Opinions on management company representation?

[scriptwriter74]

What is the concensus here about signing with a management company in Hollywood or Los Angeles vs being independent.

I have recently had 3 separate actors give glowing reviews and would like to act in the movie, but so far none have wanted to option through their own production company. From their reviews, I have now received contact with several management companies that would like to potentially represent.

I have heard only agents can broker a deal. Will the benefits of having a manager outweigh any losses from the percentage they take?

[wordmonkey]

Main difference is that a Management company can actively be involved on the actual production and take a pay-day from that.

In VERY (over) simple terms.

Agents earn money by setting you up with a deal for which you are paid and they take a cut of that pay. They make money ONLY off you (the talent they rep)

Managers will generally package a project with various talent and CAN be more involved in that actual making. Agents cannot be involved in the production. Managers can make money off YOU (the talent) and the project you work on.

But to answer your question, they can do a deal for you.

[zagoraz]

But to answer your question, they can do a deal for you.

Actually no, they can't. Most managers have entertainment lawyers that negotiate deals for them. They are not licensed to negotiate deals themselves.

[wordmonkey]

Actually no, they can't. Most managers have entertainment lawyers that negotiate deals for them. They are not licensed to negotiate deals themselves.

OK, they have people who can do that for you. :D

The benefit is that you have someone with a mighty-big rolodex and the time to focus just on schmoozing, leaving you free to do what you do best.

I'm not advocating going this route, but it's something to consider. And it could help you land an agent.