The Good, Bad, and Not So Pretty

by Maria Mondavi

Editor's Note: Intended as a quick-reference guide to the complex world of representation, this continuing series on Agents, Managers, and the role of representatives in the entertainment industry explores the basic and complex issues facing those who are, or wish to become, an agent or manager.

An Introduction to Agents And Managers

THE "GOOD"

You want to be an agent or manager...maybe because it's the most coveted position in Hollywood.

When Hilary Swank won the Oscar for best actress this past year she forgot to thank her own husband. Who she didn't forget were her representatives. Agents and managers are often mentioned in acceptance speeches. Why? Possibly because without agents and managers most talent would not be who they are. Most movies would not be "packaged" for box office success. More importantly, nobody would believe the skinny, tall blond we call Gwyneth deserves to headline more than her share of films. There's no question that agents and managers discover, invent and exploit talent. Therefore, representatives are not only an intricate part of the business, but possibly the most powerful. Hence, this is where the term "Power Agent" comes from.

THE "BAD"

You don't want to be an agent or manager....because it's possibly the most criticized career in Hollywood.

When you're powerful the less powerful like to throw stones. D-people love to criticize the industry representatives for "that attitude" they are so infamous for. No matter how cliché a D-person may sound it always pays to tell a story about how some lit agent screwed you out of a spec. Or how a manager lost his client a role in your film. Sure enough another d-person will pipe in with their own story about how "bad" that agent is. In one evening your reputation could be ruined among an entire group. If you sign the new hot writer the next day you'll be back on the same groups phone sheet faster than you can say "I now represent John August." Agent and manager bashing makes casting directors, d-people and studio executives popular. When all else fails blame the agent or manager.

THE "NOT SO PRETTY"

You can't act but you want a career where you'll be admired, well liked, even loved...haha!

Agents and managers are the butt of Hollywood jokes more than they'd probably like to admit. Think of films about showbiz or even the short lived television show, ACTION. Agents are portrayed as fast talking, bullshitting, blood sucking, lying bastards. Remember Bob Sugar from Jerry Maguire? Nobody can deny Cameron Crowe didn't draw from his Hollywood experiences with agents. Or that Hollywood people didn't watch that film and say that reminds me of this CAA {or WMA, ICM, UTA, ENDEAVOR -take your pick} agent I know.

Well, it's true that Hollywood representatives generally get to wear the Armani suit, drive a luxury car, have the latest Palm (not like they would dare schedule anything without their assistant) and sport the hippest cell phone equipment. It's still not a glamorous job. Agents and managers always work long hours, always have to deal with whiney clients, shrewd studio execs, demanding producers and just plain stupid D-people.

The reality is, acceptance speeches only last a minute and a half before the music cuts in. Of which, the part when they thank the representatives lasts as long as it takes to say your name. THAT' S IT! 8 seconds of glory for 365 days of hard work. It's not a pretty job but somebody has to do it.

Articles in the Agent Series: