Something to understand about agents and (big brand) managers for my new pre-WGA friends. Everyone wants to get one or both, right away. That rarely happens. Most of the time, agents and brand name managers will appear as if my magic, right before there’s a deal to be made.

That sounds frustrating, but it’s not as bad as it sounds. Agents are people with jobs and almost always report to someone. They themselves are judged by the amount their clients bring in. They will be fired if they have a cluster of amazing talent with zero in sales.

Sometimes they’ll be fired for having too many people with under a half million in sales, but that’s another discussion. Anyway, they can’t have you on their list until you’re earning, which sounds like a Catch 22, but it’s not.

Producers who read and want stuff will always know reps. The hook up will be made. There are no absolutes, definitely pursue agents and managers. But include “baby producers” in your search, too. The more baby producer friends you have, the exponentially higher your chances are.

Agents and managers are people with jobs and families and bills. They can’t and won’t do something that could get them fired, no matter how amazing you are. The more you see the business from the POVs of everyone, the less labyrinthine it becomes.