Put the manager-talent relationship into a contract that matches the deal

Management relationships often begin with trust and a broad understanding of commission, but problems usually appear once opportunities, payments or approval decisions start moving quickly. A written agreement can clarify whether the manager is introducing work only or also negotiating it, what income is commissionable, whether the arrangement is exclusive and what authority the manager has to act. It also helps deal with image rights, branding and content issues that are easy to overlook at the start. Getting those points into the contract early can prevent major uncertainty later.

These agreements commonly deal with the manager's services, the talent's obligations, commission structure, payment timing, approval rights, exclusivity, expenses, confidentiality, use of the talent's name and likeness, intellectual property, termination and post-termination commission issues. Depending on the relationship, the document may also need clauses about sponsorships, social media content, live appearances, licensing opportunities or ownership of material created during the term. If an outside approval issue is relevant, approval depends on the relevant regulator or authority rather than the contract alone.

The drafting depends heavily on how the relationship is expected to work in practice. A manager handling brand deals for an online creator may need very different authority and commission wording from a manager arranging live bookings for a performer or speaking engagements for a public figure. It also matters whether the relationship is exclusive, whether the manager can negotiate directly, and how content, image rights and sponsorship approvals are handled. Those commercial details shape the legal drafting, rather than there being one standard form that suits every talent arrangement.

Templates often use broad language that does not reflect the real revenue streams or approval process in the relationship. That can create arguments about whether commission applies to every opportunity, whether the manager can bind the talent to a deal, or whether commissions continue after termination. In creative industries, generic forms also tend to gloss over image rights, content ownership, social media usage and exclusivity carve-outs. A more tailored agreement is usually worthwhile where branding, reputation, multiple income channels or control over opportunities are commercially important.

Timing depends on how settled the commercial terms already are and whether there is an existing draft or only a headline deal. Once we have the key details, we can draft a new agreement or review the one you have and advise on the main issues to fix. If there is an upcoming campaign, booking, launch or collaboration, it helps to flag that early. Where external permissions or industry body requirements are relevant, Where an external authority is involved, we will help you understand what may be needed for your situation. so those steps sit outside the fixed-fee legal drafting work.

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