Agents & Business Managers

In Hollywood, writers, directors, actors, cinematographers, producers, scorers and certain other participants in the creative process of filmmaking are represented by business professionals and companies who function as talent agents, personal managers and business managers. Talent agencies have a "franchised" relationship with the unions and guilds and as a result of that, the agencies usually take a 10% commission on funds received as a result of the efforts contracted for during such term¹¹⁰The primary function of a talent agent is to procure employment for his or her client. These talent agents are regulated by the State Labor Commissioners in the US. Major talent agencies are involved in the packaging of properties. They often team up several of their clients for a single packaging. A separate packaging commission is charged, which varies depending upon the agency.¹¹¹ The three most widely recognized talent agencies in Hollywood are Creative Artists Agency, the William Morris Agency and the International Creative Management. The benefit of being a large agency is that the larger agencies may have greater access to the major studios and a greater ability to get matters accomplished.

Managers advise and assist clients on managing careers for a percentage fee. Unlike agents, they do not require a license to practice. Also, they cannot sign or execute deals for their clients. Business managers handle the accounts to pay their client's bills and manage their money.

Bollywood has a more informal process of getting business where the artists have their personal secretaries or assistants who strike deals and manage schedules on their behalf. However, recently, celebrity management agencies have been formed to handle the professional careers and manage the affairs of Bollywood artists.