Sales agent? What do I do?

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gorillaonabike

A dude I know saw a trailer for a doc and wants to act as a sales agent. He isn't completely clueless in that he has some contacts, is a working professional director, writer and producer.

He wants to take a percentage in return for raising some money and wants to sign a contract.

What should I build into the contract and what should I look out for?
 
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In terms of what you should look out for in a contract, you should get an entertainment lawyer, because there will be so many pitfalls, you'll regret not having expert help. In terms of sales, you should get an agent from a talent agency like William, Morris, Endeavor.
 
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Aspiring Mogul said:
In terms of what you should look out for in a contract, you should get an entertainment lawyer, because there will be so many pitfalls, you'll regret not having expert help. In terms of sales, you should get an agent from a talent agency like William, Morris, Endeavor.
Click to expand...

Fantastic, thanks. Will look for a less reputable one to start off with as I am just starting out and want to test my latest premise.

Am thinking about going straight to source and approaching a couple of channels directly as well.
 
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Why would a filmmaker with a finished documentary who is interested
in hiring a sales agent need a talent agent from William Morris or
Endeavor? Sales agents are very, very different than talent agents.
WMA and Endeavor do not act as sales agents.

A percentage is the right way to do this. The number is open for
negotiation. Go in with a number you think is fair and ask him
what he thinks is fair. If you aren't too far apart go for what he
wants.

Since the dude you know is a working professional producer then he
will have contract samples. It can be complicated so I don't think I can
give you a list of what you should build into the contract. What you
should look out for is anything that feel wrong to you. But keep in
mind that without him you will have a more difficult time selling your
film yourself so paying someone to do that job is reasonable.
 
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directorik said:
Why would a filmmaker with a finished documentary who is interested
in hiring a sales agent need a talent agent from William Morris or
Endeavor? Sales agents are very, very different than talent agents.
WMA and Endeavor do not act as sales agents.

A percentage is the right way to do this. The number is open for
negotiation. Go in with a number you think is fair and ask him
what he thinks is fair. If you aren't too far apart go for what he
wants.

Since the dude you know is a working professional producer then he
will have contract samples. It can be complicated so I don't think I can
give you a list of what you should build into the contract. What you
should look out for is anything that feel wrong to you. But keep in
mind that without him you will have a more difficult time selling your
film yourself so paying someone to do that job is reasonable.
Click to expand...

Thanks. Better advice!
 
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