Actors Put Talent Managers in Bind

Actors, like Jason Behr, use the legal constraints placed upon personal managers only when it is convenient for them [“Talent Managers’ Role Debated,” Nov. 12].

They expect their managers, in return for 10% to 15% commission, to introduce them to agents, producers and talent executives like me. They expect their managers to provide career guidance and open doors when their agents, who may represent hundreds of actors, may not have the time and energy to do so.

They expect their managers to be accessible to them day and night, and in the case of Marv Dauer, to invest 91/2 years of hard work in developing their client’s career before they see a penny of profit. And then, when that actor finally lands a television series or feature film, that same actor uses the law to not only deprive the manager of commissions that are rightfully his, but the manager is also required to return one year’s worth of commissions to the actor from prior to the alleged infraction.

In my capacity as head of talent and casting for NBC, I work with hundreds of personal managers who are professional, dedicated, hard-working and passionate about the talent they represent.

And I have been introduced to hundreds of talented actors and actresses solely because of the work of those managers, many of whom are not represented by talent agents. It’s unfair to place the burden of this double standard upon these managers, and even more unfair for ungrateful actors to take advantage of this double standard.

Marc Hirschfeld

Executive vice president, casting NBC Entertainment Burbank

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If one were to look up the definition of “greed” or “malicious intent,” I hope you will find Jason Behr’s actor obituary. Behr single-handedly employed Marv Dauer to get him work, and once he started making headway, he cut Dauer loose.

The problem I have is Behr taking Dauer to the Labor Commission and trying to put him out of business for doing exactly what Behr asked him to do, get him opportunity, an agent and work.

If Dauer loses, this will not only affect Dauer and his clients but will set a precedent that will affect all honest and hard-working managers, just so Behr could weasel his way out of paying any deserved commissions.

The law against managers trying to procure work is outdated and unnecessary, and all it does is hurt middle-class actors and managers trying to make a living.

But more important, it gives a shield to actors such as Behr who would rather save a buck than honor commitments to those who helped them achieve success.

Kristoffer Winters

Beverly Hills