Agents, NDs, etc.

[Chartsengrafs]

N.S. Bienstock is interested. What's the take on this outfit for the representation noob? Seems like a huge agency. On a related note, I contacted some NDs lately and one asked for a tape. I'm assuming this is a good sign even though they have no current openings?

[New and improved...No Talent Hack]

Sounds like you don't need "rep" yet. I jumped the gun early in my career and hired an agent before I was ready - more like, they took me on, hoping they could get their 10% commission from me.
I ended up finding a great gig in a Top 15 market on my own - it wasn't full-time on air, but eventually became that...my agent screamed it was a bad move for me...even though it was the best move I'd ever made.

Needless to say I've dissolved my relationship with WTA...

My advice - if you can contact and ND and said ND wants to see a tape, you don't need an agent. Save that 10% and buy yourself a new 74" JVC Flat Screen HD TV.

[thenewsleader12345]

just asking for a tape doesnt really mean anything, unless they are asking for a second tape..aftering seeing your first one.

And just because a ND reply's to your email doesnt mean you dont need an agent to help look for jobs.

Here's the deal... you dont need an agent until you are ready for a top 20/top 10 job. Otherwise, you can do it yourself.

[Shoemaker-Levy 9]

Personally, I prefer not to deal with agents unless my career gets stuck in a rut or I have a difficult time finding desired employment. I have made huge advancements thanks to the network of insiders I've encountered during my career ... internships, conferences, co-workers/NDs/GMs who move elsewhere, etc. If you have solid connections with the right people, especially those who play a role in making hiring decisions, the process may be made easier.

One of the aforementioned agencies turned me down after asking to see my work. Eight months later, I moved from a triple-digit ranked market to one near the single digits, no thanks to any agent. It is not impossible to go it alone, and the only piece of your salary you have to give up is the part that goes to the government.

Regarding the original poster's situation, getting a bite from one ND is better than nothing at all, and it deserves a follow-up at the very least.

[2:30]

Bienstock is the best of the best.

[Roy Hobbs]

I still favor my cousin Jack.

If you don't mind having two agents, I suppose you could go with Jack and the Bienstock.