A talent buyer hires artists for events, negotiates contracts, and maintains budgets. They have a network of contacts in the arts community and must possess legal and technical knowledge. The buyer works for any type of company and oversees the installation and demolition of each visiting artist.
A talent buyer hires artistic personnel for a wide variety of functions and events. This position must have an extensive network of contacts, including artists and managers, across the industry she works with. The buyer must be able to negotiate agreements and draw up contracts between the two parties. She must also keep up with performance schedules, maintain a consistent budget, and often serves as the point of contact for communication between host venue and visiting talent.
The talent buyer typically has a network of resources in the arts community that she can draw on to fill vacancies. This network can include relationships with artists, agents and managers, as well as other talent buyers already working in a specific field. Some buyers may prefer to focus on a booking type of industry and often only work with actors, musicians or comedians.
This individual must also possess a legal understanding of the industry. The talent buyer is often asked to create contracts between the employing company and the artistic talent it is bringing to the site. She will also be able to negotiate prices and perks between the venue and the talent to reach an amicable deal for both parties.
Any type of company can choose to hire a talent buyer to book different acts for a venue. A nightclub can employ this type of position to select different bands and musical acts to entertain customers each night. A performing arts center will often use multiple individuals with this skill set to create a season of different events for their clients, featuring musical groups or live theater groups, among other offerings.
The employing company tends to require the talent buyer to maintain a current budget that shows income and expenses. Often, the employer is given a budget set by his employers, which he must remain on based on each performance or each season. Some companies prefer to use a specific type of software that the buyer should be familiar with to keep track of schedules and budgets.
A majority of buyers must be on site to oversee the installation and demolition of each visiting artist. The buyer can benefit from having a basic understanding of the technical aspects of show production, including lighting and sound systems. This also allows visiting talent to use the buyer as a point of contact if any issues arise prior to a performance that requires special attention.
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