Expert: Vinnie James - 2/25/2008

Question
hey there!

i am about to represent a group of artists who have a movie coming out and need to send them a proposal with costs etc. and i am not sure what i should charge. they want me to release all their back catalog via i-tunes etc. and basically generate press and take care of anything that has to with the business side.

in the past i have only worked with unsigned artists and worked on a percentage basis, but this time i need to charge some kind of retainer as they are not looking for a record deal, just a business manager.

any help you can give would be most appreciated!

thanks!

Lesley

Answer
Hi Lesley,

My first reaction would be to advise you charge by the hour... what I would do is work with the artist to determine what their budget is for promotion and marketing and then break it down into daily, weekly or monthly tasks and charge them by the number of hours you plan to work during that given timeframe...

To charge by project could be a dangerous proposition...

I would call around to various promotions firms and get their pricing... or just do a search on google and find out what different companies are charging by the hour...

Also, be sure that you put in the time and do the very most you can do for them in the given timeframe... also, make sure they understand that there are no guarantees in this business... let them know that you'll do your very best... and that you'll work hard and do everything you know to do for them...

One last thing... I would ask them to be very specific about what results they're looking for before you get involved... having a clearly outlined list of expected results will keep you out of hot water and keep everyone happy... ask them to write down a very specific list of things... for example, "we would like you to contact "X" number of people over the next 30 days, etc." That way... you can do what they ask of you to the letter...

Finally... I would love to chat with you regarding your services as well... please visit me at: http://www.myspace.com/vinniejames and send me an email there with your contact info...

I hope this was helpful...

Love, peace, strength and respect,

Vinnie James

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