How to Become a Booking Agent
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Booking Agent
What does a Booking Agent do?
A A talent agent, or booking agent, is a person who finds jobs for actors, authors, film directors, musicians, models, professional athletes, writers, screenwriters, broadcast journalists, and other professionals in various entertainment or broadcast businesses but also agents. In addition, an agent defends, supports and promotes the interest of their clients. The way old talent agencies specialize, either by creating departments within the agency or developing entire agencies that primarily or wholly represent one specialty. For example, there are modeling agencies, commercial talent agencies, literary agencies, voice-over agencies, broadcast journalist agencies, sports agencies, music agencies and many more. Having an agent is not required, but does help the artist in getting jobs (concerts, tours, movie scripts, appearances, signings, sport teams, etc.). In many cases, casting directors, or other businesses go to talent agencies to find the artists for whom they are looking. The agent is paid a percentage of the star's earnings (typically 10%). Therefore, agents are sometimes referred to as "10 percenters." Various regulations govern different types of agents. The regulations are established by artist's unions and the legal jurisdiction in which the agent operates. There are also professional associations of talent agencies.
When a performer needs assistance finding a job, or taking an act or concert "on tour", a booking agent may be considered to handle arrangements related to the venture.
Also known as a talent agent, a booking agent may act as liaison between the act and venue operators.
A booking agent may work on an independent basis, finding clients on his own, or may be part of an agency, working with other agents to establish relations with a larger, broader spectrum of clients.
Depending on the client, a booking agent's duties may vary greatly.
For musicians and bands, a booking agent may act as a representative of his client, contacting music venues for potential dates that his client may appear and perform.
Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Booking Agent
Best tips for those who want to become a Booking Agent
Here are some tips to become a Booking Agent.
Treat it Like a Job Application.
Network and Build Relationships.
Mailing list – build it, build it, build it.
Start With Your Niche & Book What You Know.
Choose Your Suppliers Carefully.
Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Booking Agent
Best colleges and universities for Booking Agent
- Butler University
- Carroll College
- Cooper Union
- High Point University
- Princeton University
- Providence College
Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Booking Agent
Is being a Booking Agent Worth it?
My role as an agent means handling all the live bookings for my artists – taking enquiries for one off events & festivals, planning the touring schedules around new releases.
Allan Bregman, a booking agent and talent manager who represented the likes of the King family, Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, died Sept.
Music fans are being crucified by the secondary ticketing site, a booking agent has warned.
In the full swing of the post-World War II nightclub era, there were few variety acts on Boston stages that hadn't worked with booking agent Paul Jordan.
With nearly two decades of experience representing hip-hop, Schwartz has earned a reputation as someone who plays an integral role in developing new talent in the music industry—booking 12 to 15 major tours a year.
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Booking Agent
What skills do you need to be a Booking Agent?
Although this job may seem to be a more junior position, there are still certain skill sets which an applicant needs to possess to do well. In order to support the team, a strong grasp of these skills is necessary: Business Communications, Call Screening, Document Preparation, Document Processing, Drafting Correspondence, Meeting Scheduling and Logistics, Reception and Gatekeeping, Records Management, Telephone Skills/Etiquette. Profecciency in the following is key: Email Software, General Office Software. Experience and professionalism are always important to landing any job, and a mastery of these skills will help amplify your qualifications.
Provided excellent customer service to businesses making bookings for shipments from the USA to the Eastern part of the world.
Provide excellent customer service to existing customers/clients while booking their travel needs.
Good communication, organisation and customer service skills are essential for successful agents.
IT skills and experience in office work would also help, as booking agents spend much time on the phone and working with computers.
A creative apprenticeship could provide relevant experience before becoming a booking agent later on.
Step 6: View average salary for Booking Agent
How much does a Booking Agent make?
The average salary range for a Booking Agent is from $35,390 to $45,623. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
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View average salary for the United States
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Step 7: Find relevant Booking Agent jobs, and apply.
Looking for Booking Agent jobs?
Here are some Booking Agent jobs in the United States.