What does Hip Pocket Someone mean?
Hip Pocket Someone refers to the informal practice of a talent agent or manager representing a client without a formal signed agreement — keeping the client in their ‘hip pocket’ as an unofficial client while evaluating whether to formalize the relationship or waiting for the right opportunity to introduce the client to the market. Hip pocketing is common in the early stages of a representation relationship, particularly when an agent sees potential in a new performer but is not ready to commit the resources of full representation.
Example:The agent told the young performer’s parent that she wanted to hip pocket her daughter for six months — submitting her for select opportunities to evaluate industry response before deciding whether to make the relationship formal and exclusive.
Example: The entertainment attorney advised the family to be cautious about hip pocket arrangements — without a formal agreement, the performer had limited recourse if the agent’s submissions led to bookings, and the lack of defined commission terms could create disputes about compensation later.
Did you know?
Hip pocket arrangements exist in a gray area of entertainment industry practice — providing genuine opportunities for performers who might otherwise struggle to get their foot in the door, while also creating informal relationships that lack the protections of formal representation agreements. For families of child performers, the informal nature of a hip pocket arrangement should always prompt consultation with an entertainment attorney.
You can also find “Hip Pocket Someone” and related terms in this category: Contracts and Agreements.
