Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Industry Liabilities


Personal Managers Group is suing to stop the enforcement of the Talent Agencies Act also known as the (TAA). The California laws that prevent managers from securing employment for their clients is becoming increasing hard to avoid. Presently, if a manager wants this task completed, the manager has to get an agent to perform it or get a license to become an agent.

In my opinion, the California law needs to catch up with the times. Managers are responsible for more now, in order for an artist to become successful, opposed to when this law was originated. The job description back then of both titles was clearly defined but today personal managers are wearing several hats including the one previously worn by an agent. 




The Star of “ Flipping Out” Jeff Lewis is suing his co-star Jenni, who has been his executive assistant for the past ten years, for breaching her confidentiality agreement that she signed in 2008. Jeff filed the lawsuit in L.A Superior court on Wednesday, November 14th, 2012. Mr. Lewis’s complaint states that his co- star plans to write a book titled “Hang in there, baby, —What One of the World’s Most Difficult Bosses Taught Me About Life, Work, and Love”.

In my opinion, this is just a publicity stunt. Jeff and Jenni are both stars of this reality show. She is the Yang to his Yin. He is only acting out because she will not give him an advanced copy. On the other hand, it may be the same kind of situation like the “Red Hot Chili Peppers” v. Showtime regarding Californacation. Jeff just might be covering his bases to make sure he protects his business from being tarnished from what could be insinuated in the book, even if he really does not have a problem with it.




Britney Spears and her parents won their court case against her former manager Sam Lufti who was suing her for breach of contract. Sam claimed that he was owed 15% of Britney Spears shared earning because he became her Manager after her head-shaving meltdown when she fired her whole team. Unfortunately, The courts did not think he had enough evidence to support his claims and the case was dismissed.

In my opinion, there was probably some truth to Sam Lufti’s claim but he did not present it well to the court. I am just a little concerned that if he could not provide documentation to prove his claim, than I would question his organizational skills as a manager.


In conclusion, I believe all three court case articles will assist me in becoming more aware of the dirty tricks talent, artist or people in my employ will play that can alter my career path, business, and/ or my reputation. I will have to be conscious of the pitfalls and the legal ramifications that come along with this industry in order for me to be successful in the business of the entertainment.





Reference:

Google Images http://www.google.com/webhp?hl=en&tab=ww#hl=en&tbo=d&sclient=psy-ab&q=images+of+Talent+agency+act&oq=images+of+Talent+agency+act&gs_l=serp.3..33i29l3.11753.37998.1.39159.22.21.1.0.0.0.126.1474.18j3.21.0.les%3B..0.0...1c.1.RdX1b3Mo2mA&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&fp=ce3035b6e2c7a37&bpcl=38897761&biw=1119&bih=721



THR http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/britney-spears-trial-sam-lufti-385597

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Managers backstage


The Ross Report used to be where we looked for industry reference. Today a website called backstage is how we direct new talent to start in the industry. The raines have been passed to backstage magazine for talent to use in search for a lifeline into the entertainment industry. There are several websites used by artist managers in the business but the best resource for information evolving what matters in entertainment is the backstage. 


This magazine is considered the entertainment bible in the industry. Backstage has been the best source for talent since the 1960’s; it is updated every two weeks to keep the industry’s information current. It provides information about pre and postproductions of films, television, stage, commercials, and web series from New York City to LA. Auditions, castings and all other industry positions or job opportunities in the entertainment business can be found in backstage.  

Backstage is used as the directory for anyone who is interested in working in the entertainment industry. Talent who are currently seeking management representation will find at least 658 managers listed in backstage to choose from. The list is categorized in areas of representation. It provides background information regarding the person or company, contact information and submission policy if necessary. In most cases information is not available unless the talent becomes an account member of backstage magazine. It is well worth it, so many jobs and networking opportunities have paved the way to success from these resources.

Backstage also keeps their subscribers updated on celebrity interviews, news, and audition calendars. This information is important because it keeps the talent in the loop of what is happening in their area of interest. I would recommend any talent or interested industry hopeful to begin their career by getting a subscription to backstage magazine to start their quest of entering into the business of the entertainment.   

















References:

Google images http://www.google.com/webhp?hl=en&tab=ww#hl=en&sugexp=les%3B&gs_nf=3&qe=aW1hZw&qesig=RUIF_q-Ofq6zretaa9_cHg&pkc=AFgZ2tk62xupPoF9ms727d6DV0OwB-vGTjkdNueAM8V10MZdc01Z2sD_iEo51AgHzUAvblJ9_4GODaYqDz-81qkn_r3Cvt0kFQ&cp=4&gs_id=d&xhr=t&q=images+of+iron+man&pf=p&tbo=d&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&oq=imag&gs_l=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&fp=65a6ecd9ee5d3679&bpcl=38093640&biw=1193&bih=755

backstage http://www.backstage.com