Talent Representation Agreements
The representation agreement you sign today defines every deal your manager or agent can negotiate on your behalf — and how much they earn from it, long after the relationship ends.
Do You Actually Need This?
A representation agreement without a sunset clause means your manager keeps collecting commission on deals they originated — long after you've parted ways.
Unreviewed management agreement
Signing a management agreement without legal review can lock you into a multi-year exclusive relationship with a manager who has no incentive to perform — because they earn commission regardless of whether they work for your career.
No termination right
Without a right to terminate for cause or convenience, you may be trapped in a representation agreement for its full term even if your manager goes silent, creates conflicts of interest, or actively harms your career.
Broad commission scope
A commission clause drafted to cover "all entertainment-related income" can entitle your manager to a percentage of brand deals, licensing income, and even your own direct-to-audience revenue streams — not just the deals they actually negotiate.
No sunset clause
A post-term commission obligation without a sunset date means your representative continues earning on deals they initiated — even for years after you terminate the agreement and move to new representation.
Not every representation agreement is a trap — but every talent deserves to understand exactly what they're signing before the relationship begins.
What You Get
- Written Analysis
Agreement Review
We review the entire representation agreement and flag commission scope, exclusivity breadth, term and renewal mechanics, termination rights, and post-term commission obligations.
- Negotiated Draft
Counter-Proposal
We prepare a redlined counter-proposal limiting commission scope to deals originated by the representative, adding a right to terminate for cause, and capping post-term commission obligations with a sunset clause.
- Plain-English Memo
Risk Summary
You receive a concise memo identifying the three clauses most likely to harm your career and our recommended positions — so you walk into negotiations knowing what matters.
- Custom Draft
Fresh Agreement Draft
If you need an agreement drafted from scratch — such as a co-management arrangement or an agency services agreement — we write one that reflects current industry standards and protects your interests.
Flat Fee. No Surprises.
Agreement Review
From $1,500flat fee per agreement- Full contract review with written analysis
- Risk memo identifying top three concerns
- Commission, exclusivity, and term analysis
- One round of revision feedback
- Recommended
Review & Negotiate
From $2,500flat fee per agreement- Everything in Agreement Review
- Counter-proposal drafted and delivered
- Negotiation with management or agency
- Final sign-off review
Your Questions Answered
A sunset clause limits the period during which your former manager or agent can collect commission on deals they originated after the agreement has ended — typically six to eighteen months. Without one, post-term commission obligations can continue indefinitely.
Standard management commission is typically 10–20% of gross income from deals the manager originates, depending on the industry vertical and the level of hands-on involvement. Commission above 20% or applied to income outside the manager's direct efforts should be negotiated.
You can terminate early only if the agreement includes a right to terminate for cause (e.g., manager breach) or convenience. Without that right, you are bound for the full term unless the manager agrees to release you — which is why exit rights must be negotiated before signing.
A talent agent is typically licensed, procures employment opportunities, and charges 10–15%. A talent manager advises on career strategy, is not licensed in most jurisdictions, charges 15–20%, and typically cannot legally procure work in certain U.S. states. Both require representation agreements.
Yes. Management agreements are long-term, binding, and difficult to exit early. A legal review before signing costs far less than litigating an exit or a commission dispute years down the road.
