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Rachel, Comedy Talent Manager at Framework Entertainment : Advize Career Interview

A conversation with Rachel, a Comedy Talent Manager at Framework Entertainment, reveals a dynamic career path fueled by a passion for comedy and a dedication to client success.

From choosing Syracuse University for its LA internship program and landing a role at ICM Partners, Rachel built a foundation for working with top comedy talent.

Now, responsibilities include everything from securing acting roles to launching podcasts and managing brand partnerships, with no two days being the same.

Success in this field requires strong communication, patience, a kind demeanor, creativity, and a willingness to learn.

The most rewarding part of the job is witnessing a client's vision become reality and guiding their creative development, though managing client expectations can be challenging.

Ultimately, a good eye for talent is essential, and finding a supportive environment at a smaller company can be more beneficial than chasing big-name agencies.

For aspiring talent representatives, Rachel advises starting at a large agency to understand the industry's inner workings and to not be afraid to reach out to professionals for guidance.

Believing in talent and trusting personal taste are key lessons learned, showing the value of perseverance in this unique role.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Rachel Heffler

Comedy Talent Manager

Framework Entertainment

Syracuse University

N/A

Film, Media Arts, Visual Arts

Arts, Entertainment & Media

Sales and Client Management

Honors Student, Greek Life Member, LGBTQ

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Career Path of a Comedy Talent Manager at Framework Entertainment

Rachel, a Comedy Talent Manager at Framework Entertainment, majored in television, radio, and film at Syracuse University, specifically choosing it for the LA semester internship program which allowed for an internship at a talent management company where they fell in love with LA and the "client heavy facing" nature of talent management, including "being in the room with potential...clients and reading opposite them." After graduation, Rachel worked at ICM Partners on a comedy desk, working with SNL talent and writers, which launched their career as a comedy talent manager.

Main Responsibilities of a Comedy Talent Manager at Framework Entertainment

As a Comedy Talent Manager at Framework Entertainment, main responsibilities include being a "right hand person" to 25 clients and helping with anything clients could possibly need. This includes traditional tasks like submitting clients for acting jobs and routing tours, as well as more modern responsibilities like launching podcasts, starting merch lines, and overseeing "brand execution" through partnerships found on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

A Day In The Life Of A Comedy Talent Manager At Framework Entertainment

A comedy talent manager's day involves submitting clients for TV and film roles, but is largely unpredictable due to daily client requests, requiring "a lot of learning" to navigate new situations such as negotiating podcast deals, and developing long-term strategies to achieve client goals. Ultimately, the role is "very client interfacing," involving constant communication with clients, production companies, and casting to facilitate opportunities.

Most Important Skills For A Comedy Talent Manager At Framework Entertainment

According to Rachel, a Comedy Talent Manager at Framework Entertainment, essential skills include strong people skills and communication, combined with "patience and trust" because developing talent takes time. Additionally, being "a good kind person" who is easy to work with and demonstrating creativity and a willingness to learn are crucial for success in this role.

Favorite Parts of Being a Comedy Talent Manager at Framework Entertainment

Rachel enjoys working with creative people and seeing projects "really come to fruition," like taking a client's comedy special from initial thought to shooting in front of a live audience and pitching it to major streaming platforms, and also relishes being "heavily involved in the creative process" of developing TV show ideas with clients, guiding them from initial concept to pitch meetings with production companies.

Biggest Challenges Faced By A Comedy Talent Manager At Framework Entertainment

As a Comedy Talent Manager, Rachel from Framework Entertainment finds that the biggest challenge in the role is the "amount of patience" required when clients don't achieve the expected success, often leading to difficult decisions about whether to continue working together, because sometimes "the trajectory is not going, you know, as, as kind kind of quickly as" expected. Rachel notes that patience is an essential skill in the entertainment industry.

Favorite Parts of Working in the Comedy Industry as a Comedy Talent Manager

Rachel enjoys the fun and engaging nature of their work as a Comedy Talent Manager. They get to consume and appreciate content, such as watching a show like "Hacks," while simultaneously "be working," especially when a client is involved in the project.

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Entertainment Industry According To A Comedy Talent Manager At Framework Entertainment

Rachel, a Comedy Talent Manager at Framework Entertainment, believes "having a good eye for talent" is the most critical attribute for success in the industry; while kindness and hard work are valuable, trusting one's own taste and recognizing talent that resonates personally is paramount because "if you like someone, chances are other people will too."

What a Comedy Talent Manager at Framework Entertainment Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Talent Management Industry

Rachel learned that the initial allure of working with "a-list comedy people" at large agencies like ICM and Stein wasn't as rewarding as anticipated, discovering a greater sense of fulfillment in nurturing "up and coming voices" at smaller companies. Rachel wishes that early in their career, they'd focused less on the "ego" of working at the "top dog" companies and more on finding a place where they could thrive and experience real growth and flexibility.

Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Comedy Talent Managers

Rachel, a Comedy Talent Manager at Framework Entertainment, recommends aspiring talent representatives, regardless of their specific interest within entertainment, begin at "a big place, um, an agency" or large management company to "see how everything works." Starting at an agency provides an unparalleled opportunity to observe the inner workings of the industry and learn how talent is developed and booked.

Significant Career Lesson from a Comedy Talent Manager at Framework Entertainment

As a Comedy Talent Manager, Rachel learned that comedic taste is subjective, which is "kind of beautiful and cool." Therefore, if Rachel believes in a talent they just signed, she continues to believe in them and does not "give too much mind to other, other opinions."

College Experiences That Helped a Comedy Talent Manager at Framework Entertainment Succeed

To set oneself up for career success, Rachel, now a Comedy Talent Manager, emphasizes the importance of proactively reaching out to people whose career paths are admired. Rachel shares that "don't be afraid to reach out to literally anybody" as that strategy led to a pivotal connection with an agent at ICM after Rachel simply expressed admiration, resulting in an unexpected job offer.

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