Want Acting Success? What's Preventing You - Tell Me And I'll Help You https://youtu.be/IOyCZq3uyJk I have been very fortunate to have been able to make my living as an actor for 38 + years now. Even at the beginning of my career, I knew that if I ever had any type of success, I would like to help other actors succeed. Getting started was very hard for me. I didn't have any mentors or fellow actors to help guide me. So, I did everything by trial and error. It was hard, time consuming and sometimes unnecessarily expensive.In this video, I am offering fellow actors the opportunity to ask me any acting or industry questions they have. And, I will do my best to personally answer everyone.I look forward to talking with you soon.Aaron
The Actors Strike Absolutely Forced Me to Focus On 4 Helpful Projects https://youtu.be/n_22sznhJA8 There are many different ways actors can deal with the actor's strike. Along with using this time to get away and spend a few weeks hiking (which was really great for me) I have also been proactive and began to work on projects that I needed to do but didn't have the time to do before.In the video I share the 4 helpful projects that I am currently working on. I hope they are helpful to you as well.Let others know what you are doing to further your career during this time period. You can leave a comment here or on my channel. I am hoping we can continue to build a great community of actors helping each other.
Starting out as an Actor can be daunting, especially with the multitude of information out there. Some of you will have an agent, and some will be going it alone. But you will undoubtedly both ask yourself the same question; What else can I do to find auditions and paid acting work?While that question has many answers, this blog post focuses on six UK casting call websites.https://www.reflectionscareercoaching.co.uk/post/actor-mentoring-a-guide-to-6-uk-and-ireland-casting-websites-to-find-acting-auditions
What exactly does it mean to be a local hire? A local hire means that you are able to work in the shooting location without the need for travel expenses. If you consider yourself to be a local hire, it means you are willing to: fly yourself to the shooting location, put yourself up at a hotel or other residence, and get yourself to/from set without any reimbursement. Is it worth it? That’s a question you’ll want to ask yourself and your agent. If you have an offer for weekly scale but you have to be a local hire in another state, the cost of airfare, accommodations & rental car/Uber will have you barely come out even (taxes & agency fees are other contributing factors). At the end of the day, it’s important to prioritize what it is that you consider valuable to your career. Will this job be your first credit? Will it give you career-changing footage for your reel? If so, it might be worth it. It’s important to know the facts & rules when it comes to being a local hire.Just saying you can be a local hire and having some friends/family in that region may not be enough to fully qualify as a “local hire.” Productions are going out of state due to the many tax incentives offered there and lower cost of shooting. However, in order to qualify for these incentives, they must hire a certain percentage of local cast & crew. Many times, for cast, the percentage that can be out-of-state is reserved for the larger, leading roles. This means that some states will require either a state ID, or a document proving you are resident within a certain number of miles from the shooting location. (these requirements differ by state)#actor #actorslife
This Wednesday! ***Guest Alert August 16 *** I'll be on @riconosuaveshow at 5pm PST & 8pm EST Love for you to tune in on Facebook or YouTube channel link. Hope to see you there❤!❤️
Being new to this industry, I never know what the next step is, I spend all my free time writing, and I have different groups of people read them. I have accomplished every goal I have every set for myself. And the only thing I haven't done is have one of may scripts made into a movie, (full feature and short films)
For the longest time I wanted what "successful" screen actors had: money, fame, a nice house, popularity; but I've come to learn the hard reality during this strike. Today, I received an email from a celebrity actor/colleague. We've been talking for some time about doing a project together. Things aren't going so well for him financially. But he isn't the only one. Another friend of mine, who starred on a Disney series, told me he was broke. And another played a guessing game with me while we raced down the 5 FWY in his silver convertible, "Guess how much money I really have?" He said he only has $10,000.00 and he starred on a popular Fox series. He bought a house in Studio City, but he primarily supports himself with a computer job. Lastly, I had a fun conversation with the star of a hit Canadian produced sci-fi series who sides as a real estate agent in Vancouver. The Hollywood Illusion is shattered. Because of this strike, the scales have fallen from my eyes. I think this is a good thing, because now I can stop coveting what celebrity actors appear to have and focus on my craft.
On Friday 8/18, I'm going to get on the picket line in Burbank. If you're going and want today hi, respond here.
Stage 32 just announced this exclusive and interactive one-hour FREE webcast on August 30th!Stage 32 Director of Education Sam Sokolow will host actor/producer/director Elisabeth Röhm to discuss her craft as an actor and how her acting has inspired her work as a director and producer. Elisabeth is a multi-talented artist who has made her mark in the entertainment industry. She gained recognition for her role as Assistant District Attorney Serena Southerlyn on the long-running legal drama series LAW & ORDER. Her compelling performances are familiar to audiences of shows such as JANE THE VIRGIN, HAWAII FIVE-0, MAGNUM P.I., NCIS, STALKER, THE OATH, and FLAKED. Elisabeth's acting prowess extends beyond television, as she also showcased her talent in notable films such as the critically acclaimed Lionsgate feature BOMBSHELL, the Oscar-nominated AMERICAN HUSTLE, and the Golden Globe-nominated JOY, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile and accomplished actor. Elisabeth will discuss her inspiration to perform, her early career actions steps, her biggest roles and how she prepares for success on a daily basis and the webcast will include a Q&A for the community to ask questions about your craft and career. Here's a link so you can register: https://www.stage32.com/webinars/Acting-Today-with-LAW-and-ORDER-s-Elisabeth-R-hm
Hey, Performers!Are you working on your first action-packed indie short or feature? If not, maybe now is the time! Stunts can be a production booster or a production killer if not executed properly. Learn "An Indie Filmmaker's 5 Tips For Safe Stunts" in today's blog!https://www.stage32.com/blog/an-indie-filmmakers-5-tips-for-safe-stunts-3453
I received an email two days ago from production requesting my participation in publicizing my movie "Bertie the Brilliant" now airing on PBS and recently selected for the Academy qualifying festival HollyShorts. SAG-AFTRA cleared me to do this interview, because the production is not struck.All great stuff, but this is the first time I have ever had to do publicity for a film. And I realized during all those years in acting school, I was never taught "how" to interview. If I do this interview well, Mira Mira may hire me for upcoming film projects; therefore, doing this interview gives my career options.Here's what I'm trying:1) It will be a Zoom interview with the entire cast and some key crew. Therefore, I will write down everyone's name, credit and title and place it on the wall in front of my computer so, if I briefly forget who is who, I can glance at their names. Example: I don't want to call my fellow actors by their character names. I want to refer to them by their given names.2) I will do some light research on the interviewer: past interviews, their media outlet, etc. This will help me understand her interviewing methods.3) Will write 2 to 3 quick thoughts on how the theme of the picture relates to my own life experiences, and identify how audiences may similarly relate to the primary theme. These thoughts will also be posted on the wall behind my computer in case I get distracted or lost while being questioned.A few months ago, I purchased home studio equipment which I will use to create my interview space (pictured below).4) I won't practice my responses. I don't want to appear rehearsed. If you're an acting teacher, consider adding a class on publicity--giving interviews.
Tara Feldstein Bennett & Chase Paris CSA of Feldstein | Paris Casting (Atlanta, Stranger Things, Ozark)“Be yourself. Most of our roles don’t require a ton of acting, we need you to be yourself in that role. Go in and do the best YOU for each role. If you find you have to keep ACTING for each role, it’s probably not working!”TFB: “For the love of god – actors – STOP POSTING YOURSELF ON SET, IN COSTUME, WITH OTHER ACTORS, PLOT POINTS on social media. JUST STOP. When it airs, go crazy. I’m over making phone calls to your agents when you know better.” CP: “Actors/Agents – when you ask for an extension on a self tape, are you asking us to hold presenting to producers for your one tape? You can always send a tape late, but you should know it may not be considered.”Rich Delia (Playing With Fire, Good Boys, Coyote Lake)“Acting is a profession. So if someone shows up late, how do I know if I cast this person that they’re not going to show up late on the job? 50% is asking, “Can I trust this person on set?”Cindy Tolan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Straight Outta Compton)“I give adjustments. I want to find the person for the part, so if there is something that is right about you for the role, but your choice wasn’t going to best tell the story the director or writer wants, then you make an adjustment. There is also so much that goes into casting. Actors just have to feel good about what they did in the room and then leave it there.”Meg Morman & Sunday Boiling of Morman Boiling Casting (The Baxters, In The Vault, Hello My Name is Dorris)MM: “When we audition actors our rule is that the actor reads all of the pages they prepared at least once. We’ve given them specific material and they took the time to prepare. After that, if we want to redirect, we do but redirection is not always given.”SB: “We never interrupt an audition. We’ve heard of directors doing this and it’s horrible. If you encounter this we’ll say, ‘Let them finish this scene and then we’ll go back.’ Auditioning is a very nerve-wrecking process for people.”#actor #casting #director
apologies if this isn't the place, but i'm looking to connect with other actors that are also members of the LGBTQIA+ Community.i don't mind connecting with anyone else; i'd just love to network with other actors that i can also relate to (especially fellow agender people). :^)cheers!
I was listening to this fantastic conversation between two of the actors from The Big Bang Theory, one of whom wrote and starred in her own feature film:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZJQg2VtoNYWhat has motivated you to write your own feature with you in the starring role? Or did you give yourself a supporting role? Was it the speech or the juicy one-liners? Are you trying to break out of a pattern of type-casting? SHARE BELOW!
I ran into my neighbor Emma who is sporting a SAG-AFTRA strike t-shirt. I told her weeks ago, before the strike, that if she, a nonunion performer, joins the picket line, she will become eligible to join SAG-AFTRA. If joining SAG-AFTRA is a dream of yours, contact your local SAG-AFTRA office and find out how to join through picketing. Emma reports to a studio each day, Monday - Friday, signs in with the SAG coordinator, and then marches. She will likely be given the opportunity to join at her leisure.
When it comes to acting, what do you think people misunderstand about being an actor?
This is an interesting read, but this is the thing which caught my eye:Sarah Lebutsch, managing director of international sales at UK production company and sales agency Independent Entertainment, [said]“For example we recently sent out a package to a UK actor, where the agent asked us to send a supporting document or letter to confirm none of the financiers that will come onto the project in the future will be AMPTP members. We had to include a side letter, that it will be financed outside of those parameters.Is this what it sounds, or am I misreading it as a ban on AMPTP members in the future? https://www.screendaily.com/its-been-chaotic-how-the-uk-independent-film-sector-is-navigating-the-sag-aftra-strike/5184290.article
Thank you @Danspapers @SchnepsMedia @Vscheps for honoring me with the "Power Women" Award. Grateful to meet so many amazing women!
Looking forward to attending tomorrow's event: Dan’s Papers Schneps Media "Power Women of the East End". It's an honor to be selected! Thank you Vicki Schneps Demetra Mattone Elizabeth Schneps Aloni Shout out to my good friends Ramona Singer, Cheri Kaufman-Kaufman Astoria Studios & Bonnie Comley who are also being honored! See you all tomorrow~ Jacqueline Murphy
FREE GROCERIES for SAG-AFTRA actors and WGA writers until theend of the strike! This is a totally real offer to get our union siblings through this historic fight for our livelihoods! Show your SAG-AFTRA or WGA card at World Harvest Food Bank at 3100 Venice Blvd in Los Angeles, and Uncle Glen Curado will hook you up with a cart of healthy groceries worth over $300! Call themat (213) 746-2227 for operating hours. They are closed on Sundays.You'll receive a cart of fresh produce and all the staples you need to stay healthy on those picket lines!
During The Actor’s Strike Here Is A Really Great Job Actors Might Consider - https://youtu.be/_XymPKtl0soCommercial modeling gives actors the opportunity to use their acting skills and show a wide variety of expressions and emotions in a believable way. The pay is great and it can be a lot of fun working with photographers on magazine, newspaper, brochure, billboard, posters and even on product package campaigns.If you have ever done commercial print work, share your experiences so we can all learn from each other.
RIco No Suave: Welcome to the Heart of Hollywood Magazine Interview Series https://fb.watch/m89N8KZefo/ via @FacebookWatch
The amazing details surrounding the true story of the 1954 Detroit Redwings going behind the walls of the "Alcatraz of the North"-Marquette Branch Prison in Marquette, MI to play the prisoners in a hockey game. How two of the leaders of Detroit's infamous organized crime organization...the Purple Gang, Ray Bernstein and Harry Keywell, serving life in prison...got it all started with an off-hand comment.How the game became a reality with the help of a legendary NCAA Hockey player and coach Leonard "Oakie" Brumm, Warden Emery, Redwings GM Jack Adams, Stroh’s brewery, and AAA Division Marquette Sentinels Hockey team. The unexpected direction of the game itself, the facts about the players and prisoners interaction, and the incredible event that occurred 6wks after the game. The tradition that was started as a result of this game. And, how I came to participate in this tradition personally.
Bernie Telsey, Telsey + Company (Hamilton, Mary Poppins Returns, Penny Dreadful, This Is Us, NCIS New Orleans, The Greatest Showman)“One thing I would want every actor to know is if they don’t get that specific job they might be coming into the room for, there are so many other things about that experience that will be carried over. Always remember you’re not being rejected, you just didn’t get that job. In our office, we have this box. We come out of a session, and those audition sheets get circulated so everyone can see who might have done something that might be right for the thing that they’re casting.”Sharon Bialy and Sherry Thomas of Bialy/Thomas & Associates (The Walking Dead, For The Walking Dead, The Handmaid’s Tale, Dead to Me, Better Call Saul, Barry, Gotham, Sneaky Pete, Breaking Bad)SB: “We’re all in this because we love to tell stories, so what makes me remember an actor is an actor who went in to tell the story, not the actor who is in there because of the ego. A lot of times, actors are told, “This is your time in the room,” and that’s not my feeling. It’s not their time; it’s the time for the story. It’s their time to bring the story to life. It’s not all about them.”ST: “We may have heard the scene 20 times and it doesn’t make sense, and then that one person comes in and they read the scene with you and you go, “I know what this scene is about.”#actor #tv #film #video #script #writer #drama #manager #agent #casting #director #success
Hi my name is Aditya Kumar. Me and my friend are working on this script and we are reaching out to movie producers to see if they would like to invest in this movie. PLEASE RESPOND TO THIS MESSAGE IF INTERESTED. We will tell you more about us and the pitch and how everything is going to go then if you decide to work with us we would move forward from there.Thanks Aditya Kumar
Hi Community!Here’s an interesting piece from the No Film School Clan.I think the conclusion is rather too bleak, mainly because I believe that this is the time to take up the baton and run the race for independent films. We may see a divergence between studios/streamers and indie productions and platforms, if these giant entities continue with developing AI instead of human talent. Then there will be the need to distribute independent stories to people who want real human drama and refuse artificially generated productions.I just wonder if these international corporations would be so pro AI, if we were talking about replacing Executives with this technology? Can t you see it? Executives striking for a fair wage? Forming a picket line with their Bentleys and Lamborghinis? Now that would have me rolling in the aisles! https://nofilmschool.com/ai-netflix?
Waivers for films during Actors strike. I know there are exemptions for film projects during the strike. Are actors permitted to sign on to low budget (under 3 Million) independent films as long as the filming begins after the strike is settled? Must a formal waiver be applied for and granted by the Union?
Hi, i just joined stage 32. And i am really happy that i am among you. It's been like an hour that i am reading your posts and enjoying them. To be honest i really got jealous of you guys, at least you are doing what you love to. While i don't even have a chance to work and fight for what i love. And i really want to make some friends here.I don't also know too much about this platform so i hope i don't look weird by saying these words.
https://www.registeraidomainname.com/impact-of-artificial-intelligence
https://youtu.be/-05LNXuhU7c
1 Thing That Helped Me Stay Sane In This Absolutely Crazy Acting World https://youtu.be/WxrHH4KAPgk Is there something that you do that helps you stay mentally healthy in the acting industry? Share it below.
Thrilled to be part of Dan’s Power Women which celebrates the powerful women of the East End! Ceremony August 3, 2023 The website is www.PowerWomenEE.com
SCS FILMS is Looking for a female actress who can play a beautiful killer, age ranging from 25-35 for a one day shoot - and possibly a second day of pick up shots. This shoot will be PAID along with IMDb credits and consideration in the actual series. If interested, please send demo reels or self recorded acting dialogue to this Email: films@scsfilms.com
SAG-AFTRA, as far as I can tell, failed to give us the full picture before calling this strike. If what is stated in the attached article is true, I'm unsure why our union called this strike. The truth seems murky.https://deadline.com/2023/07/actors-strike-studios-dispute-sag-aftra-contract-offer-claims-1235445314/
As someone with a passion for acting in micro-budget projects, I'm curious about how to navigate the space considering the SAG-AFTRA strike and its impact on the industry. I'm sure many members of this community are dealing with similar situations, so I'm reaching out for any advice or guidance you might have. How can we navigate and continue pursuing our creative endeavors in these smaller productions while being mindful of the strike and the needs/wishes of our fellow actors ? Any insights would mean the world to me as we all find a way forward during this time. Thank you for your help and best wishes to the striking Writers and Actors!
My script is registered with WGA but I'm not a member. I can pitch to producers on Stage 32?
This is interesting... https://deadline.com/2023/07/a24s-mother-mary-the-chosen-waiver-1235441114/
I sent a letter to President Biden last week urging new laws to control AI to safeguard our industry. He talked about this issue today at a press conference before meeting with tech companies. Now is the time for you to jump online and send the Biden administration your thoughts on AI and its impact on your career (i.e. the strikes). Please consider doing so. www.whitehouse.gov
Looking to break in? Casting directors Ellen Jacoby of Miami and Los Angeles–based Stuart Stone, author of the book “The Keys to Commercial Acting,” can help. They know a thing or two about what works—and what doesn’t—in the commercial casting room. - Put the product first. “When you’re casting a commercial, you become a part of the product, so you’re not just selling yourself,” says Jacoby. “The product is No. 1, we have to believe you like the product.” - Get comfortable with the fourth wall. “A lot of times, you’re talking right to the camera. You have to be able to create that space.” - Practice on products you love. “To be believable in a commercial, actors should take a product they use every day that they know and love and do a commercial for their product. That’s when you’re being real, because you use it! Then transpose that into the product that you’re doing.” - Dress appropriately. “You should never wear black or white in front of the camera. It’s not great for your face. No geometric prints. Dress according to what you’re going out for. An upscale dinner guest at an upscale restaurant, we don’t expect you to be in jeans. Directors and producers recognize that. We show them a whole lot of people, and they’re looking first at all the stills, and then they click on the video. If you don’t look right, they won’t even click to see your video.” - When you get the job, know your place on set. “You don’t want to go and get behind the [directors, writers and producers] that are there and get in their way and try to chum up to them,” Stone warns. “You become an annoyance. They’ve got work to do. If they’re in their own little area with their monitor watching what’s going on and you’re over there trying to schmooze them, it’s a hindrance. The ideal way is to always stay in camera view of the director, just off to the side, because then they can call you at the last minute. Always make sure that you check with a second A.D. before you leave the set, because he’s responsible for you as an actor. First and foremost, your second A.D. needs to be your contact throughout the whole job.” #commercial #audition
Hey friends, Want to let you know that the World Harvest Food Bank is offering free groceries for SAG-AFTRA members. This service will last until the strike ends. You only need to flash them your SAG-AFTRA card and you're good to go. Their hours are 8AM to 4PM M-S, Sundays closed. 3100 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90019 You guys rock! https://www.worldharvestla.org/
Hey Superstars! Has anyone been on the picket lines supporting SAG-AFTRA or the D.G.A.? If so, what your experience like out there?
Not sure who the strike is affecting but if anyone needs this connection. Here you go."It's true...studio payroll has come to a halt with the current SAG-AFTRA Strike, however independent filmmakers can fill out a 1-page application as long as the productions has zero affiliation with the AMPTP. SAG will vet entire producing team. Request the application from us (sales@abspayroll.net). We've been the independent filmmakers choice for 30+ years, and we know what we're doing! We offer both W2 & 1099 payment processing if you're under a tight budget. Let's connect and still make it a strong Q3/Q4 for you this year! kris@abspayroll.net"https://www.linkedin.com/posts/matthew-helderman-35155058_its-truestudio-payroll-has-come-to-a-activity-7087235155135762433-ENxA?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
When was the last time you as an actor thanked the screenwriter, writers, etc. for the project THEY created, because as a writer, I feel like we are under appreciated and not given our Roses as much. When was the last time that the writers got their just due?
Those questions are answered by Jonathan Handel, an entertainment lawyer and journalist. So we have a different perspective here, which I think gives us a certain nuanced gaze onto the strike He points out that one of the sticking-points is over benefits and health, which apparently hasn’t changed since the 1980 agreement. Yes, 1980!! I had to read that twice before it sank in - 43 years ago! (I was 23 back in 1980!)“All Hollywood strikes have been about technological change. Changing technologies that, in most cases, resulted in disagreement on what sort of residuals should be paid and how they should be calculated.”And of course everything is connected and here’s how:“So the studio execs are looking ahead to that (the IATSE and Teamster’s contracts) as well, and saying, If we give an inch to the writers, we’re gonna have to give at least an inch to the actors, and likewise next year.”One telling phrase from Jonathan that you could get lost in the article, was this:“The view is existential by the studios in terms of the reset in labor-management relations that the unions are seeking. It’s also viewed as existential in terms of where the business is at. The box office is down versus 2019 and is never gonna recover. The linear-television broadcast and cable is dying and audiences are shrinking.”It seems likely that as the pace of technological change increases, then future contract negotiations are going to be very confrontational and visceral. There is a whole landscape shift - call it the tectonics of technology - in the TV and Film industry and the good old golden age of theatrical being the measure of success, is over. It would seem that the age of romance for theatrical is over. As well as talking about these terms and conditions of labour and the paradigm shifts in technology, we should as the labour behind the industry, be discussing (on Stage32!) what we can do to develop the Indie production of content and transform the world by the stories we tell. https://www.vulture.com/article/what-is-the-sag-strike-sag-aftra-questions.html
Paramount just announced it will air "Yellowstone" on CBS. Is this an olive branch? A first step to a return our industry to the tried and true business model?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suobrMPBLlo
Brian Smith, Animation Production Professional, Script Consultant, and Stage 32 Thought Leader is hosting an AMA in the Animation Lounge today, focused on The Animation Production Process & Storytelling. Animation Lounge AMA Link: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/animation/Ask-Me-Anything-AMA-07-19-to-07-20-The-Animation-Production-Process-and-StorytellingBrian's recent blog post: https://www.stage32.com/blog/breaking-and-entering-how-to-get-a-job-in-animation-3416
According to Mark Ruffalo, you should jump ship and go indie:https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/mark-ruffalo-actors-indie-films-strike-1234885106/What do you think? Share below!Also, what have been your best indie experiences? What do you think indie filmmakers need to do to make it more appealing to you?
Hey Actors,In today's blog, the Stage 32 team is sharing what Stage 32 means to them. You can watch the video at the link below and if you're feeling inspired, we'd love for you to make one of your own! I can't wait to hear your stories.https://www.stage32.com/blog/what-does-stage-32-mean-to-you-3428
Weeee, you found me!
I'm your buddy Bottie, I was hiding behind the scenes, but now that you've found me I'd be happy to tell you what I'm doing.
I just wrote a few fun facts about Web For Actors
Would you like to take a look?
Click here to check them out. I hope it will cause involuntary audible response.
