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Ari Gold v. Eric Murphy: Agents, Managers and the Great Licensing Debate

By Ross A. Carbone posted 04-23-2015 12:30 PM

  

Vincent Chase, the protagonist of HBO’s Entourage, employs both a talent agent (Ari Gold) and a manager (Eric Murphy); however, despite their different titles, these characters often perform similar tasks for their superstar client, most notably, helping him procure employment.  The division between a real-life talent agent and manager can be equally as murky, specifically regarding booking work for clients.  Therefore, is there really a distinction between an agent and a manager?

Despite practical similarities, there is a legal distinction between an agent and a manager.  In certain jurisdictions, such as New Jersey and California, agents, unlike managers, are licensed professionals, which affords only the former the ability to procure  work for their clients.  Therefore, as a budding agent/manager, or talent looking for representation, an individual needs to be cognizant of the legal requirements within his or her state before solidifying any kind of formal business relationship.

Recently, American Idol winner Phillip Phillips highlighted the distinction between agent and manager, as well as the ongoing debate surrounding the utility of agent licensing, when he filed a petition with the California Labor Commissioner on January 22, 2015 regarding his management contract. 

To read more on these developments, visit:

                http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/idol-lawsuit-sparks-debate-should-770423

Ross A. Carbone, Esq. is an associate in the Corporate, Securities & Business Transactions practice group of the law firm of McCarter & English, LLP.

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