Agents Vs Managers
"Knowing the differences before building your team"
"Agents vs. Managers" - no, it's not the next sci-fi box office hit. Pros like these actually work together to improve your success, but you need to know where their roles differ in order to build the best team possible.
What's a team?
Launching your acting career will require that you build a team. Your team is you, your parents, your agent and/or manager and even pros like your acting coaches. Your team members have very specific roles, and when everyone knows these roles and does them well, the team can succeed.
What's the difference between an agent and a manager?
When it comes to agents and managers there are very specific differences.
"The reality is that managers are helping their talent procure work," explained entertainment attorney, Rob Pafundi. He noted that "Even the California Supreme Court acknowledged that the division between talent agents and talent managers largely exists only in theory and often the reality of these distinctions is not nearly so neat. The Court pointed out that the line dividing the functions of agents, who must be licensed, and managers, who need not be, is often fuzzy and sometimes crossed. Agents sometimes counsel and advise; managers sometimes procure work, but that doesn't make it legal.
So why would a parent want to seek management for his/her child? Pafundi explains that those who need career guidance and connections to the industry will benefit from management.
"When you sit down in an interview with a manager, ask the manager if s/he can help you find an agent," explaind Pafundi. "If there answer is no, I would politely thank them for their time and then leave. Yes, in reality it is will known that a manager will likely help you secure a role or two along the way, but it should not, by any means, be the primary focus."
Do I need an agent, a manager or both?
Ultimately the answer to this question is up to the actor and his/her parent. However, knowing the differences between each type of pro will help you make your decision. Additionally, understanding the casting process will play in to how you choose to build your team.
How can I find an agent or a manager?
ChildrenInFilm.com provides an incredibly useful system for securing representation. Search, research and contact reputable, member-rated
agents and managers within our Member Directory. If you've been attempting to find an agent with little success, many recommend finding a manager who is well-connected to agents who interest you. Your manager should help you secure agency representation. In addition, if you live outside of a major city and are looking for representation there, try first to find an agent or manager in your home town (ideally one with big-city connections) who can help you build your resume. ChildrenInFilm.com's Member Directory contains agents and managers from throughout the US.
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