I need specific information regarding the hiring of an International
Film Agent. I am already familiar with the basics of agents and
representation for domestic deals--however--I need specifics when it
comes to International Film Agents. I would like to know about their
contractual obligations, the industry standard commission rate, and
the terms that one should engage an agent in when it comes to gettting
payment. We are looking to hire an agent to represent our straight to
DVD product internationally. His terms are 35% and he collects the
fees from those who seek to license our product. I'm not a novice when
it comes to deals done domestically--but I am a novice when it comes
to international agents, their commission and how to handle the
collection of money. Because I can't physically handle a deal between
an agent and the licensor, I need check and balances when it comes to
royalty payments, licensing payments and commissions. I'm seeking
someone who can provide information regarding this.

I am not familiar with the movie business internationally and so I
cannot help you with the content part of your question as to payments
etc. But I can help as far as monitoring foreign sales in that I have
helped clients with several CD deals using foreign distributors. The
way that we were able to confirm what was sold and what was paid was
to have the manufacturing invoices and copies from the original
company of any payments sent to us. In one case we were able to
arrange payment directly from the company rather than through the
"agent". If you make the direct payment of your 65% plus copies of
manufacturing statements part of the deal, you should be safe. Just to
be sure, I would only give the agent a limited territory to begin with
and let them know if they do a good job, you will expand their
territory. I hope this is of some help.