If you can't tell by the title of this post, I am totally new to this industry. I have a two-year-old son and am interested in trying to get him some print or commercial work. I just think it would be a great experience.

That being said, can someone explain the difference between agents, managers and personal managers? I do know that no money should be paid up front to any of them. But beyond that I need help.

Thanks in advance,
Jason

Bonnie Gillespie wrote a good article on the difference between managers and agents. Here's the link:

http://more.showfax.com/columns/avoice/archives/000374.html

In a nutshell, according to Bonnie, "a manager will advise you on your image, headshots, resumé format and content, acting classes, demo reel, website, personal appearances, and career direction"

An agent "will submit, pitch, and hustle to get you in the door with casting directors. They negotiate deals when you book the part, including getting you a bigger trailer, better billing, a higher rate quote, paid ads, your name in the opening credits, etc., work to bring you to the level of "offer only," at which time they will read scripts on your behalf and recommend your course of action.

These are some of the things managers and agents do. Please read the article for a more detailed explanation of what you should expect from a manager and an agent and how they would work together.

I agree with everything Kipmil says and I would also add that a good manager will help you find the right agent as well as pitch you to the various agents. Many people can not get representation with the top agents and this is where a good manager comes in handy.
A great manager who has good industry contacts will have you going out commercially for several different agents thus increasing your number of commercial auditions. Often times managers can be just as selective as agents when it comes to choosing their talent. Though it is easier to land a manager than it is an agent, it is not a cake walk to land one of the top managers either.

Thanks for the feedback.

So my next question is, how do I go about finding a good manager and at two-years-old, does my son need one?

Who are considered to be the top managers?

You will find it very difficult to get recommendations for managers here because they are very personal relationships and people play it very close to the vest. It is the one thing that is not readily shared.

The best thing to do is sign up for IMDB 14-day trial and look for NY managers that rep kids you have heard of. Look up the managers and you will be able to put the pieces together.

I may be wrong and someone will supply a list...I think there is one on here in the resources section.

HERE'S a good list of some reputable kids agents and managers.

Kipmil, Actorsmommy and Not Blond are sharing excellent information. Since you are in SoCal, here is a link on finding agents and managers that might help. http://bbs.backstage.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6031061/m/7...?r=75410578#75410578

There are really only a few 'baby' managers in LA. The "Baby" term covering up to about age 4 - 5. We just wrote a new article, not even advertised yet, with information for the younger set. It includes a list of the recommended managers.

Please see Baby Biz

Hope that helps.
Paula
BizParentz.org

FlipTheSwitch, thanks for posting that list. I guess what I meant to say was that people would not readily say which managers were best because they are usually individuals and not companies. When you are naming names, you have to be careful and i don't think people are going to post, "my manager is the best."

You really have to meet them and see if it is a good fit because you will be working so closely with them. So I would say, submit to the people on the list Flip posted and if you get meetings, take time to decide because it should be a long, happy relationship.

Thank you all for the feedback. I have a lot of research to do, but you're making it a bit easier.