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What
The Manager Does
Like talent agencies, managers
help find work for talent. Unlike talent agencies, which are "franchised" by the
actors unions (Screen Actors Guild [SAG], American Federation of Television and
Radio Artists [AFTRA] and Actors Equity Association [Equity], managers need no
franchise. This leaves actors wide open to abuse by unethical managers.
Managers receive
15% commission on whatever you gross from work they get for you. Plus you still
have to pay your agent 10% above that. Unless you are extremely desperate to work,
and don't mind paying 25% of your earnings to those two sources, you should think
twice before working with a manager.
Managers do have professional organizations,
which lend credibility to their business. But my advice to those of you just starting
out is to avoid having a manager represent you. Unless you have achieved at least
some prominence in your career, and you and your agent can't handle your affairs,
you really don't need a manager.
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