A talent manager is someone who manages talent. They’re quite different from a talent agent. First, let’s break up the two words and define them to give you a better understanding of what a talent manager actually does. According to Dictionary.com, the word “talent” can be defined as a special or natural ability. It also means a capacity for achievement or success.
“Manage” can be defined as to bring about or succeed in accomplishing, sometimes despite difficulty or hardship.
Based on those two definitions we can safely say that a talent manager is one who helps you succeed in your natural ability–which in your case is acting. A talent manager is a person who personally guides you in your career so you can be successful. Think of a talent agent as one who sells a product, which is you, the actor. The talent manager is one who grooms, nurtures and forms the actor into a viable product for the agent. Hope this doesn’t sound too harsh but remember that this is a business. You are considered a product in this business and good talent managers understand this concept.
Talent managers tend to be more “personal” to the actor, preparing them for success. They help define your overall goals in becoming a successful actor. They help you find a good photographer and aid you in getting an agent. They usually deal with agents on your behalf and some talent managers even have the ability to get you in on auditions before you ever get an agent.
Maybe you’re just getting started and don’t have enough acting credits to get a talent agent right away? Maybe you’re not yet in any of the unions like SAG or AFTRA? Well, here’s where a good manager comes in. They can take you under their wing and get you in on projects (usually non-union) to get some credits under your belt.
Some talent managers even help you on the business side of things but be careful. Always sign your own checks and by all means never pay any upfront fees for a talent manager. Legitimate talent managers usually charge a commission of 15%-25% of what you make as an actor. This does not include the 10% talent agent commission. If you have a talent manager and an agent, realize that they will be getting anywhere from 25%-35% of the gross of what you make as an actor. Acquiring a good talent agent is usually a must in order to become a successful actor, however, you are not obligated to have a talent manager.
If you’re interested in finding out more on how you can find a good talent manager that’s right for you visit: talentmanagers.org
