How to Start a Production Marketing Entertainment Business in Canada

An entertainment company can promote events or performers such as singers, actors or artists.

An entertainment business is responsible for producing and promoting the careers for actors, models, artists, musicians, authors, sport stars and other celebrities. You must take the responsibility to outline the career path and work to establish contacts for your clients, as a result of which they will get booked for events and performances. In order to start a production marketing entertainment business in Canada, you will need to understand the current trends in the Canadian entertainment industry. You must also wish to help your clients grow and succeed.

Instructions

1. Learn how to build contacts with all types of individuals. The entertainment business is relationship-based and you'll need to know how to socialize and communicate effectively with people. Your communication skills are crucial in the entertainment industry to get clients as well as to establish contacts for clients and promote their careers. Enroll in communication and performance art classes at your local college if you need to.

2. Set-up a suitable business name and location. Office buildings, home offices or retail storefronts may be appropriate for this type of business. Check with the zoning ordinances of your locality and ensure that your office complies with them. Register the business name with your provincial government offices in Canada.

3. Choose the legal structure for your business. This may be sole proprietorship, limited partnership, limited liability or corporation based on your business requirements as well as the available tax advantages. Consult with an attorney about tax advantages and best business structure for an entertainment business.

4. Register your business with the Canada Revenue Agency and obtain a Business Number. This is mandatory since your business needs a Goods and Services Tax (GST), Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) in some provinces, payroll, corporate income tax or Import/Export Account. You can register online, over the phone or by mail. You can contact the Canada Revenue Agency at cra-arc.gc.ca.

5. Obtain a registration permit if you own a commercial or public service vehicle in your province. This allows you to operate for a period of 12 months without transferring your vehicle's registration from another province.

6. Obtain a sign permit, if you will need to erect sign posts for your client's show or performance. Obtain the permit based on your provincial regulations. For example, Northwest Territories requires a sign permit at the cost of about $20 (as of September 2010). Also obtain other necessary permits by inquiring into your provincial government offices.

7. Obtain a business license from your location in the Canadian province. You will need one if you reside in Fort Smith but you may not need one in Cambridge. Check with your local government.

8. Determine if you wish to work with artists, celebrities, sport stars, models or musicians based on your interests. You can decide to specialize in one segment or choose a group.

9. Contact the segment of artists you wish to work with after analyzing the segment and competition. Employ your communication skills to attract your clients.

10. Hire an attorney to draw managerial contracts with your clients. Create contracts after negotiating the compensation structure with your clients.

Tips & Warnings

• Improve your contacts in the specific industry to effectively market your clients or get into an industry where you have sufficient contacts.

References

• Canada Business: Permits and Licenses
• Canada Revenue Agency