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Comedy Writer Special user 594 Posts |
I'm rewriting my performing contract and am looking for ideas -- what in yours?
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lou serrano Special user Los Angeles, CA 671 Posts |
I keep my contract very simple. It has the basics: Who, What, Where, When, and Why. I don't use any legal jargon, and over the course of my career the contract has gotten even simpler. All of the specific requirements that I need for my performance is spelled out in an attached Performance Rider.
I find that the simpler the contract the easier it is to get approved. If you have a contract filled with legalese, in many cases it will have to go through the legal department when you're dealing with a corporation. I prefer to keep things simple to streamline the booking process. There are times when a corporation insists that I use their contract, and then I have to get my own lawyer to take a look at it before I sign. It's an approach that has worked for me. Lou Serrano |
Mindpro Eternal Order 10586 Posts |
In my Entertainer's Business Toolkit I provide a couple of different contracts, as well as riders, performance instructions and even technical requirements. There are several variations for the purpose of some performers (and performance markets) needing only a simple or basic contract, while others would be for other more professional types of markets and applications. Over the years I've quickly found one size does not fit all.
Like Lou, make sure all of the basics are covered and the terms and methods of payment required are included and outlined. Certain market's needs and requirements can vary which should be accommodated in your contract as well. What do you currently have in yours? |
Comedy Writer Special user 594 Posts |
I'm re-writing mine to cover mine. Used to have just the basics, when where payment. Now, I'm adding more details: Coverage( in case I need to et a sub for the shows), details on rain/weather events, and looking for what has worked well for others.
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Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
The Contract Book by Jim Kleefeld (for magicians) has been out for many years, and it has been updated for the new 21 century. I am sure you can find it if you look. It now costs $30. There are samples and covers several situations with examples.
"The Contract Book This valuable reference for entertainers, recently updated, has been in print continuously since it was first published in 1988. It is a compendium of contracts and contract information geared especially for entertainers. Magicians, clowns, jugglers, musicians, ventriloquists and storytellers have all found the advice and information on contract invaluable. Besides a strong theory section on how and why to use contracts for shows, there is practical advice on paper, envelopes and printing. The book's second section has 12 contract forms suitable for reproduction as-is or on letterhead. Each form is supplemented with text that explains its various functions and clauses, such as cancellation or videotaping. There is also a section on booking sheets for keeping track of show arrangements. There are booking sheet examples and a sample cover letter for sending with contract mailings." http://www.professionalmagicproducts.com......ractbook |
Tony Thomas Inner circle North Carolina 1248 Posts |
I have recently added that 50% is required to complete the booking process. When that is received their date is locked. If cancellation happens, I keep the 50% booking fee. Beyond that it is simple, who, what, when, where, why, like Lou mentioned above.
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corpmagi Special user New York 725 Posts |
Here’ another current contract book for variety performers written by a performer (Todd Neufeld) who is also a lawyer: https://balloonacademy.com/product/sign-here/
A Modern Trade Show Handbook
www.trafficstoppers.com/handbook |
Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
Quote:
On Mar 16, 2018, Tony Thomas wrote: Until they sue you, then it not so simple. So you get flooded out, and your transportation and props are all destroyed. According to your statement, you still will show up to do your show. They call and cancel the day of the event, so you owe them a refund. They video your show, and it on YouTube. The day of the simple pay and play simple agreements are dead in the 21st Century. |
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Absolutely true.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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