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What does a Talent Manager Do?

20 January 2024 | Stanford Payne

Raw talent alone does not secure a career. Securing a talent manager is essential for any artist – established or aspiring.

Everyone knows how hard it is to not just crack into the entertainment industry but also how to master it.
Your talent manager is your ‘partner’ always keeping their ear on the ground and in the air to pave the easiest way for you to achieve the artistic and creative goals you aspire to.

Your talent manager will create connections and open doors that usually are not open to all. 

Your talent manager is a professional who will guide and assist in advancing your career long-term.Some areas that will always be covered can be:

Industry Career Development and Strategy

  • Understand your goals, strengths, and aspirations (A24 features vs Disney TV for example)
  • With you develop your strategic plan that will guide your career development breaking down proper strategies short and long term 
  • Be your listening ear always 

Marketing, Public Relations and Networking

  • Be ‘you’ when you are busy doing your craft
  • From casting directors to producers to any influential figures or brands always in line with your Career strategy 
  • Be your ‘plus 1’ at many industry events strengthening your brand and marketability 
  • Ensuring your image and brand are always safe and in high regard in the industry

Contractual Legal needs and Financial Guidance

  • Negotiate and manage contracts, deals, and agreements 
  • Liaise with more professional legal advisors where needed
  • Middle man for your relationship between production and yourself

Personal Support and Friendship

(Many times at award shows you hear artists thanking their long-term relationships with their managers)

  • Any support and guidance – emotional and any other
  • Always have your interest at heart first and above all.

Talented artist Gillian Anderson’s Emmy award for her performance in Netflix’s The Crown is a special tribute to the relationship all artists and managers strive towards  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AsrUQCCtK4

Your talent manager plays a crucial role in guiding and advancing your career helping you to navigate the crazy entertainment industry allowing you to focus on what you love and are good at doing and in the process creating a sustainable long-term career in the arts and entertainment for as long as you choose.