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	Sports Commentaries
		Round the Horn - 9/06/07
		...with Matthew Kingsley. Hiring an Agent At some point in their career every sports broadcaster asks the question, "Should I hire an agent?" We recently interviewed Talent Agent Matthew Kingsley for a little insight on this common question.
		SPJ (Sports Broadcasting Jobs): A lot of people often wonder if they really need an agent. At what point in one's career should a talent start getting serious about hiring an agent? MK: A talent needs to garner at least 2-3 years of on-air experience before signing with an agent. Many of my clients have worked several jobs prior to me managing their careers. SPJ: What are the benefits of hiring an agent? MK: An agent’s responsibility is to help facilitate and market a talent. I basically handle every aspect of the job search A-Z from putting together a demo reel, sending out material, making phone calls, emails and most importantly negotiating the best overall deal for my clients. In a nutshell - I am an agent, manager, consultant, advisor, mentor, friend and sometimes even part therapist to my clients. I want to do whatever best helps develop, market and “brand” my clients in the television news industry. SPJ: What advice would you give people who are searching for an agent? MK: Be efficient and extremely picky. Do your research. Talk to as many agents as possible before making a decision. Find out who they represent and what contacts and relationships they have in the business. See what they’re current clients are saying about them. It is a major business decision to sign with an agent but you also need to like the individual who is representing you in your career. SPJ: It's no secret many management types can get a little "put-off" when a talent brings an agent into the fold. How should this be handled? MK: Be upfront with management if you are currently represented or are considering having an agent represent you in the negotiations. Most everyone I deal with (news directors, general managers and executives) understands the process and doesn’t have a problem dealing directly with agents. Many I deal with would rather deal directly with me in negotiations than dealing with the Talent I represent. This business has progressed and most everyone understands the process and with the realities of the business of dealing with agents. SPJ: For folks who do think it's better to go it alone, can you offer some advice when trying to negotiate a contract? MK: Going it alone is always tough. It’s difficult to negotiate deal points and to speak on your own behalf. If going it alone I would highly recommend to get all your ducks in a row. For instance, understand what your role is going to be and know the parameters that encompass a standard station agreement. Things to ask for when negotiating: Duties, Term (length of contract, specific contract guarantees, annual cycles, etc...) Compensation, Out Clauses, Moving Expenses, Temporary Housing, House Hunting Trips, Renegotiation Provisions, Termination Provisions, Hair, Makeup and Clothing Allowances, Vacation and any other Additional Benefits. SPJ: For talent with representation, what is the best way for the talent to to be involved in the job search/hiring process? Should they simply let the agent do all the work or should it be a cooperative effort? MK: I believe in TEAM but you should respect, honor and trust your agent throughout the process and let your agent handle all aspects of the job search. The agent should be the one sending out demos, calling and emailing prospective employers. My best clients let me do my job. They know that I keep their best interest in mind when working on their behalf. I have the contacts, relationships and years of experience. Bottom line: “the proof is in the pudding!” SPJ: What's the best thing about being an agent? MK: I love what I do. This is my true passion. There’s nothing else I’d rather be doing. It’s all about people and I get to work with great people. I get to be an important part of the process through watching my clients grow and ultimately reaching a high level of career success. Hopefully they are living their dream because I’m living mine! SPJ: Without naming names, can you describe the most unusual item you've negotiated into a contract? MK: I’ve negotiated a number of interesting deal points like gym memberships, parking spots, car services and first class air travel but nothing really too unusual or out of the ordinary. Matthew Kinglsey is the founder of 3 Kings Entertainment (the official agency of Sportscastingjob.com). His experience in the entertainment industry spans over 13 years, where he has developed extensive industry relationships built on trust and mutual respect. He's garnered close relationships with representatives for network, cable and local news and in reality-based programming and syndication, sports news and new media broadcasting and with major corporations and business organizations. For more on Matthew visit the 3 Kings Enteriainment website.
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