{"id":7704,"date":"2020-01-04T22:00:21","date_gmt":"2020-01-04T22:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/?p=7704"},"modified":"2020-01-04T22:00:21","modified_gmt":"2020-01-04T22:00:21","slug":"agent-v-manager","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/agent-v-manager\/","title":{"rendered":"Agent V. Manager"},"content":{"rendered":"

Agent V. Manager<\/h3>\n \"\"<\/a><\/span>

Written by Ella Embry<\/p>\n

December 17, 2019<\/p>\n<\/font>

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You know you\u2019ll need an agent to start getting real work as an actor. But what about a manager? What\u2019s the difference, again? We\u2019ll break down the differences between an agent and a manager to help you figure out which one you need right now.<\/p>\n

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Starting out as an actor is hard \u2013 anyone who\u2019s in the business will tell you that without hesitation. While it may feel like it\u2019s impossible to get gigs and get noticed, having help and networking opportunities will make all the difference. One of the best ways to get both of those is by getting an agent and\/or a manager. It\u2019s up to you which one you think you need right now, but to help you make that decision, here\u2019s the fundamental break down of each one:<\/p>\n

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Agent<\/h3>\n
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The primary focus is to help you find work.<\/strong><\/em> They\u2019ll tell you if your headshots are working for you if you need to update your resume, and what skills you should focus on honing to help you land more jobs. While they\u2019ll send you out for auditions, they won\u2019t help you choose the material you use as a manager would.<\/span><\/p>\n

Usually require persistent check-ins.<\/strong><\/em> If you haven\u2019t heard from your agent recently or feel as if they haven\u2019t been sending you on auditions for roles that are right for you, then it\u2019s up to you to check-in with them and gets things back on track. Depending on how many clients they have and how big of a priority you are to them, it may take a few check-ins for things to change.<\/span><\/p>\n

Have a standard rate of 10% of what you make.<\/strong><\/em> If you\u2019ve seen agents who offer a flat fee, they\u2019re not agents they\u2019re scam artists. Agents have to be licensed, and they will only take a standard commission rate of 10% of every job you get.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0Manager<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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The primary focus is on your brand and your person.<\/strong> <\/em>They\u2019ll help you determine what to wear to an audition, how to market yourself, and give both personal and professional support. If you don\u2019t have an agent, they can help you get one, but they cannot help you book auditions since they\u2019re not licensed, agents.<\/span><\/p>\n

Have a typical rate of 10% of what you make.<\/em> <\/strong>Much like agents, most managers have a 10% commission rate, but there is more variation. Depending on the level of personal management services that you negotiate, they may include an escalation clause where their commissions increase as your earnings increase. Don\u2019t be fooled by managers asking for a flat rate \u2013 they\u2019re still scam artists.<\/span><\/p>\n

Will be persistent and check-in for you.<\/strong><\/em> If you have both an agent and a manager, then your manager is the one who will be going after your agent to send you out for more appropriate roles more often. Also meaning that your manager will be checking in with you frequently about your progress and your work on your career.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0So how do you pick?<\/h3>\n
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There\u2019s no easy answer, and there\u2019s no right answer because not everyone will have the same career. Here are three questions you can ask yourself to help figure out which one you need most right now:<\/p>\n

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  1. What is my focus right now?<\/strong><\/em> Are you looking to start working and find more paying gigs, or are you looking to get your foot in the door of multiple things and have help solidifying your brand<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Which one would be easier for me to get right now?<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0<\/span>Do you have a good sense of how to market yourself and need help finding more work? Or do you need help fleshing out your artistic style and figuring out your next steps?<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Do you trust and like these people?<\/strong><\/em> Can you see your agent fighting tooth and nail to get you an audition for a big upcoming show? Do you trust that your manager has your best interests at heart and is giving their all to help your career?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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    Ella Embry<\/strong>\u00a0is currently a senior, honors student at the University of Southern Mississippi pursing a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Theatre with an Emphasis in Performance. She is an actor, a playwright, and a Contributing Writer for PerformerStuff.com<\/em><\/h5>\n
    Photo credits:
    \nPhoto by\u00a0Devin Edwards<\/a>\u00a0on\u00a0Unsplash
    \n<\/a>Photo by\u00a0    David Veksler<\/a>\u00a0on\u00a0Unsplash<\/a>
    \nPhoto by\u00a0    Daria Volkova<\/a>\u00a0on\u00a0Unsplash<\/a>
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    Need some advice? We\u2019ve got you covered.<\/h3>\n