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Your First Interview
MANY OF THE questions directed at the National Conference of Personal Managers concern the all-important first interview a performer has with a prospective manager.
 That's the time a manager sizes up the person beyond the material he has already seen. So there's a good chance the manager is inclined toward signing the performer—or he/she would not have called for the meeting in the first place.
Based on hundreds of emails I've read from performers who inquire about things to do and things not to do in that first interview, I'd say that many performers dread that meeting—as much as they look forward to it.
So, let me direct this column toward getting rid of any dread and properly arming the performer for that first meeting.
It's a given, of course, that you performers will dress appropriately, bring material with you, including a list of points you'd like to cover in the meeting, and will, above all, be on time. From a manager's point of view, if you can't show up on time for our first get-together, I imagine all kinds of future problems as you don't show on time for auditions or rehearsals. Many a manager has decided against signing someone simply because that person arrived late.
Once seated, you should let the manager dictate the flow of the meeting. If the manager asks you a question, answer it as clearly and succinctly as you can. And when the time comes, ask for clarification of anything you're not sure about and be ready with any questions you have that have not already been covered.
Let's get specific. If, in the course of the meeting, you feel uncomfortable or if you realize you just don't like the person sitting on the other side of the desk—well, the best advice I can give you is to leave the room and search for another manager. While a manager-client relationship may not exactly resemble a marriage, it comes pretty damn close!
More specifics:
- Don't be afraid to ask the manager which casting directors and agents he/she works with on a regular basis. (You can call those people later on and see what they have to say about the manager.)
- Ask the manager for a list of his/her clients. Above all you want to ask if the manager has other clients in your "category." If you are a tall, blonde, California-type, you really don't want to join with a manager who represents other similar performers. That will lead to your being just one of the bunch. Because every time a casting call goes out for that type of character, the manager will most probably submit all his clients that match the physical description. As I say, you'll just be one of the bunch.
- If the manager refuses to answer your questions, that manager is not for you. Because any legitimate manager will, of course, answer. In that case be prepared to leave as soon as you politely can.
- No matter what happens in the course of the interview, do not sign anything—anything!— without having your own attorney look it over first.
- And no matter how good you feel about the manager, especially if all your questions have been answered, all your doubts cleared up—no matter if you think this manager is the greatest thing that could ever possibly happen to you as you pursue your career in show business—no matter all that, and more—if the manager asks for money up front for any reason whatsoever—get up and leave.
Have a happy first interview!
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