Talent agencies are known for
bridging the gap between budding talent and career opportunities for the talent.
Contracts are made between the talent agency and the talent, and the talent
agency and business clients. The Vice President of Operations for Chrome Talent
& Creative Group, Charles (Charlie) Reader, made this statement,” as a
talent agent, one of the most important things you must be able to do is to be
a good negotiator.” During an interview with Charlie, he discussed how he
focuses on gaining mutual benefit, refraining from using dirty tricks, and most
importantly separating the person from the situation.
In
order to gain mutual benefit, Chrome has diversified it’s business in such a
way that any one willing to use their service will benefit from more than just
representation. For example, the state of Florida prohibits talent agencies
from charging for representing or acting as an agent of a person. Chrome’s goal
is then to contract talent, under the circumstances that they receive a full
professional portfolio from Chrome and a commission from bookings. This
contract is negotiated individually and the terms may vary from talent to
talent. However, the ultimate aim is for both parties to gain mutual benefit.
During
the interview, Charlie also talked about the importance of an agent being able
to handle different personalities and being cautious of any dirty trick that
might be used during a negotiation. He stated, “some clients do not posses the
best attitudes, and as an agent your must be able to remove all emotions from
the situation and remain professional at all times.” This indicates that in
order to be successful in booking clients, you must be able to handle pressure,
lies, poor attitudes, or any dirty tricks that might be used against you. You
must remove yourself from the situation and act in the best interest of the
person that you are representing and the company.
It
can be said that negotiations play a big role for a talent agent. Therefore,
the ability to negotiate effectively is extremely important within the talent
agency industry.
