Door Deals
A door deal pays the performer or producer from ticket revenue rather than a fixed guarantee.
Define gross and net
A percentage of gross ticket sales is very different from a percentage after fees, taxes, venue expenses, marketing, or credit-card charges.
Write the calculation.
Never agree to a percentage until you know a percentage of what.
Guarantees
A guarantee is the minimum contracted performance payment, but the details around it still matter.
Know what it includes
Travel, lodging, per diem, opener pay, merch, and taxes may be separate or bundled. 'Two thousand guaranteed' is incomplete information by itself.
Ask what the artist is expected to cover.
A guarantee answers the minimum pay question, not every money question.
Guarantees Plus Percentage
A guarantee-plus-percentage deal protects a floor while allowing the artist to participate in stronger sales.
Understand 'versus' and 'plus'
A guarantee versus percentage usually means you receive whichever calculation is higher. A guarantee plus percentage may mean a true additional share above a threshold. The wording matters.
Never assume the phrase means the same thing to both sides.
Deal language is math; write the math.
Ticket Splits
A ticket split divides ticket revenue among artist, venue, producer, or other parties.
Splits need a base
Fifty-fifty sounds simple until nobody agrees whether it is before or after taxes, ticket fees, room rent, marketing, and staff.
Define the pool first.
The percentage is less important than the definition of the money being split.
Four-Wall Deals
A four-wall deal means you rent the venue and take on much of the event risk and upside.
You are the promoter
Ticketing, staffing, marketing, insurance, production, refunds, merchandise, taxes, and audience service may become your responsibility depending on the contract.
The job is larger than performing.
Four-walling buys control by buying risk.
