Anything Goes : Manager contract: to sign or not to sign? by Zane King Beers

Why do you not want to sign? What are your concerns about having a contract?

Personally I'd walk at the one week thing, he either wants to work with you or he doesn't. But D Marcus might be able to give a more balanced insight with his greater experience.

They said it's because someone without a contract just stiffed them and because I'm going on really big auditions. It's just that they're pushing so hard...

When I first started working three years ago both my agent and manager said a contract wasn't necessary. Now it's mandatory or they are going to drop me for fear of nonpayment if I get a really big job. He said it's business and that they are making all their clients sign. Just trying to make sure there isn't an another motive that I don't know about.

A written contract is essential in all aspects of this (and any) business - especially where money is changing hands. It give both sides a clear understanding of what the other side is expecting. It sounds like you don't trust your manager. If you feel there might be another motive then walk away now.

If you're doing well, or are on the precipice of doing well, the manager probably wants to make sure he gets his share, which is fair if he's been helping you for the last three years. If you have concerns about the contract, find an entertainment lawyer, pay him a hundred bucks and get him to run an eye over it.

I'd be cautious about signing if he is pressing you that hard and threatening. That is a red flag. If you are uncomfortable with this situation, meaning you are uncomfortable with this manager, inevitably there will be situations that will come up that you wish you could get away from that manager, but you can't because you signed a contract. I would at least have an attorney go over it and I wouldn't sign anything that says you owe them money if you get the work on your own. Just my 2 cents.

Tell him you need to have a solictor/lawyer to have a look at it first then judge his reaction on that .. by the way I would anyway ...

Joe, I asked about self submissions and I would still need to share that unless ultra low budget, but that's not in writing. As far as signing and getting stuck, it's a three year agreement...

No way would I sign a 3 year agreement, especially not going into it with the hesitation that you have.

if he is trying to force you tell him no thanks and just walk out

Stay professional and don't burn your bridges - you don't know where this guy will pop up again. You wouldn't sign a contract for a house without having it checked. And don't agree to anything verbally - in the UK that is deemed as a contract agreement. Good luck!

What are everyone's thoughts on the power if attorney which gives them the authority to sign checks?

Think this might help http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_of_attorney

As far as I am aware POA is usually done for somebody who is incapacitated because of age or illness but I guess you can give someone else permission to sign on your behalf. In the UK my brothers and I all had to sign POA docs in case my mother needed it but we could act "jointly or severally" i.e. anyone of us deal with matters without ref to the others - again this requires careful legal cover

That's my understanding. I don't like the POA clause and they said they won't change it.

Sounds like this is getting close to illegal/criminal ...

Agreed, the whole thing sticks in my opinion.

It's not uncommon for business managers to have power of attorney, but not blanket power of attorney. They should be able to act on your behalf in situations you define, and only to certain limits. If it's blanket power of attorney they are looking for, find a new manager.

They want to sign checks, among other things.

Thanks for the Wikipedia link!! That was helpful.

Unless you are intending to sail around the world or cross the Antarctic I would not grant them POA. You could suggest that a relative or mate acts as POA but in all honesty I think you are flogging a dead horse here. Not only that if you get into it then decide to get out they may do you for breach of contract and you wouldn't want that ... lawyer and out ...

I agree, Brian. They moved me to the inactive roster as of yesterday bc I didn't sign yet.

Ok so ... with a witness... tell them that it is unfair that has happened - that they didn't like it because they were stuffed so should understand that you don't want to be stuffed either. The fact that they have done that shows they are pushing you into a corner. If you are member of some kind of workers' union get them involved and they may be able to get you legal cover. And why do they think you are going to stuff them too ..find out from them what has generated that. Should be an interesting. Could be that someelse has taken them to the cleaners over something they did.

My guess is you're exactly right.

Wait, wait, wait. I thought your profile pic looked young, so I checked your bio: "I'm Zane King Beers and I am 11 years old. I have been studying and _working in acting since I was eight_." Damn. I really, really hope you have parental/guardian support for this. Contract discussions are challenging for those of who have been around the block. It's certainly no piece of cake, especially for an artist so young (no disrespect intended).

It may even be that as a "minor" ( again no disrespect intended) the contract may have to be countersigned by a parent/guardian for it to be legal. Why is this manager not dealing with your parents/guardian? This is a minefield Zane - you are not old enough to make these decisions and you may age quicker than you think if you don't get advice ... today. As Tony said .. wisdom of age.

Mom asked agent for his advice. He said all his clients have that clause in their contracts, so i guess if he asks me to sign i will have to deal with it again.

Tony, lol. Everyone says I'm an old soul. Yeah, my mom is great. She tries really hard. This has her upset bc she wants to do the right thing but doesn't know the legal stuff.

Hope these help. http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Are_contracts_made_by_minors_enforceable http://biztaxlaw.about.com/od/contractsandagreements/f/Can-I-Enter-Into-...

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!! You rock!

Hi Zane, Management contracts are dangerous behemoths. Get a lawyer to go through this with you; it is strange that he worked with you without a contract, and it is also strange that he now wants you to sign, especially with such expedience. I would take great caution before proceeding. Managers will often require their talents to "buy" release....so if you ever find that you are unhappy with your manager, you could find yourself trapped. Best of luck in this process! Best Wishes, Yasmine

Wow. Buying release. Never would have thought if that. :( thanks for filling me in I that!!

Thank you!