Is it neccesary to have both? I understand that an agent tries to get you work, but what would a manager do for ya?

A manager is easier to get than an agent. An one of the things they can get for you is and agent.

Agents are plugged into the studio system and have the ability and legal authority to negotioate legal contracts on your behalf.

A Manager's job is more nubulous. A Manager typically works as a mediator, a guy/gal who introduces you to "the right people" while taking a more active role in guiding your career than an Agent.

In my case, I have a lawyer, manager and agent - each one's job is slightly differentiated, but there is also a great deal of crossover.

you certainly don't need both, but yuo do need one in order to get your scripts read by anyone.

No one in this town takes unsolicited scripts.

Okay, so let me see if I got this down.... (For the sake of ease, I'll use Entourage characters even though I haven't seen anything but the first season.)


Vincent is the movie star. He basically stands in front of the camera and recites his lines.

Eric is sorta like the manager. He offers him advice and hangs out with him alot at social functions.

Ari (1 of the best characters in television history) is the agent. He actively goes out and solicits studios to give Vincent roles.


Is that about right? I guess to me, it seems like the manager is very extraneous and if you already have an agent, would be unneeded, but maybe there's some element of what they do that I'm missing. Id' be hard pressed to justify paying a guy 10% if all he's doing is introducing me to people but then again, I'm not in Hollywood and from what I un derstand it's a lot more of who you know than what you know.

I have heard that unsolicited scripts generally get returned unopened so as to protect the studios from possible theft lawsuits.

you got is exactly right. and what Eric does as Vinny Chase's manager is read the scripts, sort through material and counsel his client/friend.

Yeah, I really don't think one needs all the reps, but I'm still trying to claw my way up and I need everyone on my side that I can get.

Should I ever reach the position of power to which I strive, I will certainly cut one or the other loose. You can get by without an agent if you hae a manager and a lawyer. So I'm not sure which one will go...I'll see who treats me better :)

Hollywood is like a junior high cafeteria and everyone wants to sit at the cool kid's table - no one wants to sit alone

If you're sure it's something you wouldn't mind doing, then pm me you're email. ...And consider it sort of a friendly exchange of ideas. (My sentence structure is only "superior" after I revise about a million times, grammar book in hand. [I actually have a copy of a high school grammar text book and a college text writing text book called "A Work in Progress"]).

As for poetry, hey, you scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours, as the saying goes. It's something that we could pass back and forth for just general purposes. Both of us are competent enough as writers to know whether or not a person's work is good, however, we are not equipped to judge our own work due to our own self doubt. Therefore, it might be good for you to hear someone who knows poetry (and I do) to say, "Rod Usher, you really are good, so stop staring at The Poet's Market, kay?"

Cheers!

That makes perfect sense.

Quote:

Should I ever reach the position of power to which I strive, I will certainly cut one or the other loose. You can get by without an agent if you hae a manager and a lawyer. So I'm not sure which one will go...I'll see who treats me better :) Hollywood is like a junior high cafeteria and everyone wants to sit at the cool kid's table - no one wants to sit alone

Hmmm... Good analogy.


So, has your manager introduced you to any mega stars that would make us oooo and ahhhh or gotten you into parties at the Playboy mansion yet?

Mostly just producers whose names are hardly household, but I've been pretty excited to be in the room with them.

Had a bunch of meetings with Robert Evans in his huge and very old school offices on the Paramount lot - very cool. I Always giggle to myself when I enter any of the studios, just so funny to be at Universal or Sony or Paramount or Fox.

:D

Had lunch with Vinessa Shaw (Hills Have Eyes remake) today. She's even prettier in person. Seems she's interested in one of my projects:D

Sweet! I'm sure having known actors interested in your stuff makes the studios take a closer look too.

No Playboy parties though?

the mods should just sticky this thing, because every time it drops off the front page, I am just going ot bump it back up.... :)


i have been hitting the "Writing Planning" pretty hardcore these days. i havent had time to actually sit down and write much, but this weekend i should be finishing 90% of the housework we have, so i can dedicate my free time to fun work. Thank god it's almost fall, this is the best time of the year for me.

it's like the creative dam broke and i can barely keep track of all the ideas, characters and plotlines pouring out of my head.

i have 4 screenplays i am outlining, 3 serial stories (including Gloom ;), and more short stories than oyu can shake a stick at.

Seriously, your arm would get tired before you could shake it at all of them.

Why are you looking at me like that?



Edit:
Not to be sappy or anything but between Roderick and my wife, i have not felt this good or positive that this oculd actually happen for me. i actually like my current job a LOT, but as much as i like programming, it is A) for someone Else, and B) not my #1 passion.

I would love to bounce some of my stuff off of you Rod, when i have more complete work (proffesional opinions are great), but i would hate to inundate you. I cant stand people who take advantage of free services.