TV Insider Reveals Dark Side of Popular Talent Manager

Manager’s godlike response

Talent managers handle a wide range of tasks—from managing schedules and on-site coordination to sales and even mental care. Many actresses, such as Masami Nagasawa (37) and Aoi Miyazaki (39), are said to have broken through thanks to the skill of their managers.

“Most managers believe a talent’s success is due to their own effort and don’t appear in the spotlight. However, some managers act arrogantly toward the staff, speaking as if the talent’s achievements were their own,” says a producer from a major TV network.

Recently, there was an article about a manager who acted arrogantly, abusing the influence of a popular talent they managed. To shed light on what managers are really like behind the scenes, Friday Digital interviewed staff working at the forefront of program production.

The same producer immediately named the manager of gourmet talent H as a capable manager.

“There was a time just before a shoot when the restaurant canceled, causing chaos for the staff. But H’s manager didn’t get angry; instead, they suggested several alternative restaurants and even negotiated for the shoot. That really helped us,” he said.

A variety show director at a key network praised the manager of a popular comedy duo M.

“Many managers change their attitude drastically depending on who they’re dealing with, but this manager treats everyone politely, whether the program is big or small, whether the staff is a veteran or a new assistant director. The staff notice this and trust them a lot on set. When the talent opposed a project we prepared, that manager stepped in and skillfully found a compromise. While there are managers who side with their talents, very few consider the staff’s position like that.”

“I think I’ve become a big shot myself”

The manager of talent S, who has a regular TV show, is not well regarded by TV staff.

“Even if we propose ideas to the manager, they often don’t reach the talent themselves. There are many cases where the manager rejects proposals at their own discretion. It’s common for recording days to come without any response to confirmation questions we sent in advance. We understand busy managers of popular talents, but for equally popular shows, this manager supposedly responds quickly to staff inquiries. It feels like they’re looking down on us. Moreover, since the network’s higher-ups also bend to this manager’s demands, we have no choice but to accept them. The staff on-site are increasingly stressed every day,” said a production company staff member.

The manager of comedian U is harshly criticized as the type who thinks they’ve become a big shot themselves.

“During recordings, they plop down on the waiting room sofa with a grumpy look, giving off a don’t talk to me aura. I’ve even seen them yell at staff. Ironically, the talent they manage is well known for being highly likable, but the manager is deeply disliked by the production crew,” said another production company staff member.

If a manager ends up hindering the talent they are supposed to support, it’s completely counterproductive.