A distribution deal means that the artists generally owns
their own material, and uses only the reach and expertise of a
label to manufacture, distribute, promote, and sell their cd's
and product. With a label deal, an artist will generally share a
larger part of their rights with a label, who will provide in
theory, more backing for the development and management of the
artist. Music will then usually be partly or wholly owned by the
labels publishing side. The goal of most recording artists should
be to get at least 3, but preferably 15 or more tracks radio
ready, P.R. them selves like crazy, gain over 10 thousands fans
via myspace, and get a major label distribution deal.
Always register your songs with a copyright, and via A.S.C.A.P.
or B.M.I. before you let any one hear them. One thing to be
cautious of however is to not spend your life’s savings on
a full albums' worth of material, that no one will want. It would
be wise to be in touch with a band or music manager or agent who
has expertise in the market and what labels want. Test your
product before you create more of the same if it is not
marketable. These words may be painful to you as an artist, but
if you want to make money on your music, you need to be realistic
and treat it as a business. Most musicians do not know business,
so they need to consult with experts who do. There is much more
to the music industry than this of course, and there are always
exceptions to the rules, but these are some of the basics. For
further free information, you may contact my office at the number
provided below.
THE THREE RULES FOR PARENTS WITH CHILDREN IN THE
BUSINESS: If you are a parent with a minor, having them
pursue this business, there are 3 rules you must never, ever
violate.
One, don't let your child correspond in any manner, by phone, or
E-mail with an agent or manager, or any one else in this
industry. All communication, until they turn 18, should go only
through you.
Two, never allow a child under 18 to meet with an agent or
manager, or any one else in this business unless you are present,
in the same room. Also, never leave them alone, even for a
minute. Any professional agent or manager will not allow this to
begin with. I never, ever allow a minor in my office, unless a
parent is present each second. Even if they just have to run out
to the car to get a picture they forgot, the child goes with
them.
Three, never allow a child to do an audition, or job unless you
are present every second. If casting or production tells you that
you must wait outside, do not allow it. You are in charge of your
child, and you have a right to have them in your sight every
second, and you should. Even if it is a shoot at a big,
professional film studio, you should be present and watch every
second what happens. Standards of decency are at an all time low
in Hollywood. Even once respectable companies geared towards
children, are these days promoting children as sex objects. Some
parents are also to blame. Do not think that just because the
shoot is for so and so, every thing will be fine. Take control of
your child's career early on; do not sell them out to something
degrading. Be with them every second.
Never pay for photos for babies or toddlers unless you are rich
and simply want to. A reputable agent or manager will not require
a child or toddler's parent’s pay for photos, as they will
grow so quickly, the pictures will be outdated in 6 months or
sooner. Modeling schools are completely un-necessary. Most top
models did not go to a modeling school. A good agency or manager
will help groom and develop a model they are really interested in
at no cost. That does not mean that you will not need to pay for
pictures when they get older, you generally will. Agents and
managers usually never pay for photos. Do not spend money on
photos until you consult with an agent or manager you are signing
your child with first. Stanislavski is the foundation of acting,
so any acting classes you get a child should be with some one who
teaches that, has a lot of patience, is not mean, and again, you
should be present, physically and emotionally.
A baby or toddler needs a clean bill of heath from a reliable
doctor, in writing, indicating that the child can withstand the
stresses of being on set under bright lights, action, and
possible noise. Any child or minor also needs a work permit, and
a Coogan account. You should never spend money in order to get
either of these last two things. Any major bank should have some
one that knows how to open a Coogan account. This is an account
for your child whereby part of any money they earn goes in the
account and is theirs by law when they are 18. The rest can be
kept by the parents. A work permit is issued by the State, and
signed off by the child’s school principal, which they will
generally only give if they child has all A's, but at least
nothing below a B on the report card. Any agent or manager that
reps children can provide you with a copy of a blank work permit
to get filled out. A complete copy goes to the school, to the
state, to your agent, and to you. All parties get copies if
authorized by the state.
Do not pressure your child in to the industry. Do not let the
lure of fame and fortune completely destroy your sense of decency
and integrity. Parents need to follow this as
well as children. Being a movie star, rock star, or sex symbol
may give you a great life of fun, fame and fortune on Earth, but
most every star has a shelf life, and the human body of course,
does too. Look inside your self and examine what really matters
to you, and reflect that in how you live and deal with your
children if you have them. Be true to them, if you want them to
be true to you and they themselves.
There is plenty more I can tell you about all of these areas, but
these are some of the most important things to start. For more
free information, you may contact my office at 310-226-7176. I
recently saw an ad for a casting director charging a fee for a
lecture on more basics every actor and model should know. In the
next issue, I will expand more on what musicians need to be aware
of, as well as answer all of the questions I saw advertised to be
answered for a fee for you, so you do not have to pay for this
knowledge, for free. If I can do any thing for any of you, call
me.
www.markwoolley.net
Booking for Kelly Norris or Mark Woolley contact:
www.starpowermanagementllc.com
www.bruceedwin.com the Hollywood
Sentinel, ©2009.