If you have dreams of the bright lights and a career in entertainment, then consider starting an entertainment business. Entertainment-related businesses come in many forms, but whether you want to be a performer or an agent, you'll need to take some basic steps to get started.
Being a Promoter
If your goal is to start an entertainment business as a promoter, the first thing you will need is funding. Being a promoter means putting on live shows, and that costs money upfront. You will need to rent a hall, provide sound and lights for the show, pay the acts and provide any hospitality as per the performer's contracts. Being a promoter can be risky if you do not have a plan on how you want to spend your start-up money. Do you want to find local acts and put together shows with them, or do you want to bring larger touring acts to town? Decide what kind of business you want to have, and then pursue it with a focus.
Hire a lawyer and get familiar with contracts. Use contracts for everything you do because the people you come in contact with will all be using contracts that you will need to read and sign. Have open communication with your lawyer. Do not pretend to understand something if you don't; have your lawyer explain it to you. It is also helpful to have an accountant help keep track of expenses and taxes.
Being a Performer
Being a performer requires you to be part artist and part business person. Even if you have an agent or manager representing you, it is in your best interest to understand the business part of what you are doing to avoid getting involved in deals that end up surprising you. It is easier to disagree with something when you understand what you are disagreeing with.
If you intend to strike out on your own, regardless of what kind of performing you do, understand what your market will be and then focus on that market. Advertise your services and perform whenever and wherever you get the opportunity. You might have to take some initial performances for little or no pay, but once you begin to draw an audience, you can begin to think about getting paid more. Establish yourself as a business with a business license from your local government, keep track of all of your expenses, including the miles you drive to get to performances and rehearsals, and then hire an accountant to help you take care of your business.
If you have the opportunity to hire a manager to represent you then do a check on that manager to make sure it is not a decision you will regret. Find out if the agent has any other clients and ask the clients about the manager. Do an Internet search to see whether the manager's name comes up in association with anything negative. Most importantly, spend time talking to the manager and make sure you are comfortable with the manager and their business practices before you agree to do business with them. Always insist that there be a signed contract to outline the terms of the agreement between you and the manager, and have a lawyer look the contract over before you sign it.
