Step by step needed to become and operate as a Talent Agent

mguiraud · #1 Mar 3, 2007, 09:34 AM

Hi,

I am interested in operating a Talent agency of my own, and would appreciate any information on where to begin the process. I know I need to get licensed and a surety bond in the amount of $50,000 according to the new standards, but I need to know where to go to get the application for licensing as well as the bond application, and is there anything else I need to apply for to began working as a Talent Agent.

RichardBondMan · Mar 3, 2007, 07:14 PM

Tell me what state/county or city is requiring the bond and I may be able to send both the application and the surety bond form to you so you can take it to an agent in your state.

mguiraud · Mar 4, 2007, 10:52 PM

Hello Richard,

I appreciate your response to my question. I am located in los Angeles, California. You mentioned you may be able to send me an application and I'm to take it to an agent?
I'm curious, why would I have to take to another agent? I'm looking to file applications to become an agent and work for myself and I recall reading up on Talent Agents in California needing to apply for a Surety Bond and for a License. Do you know were I would get this license application?

Thanks again,

Margaret

RichardBondMan · Mar 5, 2007, 02:44 AM

By agent I meant an insurance agent, here are the steps to follow, obtain the application to the city, state, county to become a talent agent and in order for you to be granted a license, you must post a surety bond for whatever amount and by using the surety bond form or instrument the county, state, city requires. You would then take that bond form to an agent, perhaps then have to complete an application to the surety company and the surety then will issue the surety bond which you give the original of to the city, state or county that is requiring the bond. Should you violate any terms of your license, then the bond will be in default and you will have to remimburse the surety. I can google "CA" or "LA" or whatever govt entity is requiring the bond, perhaps locate the surety bond form for you or you can do it yourself. My best guess the bond penalty is from 10,000 to 50,000. and the annual premium will probably be anywhere from $100. to $250.

excon · Mar 5, 2007, 05:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mguiraud

I know I need to get licensed and a surety bond in the amount of $50,000 according to the new standards

Hello Margaret:

How do you know that? Go back to that source.

By the way, here in Seattle, one doesn't need a license to be a talent agent. Who licenses you anyway??? Nahhh, you don't need no stinkin license.....

excon

RichardBondMan · Mar 5, 2007, 06:52 PM

Here's a copy of P. 195 or the CA License Handbook that shows you have to have a license and a bond - although the handbook shows a penal amount of $10,000. it appears from my research that the law has changed and now requires a $50,000. bond - I could not locate the bond form (instrument) that you need to take to an insurance/surety agent but the State will have one, nor could I locate the application for the license that is required. Here's a copy from p. 195 of the CA license handbook I copied. Seems that there have been some financial losses incurred by consumers when dealing with talent agents so that's why it appears that the bond penalty has been increased. Let me know if I can help anymore.

Talent Agency License
Businesses Requiring License: Entities
engaged in the occupation of procuring
employment for artists.
Fees: Application: $25; Examination:
none; Main Office License: $225; Branch
Office License: $50.
Examination Frequency: N/A.
Examination Locations: N/A.
Examination Requirement: N/A.
Average Time to Process Application: 4-8
weeks.
Fee Period: Annually.
Authority: Labor Code, Sec. 1700.
Other Special License Requirements: Must
deposit with the Labor Commissioner a
surety bond of $10,000 and must submit
fingerprints.