Week 6: EOC Model Management Job Description

This week we were ask what job we would like once we receive our degree, for me that was easy, I want to be a professional model manager. What is a model manager? A model manager’s focus is more on managing models career than with arranging auditions. Model managers keep in close touch with model agents to ensure a shared vision for the model, but a manager stays mostly on the management end of the models career. Sometimes a model manager may set up an audition for a model, but that is not their focus. A model manager will not guarantee auditions for a model. Securing auditions is a model agent’s job. A model managers job includes finding the model “scouting” ,introduction and guidance of the model  to the model business, development of the model including the initial models portfolio or digital photos to be introduced to partner  model agents and clients, public relations companies, and helps to make a career plan and keep the model on a path toward success. “It is important that persons make ethical decisions in their personal lives, but the practice of business ethics is of important concern to hospitality mangers” (Hayes, David K. Human Resources Management in the Hospitality Industry, 1st Edition. Pg. 159. Wiley, 02/2008.

Model Management

Role Defined

In simplest terms, the job of a talent manager is to organize and advance the career of a talented individual. Clients may include actors, artists, musicians, or athletes. You are responsible for seeking job opportunities for clients and representing your clients' interests during the negotiation of contracts.

Duties and Responsibilities

As a talent manager, you perform a wide variety of tasks for many different kinds of clients. Your day-to-day activities include:

    Setting up meetings with clients or possible employers

    Assessing the talent of prospective clients

    Arranging performances or publicity events for clients

    Making travel arrangements

    Creating advertising strategies

    Handling accounting matters

    Establishing professional relationships with people and organizations

Education and Skills

If you want to be a talent manger, you will probably need a four-year degree. It may be helpful to pursue a degree in business or marketing. Because you are responsible for promoting clients, it is helpful to have knowledge of marketing strategies.

Talent managers also need an understanding of business and accounting practices, a capacity for creative thinking and confidence in communicating with others. As a talent manager, you will need to keep updated on industry trends in order to advise clients and to create effective strategies for promoting their careers.

You may also need at least a cursory knowledge of the type of art your client produces or takes part in. For example, if you represent mostly actors, it would be beneficial to know how a client might improve their craft to increase their chances of landing a lucrative role.

Salary Information and Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes was reported as $64,200 in May 2014. The employment of such agents and managers is projected to grow by nearly 10% between 2012 and 2022, reports the Bureau.