Agent ? Manager? – Do you need both? When? Why?

From a mother to other parents: So recently the mother of one of our students, mentioned that her newly found agent recommended that she also work with a manager.  She asked me what I thought.  At first, my reaction was what I have read and what has guided me and my son on his acting journey. “Well, no.” I said, “your daughter just started a week ago and my experience is that you get a manager once you land some work so you have work to show off.”  Then I remembered that in life nothing is black and white and industries evolve and things change so I decided to do some research on the matter.  So first, I went to SAG/AFTRA.  They distinguish between an agent and a manager. Their site says…

Agents and Managers

Many young performers also work with managers. Managers are neither franchised nor regulated by the Union. And they are rarely regulated by state law. Here is a basic breakdown of the difference between an agent and a manager.  

An Agent:

1. Should be franchised under either SAG or AFTRA’s franchised agency agreement  
2. Generally licensed by the state as employment agencies
3. Primarily focused on obtaining employment and negotiating contracts.
4. May have a small or large number of clients
5. Generally limited to charging a 10% commission

A Manager:

1. Not licensed by the State, or franchised by the Unions. 
2. May counsel, advise and provide general career direction
3. May assist an agent in securing employment for their clients (In NY and CA, they are not permitted to obtain employment without working with a licensed agent).
4. Generally has fewer clients than an agent.
5. Generally charges 10-15%.
6. You should always have an attorney review a management contract before signing. Since they are not franchised, and often unregulated, it’s important to fully understand the terms and conditions of the relationship

I read numerous articles.  Still many industry writers say that it is best to be at a level where you need a manager. But what level is this?  Why would an agent of a newly found talent suggest to a parent to get a manager when no work has ever been booked? Well, the literature shows that things are shifting.  It looks like managers are now representing aspiring actors, celebrities, and anything in between. So, I suppose if you are being introduced to a manager by your agent, it really is up to you. Just make sure that you read the contract with the manager as they are not franchised and licensed, and have the contract reviewed by an attorney. Know that  your agent will charge their percentage on anything they find for you, but a manager will charge a percentage on any performance that you participate in whether you get it on your own, or they get it for you.  I want to thank Aida and Andrea for inspiring this research.  Here is to the next generation of bilingual actors!