Should I Get a Manager or Agent First?
When starting a career in the entertainment industry or any other field that requires representation, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to hire a manager or an agent first. While both play key roles in advancing your career, they have different functions and can have a significant impact on your success. This article will explore the differences between managers and agents, the benefits of each, and provide guidance on which might be more important to hire first based on your specific situation.
The Role of an Agent
An agent is primarily responsible for finding and securing work for their clients. Their role is more transactional, focused on booking jobs, negotiating contracts, and handling business dealings. Agents are usually tied to agencies and work within the framework of their agency’s structure, which often has a focus on specific industries such as film, television, theater, or commercial advertising.
In the entertainment industry, for example, agents help actors, musicians, and other performers get auditions, gigs, and contracts. They are usually the ones who have relationships with casting directors, production companies, or talent scouts and use those connections to advocate for their clients.
Agents typically work on a commission basis, earning a percentage of the deals they secure for you—usually around 10%. They are often highly skilled at navigating the business side of the industry, and because they are focused on securing paid work, they are constantly working on behalf of their clients’ financial interests. While agents can offer some career advice and counsel, their focus is on putting you in front of the people who can hire you.
Example:
Take an actor like Jennifer Lawrence. Early in her career, she would have worked with an agent to secure auditions and book roles. Agents would have played a key part in negotiating her early contracts for films and television. The goal of an agent would be to get her the best roles possible, negotiate the most lucrative deals, and help her build her career in terms of visibility.
The Role of a Manager
On the other hand, a manager’s role is more comprehensive and often more hands-on. Managers are usually more focused on long-term career development, guidance, and personal advising. They work closely with you on a day-to-day basis, helping to guide your professional decisions, personal branding, and overall strategy for growth in your career. Unlike agents, managers are not bound to securing jobs, although they may assist in this area as well. Instead, they often work behind the scenes, helping with the direction you should take, the people you should be working with, and the kind of image you should project.
Managers are especially valuable when you are still building your career and need someone to help navigate the many decisions you will face. They may offer advice on which agent to work with, which roles to pursue, or whether to change your career trajectory. They also often act as a liaison between you and other professionals, whether they are agents, publicists, or lawyers.
Like agents, managers also typically work on a commission, but the percentage is often higher, usually between 15-20%. While the agent’s focus is more transactional, the manager’s role is to guide you in the right direction for sustained growth and success.
Example:
Consider the famous case of Lady Gaga. While her early success was driven by the exposure she gained from her record label, it was the guidance of her manager, Troy Carter, that helped her make major decisions that allowed her to stand out in a competitive industry. Carter helped her shape her image, build strategic relationships, and chart the course for her career’s long-term trajectory.
The Key Differences Between Agents and Managers
It’s clear that both agents and managers have critical roles in your career, but it’s important to understand the differences between the two to make the right choice for your specific needs. Here are some of the key distinctions:
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Scope of Work:
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An agent is mainly focused on securing work for you—auditions, roles, gigs, or deals.
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A manager is focused on the bigger picture, offering guidance and mentorship for your career development.
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Industry Connections:
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Agents often have industry-specific connections to casting directors, producers, and studios, while managers tend to have a broader network, including those involved in marketing, branding, and overall career strategy.
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Percentage of Earnings:
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An agent typically takes 10% of the work they secure for you.
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A manager usually takes a larger percentage, ranging from 15-20%.
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Contractual Obligations:
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Agents are usually bound by union or industry regulations (e.g., SAG-AFTRA for actors), which sets rules for how they can operate.
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Managers are less restricted by industry regulations, giving them more flexibility in the services they provide.
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Personal Involvement:
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An agent’s relationship with you is often more transactional, with limited emotional or personal involvement.
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A manager is more personally invested in your well-being, offering career advice, handling personal matters, and helping you make big decisions.
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Which Should You Get First?
So, which should you hire first—an agent or a manager? The answer depends on where you are in your career and what you need at this point in time.
When to Get an Agent First
If you are just starting in your career and need to get your foot in the door, hiring an agent first is often the best route. An agent’s primary job is to help you land jobs and secure a consistent stream of work, which is vital for those who are building their resume and trying to establish themselves.
For example, many actors starting in Hollywood focus on getting an agent first, as they need someone who can get them auditions and represent them in casting calls. Once you start booking work, your career will begin to gain momentum, and then you can think about hiring a manager who can provide long-term guidance and strategy.
Example:
Early in her career, Emma Stone likely started with an agent to secure her first roles in film and television. As her career developed and her trajectory became clearer, she would have brought on a manager to guide her long-term career path and make key decisions regarding her roles, public image, and overall brand.
When to Get a Manager First
If you’re in a situation where you have a bit of experience but aren’t sure how to navigate your next steps or need someone to help guide your career strategy, a manager might be more beneficial first. Managers can help you define your goals, connect you with the right people, and help shape your career for the long haul. This is particularly useful if you have a niche talent or are entering a very competitive market where guidance could make a significant difference.
Example:
Rihanna is a perfect example of a situation where a manager might be essential early on. While she had a lot of talent and potential, it was the strategic guidance from her manager that helped her go from a musical artist to a global fashion and business mogul. Her manager was instrumental in shaping her brand and making sure she was always moving toward the right opportunities.
In Some Cases, It Might Be Both at the Same Time
In some instances, especially if you are further along in your career or have a significant body of work, you may choose to work with both a manager and an agent simultaneously. This allows you to have someone who is focused on securing immediate work (the agent) while also having someone who can help with long-term planning and career strategy (the manager).
Having both can be beneficial for those who are at a crossroads in their careers or transitioning from one phase to another. It also allows you to have a team of people who are focused on different aspects of your career, ensuring that you are always moving forward in the right direction.
Conclusion
The decision of whether to hire a manager or an agent first depends on where you are in your career and what you need. If you’re just starting out and need someone to secure work for you, an agent is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for guidance, mentorship, and strategic career advice, a manager may be more beneficial. In many cases, both professionals work together, but understanding the roles each play can help you make an informed decision based on your unique needs. Consider what stage you’re in and what you need for your career to move forward—then make the decision that will set you up for success.
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