Agents procure work for their clients. They then commission 10% of the compensation earned by their clients, as determined by California state law.

Agents typically facilitate auditions and general meetings for clients, negotiate contracts and deal points, and offer general advice/guidance to their clients with regard to their careers. Agents typically use a less hands-on approach to their clients than managers do, which allows agents to work with a higher volume of clients.

Managers tend to manage the day-to-day details of an artist’s career. Examples of what a manager might help with include the following:

- Managing an artist’s audition schedule

- Facilitating travel itineraries

- Maintaining the open line of dialogue between an artist and his/her agent

- Managing the relationship/dialogue with an artist’s attorney

- Helping an artist to secure an agent

- Managing the publicist and/or press

- Overseeing headshots, resume, demo reel, etc….

Managers cannot, however, procure work for their clients. Managers are also not bound to the standard 10% commission structure and often can take anywhere from 10% to 20% of an artist’s salary.

It’s important to do your due diligence with regard to any agent and/or manager before signing a binding contract. Ask around to see who else they represent, ask their other clients for advice, ask industry contacts about their experience working with a particular agent and/or manager, etc… Also, if you have a trusted agent, perhaps solicit advice with regard to which managers might be appropriate for you….or visa versa.

- Alec Shankman / Talent Agent, Abrams Artists Agency