Can you handle it?

There are many types of management and sometimes, a lot of times actually, they intertwine and have to work with each other. This title of managing means guiding, directing, overseeing, studying, identifying, planning, and whatever else you see fit.  There’s product and artist management but I am interested in event management, seeing as how what I want to work with is live events. However, there will be products, services, projects, artists, etc. that will be showcased at an event. Whether it be a small meeting or large concert, something is being exhibited, and there is someone or a team that is in charge of making sure it is displayed correctly. The responsibility of representing and selling something (whether it is tangible or not) is a skill not everyone holds. That is why most often it is someone else who holds the position. Whether we know it or not we have held this position before though. Granted it probably was on a small scale such as maybe having the responsibility of managing your time. 

In the entertainment industry you may be placed in the role of making sure everything runs effectively. It takes great experience and dedication to be able to manage something in this field. A lot of people will count on you to get them or a product in the spotlight. There will also be frustrations. I have a friend who is a manager for a national drugstore and when he expresses his frustrations for his store I can only imagine the frustrations in the entertainment world. The expectations of being a manager are really high and there has to be a certain level of commitment. In my last post I interviewed an artist manager and he stated that the interests of his artist was his number one goal. If you find it important, you will be able to make others find it important. That is what I believe makes an accomplished manager.

Do We Have A Deal?

The other day I had the pleasure of interviewing Bryan W., a coworker of mine who is also a professional in the entertainment industry. He is in the business of Marketing/PR and holds the title of Owner Operator and Artist Manager. Though I am more interested in live events, I figured I should interview him about what he does to get a better understanding of the inner workings of the industry. I also know that our focuses within the industry intertwine. Bryan goes to small live entertainment venues in Orlando to find the artists that he represents. If he likes someone, he approaches him or her and that is when the collaboration process begins. Negotiations and deal making is something that happens a lot in entertainment business regardless of what field you focus in.

When I met with Bryan I asked him how long he has been in this industry, which he told me was six years. He added that he has been in sales for 20 years and that the experience from sales greatly helps him now. Bryan regularly negotiates about dollars, percentages, albums, royalties, etc. with music artists. I asked him how he separates the person from the problem when he goes into a negotiation and he told me by rapport building. He explained how this is important in maintaining a positive negotiation and understanding each other’s needs. Bryan went on to mention that before an actual meeting, a phone call is made to build this rapport and from there he extensively researches the person he will be negotiating with. I then asked how long does his negotiations usually last and Bryan told me that he’s had it go from an hour to a week. Those that take long are people that are being hardheaded and in those situations he brings in a mediator. These responses provided a good insight on the general run-through of a negotiation but I wanted the good, bad, and UGLY.

Unfortunately I didn’t really get any ugly. I excitedly asked Bryan about dirty tricks, such as lies and pressure, does he use them in the negotiation room? Bryan assured me that he doesn’t but is great at spotting them from the other party. He defines this ability as being one of a good negotiator He told me that he actually says at the beginning of his meetings, “[let’s] be honest, don’t play games”. Bryan also mentioned how it would be no problem for him to get up and end the meeting if he senses that dirty tricks are being employed. He said that this is “a sign of what will happen later, which breaks the trust.” Bryan is looking out for the artist’s best interest so he never takes them into a negotiation because he doesn’t want them to be associated as being the bad guy if a deal with a label is not taken. In cases like this, I asked Bryan if he has a BATNA to which he responded he usually has three backups. This helps him know the value of the negotiation he is currently in.

The interview with Bryan was helpful because I learned about doing RESEARCH! This was something he reiterated quite often in our interview. Bryan said it’s important to not be caught off guard and research allows one to know a lot of details about somebody. I also learned from this interview to have backups, not just one but at least 3. The entertainment industry is always moving so it’s best to be able to move right with it. Regardless of ‘who you know’, deals are going to be made and they will require some negotiating.

If you are in the Orlando area looking for an artist manager, just let me know and I will get you in contact with Bryan W. 

Picture This

This past weekend I volunteered with Snap! Orlando, a photography celebration that showcases amazing works of national and international photographers. The main event took place in a warehouse in Downtown Orlando. I worked Friday, which was the opening night of the art exhibition and also Saturday, which was a continuation but included a fashion show. I really enjoyed helping out with the event but how I found out about this event was through a friend via a social media network the day before! The event opened my eyes to spectacular works including a live work done entirely by the use of a Sharpie marker up against a 20-foot wall (as shown in the picture below). I was more wide-eyed because the event gave me an idea of the kind of things I could work with since I want to be a Creative Director for live events and productions.

I also realized that I should start getting into photography more. It’s something I enjoy doing as a hobby every now and then but since I don’t own a fancy ultra expensive camera, I don’t think I can convey that artistic side of me to others when those around me look like real photographers. A book I am currently reading for class is Rich Dad, Poor Dad and the author talked about how “fear” is the most powerful emotion that prevents us from achieving success. Another chapter of the book expressed how we should want to know a little about everything; this is something I tell people but many things cost money and that financial fear is what holds many, including myself, back from doing it. I like how my weekend experience and my class readings tied in so perfectly.

Overall, this event was a joy to work with and I plan to do this event again next year. I also hope to find more treasures like this that I can volunteer with that will give more experience and allow me to explore the city of Orlando more.