The Stage

Michael Vine appointed president of Agents’ Association

Published Tuesday 12 May 2009 at 14:15 by Lalayn Baluch

Michael Vine, the manager of performers including Derren Brown, Pete Firman and Bernie Clifton, has been appointed as the new president of the Agents’ Association.

He takes over from Bob James, the founder of Artsworld International Management, and will preside over the trade organisation for the next two years.

Vine performed on stage as a magician, comedian and juggler in the seventies, and began representing artists a decade later. He is the founder of Michael Vine Associates, Objective Talent Management and Objective Productions - which has produced television shows including Peep Show, Star Stories and The Real Hustle.

Commenting on his appointment, Vine said: “It is very exciting. I have been part of the entertainment business virtually all of my working life. I feel excited and privileged, and in a way it is an opportunity to put something back.”

Vine believes his greatest challenge as president will be helping members of the association to deal with the recession.

He explained: “The recession is interesting because corporate entertainment - which plays a major part for a lot of agents - is clearly hit, because big companies don’t necessarily want to be seen spending on having entertainment.

“Yet there is always a spin-off. Out of this level of adversity, there is still a market place in providing corporate speakers who specialise in motivation and perhaps how to make yourself recession proof.”