REPRESENTATION: LAWYERS & MANAGERS & AGENTS, OH MY!

In the entertainment industry, “reps” or representatives are crucial figures who play pivotal roles in shaping and advancing the careers of artists, writers, directors, actors, and other professionals. Here’s a breakdown of the primary roles and their associated responsibilities:

1. Talent Agents:
   • Responsibilities: Talent agents are responsible for finding and negotiating job opportunities for their clients. They have connections with studios, producers, and casting directors, allowing them to secure auditions, roles, and placements for their clients. They also negotiate contracts to ensure the best terms and payment.
   • Percentage: Typically, agents charge around 10% of the client’s earnings.
   • Examples: CAA (Creative Artists Agency) and WME (William Morris Endeavor) are two of the biggest talent agencies in Hollywood. For instance, Ari Emanuel of WME is a prominent figure, representing talent like Martin Scorsese and Mark Wahlberg.
2. Managers:
   • Responsibilities: Managers offer career guidance and help in making strategic decisions. They might suggest training or classes, advise on image, or help an artist choose roles/projects that align with their career goals. Managers often handle the daily affairs of their clients and work to develop their brand.
   • Percentage: Managers typically take 10-20% of a client’s earnings.
   • Examples: Bernie Brillstein of Brillstein Entertainment Partners, renowned for representing an array of talent like Jim Henson (creator of “The Muppets”) and many “Saturday Night Live” alumni, not only negotiated iconic deals but also played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of legendary figures in the entertainment industry, guiding them through decades of changing landscapes.
3. Entertainment Attorneys:
   • Responsibilities: Entertainment attorneys focus on the legal aspects of the industry. They draft, review, and negotiate contracts, handle intellectual property rights, and might represent their clients in litigation if disputes arise.
   • Percentage: Some entertainment attorneys charge hourly fees, while others may take a percentage, which can range but is often around 5%.
   • Examples: Marty Singer and the late Bert Fields are renowned entertainment attorneys who’ve represented major Hollywood figures.

These representatives play a fundamental role in the entertainment industry, helping to secure not only lucrative deals but also shaping the trajectory of their client’s careers. The representation of screenwriters is especially crucial in the competitive landscape of Hollywood. Many have made headlines with significant deals, largely thanks to the negotiations of their agents and attorney’s. Here are some examples:

1. Damon Lindelof:
   • Representation: CAA (Creative Artists Agency)
   • Big Deal: Lindelof, co-creator of “Lost” and the force behind HBO’s “Watchmen,” signed a significant multi-year deal with Warner Bros. Television.
2. Phil Lord and Christopher Miller:
   • Representation: UTA (United Talent Agency)
   • Big Deal: The duo, known for “The LEGO Movie” and “21 Jump Street,” inked a nine-figure five-year deal with Sony Pictures TV.
3. David Benioff and D.B. Weiss:
   • Representation: CAA (Creative Artists Agency)
   • Big Deal: The showrunners of “Game of Thrones” signed a five-year deal with Netflix that’s worth as much as $300 million.
4. Mike Schur:
   • Representation: UTA (United Talent Agency)
   • Big Deal: With creations like “Parks and Recreation,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” and “The Good Place,” Schur landed an extensive five-year deal with Universal Television.
5. Matthew Weiner:
   • Representation: CAA (Creative Artists Agency)
   • Big Deal: Following his success with “Mad Men,” Weiner signed a $30 million contract for the show’s last three seasons and later struck a deal with Amazon for “The Romanoffs.”
6. Adam McKay:
   • Representation: WME (William Morris Endeavor)
   • Big Deal: With a portfolio including “The Big Short” and “Vice,” McKay penned a five-year overall television agreement with HBO.
7. Issa Rae:
   • Representation: UTA (United Talent Agency)
   • Big Deal: Riding on the success of “Insecure” on HBO, Rae solidified a multi-picture production deal with WarnerMedia.
8. Nic Pizzolatto:
   • Representation: CAA (Creative Artists Agency)
   • Big Deal: The genius behind “True Detective” initially collaborated with HBO but later transitioned to FX with a noteworthy overall deal.
9. Peter Morgan:
   • Representation: UTA (United Talent Agency)
   • Big Deal: Morgan, the mind behind Netflix’s “The Crown,” finalized a considerable agreement with the streaming giant to continue the series for multiple seasons.
10. Noah Hawley:
    • Representation: CAA (Creative Artists Agency)
    • Big Deal: The creator of the critically acclaimed “Fargo” TV series and “Legion” signed a multi-year overall deal with FX Productions to develop new TV projects.

This list showcases a diverse array of talent that has significantly shaped modern television and film, with their representation playing a key role in securing and negotiating their groundbreaking deals and will likely leave many of our screenwriter readers wondering how do I get an agent?