FAQ
Q. What is the process of booking an attraction?
A. Just give us as much information as possible about your event and the type of entertainment or speaker you need including your budget range. Based on this information we will provide you with a list of options that meet your criteria. Once you decide on someone we will confirm the event with the attraction, and issue an agreement covering all the details of your event.
Q. How does your Celebrity Talent Acquisition service work?
A. This process begins with a proposed date and budget range along with pertinent information about your event. Based on this information we will research and submit a timely report on which artists fit the needs of your event. We will then work with you to narrow down the list to your top choice(s) and in turn negotiate and make offers on your behalf - we work for you. After an artist contract has been issues we will help you sort through the contract and production rider. We will be available to you from the beginnng process to the end.
Q. How do you charge for your service?
A. With our normal talent booking service there is no cost to you - the attraction pays a booking commission. With our Celebrity Talent Acquisition service our clients pay a service fee.
Q. Do you represent the celebrities on your web site?
A. We do not represent celebrities – we represent your interest in negotiating the best opportunities. You are the star!
Q. What does Turn-Key mean?
A. In a word “Everything”. For our clients who do not have the resources or simply choose not to produce the show themselves, we offer complete turn-key productions. Some of the aspects of show production include: Talent Selection, Contract Negotiation, Contract Rider Negotiation, Sound/Lighting/Staging Production, Catering Requirements – crew and artists, Video Production, Transportation, Ground and Air, as well as day of event, Lodging coordination, Stage Hands, Backline requirements, Communication details as well as on-site coordination and supervision the day of show.
Q. What are rider requirements?
A. These are the extras that come with the artist. You will receive the artist’s contract and along with that will follow the rider. The rider will spell out exactly what the act will require for their show. It probably will list security requirements, staging requirements, sound and light specifications, catering requirements, dressing rooms, runners, transportation, Merchandising information, billing info and on.
Q. Isn’t it less expensive to go directly to the exclusive artist’s agency?
A. Major agencies represent the interest of their celebrity clients and only those artists who are signed exclusively with them. They are obligated to work in the best interest of their clients - not yours. We represent your interest and are not restricted to working within the confines of exclusive rosters. We can save you time, trouble, and money. With our years of knowledge and experience along with our resources and the relationships we have cultivated throughout our over 50 years in business, we can negotiate the best possible prices that will normally over-compensate for our service fees while at the same time offering a professional buying service.
Q.. What are typical deposits and when are they paid?
A. Most Celebrity deposits will be due with the signed contract. Typical deposit is 50%. The balance is generally due the day of the show – normally by cashier’s check. Non-celebrity entertainment can range from a 15%-20% deposit that is also due with the contract. Balance day of show.
Q. Why Use a Show Producer?
A. There are many important decisions to be made, and details to be handled, from the beginning planning stages to the conclusion, to ensure a successful event. Just a few of these would include: Entertainment/Speaker selection; Contract Negotiation; Light & Sound requirements; Transportation and Lodging logistics; Staging requirements; and the many on-site details to be taken care of the day of the event. Unless you have the resources and someone within your organization with the experience, expertise, and time to coordinate all of these details, you should consider using a production company. A good entertainment production company has the experience necessary to guide you to just the right attraction or speaker, based upon your objectives and budget. After the selection of the attraction or speaker, they negotiate the contract on your behalf, and coordinate the artist/speaker contract rider requirements to ensure a successful program. They will have a representative on-site during the event to handle any problems that might occur. A competent production company can save you valuable time and money, and give you the added security of knowing your interests are being represented by qualified professionals. The end result is a successful program achieving your objectives.
Q. How Do You Choose A Production Company?
A. Most production companies specialize in one or two areas. For example, one company might be more specialized in Show Productions and Speakers, while another might specialize in decorating, and another in the audio/visual field. Although most companies can coordinate all of your needs, it would be to your advantage to choose a production company specializing in the most important area of your event. Check on their performance record. Ask for a client list with names and numbers. Check on the level of overall service satisfaction. Have other companies used their service more than once, and do they plan on utilizing them again? How responsive was the production company to their questions and needs? Ask the hard questions.
Q. After Choosing a Production Company, Then What?
A. The amount of assistance you require from a production company can affect the total cost of an event. Come to an agreement in terms of exactly what is expected from the production company, and spell it out in an agreement. Make certain the production company knows specifically what they are accountable for. Some programs or events require more time than others. Go over the objectives of your program with your producer, the demographics of attendees and your budget. Determine if there is a discrepancy between what you expect, and what you can get for the money budgeted. A reputable producer can more than pay for his cost through effective use of the budgeted money. Not every program or event demands the service of a production company. When it is feasible, selecting the right company is the difference between having a successful event and achieving your objectives, or a substandard event.
