| 1. How large is N.S. Bienstock? |
| We are a specialized organization with more personnel dedicated to the broadcast field then any other agency. We have more than 35 people in our office, including agents, assistant agents, client support staff, business affairs executives and tape editors. We are small enough to give all of our clients individual attention, yet large enough to give them all the support they need. |
| 2. I am looking for a job. How can you help me? |
| We will help you develop your talents through instructive coaching, search a market or the entire industry for the best available jobs, and negotiate your contract with management. It is our goal to form a long term relationship in which we will help guide your career. |
| 3. How do I become a Bienstock client? |
| Please send us a cover letter outlining your career goals and a resume. If you are an on-air talent, please also send a DVD containing a fair representation your work that is no more than 15 minutes in length. While Bienstock does accept resumes (and DVD's in the case of on-air talent) of people looking for employment representation, please note that Bienstock does NOT accept any unsolicited show ideas, scripts or intellectual property of any nature. Please see our UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONS POLICY. |
| 4. What do you want to see on my reel? |
| Your tape should include a fair representation of your work, up to 20 minutes in length. |
| 5. How do I submit to Bienstock's Literary Department? |
To submit to our literary department, please send a query letter via email. Do not send attachments. If we are interested in seeing more of your material, you will receive a response in 4-6 weeks.
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| 6. How do we decide which agent will represent me? |
| We will talk with you about which agent we think will be best suited for your career needs. Take a look through our agent bios to learn about our agents. Certain agents may be better suited for your needs and it is our goal to match you with the agent with whom you feel most comfortable. |
| 7. What if you have two clients up for the same job? How do you deal with that potential conflict of interest? |
| We present management with our qualified candidates and they make the decisions about who gets hired. |
| 8. Bienstock is known for representing big-name talent. I'm at a fairly early point in my career. Are you interested in people like me? |
| Absolutely! We do represent some of the biggest names in broadcasting, but they didn't start out that way. We work with people at all market levels. |
| 9. What is your involvement in minority programs? |
| Bienstock is an active supporter of National Association of Black Journalists NABJ, National Association of Hispanic Journalists NAHJ, Asian American Journalists Association AAJA, and UNITY. We attend conventions every year and frequently participate on panels. In 1999, N.S. Bienstock, established a fellowship, in conjunction with the RTNDF, to support promising minority professionals in television or radio news. We consider our support and involvement in these organizations critical to our success in finding and developing new talent. |
| 10. Do you create audition tapes in-house? |
| Yes. We produce client audition tapes in our office where our agents themselves can give each tape the time and attention it deserves. Our chief editor has years of experience building winning reels. Many agencies farm out their production to third parties or require the client to put together their own tapes. We believe that a client's reel is perhaps the most important tool in finding a job and we would not trust that process to anyone else. |
| 11. Are you an AFTRA franchised agency? |
| Yes. AFTRA franchised agencies must follow guidelines set out by your union to protect you. Agencies that do not follow these guidelines may engage in certain practices that may place you at risk. |
| 12. Are you an agent or a manager? |
| We are an Agency (licensed with the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs), not a management firm. There are many organizations that do the work of agents but label themselves managers. Many states have rules governing agents' behavior, designed to protect the clients. Agents who disguise themselves as managers do so to avoid adhering to these rules. |
| 13. Do you charge to view my tape? Do you charge production or duplicating expenses in connection with my audition reel? Do you bill me for mailing expenses? |
| While many organizations charge you these fees, Bienstock does not. |
| 14. Do you represent producers? |
| We represent television producers at all levels ranging from executive producers to line producers. |
| 15. Do you work in international markets? |
| We regularly place talent at network and cable operations overseas and distribute and package programs worldwide. |
