Agent or Artist Manager

Agents and managers work behind the scenes on behalf of performers and other workers who have a creative role in the entertainment industry. They promote artists' careers and run their business affairs. It is their job to secure the best work for their clients, for the best fee.

'Agent' is often used to describe someone who books performances for an artist. A manager has a wider role in promoting an artist's career. In some branches of entertainment, the two roles are merged.

An agent/manager may represent:

• actors
• comedians
• dancers
• musicians
• television and radio presenters
• writers
• niche artists such as circus acts, stunt artists or lookalike models.

Clients range from top Hollywood stars, generally handled by large international agencies, to struggling young bands.

The job may include:

• negotiating contracts and fees
• finding and booking festivals and venues that match the artist's career strategy
• advising on career decisions, eg helping an actor choose which roles to audition for
• publicity and promotion
• scouting for promising new talent
• getting involved in the creative process, eg helping a musician decide which record producer to work with, or which songs to perform
• handling fan mail, telephone enquiries and requests for personal appearances
• responding to media enquiries
• dealing with work permits, travel arrangements and other practical issues
• if necessary, finding a local manager in another country to source opportunities
• keeping records of conversations and agreements.

The work can be intense and sometimes stressful. There is keen competition to win, and then to keep, the best clients. It is also important to have a balance of experienced and up-and-coming artists. Frequent contact with clients is essential to ensure they are satisfied.

An agent/manager needs to be in constant contact with people in his or her sector of the industry. This may include promoters, club managers, festival directors, TV executives and producers.

Those representing well-known acts may lead a team of people, including lawyers, PR managers, accountants and assistants.

Starting salaries for a trainee agent may be around £12,000 a year.

Hours and environment

Agents/managers generally work normal office hours, Monday to Friday. However, in practice, longer hours are common. They are frequently required to attend their artists' performances in the evening or over weekends.

Those working internationally may need to work late into the evening to deal with contacts in the USA and other countries in different time zones.

Agents/managers are office based. Travel to meetings and other events is common, so a driving licence is an advantage. International travel is routine for those representing major clients.

Salary and other benefits

These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.

Agents' salaries are dependent on the work they secure for their clients - they usually keep between 10 per cent and 25 per cent of the overall fee.

• Salaries for a trainee agent in a large agency may start at around £12,000 a year.
• An experienced agent could earn around £30,000 a year.
• The most respected agents, representing top clients, can earn up to £250,000 or more.

Skills and personal qualities

An agent/manager needs to have:

• excellent communication and negotiation skills
• a flair for organisation and the ability to prioritise
• a head for figures
• charm and persuasiveness, to build contacts and relationships
• confidence
• persistence
• stamina
• an eye for detail
• good computing skills.

Interests

It is important for an agent/manager to have:

• a passion for the entertainment industry
• a belief in the work of the artists that they represent.

Getting in

There are around 2,000 agents/managers working in the UK entertainment industry. Many work for agencies, whilst some are self-employed.

Most work is concentrated in London, but there are agents/managers in most parts of the UK. New artist management companies are constantly being created, though not all of them survive in the long term.

Vacancies may be advertised in the national press and The Stage magazine. Some jobs are filled through personal contacts, so it is important to get an early foothold and reputation in the industry. The Agents' Association (Great Britain) website lists member agencies.

Entry for young people

There are no set entry requirements; experience, enthusiasm and contacts are more important than qualifications. However, some agencies may prefer applicants to have five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), or a degree or diploma in performing arts or management subjects. Previous work in the industry, for example, as a TV assistant, may help. Foreign language skills can also be an advantage.

For a degree course, the usual entry requirements are at least five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) and two A levels/three H grades or equivalent. For a BTEC/SQA Higher National Diploma in Management, usual entry requirements are five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) and one A level/H grade.

Some agents/managers get into the field by managing the careers of friends. Others start off as entertainers themselves, and gain knowledge by promoting their own talents.

Many people start by gaining a junior job in a company, eg as a personal assistant, and work their way up to the role of agent/manager. A few agencies run trainee schemes for agents/managers.

Entry for adults

There is no upper age limit. Some agents/managers have already had a first career as an entertainer, or in another part of the industry such as recording or broadcasting.

Training

New agents/managers train on the job, usually working alongside experienced staff.

The Agents' Association (Great Britain) and the International Artist Managers' Association provide advice and guidance on running an agency. The Music Managers Forum (UK) runs workshops and training courses.

Getting on

Agents or managers advance by building a strong reputation for good client services, and attracting more top performers onto their books.

Some move on to set up their own agencies, or move abroad. There are many management companies in cities such as New York and Tokyo.

Further information

The Agents' Association (Great Britain), 54 Keyes House, Dolphin Square, London SW1V 3NA. 020 7834 0515. Website: www.agents-uk.com

International Artist Managers' Association, 23 Garrick Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9BN. 020 7379 7336. Website: www.iamaworld.com

Music Managers Forum, British Music House, 26 Berners Street, London W1T 3LR. 0870 850 7800. Website: www.musicmanagersforum.co.uk

Crown Copyright www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u

Send to a friend | Digg this! | Del.icio.us | Added by: Kate Tucker (10/03/2008)