I just thought I would add this topic to the forum... I myself have very limited experience with Managers. As a matter of fact, my ONLY experience with them is through several of my colleagues who have had managers at one time or another.
Now I know several screenwriters who have both a manager and an agent and who wouldn't have it any other way. And on one hand, I kind of like the idea of a manager more or less BEING there for you when you need to bounce something off someone but that brings me back to the craft of screenwriting.
I talk to A LOT OF PEOPLE. Now I'm not saying I know everything there is to know about STORY and screenwriting but I know enough to maintain a discussion with pretty much everyone I've ever had a discussion with about this subject.
I've discussed the craft with managers (not mine) before... Now it could be because we were standing in a room drinking but I wasn't that impressed with their knowledge of the craft. In fact, I felt like the points they WERE making had more to do with SELLING and MARKETING.
Cool. No harm no foul. Maybe that is how they define their role. Very much like an agent. LOL.
The writers I know who adore their managers swear to me that they know both STORY and what sells. Sounds very good to me to have someone in your corner who has that kind of knowledge.
Agents on the other hand... They are pushers. The really good ones push very hard and while they do have your interests at heart, they also have their agency's interests at heart and after pushing very hard for a fairly short amount of time (in my mind) -- they MOVE ON.
Understandable. Which goes back to your writing. What are you writing? Which brings me back to Managers. Am I to assume that for the additional 5% commission, Managers do really have your interests at heart?
I would hope so.
Unk