Become a Success Story Not a Casualty

I haven’t blogged in a long time, but I was inspired after watching an episode of “Unsung” of TV1. They told the story of Musical Youth, best known for the song “Pass the Dutchie.” What stood out to me most in this story was a statement from a British radio host who worked closely with the group. He said, “The people who don’t make it in this business are the young & the black.” Part of me was offended because I can name may young & black artists who have made it in the entertainment business, but when you compare to their older or white counter parts there is usually a distinct difference in success levels. I had to ask why is this the case? The answer I can up with can be summed up in one word EDUCATION.

No, I’m not preaching about the importance of a formal education. I’m talking about having knowledge of the business you are entering into. Many artists only concentrate on their craft and just want to sing, rap, or act; not many research the business aspects of the industry they just wait on a manager or a label to handle the business parts. When it comes to young talent parents play a vital role in the child’s career development. Parents should know what is standard compensation for an agent & manager. They should know basic things to ask for when dealing with a label or talent agency, especially if they act as manager. They should be well aware of child labor laws and rights and privileges given to child talent. They should encourage their child to sit in on all business meetings. Also, parents should NEVER totally leave their child in the hands of a manager. If the parent is not the manager then there is no reason the child should be living with their manager or going on tour without a parent of trusted guardian. Some of the biggest failures in the entertainment business have happened due to mismanagement. Some of the biggest success stories with child stars have some from those whose parents either act as manager or are heavily involved in their child career. Some of these success stories include Usher, who later switched managers and suffered a hit to his career. Brandy, who is still well managed by her mother. Lindsay Lohan, who with all legal issues aside had a strong career under the management of her mother. Most recently Justin Bieber, has skyrocketed to POP fame. While his mother is not his manager she remains closely involved with the business aspects of his career.

When looking at the failure stories with black entertainers I have to look at both lack of industry knowledge and living beyond their means. So many artists (especially young rappers) are excited to get into the business and are just get a deal they don’t really shop around for the best deal or know exactly what to ask for when they get an offer. I personally know a rapper who signed a 10 album deal with a label owned by a famous boxer. This was almost ten years ago and this rapper has not even released a single, but he has received many advances from the label and of course has to pay it back. While we are no longer in the days of $1million advances labels still offer fairly substantial advances to hold the artist over until their project comes out. The problem with this is when artists spend all or more than they were advanced and the project is not successful. I don’t see anything wrong with taking an advance from a major label who is going to put serious money in to producing and marketing talent, but I still don’t suggest spending all of the advance money. Spend a portion for NECESSARY items, save a portion in an interest bearing account, and invest the rest. If the project is not successful and the artists has to pay the label back they will have close to, all of, or more than they need to pay the label back. If the artist signs with an independent label I suggest not taking an advance at all and getting a larger percentage of royalties and a bonus for a successful project.

The bottom line to this blog entry is to educate yourself, research as much as you can about the industry you want to enter. Know what to ask when looking for a manager or agent, know what is standard in a record label of talent agency contract. Become financially literate and know how to watch your large sums of money. Become a success story, not a casualty.

Building & Maintaining A Professional Reputation

Have you ever heard the phrase, “You’re reputation precedes you”? This is especially true in the entertainment industry. Even with the growth in the industry of new artists, companies, and industry professionals the entertainment industry remains a small and close-nit community. As we enter the entertainment job market and get our names in the industry, we must start building and marinating a professional reputation. This is vital because people in the industry will find out as much information about you as they can before they invest time and money in you. The entertainment industry is tricky in that what others would consider a normal social environment such as a club or party, the entertainment industry would consider a work environment. So, whether in or out of a traditional office setting we must pay attention to a number of areas to have a positive professional reputation.

➢ Dependability
You are indispensable to your employer if they can trust you with an assignment, without having to micro-manage you. Also, if your employer can trust that you will show up when and where they need you.

➢ Accept Responsibility
You need to be able to take credit for successes and the blame for failures. If you take on a project you have to be ready to take on all the issues it comes with, whether they are your fault or not.

➢ Reliability
Reliability implies confidence, thorough knowledge and a positive track record. Reliability again is built over a period of time; if a person is to be looked upon as reliable he should have built that confidence & trust over the years. If a professional has to prove that he is reliable, he should have built up a track record of hard work.

➢ Responsible Conduct
Since a good amount of entertainment business takes place in social settings, you must display responsible conduct. Your company will not be comfortable having you represent them in these situations if your conduct is irresponsible.

All Business.com says in the entertainment industry they do a Word-of-Mouth test. This three-prong test answers questions in areas of awareness, “Have you heard of this person?” Reputation, “Can this person help me with my problem or add to my company?” Personal experience, “Have you worked with them or know anyone who has?”

Entertainment Attorney, John Kellogg, says that in this industry people backstab and do under-handed things that they may get away with for awhile. However, people will still talk and say do not work with this person. A person can be at the top of their industry but after doing so much dirt, he/she has no choice but to fall.

The lifestyle that the entertainment industry affords is easy to get sucked into and even easier to get kicked out of. Your reputation is a snap shot of who you are and depending on who is giving their opinion of you it could make or break your career, your dream, your livelihood. So watch how you carry yourself, watch the situations you put yourself in, and watch whom you make “friends” with in this industry.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Top-Tips-to-Boost-Your-Professional-Reputation&id=263596

http://www.allbusiness.com/marketing-advertising/marketing-techniques-sponsorship/12313754-1.html

http://www.artistshousemusic.org/videos/ethics+and+professional+reputation+what+goes+around+comes+around

http://entbloggster.blogspot.com

All Things Entertainment

Welcome to All Things Entertainment. Here I will share my thoughts on various issues and things that go on in the entertainment industry. I did not want to limit this blog to one area of entertainment because I find many things to be interesting in all facets of the industry. As I enter the world of entertainment marketing and artist development I want to give my perspective on what I would do or tell my clients to do in situations that arise in the industry. I will also offer tips on how to efficiently optimize your presence on the web. So many companies and entertainers are trying to build a strong web presence, but are not using the sites to their advantage. I will give information on how to make your sites work together for a more advantageous experience.

I hope you all enjoy my blog and please feel free to post your comments and give feedback. To all actors, models, rappers, singers, and anyone else who falls under the artist umbrella I hope you get some ideas on how to hone your image, build your web presence, and deal with the possible pitfalls of the business.