Agent vs Manager
It has become a common trend to hire the services of a talent agent or a manager to further one’s career in the entertainment industry. Gone are the days when someone having a belief in his talent could hope to get work upon approaching production houses and other producers and directors in the movie world. Getting casted in a movie as an actor or an actress these days is a very tough job. However, there are professionals working as agents and managers that can make the job easier for an aspiring actor by getting work for them. Many budding actors do not know the differences between an agent and a manager and remain confused whether they should hire the services of a manager or an agent. This article attempts to remove this confusion by highlighting the roles and responsibilities of the professionals.
Agent
An agent is just what his name implies, a contractor or a middleman who serves the interests of a pool of young, aspiring talent. These agents, upon request made by casting breakdowns, reveal the pool of actors and actresses available with them. Casting breakdowns are casting notices that are sent to approved and licensed agents and not to the actors directly. Often these agents get calls from directors and producers also as they are in touch with the celebrity producers and directors of Hollywood. When a director decides to give work to any of the actor represented by an agent, the agent stands to get 10% of the fee that the actor gets. Agents are well connected and often they can arrange work for some clients if they ask for favors from producers.
Agents are interested in their commissions only, and they take no interest in the activities of the clients. Many big stars of today such as Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, Catherine Zeta Jones, and even Denzel Washington have all come up with the help of talent agents.
Manager
A manager is a professional that is more like a personal gym instructor as he gives advice to his clients, in addition to finding work for him. A manager works hard to promote the career of an actor and looks at all aspects of his career such as preparing his profile and resume, and also guiding him as a mentor on how to interact in the entertainment industry. A manager has connections in Hollywood, and he too receives casting breakdowns like an agent. A manager charges 15% commission from his clients that the actor pays after he receives payment. Elvis Presley had a manager who took 50% of his earnings
What is the difference between Agent and Manager?
• An agent is not interested in the actor’s career in the manner of a manager, and he is interested in his commission of 10%.
• A manager promotes the career of his client by giving him advice and working on his strengths. This is why a manager charges 15% of the earnings of the client.
• Agents work for talent agencies and present their pool of talent when casting breakdown is received by the agency.
• An agent arranges auditions for a budding actor and the actor pays when he is finally signed by a producer or a director.
• Agent needs a license to work in his state whereas manager doesn’t.