The Talent Manager…
Do you need one?
Once upon a time, the idea of having or seeking out the services of a “personal manager” was exclusive to actors who already had a bustling career. For reference, I’m talking about the years 1950-2000. Interestingly, the turn of the century is important, because in May 2000 there was a large commercial strike by SAG-AFTRA. One of the results was that the A.T.A. (Association of Talent Agencies) officially ended their handshake agreement with SAG-AFTRA and created a precedent for industry representation that changed the actor-manager landscape forever!
Today more than ever, the question “Do I need a manager?” is commonly asked. Whether you’re starting out, have Hollywood tenure, or your long-time agent closed their doors due to COVID, you’ll be curious about the role of a manager.
1. ENSURE YOUR MANAGER HAS AN ACTIVE BUSINESS LICENSE — ANY person on the planet can call themselves a performer’s manager. There is no degree or test or qualifications required. Sadly, since the turn of the 21st century, far too many individuals have chosen this profession and far too many actors have fallen into their contract traps, or worse, their financial scams.
2. RESEARCH THE INDIVIDUAL OR COMPANY FIRST! — Use IMDBPro.com, Google and others. In California, the Secretary of State website can be essential. Ask them about where they used to work, how they got in the business and how long they’ve been established.
3. TECHNICALLY, IT IS ILLEGAL FOR A MANAGER TO SUBMIT OR NEGOTIATE! — Does that mean all actor managers do not do this? No. What it means is that it is in fact illegal for them to do so. Most smart, savvy managers all know this and it is why they keep an entertainment lawyer on retainer as a fiduciary and legal backstop.
4. HISTORY LESSON: THE ORIGIN OF THE PERSONAL MANAGER — Back in the early days they were called “personal managers.” Personal managers were really just elevated personal assistants who had an opinion about you or your career. Often they were there to be a firewall between famous stars and the publicity of “being a famous star.”
5. SO WHY HAVE A MANAGER PLUS AN AGENT OR VICE-VERSA? — Today, a manager might be beneficial to help you BUILD a career. There is NO need to have both unless BOTH are providing clear and distinctly different value to your career.
6. CAUTION! MANAGERS AND THEIR “BINDING” CONTRACTS — Pay attention to: (1) an out clause, (2) avoid signing a contract longer than twelve months initially, (3) identify within the contract what types of jobs/performances the contract covers.