This One Decision Could Shape Your VO Career

You’ve probably heard this before: “You need an agent to make it.”

Or maybe it was: “A good manager can take your career to the next level.”

Get the FREE Rep Vetting Checklist. Click the image above.

But if you’re like most voice actors, you’re left asking: What’s the difference between the two?

And more importantly, do I need either of them or both?

Getting repped can open doors, but it can also lead to confusion, frustration, or worse: a legal mess you never saw coming.

In this post, we’re breaking down the real differences between talent agents and talent managers, the legal and business implications of working with each, and how to make the right decision for where you are in your voiceover career.

If you’ve ever Googled…

“Talent agent vs talent manager”
“Do voice actors need an agent?”
“What does a VO manager actually do?”

And still have questions, this post was written for you.

Let’s clear it ALL up right now.

Why This Confuses So Many Voice Actors

Most voice actors don’t grow up learning about entertainment law, procurement regulations, or the inner workings of the talent rep world. So when someone messages you promising access to bigger jobs or exclusive rosters, you’re left to guess whether they’re an agent, a manager, or just someone playing the part.

And if you’re freelancing in non-union VO, the lines get even blurrier. Some agents act like managers. Some managers act like agents. And suddenly, you’re agreeing to a 20 percent commission for someone who may not even be legally allowed to submit you for work.

This is exactly why The Ultimate Guide to Agents vs. Managers exists. But let’s give you the overview right here.

What Does a Talent Agent Do?

A talent agent is a licensed individual or company that procures work on your behalf, usually by submitting you to casting calls or pitching you directly to clients and producers.

Key Traits:

Legally allowed to solicit work for you in most states
Usually works on commission (10 percent is the norm for union, up to 20 percent for non-union)
May have access to breakdowns, auditions, and union rosters you can’t access on your own
Typically does not manage your long-term business strategy

Agents are more transactional. Their focus is bookings. They pitch you, you audition, you book (or not), and they take their cut.

But here’s where it gets… slippery.

In some states, agents must hold a state license, and in union markets, they must be franchised with SAG-AFTRA to represent union actors legally. If they don’t have those credentials, they’re not technically allowed to negotiate or procure jobs on your behalf.

What Does a Talent Manager Do?

A talent manager is usually not legally allowed to submit you for jobs unless they’re also licensed as an agent or operating in a state with more relaxed procurement laws.

Key Traits:

Focuses on career guidance, branding, and long-term business strategy
May help with marketing, training decisions, and positioning
Can introduce you to agents, casting directors, or producers
Not legally allowed to procure work in many states

Managers focus on the bigger picture of your career. They may help you plan, pivot, or define your place in the market. Their job is not to book you gigs but to shape the kind of business you’re building.

Where Things Get Murky

In practice, a lot of managers act like agents and some agents take on managerial roles. In the real world of non-union voiceover, these lines can be blurry AF.

That’s why you need to know not just what your rep says they do but what they’re legally allowed to do in your state.

For example:

In California, managers who are not licensed agents who procure work (get you auditions) are breaking the law. That includes emailing producers on your behalf.
In New York, the law is a little looser. Managers can procure work without a license, though contracts and fees are still regulated.
In right-to-work states like Texas or Georgia, the rules are less clear. You might not need union affiliation or a licensed rep at all.

If you don’t understand your local laws, you could end up in a business relationship that’s illegal or unenforceable in court.

Common Misunderstandings

Let’s break down a few myths we see constantly in voiceover groups and forums.

“Managers give more personalized attention.”

Sometimes true, not always. Some managers sign dozens of talent and do very little hands-on work.

“Agents are old-school. Everything’s online now.”

There’s still a huge tier of work that never touches pay-to-plays or social media. Many clients still go straight to agencies.

“You need both if you’re serious.”

Not necessarily. Many high-earning voice actors work with just one, or neither.

“A manager can get you an agent.”

Sometimes yes, but not always. Don’t sign with a manager solely for the promise of agency connections.

When You Might Want an Agent

An agent might make sense if you:

Want access to auditions or opportunities you can’t reach on your own
Are already booking steadily and ready for higher-tier work
Want to join the union or access union opportunities
Have maxed out your direct marketing pipeline

An agent can be a powerful asset when your business is already in motion.

When You Might Want a Manager

A manager might make sense if you:

Feel overwhelmed with choices and need strategic direction
Want guidance on niche, demos, or business development
Are looking to grow your visibility and brand before reaching out to agents
Need someone to help you map out the next year of your career

The right manager can help you work smarter and more intentionally.

When You Might Not Need Either

If you’re still early in your VO career, you probably don’t need either yet.

Focus on:

Training and skill-building
Building a strong website and online presence
Learning direct marketing and cold outreach
Creating pro-level demos that convert

Reps work best when you already have momentum. Until then, build your foundation.

The Legal Side No One Talks About

Your representation agreement is a legal contract. It’s not a mentorship or a handshake. It sets the terms for how you work, what they’re allowed to do, and how they get paid.

Questions to ask before signing:

Are they licensed or franchised?
What’s the commission structure?
Is the relationship exclusive?
How do you terminate the agreement?
Are they allowed to negotiate on your behalf in your state?

Most voice actors never ask these questions. That’s how they end up in toxic, unproductive, or even illegal agreements.

The Ultimate Guide to Agents vs. Managers includes a legal glossary, red flag checklist, and even a respectful decline script for reps you decide not to work with.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Here are some common warning signs:

Asking for upfront fees
Guaranteeing bookings
Avoiding questions about licensing or credentials
Pushing for a fast signature
Refusing or pushing back on you reviewing the contract with a lawyer

If something feels off, pause. Legit reps are happy to answer questions and give you time to think.

Your Next Step

**Get 60% off** The Ultimate Guide to Agents vs. Managers now! Click the image above.

Still unsure whether to pursue an agent or a manager? That’s the reason I created The Ultimate Guide to Agents vs. Managers.

Inside, you’ll get:

A breakdown of state laws around procurement and representation
A clear summary of what agents and managers are legally allowed to do
A contract glossary with real definitions of key terms
A red and green flag checklist
Scripts to use when declining representation offers professionally

Understanding your representation options is more than a career move. It’s a business decision. And your VO business deserves to be protected.

Lead the Relationship, Don’t Chase It

The right rep can elevate your career. The wrong one can derail it.

But no matter how skilled they are, no one should know your business better than you. When you learn the legal landscape, ask the right questions, and take ownership of your career direction, you step into every conversation from a place of power.

Lead your business. Learn your options. And when the right rep shows up, you’ll know exactly what to do next.

Talent Manager vs. Talent Agent for Voice Acting: Read This BEFORE Signing Anything