Question 1

What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

Ryan Cunningham · Accepted Answer

“Do your homework,” says Cunningham. Also, find a job in the industry as soon as possible because it’s the best way to know how it works.

Question 2

What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?

Ryan Cunningham · Accepted Answer

“They try to move too quickly.” Cunningham cautions young Managers to not push too fast for more clients. Take your time to build relationships and a roster. This job “is a marathon, not a sprint,” he adds.

Question 3

What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do?

Ryan Cunningham · Accepted Answer

Cunningham offers, “Can I handle this lifestyle?” The people who thrive in this career are the ones who continually check in with themselves to see if they’re still loving it. He states, “Be honest with yourself or else you’ll burn out.”

Question 4

If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?

Ryan Cunningham · Accepted Answer

“Hard-working.”

Question 5

What does a Manager do in film?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

In the world of filmmaking, the Manger is the person who works closely with an Actor, Director, Screenwriter, or other type of talent to promote and develop their skills in a professional capacity. The Manager is thought of as the person who helps their clients consider their long-term professional goals and shape their careers to reflect those goals.

Question 6

What makes a good Manager?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

A good Manager both listens to the needs of their clients and encourages them to reach beyond their comfort zone should they feel they have the capacity to work in different genres or mediums. They also provide constant feedback in terms of how to better their work for submission or consideration to Agents, Producers, production companies, and studios.

Question 7

What is the difference between a Manager and Agent?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

A Manager can be thought of as a career coach for talent. They are the person with whom a client will likely be working with most closely over the course of their career to both produce work and shape their overall professional path. An Agent is the person who can formally submit an Actor, Writer, or other type of talent for a job and negotiate contracts for them.

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