Anything Goes : Manager or agent by Bryan Casserly

Absolutely. It would be wise to take him on because the agent is the business part and the manager guides your career as far as your vision and the best way of fulfilling that.

Thanks Antonio for the reply, I met with him once and then tried to do my 'due diligence' so I asked him for references and also if he could outline more on what exactly he was going to do for me as an actor. Not only did he not answer me about the references he said because I asked that question, "what can you do for me" he told me I wasn't ready for management

He wasn't a real manager. Maybe someone trying to break in as a manager and wanted to ride you coat tails into the business. I had the same problem with my first manager and I had to fire him. Good job doing you homework on him.

You absolutely asked the right questions Bryan. I always see actors treat agents and managers like some sort of miracle. The truth is an agent and manager will only take you as far as you take yourself. It is important to have and agent and manager for sure, but it is equally as important to have the right agent and manager. Asking questions about what you can expect out of working together is the number one question you MUST ask in my book. Never just sign with someone just because they show interest and always look up their company/client list before agreeing to any meetings or deals.

I have to agreee with the above. I fired my last agent with a lawyer. You need representation that's for sure, just be sure you know what to expect from them and when they don't deliver, make sure you know how to get out.

I appreciate all the advice everybody...think I'll hold off on a manager for now

You Need A Manager, When You have enough income to Support One or they can bring you more business than you can handle.

I think it's safe to say. that if your selling newspapers on the corner to keep your cell phone on, you may not be ready for a Manager, Agents are business people first. if an Agent can book you on a corner passing out condoms. he'll be on the phone and sending out e-mails to every company that manufactures condoms, but you have to be MARKETABLE FIRST, Show Business is not a Charity, Its a Business like McDonalds, Apple Computers, SuperMarkets, You need to be able to generate an income for yourself, so the Agent collects his 15 to 20% Agents will NOT WORK FOR UNPROVEN TALENT, ITS NOT HIS JOB TO PROVE YOU HAVE TALENT, ITS YOUR JOB TO PROVE YOU CAN GET WORK and WORTH HIS TIME TO INTRODUCE YOU TO HIS CONTACTS, KEEP THIS IN MINE> AGENTS are NOT YOUR LOVING PARENTS WORRIED ABOUT YOU WORKING or NOT !

I have an agent Henry, and that relationship is good and I understand fully what an agent does, my question is about managers, are you saying the same rules apply? This manager approached me telling me he thought I had a lot of talent, when I asked what he could do for me he all the sudden said I wasn't ready. I agree, you have to be at the right financial moment in your career if you're giving 15% to agent and 10 to a manager, I think any manager should answer questions for an actor before he signs 10% of his life away to that guy

He sent me a contract after one meeting...so I don't think it's right that he wouldn't humor me and answer a few questions

Bryan,Sorry I wasn't directing my comments to you, it was a general statement in response to others, Again I'm sorry for the Mis-UNDERSTAND MY FAULT - Henry

No worries

Laird, I'm under the impression that is the difference between a manager and an agent, a manager by law cannot book you gigs unless of course they have the license to do so. Lets not stray from my first post, while I agree a manager is probably good to have at some point in the career why wouldn't he answer simple questions I had before I signed?

No that is not correct, at least the way he explained it to me. Managers don't book you gigs they guide your career and get you publicity. The agents are the ones with state license to book auditions

Yea Laird, I live in the US and it's different here.

I've done plenty of research on agents and I have one so I know what they can and cannot do, I appreciate the comments anyways

It depends on the manager. If you find someone who's interested and committed to growing your career, go for it.