NY Looks At Agenting Law

Performing arts unions including the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists are up in arms over legislation that would allow managers in New York to book shows for their clients.

The Writers Guild of America has joined the fray, asking New York Gov. George Pataki to veto two bills that would exclude personal managers from the definition of a theatrical employment agency “thus permitting them to act as unlicenced, unbonded, and unsupervised talent agents.”

WGA’s letter to Pataki says managers would be able to play the role of booking agent without the oversight and supervision under which agents operate.