What is the difference between ...

[Sean Z P Harris]

... A manager and an agent? (That sounds like the start of a bad joke!

[mbarrett]

Well...not sure if I'll get this right but I'll take a stab at it. This is a fine line between an agent and a manager. I believe that a manager will give you advice and help you along the way by making contacts. I think they will also give you advice when say you tell them you're thinking about writing a screenplay about a dominatrix that kills men because of some distorted view she has from her father abusing her as a kid. He/She might say - that is an awesome idea - take it and get me something good when you get it done or they might say that story's been done before. Change it and get back to me.
An Agent - will broker meetings/set-ups for you to try and get your screenplay in the hands of someone they think will like it. Trying to get that sale so you and the agent can make money.

Not sure if I said that correctly or not. I don't have one - so I'm strictly going from forum posts that I have read on other sites.

Of course that's not to say that a Manager and an Agent's responsibilities don't mix. You may or may not need them both.

Mark

[mscherer]

Sean,

Mark has it pretty much right on. To reiterate:

1. Agents are licensed. They set up the meetings, send your script around town and negotiates the sale.

2. A manager is not licensed. Managers are most times producers too. Managers will assist with your writing, story ideas, etc. but are not able to negotiate sales. In addition, be careful to avoid situations where a manager takes his usual manager fee (usually 10-15%) AND collects a producer’s fee. A legit manager will forego the management fee if they are getting a producer’s fee.

If you want more (and most certainly, more accurate) information go here:
www.hollywoodpassport.net/paying-your-dues/agents-and-managers-%E2%80%93-signing-on-the-dotted-line/