Even with the "thin line" differentiating Agents and Managers, in function and responsibilities, it is still quite complicated who to run to first. Agents Or Managers! Which would you advice? (The Agents are better reps for your work(script) or the Managers are?) What about both? (Though quite expensive, about 20-25% to afford) This thing is a little foggy -
Screenwriting : Agents or Managers? by Jerry Doubles
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As you point out a writer doesn't need (and can't really afford) both until they are making a solid living as a writer. Managers are more personal - guiding a career and holding the hand of the writer. Agents are often better contract negotiators. Both are difficult to get - they both are looking for a client who will make money. In many cases managers less so but they still need a client who will sell scripts. A beginning writer cannot afford to turn down any (legit) offer of representation so this question is usually premature. If you have a manager interested in guiding your career - take the offer. If you have an agent offering representation - take the offer. If you are ready for either one (really, legitimately ready) then look for both. Don't restrict yourself to one or the other. Go with the first one who accepts you. Sign a short term contract and build your career. If you get both a manager and an agent at the same time and you sell a script it may be worth the percentage.
I heard Unicorns are easier to find. Just putting that out there.
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JC, I feel it's just the opposite; first a manager who will guide your career, encourage you to keep writing and introduce you to their industry connections. Then an agent to negotiate the deal. The more you spend the more you have in the long term. A good agent will negotiate more money for your script rather than less. After all the more they get from the producer the more they, personally, make. However, the question should be, "Am I ready for representation?" Perhaps Jerry is - thus the "agent or manager" question. Writers should make sure they are ready to enter the marketplace and expect someone to work hard on their behalf for no pay up front.
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Always go to managers first. And any manager will tell you that. You don't need an agent unless you have numerous polished, commercial, ready to sell specs.
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Manager. Agents only come into play whe.n a deal is guaranteed, or they can fully "package" a deal with only talent they represent which is very rare. An agent will not call or mentor you. A manager is a workhorse. They will read and evaluate your script, give notes and feedback, return calls and e-mails, market your scripts, set up pitches, meeyings, etc. Then if a deal is eminent they will bring in agent or entertainment lawyer.
D Marcus, "Am I ready for representation?" YES! thanks for the tip.
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Mike, thanks.
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Danny, cool.
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Then you need to interview both agents and managers right away. Don't restrict yourself to one or the other. Get yourself out there with your finished scripts and writing samples and find out who's interested in representing you.
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Always had better relationships with my mangers than my agents. Usually my manger found my agent based upon their relationships. My past mangers always believed a script was never dead even if it went out wide, it just needed to find the right producer some day. Agents would burn through specs and if they didn't sell they would ask, "What else do you have." And your manager would call the agent and coordinate any send out, but you would have more contact with your manger who looks out for the bigger picture of your overall career.
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Nice one -- Mark. it is quite assuring!
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D Marcus, thanks- will do.
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How do I go about getting a manager rather than an agent? I hear managers are easier to get. Are they approachable on this site?
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Hey Neil! To Rebecca's point, that is definitely one of the best ways to connect with managers through Stage 32. Our coverage and pitch options are awesome for script feedback, but they also let you get your work in front of managers and agents. If you're interested, check out our script consulting tab here: https://www.stage32.com/scriptservices/consulting
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In reading the comments in the lounge, I see that it's easier to get a manager than an agent? I've tried with no success using IMBD pro. Does anyone have any suggestions to how to go about getting a manager? Thanks.
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In my experience, when someone has a really good script that everyone will want, it becomes surprisingly easy to find either. Seriously, you would not believe it. it is like magic.