artist breaking verbal agreement and going direct to venue

[crtigers]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? PA

I have a working relationship with a performing artist for the past few years. I contact this person when I have a job for their services. We have worked successfully on many events, but do not have a written agreement for performing these services - just emails with offers and confirming acceptance emails. (I have agreements with the venues for these events, but not between artist and my company.) I recently brought to this artist's attention a major event that was interested in their services and the artist agreed to the event (via email) and subsequent emails were exchanged about particulars of the event. Out of the blue I received an email from the artist stating they no longer wished to be represented by my company. Within days I learned they had accepted the event directly with the venue. Am I able to sue artist for lost commission for their actions? If so, should process start pre or post event? My company's reputation has also suffered a hit with the venue on my failure to deliver on what was negotiated. (If it matters, I have an offer sheet from the venue for the event, but we had not gone to contract yet.)

 

[swalsh411]

You think they are obligated to retain your services until the end of time?

Apparently you didn't bring enough to the table to justify your commission and this person thinks they can do better without you.

 

[Zigner]

Your questions can be answered based on the contract you have with the artist. Since you don't have a written contract, it will be very difficult to prove any terms and you will mostly likely not be successful in obtaining anything except through negotiations.

 

[crtigers]

Thanks for your insightful commentary.

You think they are obligated to retain your services until the end of time?

Apparently you didn't bring enough to the table to justify your commission and this person thinks they can do better without you.

 

[crtigers]

Thanks for the advice. I had thought that verbal agreements might count for something, but best practices seem to dictate that you need to have everything in writing. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Your questions can be answered based on the contract you have with the artist. Since you don't have a written contract, it will be very difficult to prove any terms and you will mostly likely not be successful in obtaining anything except through negotiations.