Artistic agent

 Artistic agent
booker, impresario, manager, turner
Discovering new talents, proposing contracts to clients, defending their professional interests and ensuring their promotion: these are the missions of the artistic agent. Responsible for representing an actor, a singer, a model or even a writer, he boosts his career thanks to the network he has built up, his artistic sensitivity and his knowledge of the industry.

Professional life
A regulated profession
Since the 1970s, the profession of artistic agent has been governed by a whole legislative and regulatory arsenal. The law of July 24, 2010 modifies a few points. Until this date, administrative authorization prior to the issuance of an artistic agent license was mandatory. It is now deleted and replaced by registration in the national register of artistic agents. The new law considers that “the activity of artistic agent, whether exercised under the name of impresario, manager or under another name”, consists of representing and defending the interests of an artist. Please note: it is prohibited to carry out this activity if you are already a producer of cinematographic or audiovisual works.
A growing sector
Previously little known to the general public, the profession of artistic agent is developing at great speed. New agencies are being created, of various sizes, but, for the most part, specialized in a specific field (classical music, contemporary music, actors ...).
Beginner's salary
The salary of an artistic agent is calculated as a percentage of the remuneration received by the artist he represents. This percentage is currently 10%.
Working conditions
Various interlocutors
Singer, musician, actor, model, writer... The artistic agent can represent all kinds of clients. Often, he specializes in one field: that of contemporary music, for example. He is in permanent contact with various stakeholders: producers, casting directors, editors, etc. His address book, which he takes care to fill out, allows him to effectively manage his clients' careers.
To the rhythm of the artist
The artistic agent follows his client during his professional meetings: performances, competitions, castings, television or radio broadcasts, film sets... He therefore increases the number of trips in France, or even abroad, depending on the reputation of its client. He can work weekends and evenings, particularly when searching for promising talents.
Multiple statuses
Some artistic agents work as intermittent entertainment workers. Others are employees in an agency, a production company or a record label. Some work independently.
SKILLS
The grip of a salesperson
To approach record companies, producers, sponsors or publishers, it is better to have a commercial mind. Audacity, tenacity and seduction, these are the weapons of an artistic agent. His keen sense of negotiation, his interpersonal skills and his eloquence allow him to win as many contracts as possible for his clients.
Sensitive and attentive
The artistic agent listens to his clients. He understands them and appreciates their art, whether it is music, modeling, cinema or literature. Gifted with empathy, he uses all his energy and conviction to represent them. Patient, he takes the time to assess their expectations to make them suitable proposals.
Law and communication
Knowing the environment in which his client operates well, he integrates networks and knows who to contact based on the personality of “his” artist. Skills in commercial law, intellectual property law, regulations, communication and sales techniques are fundamental. The practice of one or more foreign languages is a plus, particularly for developing an international career or defending a foreign artist.
Nature of the work
Identify and support
The artistic agent studies the books, CVs, models, manuscripts of beginning or unknown artists. He scours performance halls and concert halls to identify new talents and offer them his services. He then becomes an intermediary, even a confidant, who supports the artists throughout their career. Everyone benefits from his wise advice in the hope of becoming famous.
Represent and promote
Aware of the slightest project in progress, he knows the casting dates by heart and tries to find a place for his client. He lands contracts that he negotiates based on the number of days, the notoriety of the artist and the importance of the project. He approaches record companies, modeling agencies, production companies, show organizers, publishers and sponsors. He promotes his artist and protects - from a legal point of view -