I heard that an Agent or Promotion License is required to actually make my actions completely legitimate.

Does anyone have any information about this? I am just starting out and don't want to get caught up in a mess because of my own ignorance. Can anybody shed some light on this subjest for me? Simple question:

- Do I need to have some sort of Agent or Promotion License to acutally represent my talent pool to clubs and venues (in the US or Europe)?

I hope someone can help me with this question. I have looked around the net and can not find any answers either way....HELP.

Mikeee for this one.

I know that in the U.S that laws vary from state to state, so maybe entertainment laws also vary?, i'm guessing.

Mikee will be able to advise you on the UK aspect of this, and I bet he knows somebody in the U.S who can give you the required info

No special liscence required here

In that case Chris, do you want a agent, I'll only charge you 20% ?

Do it myself ads and i do it for free!

OK Chris you're a hard nosed businessman I can see, I make my final offer 15 %

Hmmmmm, makes me wonder...I am only charging 10% - I shall have to rethink my strategy!

Actually I have seen some places ask for 30%. Any ideas on what is normal/average?

But, back to the original question concerning the licensing requirements:

None required in the UK - is that correct?

I still have no info on US requirements - promotion/booking agent license????

Please help...

Cheers

I am in Norway Promo, Ads i do the agent duties for 8 djs and i do it for free! Why ? no under pricing,i play where i want and when i want.

One for Mikeee

I do like walking on egg shells.........

Simply NO. Agency licensing was de-regulated in 1995, and all of a sudden the world and his family became agents, I'm alright i don't need a license - correct, butyou do have to work within the Employment Agencies Act 1973 (1976) and the Employment Bill 2000, and any additions and / or modifications, and there are a few, even I've lost the plot. I can't remember the full address but go to www.dti.gov.uk and follow the links to the right areas. When you have read the +/- 483 pages, you then have to decide whether you want to be an Employment Agency, Employment Business or both.

This is your starter for ten.

I personnaly work as an agent in 99% of all bookings, but on the odd occasion that the client wants me to supply other things and invoiceing becomes complicated, then I work as a business.

Complicated or what.
Chris I've changed my mind you can do it yourself

To add further plot to the lost plot!

I understand that if you are a Karaoke Video DJ - or, play Artiste Video Discs, some company's provide with the VCD/DVD a public viewable license (per disc). It 'bumps' the price of the disc up (an additional cost of £25 each) but at least the 'entertainer' is covered to work in public!

Anyone caught playing an un-licensed DVD/VCD can expect a fine of £20,000 per track played!!!!!!

However, the 'law' is being re-drawn as I write, so that ONE license issue covers ALL discs.
This subject matter alone, can be a grey area! Paula could hopefully shed some experience / light on this?!
So if you're intending to 'sub-contract' or 'agent' others, like Mikeee suggested - the UK's DTI is a good point of reference!!!!!!!

Trouble with this line of work....one minute you're a business, then an agent, then a business, then an agent......

I think Paula, at this moment in time is browsing Sainsburys!

more like www.barcadiandcoke.com !!

Is she looking for or or maybe its just more


Spin

Firstly, I want to thank everybody for jumping in and providing me with some great info and at least places to start gathering more info.

Cheers everyone!

And hopefully I will get the opportunity to bring one of my DJs over there for a gig and I will have the opportunity as well to meet some of you...I am always up for a nice bitter at an All-Bar-One.