Acting Career FAQ - Personal Managers
by
Bob Fraser
I get a lot of questions about personal managers.
"How do I know whether a manager is legitimate or
not?" "What's the difference between managers and
agents?" "Do I need one?" "Can you recommend a
good manager?"
So here's my 'take' on personal managers:
In my opinion, a good manager is a "partner" in
your career.
In many stories of show business success, a crucial
point is the finding a manager who believes in the
talent. There are literally legendary stories of
managers who have been critical to an actor's huge
success.
But ... the fact is that anyone can CALL themselves
a "manager."
I advise all actors to check the credentials of any
potential show biz "partner" - by doing their own
due diligence. This includes finding out what trade
organizations your potential manager belongs to (the
pros almost always belong to manager's association),
his or her reputation in the 'community,' and the
sense you get when you meet with your potential
personal manager.
In the world of show business, every relationship
is fraught with "possibilities" - and each actor
must make her (his) own way.
This is one of the most difficult parts of handling
the rough waters of Hollywood (or Broadway) ... but
handle it you must - or start looking into the
thrilling possibilities of government work.
MANAGERS AND AGENTS
Personal Managers are people who help move your career
upwards by continually working on the forward progress
of your business. As the name implies, they manage
things. They vet your contracts, keep your schedule on
track, advise you on projects, and manage the everyday
business of 'you.'
They will guide you toward the good agencies, keep your
name in front of producers, and interact with your agent,
publicist, and business manager.
In most cases a manager does not solicit work for you.
In fact, in some states - like California - it's not
even legal. That's the agent's job.
Your agent is a SALES PROFESSIONAL. They solicit work
for you. A good agent is out there, every day, drumming
up business. Most of the time your agent is on the phone
with potential employers (producers) trying to convince
them to use you in their latest project.
They are also your principal negotiator once a producer
is interested enough to make you an offer. (Many agents
are lawyers, by the way.)
In most cases, you will almost always be required
to win the role in question, yourself. In other words,
YOU will have to "close the deal" in a meeting or
audition. Therefore, it's a good idea to think of your
agent as the salesman who does the 'cold calling' in
an effort to secure an appointment for you.
Once you've started up the ladder in show business,
you ARE going to need an agent to continue climbing.
DO YOU NEED A MANAGER?
That really depends on what kind of actor you are.
If you're the ambitious, type-A, upwardly mobile, sky's
the limit sort of pro, who is always looking for the
main-chance - YES.
There are many actors who continue to hustle like a
magazine salesman even after they've 'made it.' (Check
out William Shatner's list of current projects.)
An actor aiming for the stars almost surely needs a
manager. There are just too many details on the road
to stardom, for an actor to handle on her own.
On the other hand, you may be the type of work-a-day
craftsman who feels comfortable in the so-called
'rut' of working on a regular basis, doing the same
sort of character every time out - in order to collect
a semi-regular paycheck and medical coverage.
Stardom is just not something you want - or would be
comfortable trying to accomplish.
If that describes you, then you probably don't really
need a manager.
Once you achieve that place where you're comfortable -
you are precisely where you plan to stay for your
working life. Managing that kind of career is not
really so complicated ... or demanding.
Of course, you may still want a manager - because a
good manager can keep you in that comfortable niche
for a long time.
RECOMMENDING A MANAGER
Here's my recommendations:
Look for someone who's professional, organized,
dedicated, honest and businesslike.
Check their credentials.
Also, make sure that you will be able to get along
with them. Don't sign with anyone who makes you
uncomfortable. This could be a long relationship -
so tread carefully.
Make sure that your manager is thoroughly convinced
that you will be making a lot of money. Because if
they don't believe that, then there is no basis for
a good business relationship. And believe me, the
top people won't even consider you - unless they
think you're going to 'bring home the bacon.'
By the way, if you're just getting started - don't
waste any time trying to get a top agent or manager
interested in you. Start by doing the sales and
management yourself.
Until you're making money.
That's when you should start looking for 'representation.'
Because when you're making money - agents and managers
start getting truly interested in you. And THAT'S when
you have the best chance of forming a lasting, valuable,
business relationship.
And that's what you really want.