Agent vs. Manager?!?! (Tricks of the Trade)

As old as the entertainment industry is itself, the difference between an agent and a manager has been debated! Even the most seasoned artists are often confused as to: do I need an agent or a manager? When do I need an agent and/or manager?

An agent and a manager's job is equally important to an artist's career; the main objective of both is to get an artist work to make money. Although their core goal is synonymous, and their responsibilities can either be blurred or overlap, there are distinct differences between an agent and a manager.  So, how does the entertainment industry view the differences between an agent and a manager? Very distinctly. First of all, there is a difference between their tasks and responsibilities. An agent's primary function is simply to find an artist jobs...pretty cut and dry. They are generally members of the Screen Actors Guild or SAG, which regulates their responsibilities. Managers on the other hand navigate and manage every aspect of an artist's career and are not members of SAG. They often introduce an artist to an agent, accountant, publicist, attorney or anyone else pivotal in ensuring that their career is successful. Managers generally do not search out auditions or jobs for the artist; this responsibility lies with the agent.

Secondly, there is a difference in compensation. An agent's commission generally averages between 10-15% commission. A manager's commission generally averages between 15-20% commission. The variance in the commission scale is because of each party's role. As previously stated, an agent just provides jobs or gigs to the agent, the manager works much more closely and is an integral part of every aspect of the artist's career. Neither a legitimate agent nor a legitimate manager require that an artist pay any upfront fees or pay fees to either out of their pocket. Both are paid once an artist is paid from work that is performed. 

When an artist needs an agent or a manager is solely dependent on the artist's needs and the success of the artist. It is usually more likely that an artist is needed first to secure jobs. After an artist's career has reached a semblance of success, they look for a seasoned manager. 

As stated, both of these roles are an integral part of the entertainment industry and an artist's career. Knowing the difference between an agent and a manager is important for an artist to ensure the artist's success.

Aphter, Prior (2007). Yahoo! Contributor Network: The Differences Between a Talent Agent and a Talent Manager. Retrieved on June 01, 2011 from http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/352349/the_differences_between_a_talent_agent.html