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It is essential to have an agent in Los Angeles in order to get in to casting appointments for most major projects in television and film.  Without an agent, it is nearly impossible to get a meeting or casting call unless you have a relationship with the casting director or the director or producer of the project.

Another option is having a manager as your representation.  In general, an actor with little experience has little need for a manager.  But there are exceptions to every rule, of course.  A manager does not have to be “franchised” with the Screen Actors Guild, and there is no governing body that oversees their business.  They often charge a larger percentage of your income for their services, and provide services beyond setting casting appointments and helping make your “deal” on a job.  It is, in fact, illegal for a manager to negotiate on behalf of a client.  Agents are the ones approved by talent unions for that service.  But managers do often get involved in that aspect.  It is important then for the manager to have a good relationship with your agent also.  Managers can provide publicity services, book actors/celebrities on personal appearances, arrange travel when an actor goes out of town on a job, even pick up a star’s dry cleaning.  But they may not be what’s needed when an actor is just starting out.