Sample Format of Artist-Agent Agreement

Narendra Kumar

01 May, 2018

What is Artist-Agent Agreement?

An artist-agent agreement is formed between a professional artist and an agent who is capable of looking after the business aspect of the artist’s career. The agency so formed is proven beneficial to both the parties looking into the recent times of competitiveness where the artist does not require just to be a fine performer, but also be open to and efficient in promotions and exposure in the market with an aim to reach the maximum audience. It is seen that artists who are unable to take due care of these aspects, suffer in the long run or may not even have a career of a long run.

Thus, it is preferred that an agency is created by the artist by appointment of a person to deal with the business transactions with the third party, be accountable for the finances of the artists etc.

The agreement is drawn such that the agent is responsible for reaching out to the appropriate lines of distributors and sponsors for the Artist, be accountable for the monies and finances of the artist and the protection of artist’s work.

The Artist may be an individual, a couple or a group of people.

The Agent may be an individual or may even be a company/ firm with the required expertise managing the duties mentioned in the agreement.

The relationship between the Artist and the Agent is not only contractual but of Agent’s belief in the work quality and dedication of the Artist and the artist’s trust in the management skills and intentions of the Agent.

What are the elements of Artist-Agent Agreement?

An Artist-Agent agreement may have following pointers:

1. Details of the Agent and his work: Name of the artist, the field of work ( a painter, dramatic performer, singer, actor, author etc), geographical extent and limitations, if any,
2. Details of the Agent: Name and Address of operation it is an individual, Legal name, and Registered Address if is a corporation/ firm
3. Date of execution of the Agreement, from which date it shall become effective.
4. The consideration as agreed upon by the parties mutually: may be a fixed payor on a commission basis; period of accounting and the mode of payment; provision of revision of the consideration.
5. The extent of the Agent’s authority: for a particular line of work, in some prescribed geographical area, with particular types of third parties etc
6. Duties of the Agent
   • To manage communications and negotiations with the promoters, distributors, producers etc.
   • To manage finances relating to the work (eg. fee, invoices, bills, refunds etc)
   • To manage promotions on individual levels
   • To deal with the legal affairs relating to the work (eg. IPR)
7. If the agency is for a specific term period or shall continue unless terminated by a separate legal agreement^[1].
8. The conditions of the termination of the agreement; the notice period is to be supplied by either party to the other; days within which complete payment to be made; any fee or penalty to be paid if terms not abided by.
9. In even of a dispute between the parties, what course may be taken: traditional litigation or arbitration. If arbitration, then an elaborate clause to be inserted.
10. Terms of examination of books and records relating to the transactions
11. If conflicting interests arise to the agent, the course to be taken then and notice if to be served.
12. The manner in which modification can be made to the Agreement
13. Address of both parties where notices mentioned in the agreement require being supplied
14. Governing Law and jurisdiction
15. Statements that
    • The Artist shall be legally bound by the actions of the Agent with respect to the provisions of the said agreement
    • The agent shall act with reasonable care and bonafide intentions, keeping in mind the best interests of the Artist.

The Artist-Agent agreements are not solely business agreements. They are for the purpose of encouraging the artists to flourish by reaching out to the appropriate markets and audience. Agents act as such channels so as to let the Artist focus on their skills, performances, and quality of the work instead of struggling with the business, finance and legal affairs and letting an expert provide the proper services. The agent must serve the best interest of the Artist, so as to help him reach its full potential.
Thus, the element of trust and confidence is key in such agreements.

There may even be a confidentiality clause in the Artist-Agent agreement which does not allow the agent to use any information acquired in the course of the agency with any person or to Principal’s detriment. This clause shall hold even after the primary agreement stands terminated and attracts heavy penalties in many jurisdictions.

Thus, it is apparent that Artist-Agent agreements are quite a necessity in these fierce times and artist obtaining help from the experts in exchange for consideration is beneficial to their careers.

For more details regarding legal agreement visit us at Enterslice.