Every representative has their own factors that inform their decision when taking on a new client. Here are some of mine:
1. THE MUSIC
Gotta LOVE their music. I want music I crave to listen to for personal pleasure.
2. THE STORYTELLER
HOW music is used in film/TV is typically more important than the composition itself. Media music is all about dramatic, comedic, emotional, exciting, romantic, spiritual, subtextual, psychological whispering into the audiences ear to help tell the emotions of a story.
3. THE PERSON
Gotta LOVE the person. I want to feel an extraordinary and intense connection to them.
4. THE BUSINESS ORIENTATION
Want to partner with entrepreneurs, not people with “employee” mindsets.
5. THE CIRCUS
Want to work with people who love and are delighted by Showbiz and the colorful characters, fast pace, and nutty situations that are its nature.
6. THE MONEY
I do not get paid upfront fees for the work I do. Everything I do is on spec with zero guarantees. Therefore, I want to invest my time, efforts and resources on people whom I believe have the potential for them… and myself… to earn fortunes.
7. THE COMMUNICATION
I crave phenomenal communicators. Relations are the cornerstone of careers and artfully communicating with filmmakers, studios, producers, music supervisors and myself really matters.
8. THE VOICE
On an eternal quest seeking unique musical voices. Always looking for that rare diamond that sets them apart from the pack.
9. THE LEADERSHIP
I look for masters at running a team. It takes a village to execute a score. Since this is a business, it needs to run like a well-oiled one.
10. THE GAMBLER
Bring on the huge risk-takers. Every step along the way is a gamble. I want to align myself with those with a major risk-taking temperament.
11. THE BACKSTORY
I appreciate fascinating backgrounds. I love the diverse crazy quilt of histories, cultures, perspectives and experiences that clients bring to the table.
12. THE EXPERIENCE
The folks I am selling to want a high level of comfort that the person they hire has already achieved enough experience to be trusted with their project.
13. THE SUCCESS
I like working with people who have already achieved some amount of success, whether directly in film/tv scoring or in other fields like songwriting, music producing, music directing, additional music writing, performing or some other path. I am not looking to get started with someone who is too close to Step One in their career. Having the pedigree of prior, recognizable accomplishments is something we can then built upon together.
14. THE CHARACTER
Looking to work with decent, honest, dependable, hardworking people.
15. THE ATTITUDE
As I get older, the more attracted I am towards people who radiate joy, laughter, gratitude and positivity.
16. THE RECOMMENDATION
I put a great deal of value on hearing about someone via my small circle of advisors.
17. THE EXPOSURE
Potential clients come into my awareness from many sources including press, appearances, word-of-mouth, reviews, credits and performances. I love when a client is media-savvy, especially nowadays.
18. THE PASSION
I am attracted to passionate people who adore what they are doing, regardless of what stage they are in their career.
19. THE HUNGER
I have a veracious appetite. I live to work and create and collaborate and build. I want to do it all and will invest and sacrifice to feed those cravings. I align well who function similarly.
20. THE “IT” FACTOR
Representation is an art and not a science. There is no formula. While all of the qualities listed above come into play, the single most driving factor is what my gut tells be about the person and their music. For me, they either have “IT” or they don’t.
As I said, this list is personal to just me. There are other reps who have their own criteria.
And there’s lid for every pot.
FEEL FREE TO ASK QUESTIONS ON THIS.
