Is Having an Agent or Manager Crucial to Success in Hollywood?

Many suggest having representation is the difference between "making it", or not.

But is that really the case?

First, we must ask ourselves what our definition of success looks like. Is it fame, or fortune? Accolades, perhaps? Praise from the industry and our peers?

Or does the mere act of creating (whatever your craft) on your own terms offer the fulfilment you long for?

Perhaps the opportunity to share ideas and convey messages to a global audience appeals to you. Or the privilege of making a total stranger laugh, or feel inspired.

Whatever it may be... this North Star (as I often refer to it), we must first establish. Anchoring to a mandate for your journey from the outset is of paramount importance, in my experience.

Is Hollywood truly the pinnacle? If you believe that to be the case, then yes, having a form of representation in your corner can be of immense value. Not only can a manager or agent assist you in booking gigs, but having the right management bolsters confidence, public perception, and can help be a voice of wisdom that both guides and shapes your career.

For actors, it means getting your name and face in front of the right casting directors, producers and directors. While for our literary-inclined folk, it can be the difference of your screenplay sitting in mom's basement collecting dust, or transforming into a piece of cult-like entertainment that travels the world.

The problem is: not every manager or agent is for you.

What do I mean by that?

Similarly to other professions, some "reps" are simply more naturally gifted than others. Same goes with creatives. And like any good business partnership, personality, taste in style/material and energetics play a big role in determining who's a good fit for you. Who you've got chemistry with. 

Over several decades I've observed a trend. A concerning one, to be frank. That is, talent signing with any agent or manager just for the hell of it. All in the name of pride. Just so they can utter the conceited words, "my agent".

Resist this temptation. This trap. To be a mere name on a list. It most certainly won't serve your prospective rep, and it sure as hell won't serve you.

Instead, swallow any pride or ego that may surface, put your head down, and do the work. Create opportunities for yourself. Refine your craft. And above all, remain stubbornly tenacious. The right collaboration will reveal itself in a totally organic and mutually beneficial way that only time and patience can afford. It could be a year. It could be twenty. Stay the course, and all will be well.

No doubt there are many easier paths to fame and fortune than the film business. It can be soul-destroying at times, so it's essential to be in it for the right reasons. Establish that mandate for your existence. Use it, reflect on it, and always remain anchored to it. 

Importantly, you must have an unequivocal belief in yourself. This is a business largely made up of rejection and criticism. Rise to the occasion. Take it onboard (resist being offended), reflect, assess what makes sense and what doesn't, and keep forging ahead. Keep improving. Over and over.

This is why we created ScreenAssist--to help sharpen your toolkit and fuel creativity. Our goal was simple but ambitious: create the greatest screenplay coverage and analysis tool in the world.

The persistent are who last in this game, not those with talent, alone.

Try ScreenAssist.ai today to strengthen your toolkit.