The Manager Conundrom

When is the right time..

Do we need a manager?

If you asked me what is the number one question I most likely get in my profession it’s that one.

The thing is… there’s no definitive answer I can ever give.

The reason? It truly comes down to a case by case, client by client basis.

Let me get this out of the way and make it very clear:

Managers are wonderful! I love working with them and they are essential to what I do. I have worked at one time or another with pretty much every youth manager in town and have always valued, cherished and enjoyed my relationships with them. They are so important and crucial to my continued growth in this business.

As agents we are only as successful as the caliber of talent we represent and so many of our amazing success stories and accomplishments have come from those clientele referred and placed with us by managers.

Obtaining a manager if you’re an actor, however, comes down to multiple factors and isn’t something that should be looked at as a necessity or requirement but rather a decision that should make sense in the moment, as well as for the future.

What’s most important to understand when looking into management is that every talent is different and to not look at what others are doing but rather focus on you and only you. Every young actor progresses at their own pace and reaches different stages and levels of their careers at varying times so what might make sense for someone else may not apply to you.

So when I’m approached about this topic I always try to paint a broader spectrum view of where a talent currently is and where they see themselves going so they can ask themselves whether it is a logical move at this point in their journey.

I like going with the shopping cart analogy.

Getting a manager makes a lot of sense if you have nothing in your cart, new to a store and have absolutely no idea which aisle to start at or what to add to your basket. You’re a blank canvas and need direction on how to navigate these new surroundings.

If you are just beginning, first finding a manager can be a great source and initial rep before going to seek out an agent. They can give you the proper guidance, hand-holding and advise for the steps essential in breaking into this industry. They can cultivate and teach the proper tools, traits, attributes and relationships that can make you more marketable for attracting an agent. Whether it’s getting headshots, creating a resume, submitting for smaller credits or finding the right acting classes, managers can get you on the path to success if you don’t have representation yet and can open the doors and get your feet wet by introducing you to the right people when beginning your career.

On the flip side, managers can be very beneficial if your shopping cart is completely full. They can help you carry and sort through all your items, as well as organize them so you know where everything is.

You’re a series regular or juggling multiple recurring roles or auditions and need a manger to help balance it all schedule wise. Or maybe you're at a level in your career where a manager can help with packaging you, whether that be introducing you to literary agents and production companies or finding you new scripts to read.

It’s the in-between phase of those actors that have a ton going on and ones just starting out that is the trickiest when it comes to the question of needing one.

As an actor, if you have an agent, are in good communication with him or her and going out regularly, you need to ask yourself if it makes sense to bring someone else aboard the team. What additional service or benefit can this representative provide that justifies paying an additional 10% or 15% commission for something you book? When thinking of doubling up your team it ultimately comes down to whether you think you need that extra push or double coverage that is going to enhance your activity and generate more opportunities.

What’s the number reason in my mind to not feel the need to have to get a manager? It’s the frustrated, I’m getting so close but haven’t booked anything, actors that think hiring someone else is going to magically change things and all of a sudden those released holds will turn into bookings because you now have someone different looking after you. The bottom line is we all get the same breakdowns and jobs. Sure some managers might be more connected with certain casting offices or studios than some agents are but at the end of day no industry rep has control over you landing a gig. It’s up to the powers-that-be like ad agency and network executives, producers and directors who make those final decisions.

The best way for agents and managers to seamlessly work together on behalf of a shared client is through collaboration and team effort. Maybe an agent is hitting a wall pitching you on a project but the manager has a little bit of a better relationship with that contact and can give that extra nudge or vice versa. It doesn’t matter where the appointment came from, it’s that both agent and manager are collaboratively pushing and steering you in the same direction. Just because an audition came through the manager doesn’t mean the agent didn’t submit you as well or vice versa. It literally just comes down to which profile the casting director clicked on and a majority of times you probably were in fact submitted on both ends.

It’s so important that your agent and manager are on the same page and share the same vision and goals for where they want to get you to go in your career. That’s why it’s crucial that if you have an agent and are taking meetings with managers that you first give the agent a heads-up and speak with them about who you’re meeting with. It’s vital that your agent and manager have a good working relationship and possess the same similar aspirations, ideals and passion for your craft and future since that’s going to be your team and you want teammates that work hand-in-hand cohesively.

Lastly, communication between your agent and manager is key. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve pitched an actor on a role only for the casting office to say the audition already same in through the manager. We all work together as one for you so it’s crucial that your whole team is looped in for every audition, pin or book-out.

Choosing the right team to surround you is such a critical part of achieving success in this industry. Remember that no two actors are the same. When looking for the right fit to back you, go with your gut and who you feel most comfortable with. Look to attach yourself with those that suit and compliment your strengths, character, energy and enthusiasm as an actor. Most importantly, don’t feel pressured into making a rash decision or commitment. It’s your career and treat it with all the care, patience, understanding and delicacy it deserves.