Working with co-managers and local agents: territory and commission splits
Many classical artists are represented by more than one agency: a general manager who looks after the whole career, and local agents for particular countries or regions. Done well, this extends an artist's reach. Done badly, it leads to conflicting offers, double commission and confused presenters. This guide explains how to structure these relationships.
The roles
| Role | Typical responsibilities |
|---|---|
| General manager | Overall career planning, main calendar, most negotiations, coordination with local agents |
| Local agent | Bookings in a defined territory, local presenter relationships, local market knowledge |
| Co-manager | Shares general management, often by region or by type of work |
The exact division varies. What matters is that everyone, including the artist, agrees it in writing.
Territory and scope
The UK's ISM advises checking territory and scope in any management contract: whether representation is worldwide or for specific countries, and which activities are covered. For multi-agency setups, this is essential. Define:
- Which countries or regions each agency covers.
- Whether the general manager can book directly in a local agent's territory.
- How inquiries that arrive at the wrong agency are handled.
- Which types of work are included, such as opera, concerts or recordings.
Commission splits
When a local agent books an engagement, how is commission handled? Common approaches include the artist paying one combined commission that the agencies share, or each agency charging its own commission. The total the artist pays should be clear, agreed and reasonable. In the US, the AGMA code sets maximum commissions agents may receive for engagements (AGMA code); check how such limits apply to combined arrangements where relevant. Whatever you agree, put it in writing and show it on each contract (commission guide).
One calendar
The most important practical rule: one master calendar for the artist, usually kept by the general manager, which every agency checks before offering dates. Local agents' options must appear on it. Without this, conflicts are inevitable (avoiding double-bookings, managing options).
Communication rules
- Who talks to the artist about what?
- Who negotiates fees in each territory, and does the general manager approve?
- How quickly must new options and contracts be shared?
- Who handles logistics and invoicing for local engagements?
Write these down. A short protocol prevents most friction.
Information sharing
Local agents need current materials and availability; general managers need to see local options and contracts. Share calendars through iCal or a shared system, and agree where materials live. Respect data protection rules when sharing personal data between agencies (GDPR for agencies).
When things go wrong
Conflicts happen: a local agent places an option on dates the general manager has held, or a presenter contacts both agencies. Resolve quickly, put the artist's interest first, and fix the process. Record what happened so it does not repeat.
Ending a local agency relationship
Agree in advance how engagements booked by a local agent are treated if the relationship ends, including post-term commission. See ending a management relationship.
How ArtistHub supports multi-agency work
ArtistHub keeps the artist's season calendar, castings and contracts in one place, with iCal feeds that can be shared. Commission terms sit on each contract, so splits are visible on invoices and statements. Contacts for partner agencies can be stored alongside presenters.
A partner agency checklist
- Territory and scope agreed in writing.
- Commission model and total agreed with the artist.
- Master calendar identified and shared.
- Rules for options, negotiation and approval agreed.
- Materials location agreed.
- Post-term arrangements agreed.
A sample division of responsibilities
| Task | General manager | Local agent |
|---|---|---|
| Season planning across territories | Leads | Advises on local opportunities |
| Pitching in the local territory | Approves strategy | Leads |
| Placing options in the territory | Must be informed immediately | Places, with calendar check |
| Fee negotiation in the territory | Approves final terms | Negotiates |
| Contract administration | Agree per engagement | Agree per engagement |
| Logistics | Agree per engagement | Often leads for local work |
| Invoicing and collection | Agree per engagement | Agree per engagement |
Agree a version of this table for each partnership and keep it with the artist's record.
Regular coordination
A short call every month or two between general manager and local agent, covering open options, upcoming engagements and pitching plans, prevents most problems. Keep a brief note of what was agreed.
FAQ
What is the difference between a general manager and a local agent?
A general manager oversees the artist's whole career; a local agent books engagements in a specific territory, usually coordinating with the general manager.
Does the artist pay commission twice?
It depends on the agreement. The arrangement and total should be clear and agreed in writing.
Run your roster in ArtistHub
ArtistHub is a CRM built for classical and opera artist management: castings, contracts, the season calendar, logistics, invoices and the opera database in one place.