Contract Issues in Entertainment
Having a career or business in the entertainment industry can be very rewarding. Along the way, however, every artist, performer, or promotional company encounters contract issues that can be time consuming and confusing. Travel and practice schedules add to the complexity of the negotiation process between entertainers, venues and management companies. To properly prepare you for some of the more common transactional occurrences, the following information outlines pitfalls awaiting veteran and novice entertainers alike, and ways you can protect yourself, your reputation and your business.
Performance Venues, Exhibits and Appearances
Entertainers rely on venues as a means of performing or exhibiting their work. While the internet has changed this dynamic quite a bit, live performances will always be the backbone of the industry. Regardless of whether it is a bar, concert theater, street fair or other location, both artist and venue should always ensure they are protected with respect to:
- Liability in the event of an on-stage of audience accident, including the acquisition of insurance policies with clear coverage terms
- Responsibility for expenses, especially travel costs and stage crew
- Promotional responsibilities
- Contingency plans for willful or unavoidable non-performance (e.g. weather)
Band Member Agreements and Management and Promotion Contracts
The division of royalties is one of the most difficult conversations that a band or performing group can have, however it is absolutely necessary. An experienced entertainment lawyer can remove a lot of the stress in these situations by serving as a neutral third party. And once the issue is handled properly, everyone can move forward to more important things.
Contracts are also necessary between performers and managers and promoters. With each party’s role clearly defined and the terms clearly established, future issues can be quickly resolved, and often times with a lot less expense.
Sponsorships
Artists, musicians and comedians may encounter sponsorship opportunities throughout their careers. The contracts associated with such arrangements are often complex and involve not only use of the sponsor’s product, but also the avoidance of any competitor products in the sponsor’s industry. The details of such an agreement can be intricate, which is why the nuances associated with artist sponsorship should always be overseen by a skilled entertainment lawyer.
Importance of Representation
The necessity for the best legal representation in the entertainment industry cannot be overstressed. All parties involved, including performers, record labels, management companies and venues should have very qualified lawyers on staff or retainer. This ensures everyone is protected, and makes for much more enjoyable business relationships.
If you are in need of an experienced entertainment attorney for a performance contract of other matter, contact the law offices at Potter Sieg, LLC today at (404) 270-0476 or psieg@pottersieg.com.
