concerts will require the services of a professional lighting business.
Stage? A banquet of less than 50 individuals might not even require risers, but when you start standing up in the numbers, you'll have to get your performers up to where the audience can see them. A catering facility or hotel will normally have 4' x 8' risers at various heights so that you can build a platform or phase for your entertainment.
Is it outdoors? Exactly what if it rains? You should truly specify what you will do. Will you then hold it inside your home? The act or entertainer has blocked out that day for you and possibly rejected other work. They are actually entitled to their charge even if the program is rained out, unless you've made other plans.
Seating. It's very difficult for an artist to have a dance floor between himself and the audience. If you're having a dance after a comedian or other entertainer, talk with the act about how close the seats or tables require to be. Perhaps he/she can deal with the dance floor.
Does the act require a place to alter clothing or established devices?
Does the act sell albums or other product at the performance? Some musical acts provide albums after the program. Is this all right with you?
Parking and unloading. How great it is for a performer to pull up in front of the YMCA and find a sign "Reserved for Entertainer." You cannot always do that, however bear in mind that some acts have a lot to bring in. If the only parking offered expenses money, you ought to reimburse the performers. Talk about it and include your choice in your letter of arrangement.
There are plenty of things to ask about. Take time to photo in your mind precisely how things will be. If there is a question in your mind about anything, ask. Ask the hotel, the band, the act, the agent.
Conclusion.
Well, really, that was simple. Just spend months taking a look at acts and days working out and a couple of weeks wondering if you blew it. (Or provide a call to a proficient skill representative and let him fret about the tough things!).
Maybe a good guideline to bear in mind is "You get exactly what you pay for." A buddy called me and desired Mariachis for a Church Mexican Fiesta. I quoted him a rate for five Mariachis for 2 hours, but he headed out and hired his own for less. He called me up later simply sick about it. He had actually called a group promoted somewhere and got a low price ... and low quality. It's not a brand-new story.
Don't search for the most affordable price; appearance for quality. If you can't manage top quality, it's most likely better not to have home entertainment at all instead of to employ an act that makes you and everyone else squirm in their seats.
