Do you usually have an agent AND a manager?

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  • Do you usually have an agent AND a manager?

    that's all

  • #2
    Some do, some don't. It all depends on what you want or need from the relationships.

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    • #3
      AMW (Agent, Manager, Whatever)

      I usually employ both (and the services of my wonderful attorney).

      I have had periods with 'just' an agent or 'only' a manager, but I prefer having both.

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      • #4
        Re: AMW (Agent, Manager, Whatever)

        <!--EZCODE QUOTE START--><blockquote>Quote:<hr> I have had periods with 'just' an agent or 'only' a manager, but I prefer having both. <hr></blockquote><!--EZCODE QUOTE END-->

        Why? Just curious as to what paying that
        extra commision buys.

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        • #5
          Re: AMW (Agent, Manager, Whatever)

          yeah .. why both?

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          • #6
            Re: AMW (Agent, Manager, Whatever)

            First reason is easy: more people with connections working hard to advance your career.

            Second reason is a bit more complicate: I started writing novels. Still do. I have a lit agent in NY. In my experience a lit agent for novels functions as both a salesman AND an editor, and is deeply involved in the development of a project.

            Now, out here, I have film agents and managers. The agents are focused heavily on the selling side of things. Making sure the right projects come to me. They are less involved in the actual development of a script. My managers are VERY involved in the development. They work closely with me to make sure it's the best it can be before it goes to a buyer.

            The most important thing, though, is that both my managers and agents work TOGETHER to advance my career. They are not in competition. And for me having both has paid off far beyond the extra commission.

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            • #7
              Re: AMW (Agent, Manager, Whatever)

              I second Mompboken entirely. Managers help you develop the most sellable script you can get; agents get you assignments. Well put, Momp.

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              • #8
                Re: AMW (Agent, Manager, Whatever)

                If I get what you guys are saying is,
                your mgrs. are your readers who
                evaluate your material.

                Okay.

                But what if you belong to a writer's
                group?

                Or...

                Use consultants to evaluate your
                material at flat rates?

                Would you still keep a manager?

                I understand why actors have them.
                Agents just book jobs while a mgr. will
                be the only one to tell his actor client
                that he or she doesn't want to do, say,
                the next slasher/exploitation flick.

                But a writer's job is so deliberate and
                cerebral I would think feedback as to
                clarity of one's work would be all that's
                necessary. One may get this from any
                lay person (spouse, friends) or a from
                paying a one time fee to a stranger
                (consultant).

                It just strikes me odd that within
                the last five years screenwriters have
                felt the need to get managers. What
                happened?

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                • #9
                  Re: AMW (Agent, Manager, Whatever)

                  Managers are part of the biz. They know what works in the realm of the biz, not only what is a good story.

                  Plus, they are more than readers. In many ways beyond development they help find the best projects for you.

                  EDITED to add: I should say GOOD managers above. Anyone can call themself a manager, but without the talent, experience, and connections, they are no more use than a doorstop.

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                  • #10
                    Re: AMW (Agent, Manager, Whatever)

                    I attended a panel featuring an agent from a prestigious boutique agency, and she suggested getting a manager if the writer is very shy and not good at networking. Some managers, though not all, will actively promote the writer and their work, getting their clients into meetings and onto lists for assignments at the studios and prodcos.

                    In other words, it's another professional with industry contacts out there in the trenches promoting you.

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                    • #11
                      Re: AMW (Agent, Manager, Whatever)

                      ScriptKat is also right. A good manager will help you develop your work; help you get it read; help you find an agent and an attorney--essentially launch you in your career.

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                      • #12
                        Re: AMW (Agent, Manager, Whatever)

                        This may be an obvious question but:

                        Does that mean you pay 20% commission on each sale, or just commissions based on who sold what? Manager sold script A, gets 10% while agent sold B and gets 10%.

                        I am a little confused on this issue as well.

                        jem

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                        • #13
                          Re: AMW (Agent, Manager, Whatever)

                          Agent 10%
                          Manager 10%
                          Attorney 5%
                          Business Manager 5%

                          Everybody gets a cut of everything. They are all working for you on every project. If they are not, you don't need them.

                          (The above commission structure does not apply to every writer...it just happens to be mine.)

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