When you’re an emerging writer, finding a manager or agent can seem like your golden ticket to success. While there is some small truth to that (it would help to have a manager or agent to be considered for staffing, for example), having representation doesn’t change your career overnight. You are still in charge of your career.
And since you’re in the driver's seat of your career, the most important thing in terms of finding representation is to find someone that is right for YOU. You’re assembling a team of people who get you and believe in your vision. The right manager and/or agent should only add to that.
So how do you know what kind of rep is right for you? Here are some basic ideas to understand so you can figure out what's best for your career as a writer:
AGENT VS MANAGER
If you’re seeking reps for the first time, your first meeting will most likely be with a manager. The biggest difference between managers and agents is that agents can legally broker deals and managers cannot. BUT things are constantly changing in this industry so these days it’s not uncommon for a manager to be able to bring staffing opportunities to you. Also, agents are salespeople, first and foremost. They’re less involved in your creative process. They won't hold your hand as much or give you as much career advice because they have a lot of clients. Managers tend to keep their rosters smaller so they can focus on your career. Agents come in when it’s time to finalize deals and get business done. You can have both at the same time, but it's probably not necessary at the beginning of your career.
BOUTIQUE VS BIG COMPANY
You’ll hear a lot about whether to go with a big, fancy, brand-name agency or management company over a small boutique company. Both have pros and cons.
If you go with a boutique agency or management company, they’re smaller, and therefore can give you more individual attention. The downside is they don’t have as wide a reach or strong connections compared to a large company. Sometimes it can be difficult to get you read for a job if you're with a smaller company, unless your reps don't already have the contacts to make it happen.
Big companies have powerful connections and access to a bunch of packaging opportunities. Lots of times big management companies will also double as production companies, meaning they can sign onto your pilot as producers and take it out to studios and networks to sell. BUT it’s easy to get lost at a company like this as a lower-level writer. Many people start boutique and move onto a bigger company down the road because it can be easier to get attention there if you have more credits and experience.
UNDERSTAND YOUR VOICE AS A WRITER
When you're making a list of dream reps, do your research and see what kind of clients they represent. Are you a comedy writer? Great, see if they actually rep comedy writers. Are you a multi-hyphenate who also directs or acts? Make sure your voice and your packaging as a writer fit their general roster.
Narrow down potential reps who are right for you by knowing your voice and understanding what types of agencies and management companies are out there.
