Q: My son signed with a manager a few months ago and has been busy ever since, and the manager is now looking for an agent for my son. Once he gets an agent, what changes? What should I expect my manager to be doing that parents don’t know or take care of themselves? What signs should I look for that it’s time to talk to or fire my son’s manager? —@gypsydogg, Backstage Community Forums*
It seems your manager is doing a good job getting your son work, especially for a child who is brand-new to acting. You may not even need an agent if you feel the manager is keeping him busy.
That said, if your son does get an agent, he or she does not replace a manager, they just round out the team. They provide another set of eyes looking for work and pitching your son. Managers are often able to give a more personal approach to developing your child and answering industry questions, since agents usually have larger client bases and less time for individual attention.
If your manager can use his or her relationships to get your son signed with an agent, that’s great! But if you choose to immediately drop your manager after signing with an agent, it’s pretty common for your new agent to terminate you in order to preserve their long-standing relationship with the manager. Which means you’re left with no reps instead of the two you just had.
This industry is all about connections, and burning the first bridge you’ve built is not the best idea, especially when your son’s manager is just trying to help you build more.
*This question was originally asked and answered on the Backstage Community Forums.
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