In this industry relationships are EVERYTHING.
That extends to the relationship between a composer and his/her agent. Knowing how to best interact and communicate in that relationship is key.
While all agents are different and each of their client relationships have differing dynamics, here are some general suggestions from my perspective:
1. STAY IN TOUCH. Find ways to make sure you are in at least contact with your agent once a week or every other week So much happens just by being present in your agent’s mind.
2. COMMUNICATE SMARTLY. Discover what forms of communication work best. I tend to like specific questions presented in the form of a brief email. That affords me the opportunity to address them quickly but not immediately. I love phone calls for more conversational topics.
3. SHARE INFO. I love it when my clients let me know things like which projects most interest them, filmmakers they would like to work with, who they have worked with previously (including producers, editors, music supervisors, music editors) on new projects. I love hearing who in the industry they just interacted with, even socially.
4. BE HELPFUL. When given a script, read it quickly. When asked for music, turn that around immediately. When scheduling industry meetings find ways to be flexible and available.
5. LISTEN WITH AN OPEN MIND. You have hired a coach. Give him/her a chance to lead you. Value their perspective. Be willing to try things suggested that are outside your comfort zone.
6. SHOW SOME INTEREST. Relationships are not a one-way street. Agents are your employees. And just paying an employee is rarely good enough. Acknowledgement, curiosity, expressing interest and empathy are things we all want.
7. BE A FAVORITE CLIENT. Agents have other clients. Some have A LOT of other clients. Agents tend to devote more time and attention on those clients they most enjoy working with. A suggestion: You can literally ask your agent, “What things can I do to be your favorite client?”
8. DON’T BE AN EEYORE. Discussing challenges is part of the dynamics between composers and agents. Being an Energy Vampire is not. Too much doom-and-gloom negativity starts pushing people away, including your agent.
9. BE THE SOLUTION. Positive and helpful approaches to tackling problems are great. It’s a partnership. The problem solving energy should come from both agent and client.
10 TRUST YOUR AGENT TO DO HIS/HER JOB. Don’t second-guess every suggestion they make. Rely on their expertise in managing your career and negotiating your deals. If you don’t trust the instincts, wisdom and/or expertise of your agent, DON’T HAVE THEM AS YOUR AGENT.
If anyone has any further questions on this, I would be more than glad to try to answer.
