Michael DeMarco – Founder & CEO Celebrity Direct Inc.
When Booking Celebrity Entertainment, Who’s Looking Out for You?
Michael DeMarco is the leading authority in private celebrity performances. Through his company, Celebrity Direct Inc., he acts as the Event Planner’s Advocate™ — guiding corporate, nonprofit, and private clients through the complex world of celebrity booking with one clear mission: to represent the buyer’s interests at every step.
Unlike traditional talent agencies, we don’t work for the artist. We work for you.
Most Buyers Think They’re Going Direct. They’re Not.
Most often, when searching to hire a celebrity-level music artist, comedian, or keynote speaker, you run across companies that claim to represent the artist.
They don’t. They just represent the artist in your transaction, not in their career.
This is a problem. You think you are buying DIRECT, but you are actually negotiating with a middle-agent who adds no value to your event — and collects a nice fee for themselves.
Celebrity Direct Inc. exists to eliminate that gap. We are not a middle layer.
We are your partner. Your strategist. Your advocate.
What We Do (That Others Don’t)
John Legend Performing for a New Model Launch for General Motors in Detroit
Booking a celebrity is not a simple transaction. It’s a high-stakes negotiation followed by a tightly orchestrated production. That’s where we come in.
At Celebrity Direct Inc., we provide a comprehensive, start-to-finish service that includes:
- Talent Matching: We help you choose the right artist for your event goals and audience, with no bias to any artist.
- Direct Negotiation: We bypass unnecessary middlemen and deal directly with artist management to get you the best price.
- Contract & Rider Management: We interpret and renegotiate riders to suit your venue, not Madison Square Garden.
- Turnkey Production Planning: We identify all hidden costs upfront, offering you transparent, all-in pricing.
- Onsite Supervision: We’re with you backstage, overseeing load-in, VIP meet-and-greets, and show execution—until the last note is played.
Or, if you are an experienced talent buyer, you can select from a menu of our services and hire just the elements in which you can best utilize our expertise.
Why Clients Call Us First
Sheryl Crow performs at the Sesame Street Workshop Event
- We know what every artist should cost. You’ll never overpay.
- We routinely save clients $10,000+ on unnecessary production expenses alone.
- We specialize in private, non-ticketed events—not publicly ticketed arena tours.
- Our industry relationships span decades, giving you insider access.
- Our team stays with you from booking to encore.
Our clients include Fortune 100 companies, high-net-worth families, global nonprofits, and institutions like the NFL, US Open, and the World Economic Forum. Many return year after year because they trust our advocacy, insight, and discretion.
→ More about Celebrities and Brands
Why I Built Celebrity Direct Inc.
I saw too many planners getting overcharged simply because they didn’t book celebrities often enough to know better.
I built this company so you wouldn’t have to learn the hard way. We serve as your booking strategist, contract negotiator, and production watchdog—all in one.
—Michael DeMarco
Founder & CEO, Celebrity Direct Inc.
Let’s Talk About Your Event
Whether you’re just exploring talent options or ready to move forward with a specific artist, we’ll protect your interests and help you deliver a flawless show.
→ Schedule a Confidential Consultation
Avon CEO Andrea Jung with Black Eyed Peas Singer Fergie Performs at an Avon Event