Agents and Managers: 5 Unique Differences

Representation

When you start an acting career, one of the first things you learn is that you need representation by an agent or a manager. Being represented means you are a professional actor. Acting is no longer a hobby you only invest money in without getting paid. One of the two – an agent or a manager – or both as a team can help you professionally. They can find you auditions and boost your chances of booking the job. 

Before being represented, finding acting work is an enigma. Without a rep, auditions are not only scarce but not for the most desirable, paying acting jobs. When an actor decides to make acting their profession, the first step is to find representation. But what are talent agents and managers? And, how are they different?

Keep reading to find out 5 unique differences between agents and managers.

[Read also: 9 Insanely Common Misconceptions About Agents]

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The 5 Key Differences Between Agents and Managers

Agents and managers have similar but different jobs. It can be confusing for the inexperienced actor to tell them apart. That is why we decided to write this post and make a side-by-side comparison of agents and managers.

[Online Course: How to Get An Agent]

Agents and Managers Have a Different Number of Clients

The number of clients agents and managers have is different. Agents typically have larger rosters of actors. That means they may have hundreds or thousands of clients. A manager, on the other hand, has fewer clients. Managers may have as little as only one client.

[Read also: 3 Things Acting Schools Don’t Teach]

They Handle Contracts Differently 

Another difference is contract negotiations. An important part of agents’ work is to negotiate actors’ contracts. Managers can go as far as pitching an actor but their job is not to negotiate contracts. Other than an agent, only an entertainment lawyer can negotiate contracts on the actor’s behalf. 

Their Businesses Legal Requirements Are Different

As far as a license to work, agents and managers are very different. While agents are licensed in the state where they operate, managers do not need a license to be in business. However, there are businesses such as the Talent Managers Associations in Los Angeles that help actors verify a manager’s credibility.

The Auditions They Can Get You Are Different

In case you are wondering who would get you more auditions, let’s talk about that. Agents submit their clients for jobs daily. A good agent also pitches their clients to be considered for the most competitive roles in the industry. While managers also submit their clients for parts, their role is slightly different because it is strongly founded on personal relationships in the industry. So, you may receive more audition requests from your agent but your manager will be more specific about what kind of auditions you should target.

Their Commissions Are Different

Finally, as far as how much money agents and managers make, agents take a 10% fee from the work you book after you get paid (some states allow agents to take 20% when the work is non-union). Managers can take commissions up to 30% of their client’s pay, although they commonly take 10 to 20%.

Managers’ Unique Traits

A manager has a more personal relationship with the actor than their agent. Differently from the agent, a manager does not have hundreds of clients, except large management offices with several managers working in them. That allows them to be reachable and act as a mentor to the actors.

A manager helps you plan your acting career from the quality of your headshot and resume to your business goals for the next few years. Many actors do not have a manager. Actors should team up with a manager when they start making a lot of money in their career, so they can focus on acting while their manager acts as a mentor.

Children actors may also benefit from having a manager because of their lack of life experience. Managers have to pitch their actors to casting directors, producers, and directors. When your manager has good relationships in the business, you certainly have a great chance to be seen for parts you are right for.

“Pitching” is not always done by an agent although a good agent does pitch their clients. A manager, on the other hand, is expected to pitch their actors when a project is right for them.

[Read also: 6 Reasons to Never Pay to Be in a Talent Showcase]

Do I Need An Agent Or A Manager?

Many actors search for an agent before they consider hiring a manager. The reason is that an agent has access to a wide range of audition opportunities for actors. Therefore, you can get better at auditioning and only pay one commission fee for each acting job you book. Some actors never hire a manager. However, if you need someone to help you plan your career, a manager is a good option.

Managers can help you decide which classes to take, what clothes to wear for a photo shoot, and even which agent to sign with. But managers might be harder to hire. Because they keep their represented actors to a small number, they need the motivation to add new talent to their roster. That motivation may be in your unique talent. Also, if you are making good money as an actor (paying all of your bills only from working acting jobs), a manager might have the financial motivation to work with you.

There might come a time when you will wonder whether or not to search for a manager. Keep in mind that it will add to the commission payments you make. But if a manager is a good option for you, they can help you advance your career and find jobs that you like.

Many actors are only represented by a manager, and many are represented only by an agent. The amount of auditions or jobs an actor will get depends on several factors. Whether or not they have both an agent and a manager on their team is less important than simply having representation.

[Read also: The Power of Representation: Why We Need More Actors With Disabilities In TV And Film]

A Word About Scams

Legitimate agents and managers never take any money from you other than the commission from a job you got paid to do. The entertainment industry is full of scammers, unfortunately. If someone claims to be an agent or a manager, you must verify their credentials. Requiring money upfront or demanding you purchase headshot packages from their chosen photographers are signs that someone claiming to be an agent or manager may be a scammer. 

Make sure you have all the information about an agent or manager before agreeing to work with them. If they simply take your headshot and resume and offer nothing else, they may be looking to exploit you. Any legitimate agent or manager will provide you with the necessary tools to pursue career goals, such as networking opportunities, additional training, or advice on how to stand out from the competition. 

 [Read also: Acting Gurus – The Dark Side Of The Business]

Conclusion

As an actor at the beginning of your professional career, you should be informed about agents and managers, and how to work with them. You should also ask questions when you meet a potential rep, and only sign with them if you feel they deserve your initial trust. Don’t sign away exclusivity rights to represent you unless you know they will get you work. Moreover, give them a trial period before signing a long-term commitment, so you can both see how your partnership goes. Never be afraid to walk away from any deal that doesn’t seem quite right. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

[Read also:5 Ways To Spot Acting Scams]

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