Manager vs Agent
Agents procure work and negotiate deals (licensed), while managers provide career guidance and development (unlicensed).
Definition
Agents and managers serve distinct but complementary roles in talent representation. Agents are licensed to procure employment and negotiate deals, operating under strict guild regulations. Managers focus on career development, strategy, and guidance without solicitation rights.
In practice, the lines often blur—managers frequently facilitate deals while agents provide strategic counsel—leading to ongoing debates about proper roles and compensation.
Why It Matters
Understanding this distinction helps talent navigate representation decisions and helps industry professionals know who to approach for what purposes. The dual representation model is uniquely American and often confuses international partners.
Commission structures differ significantly—agents typically take 10% while managers charge 15%—meaning talent with both pay substantial representation costs.
Examples in Practice
An actor might have an agent at WME handling deal negotiations while a management company provides day-to-day career guidance, publicity strategy, and long-term planning. Many A-list talent have both relationships.
Some talent choose manager-only representation, particularly early in careers when development matters more than deal-making, though this can limit access to certain opportunities.