Talent management is undoubtedly one of the biggest and the most recent trends to take the events and entertainment industry by storm. With the industry witnessing a rapid inflow of younger and newer talent, the number of talent management companies are also increasing each day to facilitate their management. But with numerous cases of last minute cancellation of performers at events it is important to know how and where do these talent management companies step in at such crucial times do?
EE caught up with Puja Agarwal,Director,Pearl Talent Management, one of the most trusted talent management agencies in the country on talent management issues in the country, the challenges of handling talent and so much more.
Q-What are the current trends in terms of talent management in the events and entertainment industry?
A- With time, talent management is trending a lot, especially in semi-metro cities and town. Booking a celebrity for a live concert, a store opening, a wedding or a corporate event is in much demand now, but many of the clients do not know the budgets and the procedure, So as an Agency our first major role is to guide them with proper details and suggest them about their marketing, PR activities and dealing process, etc. So the need of a talent company arises for not only established events planners but also for people who want to have or work with talents for events but do not have a concrete idea of how to connect with them are misled by ill-conceived notions.
Also in terms of artists, it can be said that most of them seem to value relationships now. As in cases of performers with whom we have even worked beforeare even willing to perform free of cost. However, they do have their own preferences when it comes to hospitality and security issues which is something known to us in advance and hence we manage them.
Q-What are the challenges you face while functioning as a talent management company?
A-With every new event comes a new challenge. There is not a specific issue or concern that we face on a regular basis but in my experience I have come to know and understand that you have to know your team well and work as parts of a smoothly functioning machine it is only then when you are ready to take on any challenge that comes your way.
Q-Today there also exists a situation where an artists is being simultaneously managed by many talent management company that creates a lot of confusion for clients? How does Pearl manages to stay away from such chaos?
A-We always believe in smooth functioning when it comes to any deal with our clients. We as a talent management company are always certain and clear on every aspect of deal being managed and that is the only solution to the chaotic situation you talked about. Be it the remuneration or the hospitality, all the aspects of the business transaction are openly stated to the performer as well as the clients so that everyone has a clear and concise idea of how the deal will progress.
Q-What are the pros and cons of being a talent management organization in the events industry today?
A-Every coins has two sides, however I would like to solely focus on the positive side of it. As a talent Management agency you get to socialize with best of creative people from the Industry which increases the scope of work and knowledge. Also you get to work with big brands, bigger deal means bigger pay offs, you get to travel all over world, hobnobbing with celebrities is all so much fun. Also talent management is not a 9am-6pm office desk job so the break in monotony and the excitement level is an added bonus.
Q-Today the industry has seen emergence of many talent management organizations so what does Pearl has to offer differently than the other companies of this nature?
A-We always work with perceptive of a long term association with our clients and on each step we guide them the best, this is something embedded in our core values and something that we as an organization fervently believe in. Also Peak as a company believes in Quality Work and not Quantity, which is the reason our Clients are always happy and comfortable working with us.
Q-The industry is also witnessing numerous cases today wherein a talent refuses to perform at a sold out event at the last moment? Where does a talent management company steps in at these circumstances?
A-It takes two hands to clap. No artist will ever spoil their name or refuses to perform without a genuine reason as it also reflects upon their image in front of the audiences. Sometimes clients fail to pay artist as per commitments, and sometime there are false commitments which an artist is informed about only minutes before the show such as security problems etc. We as a company make sure that such concerns are clear at least two days before the event date and so that all functions smoothly on the actual day of the event. Infant, to be really honest we have never faced such problems.
Q-What are some of the noted clients that you manage and how has Pearl helped them?
A-We Mostly Manage Work for Soha Ali Khan, Pooja Chopra, Sara Loren, KarishmaKotak, Evelyn Sharma, Chahat Khanna, ArvindVegda to name a few. We recentlysigned an endorsement deal for Rovaan Hair Oil with Soha.
Q-Do you feel that talent management companies like Pearl are instrumental in providing a platform to younger talent today?
A- Absolutely, it is an integral part of our job to recognize talent and nurture it before the medals prove the point. It pays huge dividends to identify a Talent that is likely to catch the imagination of the masses in the coming years and pick a rising star in that field. And this takes foresight.
Like we recently singed the most raising youngest Playback Singer “DeepanshuPandit” who have sung “Chill Gaye Naina” with Kanika Kapoor from “NH10″ starring “Anushka Sharma”. This 21 years old Talent is blessed with Good Voice, recently he got selected by AR Rahman Institute for his vocal training.
So when we sign on such rising star it not only builds on a platform to promote the talent who can perhaps charm the masses with their performance with the same impact of an established performer at much lesser pay but it also lays down the foundation of our relationship as a talent management agency with the artist so that it is a win-win situation for both in the long run.
