David Banks (actor and screenwriter who booked over 100 national commercials) shares advice and insight in today’s blog that can help you book commercials.www.stage32.com/blog/the-magic-touch-in-booking-commercials-3777
Happy Wednesday, Fam! Happy belated Canada Day and Happy early July 4th to everyone who is celebrating! How is everyone's week going so far? Do you have any fun plans for the rest of this week or this weekend?I feel like I've been running around like a chicken with my head cut off, but it's been a fun few days! I feel like Filmmakers Club is off to a strong start and I'm hopeful that it will just get bigger and better from here. If you haven't had a chance to jump in yet, you should do so now! You can go drop a post in the Filmmaking Lounge, sharing your current goals and what you're working on this summer.
Happy Wednesday, Fam! Happy belated Canada Day and Happy early July 4th to everyone who is celebrating! How is everyone's week going so far? Do you have any fun plans for the rest of this week or this weekend?I feel like I've been running around like a chicken with my head cut off, but it's been a fun few days! I feel like Filmmakers Club is off to a strong start and I'm hopeful that it will just get bigger and better from here. If you haven't had a chance to jump in yet, you should do so now! You can go drop a post in the Filmmaking Lounge, sharing your current goals and what you're working on this summer. https://www.stage32.com/lounge/directing
Happy Wednesday, Fam!I hope that everyone's week is off to a great start! For those of you in Canada and the US, I hope you're having a good holiday week. Happy belated Canada Day and happy early July 4th! I've been running around like a chicken with my head cut off, but it's been a fun week so far! I hope that everyone is enjoying the events. If you haven't joined in on any of it yet, you can still jump into the Filmmaking Lounge and make a post about your goals and what you're working on this summer!https://www.stage32.com/lounge/directing
Instead of starting with what you think the casting director is looking for and working backwards, start with your intuition and experience of the role and work from there, ignoring your perception of the casting director. Doing it this way not only helps you deliver a more original and more memorable performance, but it will inherently boost the quality of your acting. If you’re following your instincts and trusting your impulses, you’ll deliver a performance that’s more real, more lively, more nuanced, and more believable. In other words, you’ll act better. Plain and simple.This may seem counterintuitive, but the truth is it’s anything but. Because guess what? More often than not, the casting director doesn’t really know what they’re looking for until they see it. Even if they think they know, the right performance in an audition could completely reshape their thinking on the character. So if you want to know what the most important thing is that a casting director is looking for, the answer is easy: they’re looking for something honest, something real, and something true.They’re looking for you.#actor #tv #film #video #script #writer #manager #agent #casting #director
Hi everyone. My name is Cam. I am super excited to join this platform and network with everyone. I can't wait to chat with and learn from you all. Hopefully a few of my jokes will land in the process (lol). If anyone has any suggestions on who I should be adding to my network please feel free to reach out. I'm here to learn and be of service. Thanks for reading my spiel. Ttys
Hey, Actors!Don't miss out on tomorrow's fantastic AMA with Daniel Sol, Co-Founder & Co-Director of Oscar-Qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival in the Distribution Lounge! Daniel is sharing his time with us to answer YOUR questions about "Understanding The Ins & Outs Of Short Film Festivals" Don't miss out on a chance to ask your questions!The post is live for you to comment with your questions NOW!https://www.stage32.com/lounge/distribution/Ask-Me-Anything-AMA-Wednesday-7-3-to-Thursday-7-4-Understanding-The-Ins-and-Outs-Of-Short-Film-Festivals
Casting Directors Really Hate Actors Skipping This On Resumes https://youtu.be/6jwfHKuahdY Do you have any resume tips? If so, please share them with us.At the end of this video, you will get the link to my bonus video: How to Calm Your Nerves While Acting Enjoy them,Aaron
This is a really special month here at Stage 32! today is the first day of our first-ever July Filmmakers Club. But as actors, this initiative is just as much about you as it is about the Filmmakers. One of the best things you can do for yourself and your career in film and TV is to understand and familiarize yourself with the soup to nuts of the entire filmmaking process.Also, I am always telling actors that they don't need someone else's permission to have a career. It has never been easier to make your own project. So if you have ever been interested in producing a vehicle for yourself, there has never been a better month to start making that a reality.https://www.stage32.com/blog/july-filmmakers-club-week-1-setting-goals-for-producing-an-independent-film-3781
I saw this commercial this morning and thought, "Huh, that guy kinda looks like me." SMASH CUT TOFriends jumping on my Facebook wall to ask if I ever did a commercial for Thomas' ? Do you get mistaken for another actor a lot? Comment below with your actor look-a-alike.
New International Performing Arts Institute Dates: 9.08.2024 - 11.08.2024 The international program is designed for performers, directors, choreographers, and performing arts practitioners interested in exploring the practical aspects of physicality in acting. The training focuses on what makes a performance interesting and how to be more engaging on stage. Venue: Breite Str 43, 13187 Berlin (Pankow) This 3-day workshop focuses on enhancing strength, balance, and stage presence, alongside mastering entrance and exit techniques, understanding the power of status in performance, engaging audience interest, and providing hands-on practice through interactive exercises and clown acts. Teachers: Jeremy Vik is a multi-disciplinary performer with 20 years of professional performing experience in acting, circus, and physical theatre. Jeremy believes in blending skill, character, and story-telling together in order to engage, provoke, and entertain audiences all around the world. Sergei Ostrenko has over 30 years of professional experience as a Director, Choreographer and Performance Teacher. Sergei has directed over 40 theatre productions, producing international projects for both the professional stage and for education in numerous countries, including Austria, Belarus, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Russia, Slovenia, Sweden, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom. Participant Requirements: A healthy physique, a creative mind, and a playful spirit :) The working language is English. More Details: https://www.physicalityinacting.com/physicality-in-acting-august You are welcome to submit your applications for consideration. All applications are considered on a competitive basis. Review of the NIPAI Workshop: https://youtu.be/aeQIyAk38F8?si=hwnX-TkRiFTcu7YO To register, visit: https://www.physicalityinacting.com/physicality-in-acting-august/registration-1/application-form DEVELOP IN WHAT YOU REALLY LIKE
I'm re-watching "The Good Place" on YouTube, bought all 4 seasons, and I chanced upon this cool behind the scenes clip where the cast is told what the season 1 finale is. Amazing cast reactions as they discover the true nature of their character's existences. Enjoy!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Bhyin0HaLU
I am so excited that Jon Sperry who was one of my first Stage 32 educators 12 years ago has come back to our community to teach a webinar for actors how to reduce or neutralize your accent. Jon has worked with HUGE A-listers including Sofia Vergarra, Harvey Kietel, Russel Crowe, Arnold Schwarzenegger Zoe Saldana, Liam Neeson and more. Today ends the Early Bird sale so if you want the chance to learn from Jon here's the link to join us! https://www.stage32.com/education/c/education-webinars?h=an-actors-guide-to-understanding-and-eliminating-the-american-accent&mc_cid=9373343720&mc_eid=d345708e48
https://youtu.be/0aliTb6qgYE
There would be no David Letterman, The Daily Show, or Last Week Tonight without Martin Mull. He was an innovator, a talent, occasionally a star, and always provocative. I enjoyed him always. Thanks for the laughs. https://variety.com/2024/film/news/martin-mull-dead-clue-arrested-development-1236057168/
How is everyone? Would a few of you be willing to team up with me to turn my short film into a web series?
Our tireless Education Team has been hard at work to bring in some incredible education opportunities for July! In today's blog, read all about the exclusive webinars, classes, and labs currently available to Stage 32 members.https://www.stage32.com/blog/stage-32s-july-2024-education-schedule-3775
https://deadline.com/2024/06/emma-roberts-nepo-babies-men-easier-george-clooney-1235984400/
Here is a commercial created without actors, this is in the SAGAFTRA, IATSE, and Teamsters contracts. AI objects are considered. READ.YOUR.CONTRACT.CAREFULLY. Get an entertainment lawyer. This will mostly affect extras I imagine. No need to hire actual people. Therefore, no need for crew either. https://www.toysrus.com/pages/studios
Hey, All!Don't miss out on tomorrow's fantastic AMA with Tom Lapke, Director of Global Education at Stage 32 right HERE in the Acting Lounge! Tom is sharing his time with us to answer YOUR questions about "Training, Techniques, and Business: Working As An Actor Today"You can ask Tom questions like, how to properly format your resume, what makes a good headshot, how to choose a training program that is right for you, how to film a strong self-tape, should you work with a dialect or vocal coach, when is the right time to join SAG, etc. Don't miss out on a chance to ask your questions!The post is live for you to comment with your questions NOW!https://www.stage32.com/lounge/acting/Ask-Me-Anything-AMA-Wednesday-6-26-to-Thursday-6-27-Training-Techniques-and-Business-Working-As-An-Actor-Today
This 1 Tip Will Make Your Audition Powerful https://youtu.be/msb9wpkDEa4 Do you have any audition suggestions that will make our auditions even better? If so, share them with us.
You know how to act, but do you know how to be an actor (they are two very different things)Hey there Acting Lounge. Tom Lapke here, the new Director of Global Education for Stage 32. I am going to be doing an AMA this Wednesday to answer all your questions about being (or starting out as) a professional actor. I have been in the business for 20+ years. I hold a BA and MFA in Acting, I started Audition Update, worked for Backstage as their Director of Education and Events, taught at NYU and the Actors Studio Drama School, produced a number of professional actor showcases, and have programmed over 2000 classes, events, and workshops for actors. I will be answering questions about how to properly format your resume, what makes a good headshot, how to choose a training program that is right for you, and anything else you can come up with. I can't wait to answer your questions. Not going to be around on Wednesday? No problem, leave your questions here early and I will answer them for you on the day. Cheers!
https://letterboxd.com/journal/june-squibb-thelma-interview/
Stage 32’s founder and CEO, Richard “RB” Botto, shares two videos in today’s blog. The first video analyzes Jeremy Allen White’s award-winning performance as Carmy Berzatto in FX's The Bear. In the second video, RB talks about the importance of being mindful and intentional in choosing the people that you surround yourself with. There’s things in both videos that actors, screenwriters, filmmakers, etc. can use. Grab your coffee/tea/juice/etc. and jump in! www.stage32.com/blog/coffee-content-are-you-being-intentional-in-all-of-your-choices-3770
This has been a fascinating drama to watch... and I don't mean the actual series (which I love)... the back-and-forth between Coster, Sheridan, and Paramount has been nothing short of epic. And Costner just made it official that he's not returning for the final episodes. I will miss him in the show and can't wait to see how they orchestrate his absence as the writing is always top notch. What are your thoughts on this? https://deadline.com/2024/06/kevin-costner-not-returning-to-yellowstone-1235979839/
Tamaryn Tobian shares 25 PR terms in today’s blog that’ll not only help you build a solid PR strategy and be on the same page with both your PR team and the media, but they will also help cut down onboarding time when you start working with a PR team. Tamaryn is the agency owner of Spectacle Creative Media, PR professional, and marketing professional.www.stage32.com/blog/pr-pro-lingo-25-terms-filmmakers-and-actors-must-know-3769
Actors and performers, check out my latest article as a freelance writer in the Casting Workbook digital magazine Center Stage. The industry in the UK and Ireland: How to Navigate the LandscapeMany thanks to my contributors who provided their tips and insights;Alison Murchie and Nancy Bishop Shauna GriffithShakyra Dowling Chris JonesRachel GrantIvan WeissYellowbelly#actors #performers #acting #careers #careeradvice #headshots #networking #profiles #brandMagazine Link: https://www.flipsnack.com/8AB8AE88B7A/june-center-stage-issue/full-view.html
What a remarkable, varied career. Elevated so many films. Charm and class in abundance.I once heard someone refer to him as one the most underrated, versatile actors ever because they wanted to put him in a box - as Hollywood is prone to do - but he wouldn't let them put him in a box. A lesson for all.
This is the most recent (and possibly last) video in our series. I sit down with an accomplished 1st A.D. (Walking Dead, Tell Me Lies, plus many others) to talk about the things new actors do (or don't do) versus how veteran actors behave on a set. The whole series has completely shifted my mindset when walking onto set. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/6usqNy3B4so
A great pizza that Portnoy gave a high score to https://youtube.com/shorts/9rEeRFbB3PI?feature=share
Hey, Actors!Don't miss out on tomorrow's fantastic AMA with Kurt Patino, President of Burbank International Film Festival, Talent Manager, Writer, Producer, & Podcaster in the Distribution Lounge! Kurt is sharing his time with us to answer YOUR questions about "How Film Festivals Run Behind The Scenes" You can ask Kurt questions like, What are the most important things to know about film festivals? What is the film selection process like? How do festivals spend their time preparing ahead of their annual events? What are the best ways to get involved with working or volunteering at festivals? What are the biggest impacts that festivals can have on a filmmaker's career? What are the best practices for networking at festivals? What are the most common misconceptions about film festivals? How are panels and events selected for festivals? What do you wish more professionals knew about film festivals? Don't miss out on a chance to ask your questions!The post is live for you to comment with your questions NOW!https://www.stage32.com/lounge/distribution/Ask-Me-Anything-AMA-6-19-to-6-20-How-Film-Festivals-Run-Behind-The-Scenes
Forgive me if I'm a dope but I just discovered the Lounge area and was hoping to post a few questions for my upcoming "Your Guide to Proper Script Formatting" class this afternoon. As I can't seem to locate a specifically titled post for it elsewhere, do I just post here? Again, my apologies if I'm missing the obvious - thanks in advance for any replies!
Are Actors Actually Wasting Money With Managers https://youtu.be/D5cGQK3YUTg In the video you will learn whether it is helpful or a waste of time trying to work with a manager. And, the specific differences between agents and managers.You will also learn exactly what fees are paid to each.If you have or had a manager, let us know about your experience. Was it helpful?Talk soon.Aaron
How can you know what you might be auditioning for if you don't know if they started filming yet? Here is everything and when.|https://deadline.com/feature/2024-tv-premiere-dates-1235365501/
This program is a rare opportunity to learn the art of conducting a profound and active analysis of a play. Through various tasks and exercises, it equips students with the essential tools to effectively engage with the play's text, explore its historical and theoretical context, and deeply analyze the material.Open to directors, actors, circus artists, choreographers, dancers, and all performers passionate about enhancing their craft. Programme Facts Start: 1 July 2024 / 1 August 2024 / 2 September 2024 Duration: 3-Month or 6-Week options Mode: Full-time, Online Language: English Certificate: Available NIPAI’s educational philosophy breaks away from traditional methods, bidding farewell to classrooms, lectures, and exams. Instead, you'll be able to dive straight into project creation, immersing yourself in both creative and logical challenges. These experiences can forge and refine your abilities. Explore the Curriculum and Fees for 'The Director and Play' Program: www.nipai.org/programs/the-director-and-play-course Be ready for a lot of work; you deserve a good education! ___ Contact Us: Official Website: www.nipai.org Facebook: facebook.com/nipai.org Instagram: instagram.com/nipai_org Email: info@nipai.org
Your chances of getting signed with a good agent can increase if you accomplish as many of the following as you can: -Have all of your marketing materials (headshots, reel, social media, resume) looking professional; -Aggressively keep working and expanding your credits; -Focus on growing the scale and quality of your roles with featured parts; -Become a SAG-AFTRA member when time is right; -Have a great manager who believes in you; -Get a referral from an actor who’s already represented by a good agency; -Work on a commercially successful film production or TV show; -Create your own content -Develop good relationships with casting directors; -Grow your social media following; -Have real talent. This is most important. #actor #agent #manager #talent #working #headshot #demoreel #audition
I've said it before and I'll say it again, a good entertainment attorney is worth his/her weight in gold.https://variety.com/2024/film/news/blair-witch-project-cast-robbed-financial-success-1236033647/
Here is a cover letter example for actors to send to a prospective agent:Hello, [name of agent],I’m [your name], and I’m writing to seek representation in [TV/film/commercial work/etc.]. I have been working in the business for [X amount of time], and [write something about yourself that’s not obvious from your résumé or reel]. I’m [describe your type], and I was referred by [name of your reference; it’s helpful if you were referred, and for some agencies, it’s required]. I’ve recently been working on [name a recent project or professional experience], and I think your agency would be a good fit for me because [research the agency to find a reason].I am currently appearing in [X show] on [X date]. If you can attend, I would love to get tickets for you. Also, I’m on [X series] currently airing on [X network].If you would like to schedule an interview, I can be reached at [phone number, email, and website (website should include headshots, all links to your social media, news, IMDb, Actors Access, etc)]. I look forward to connecting soon. Below please find a link to my résumé and a link to my acting reel.Sincerely,[Your name]—Links—#actors #agent #manager #representation
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2024-06-12/usc-graduate-acting-dramatic-writing-mfa-programs-tuition-free
...I like the direction that MFA programs are moving towards. What are your thoughts? How much would not having to pay tuition inform your decision to go to grad school? *it should be noted that my grad alma mater, my beloved University of Florida, has been tuition-free, plus provides a teaching stipend, for MFA actors since before my time when I started in 2002. https://www.aol.com/news/uscs-graduate-acting-dramatic-writing-100006736.html
I am casting for a horror proof of concept scene in the Nashville area. I need an actress in 20s - 30s for role. See ad for more information and forward to any actresses who you think may be interested. https://nashville.craigslist.org/tlg/d/nashville-actress-needed-for-proof-of/7755224815.html
I am super excited to be hosting an Actor AMA here in the Acting Lounge on June 26th. Get your questions ready about training, side hustles, the biz for actors, or anything else that you could use some input or guidance on.
Hey, Actors!There are 2 FREE Stage 32 in-person networking meetups coming up this Thursday, June 13th! I'm including links to the meetup pages for you all below. If you live in any of these cities or are nearby, be sure to RSVP and seize this opportunity to meet with other creatives in person and help build your local creative community! Austin, TX: https://www.stage32.com/meetups/1980/June-Stage-32-Austin-TX-In-Person-MeetupPhoenix, AZ: https://www.stage32.com/meetups/1979/June-Phoenix-AZ-In-Person-Meetup
Hey, All!Don't miss out on tomorrow's fantastic AMA with James Kicklighter, Multi-Award Winning Narrative & Documentary Film Director and Producer (THE SOUND OF IDENTITY & THE AMERICAN QUESTION), and Stage 32 Thought Leader in the Filmmaking Lounge! James is sharing his time with us to answer YOUR questions about "How To Network Properly To Build A Film Career"You can ask James questions like, What do I need to do to build a network? What are some best practices for networking and following up? How can I stand out to differentiate myself? What are the best means of communication with a new contact? Should I research contacts? etc. Don't miss out on a chance to ask your questions!The post is live for you to comment with your questions NOW!https://www.stage32.com/lounge/directing/Ask-Me-Anything-AMA-Wednesday-6-12-to-Thursday-6-13-How-To-Network-Properly-To-Build-A-Film-Career
This might surprise you. Watch the video and learn. https://youtu.be/QVqChTLyX2E Many types of acting jobs bring in additional income. You might not be familiar with some of the jobs. Ever heard of standardized patient work or role playing jobs? Commercial Print work is also a great job for actors. Here is Another Great Video For You: 2024 Best Side Hustle Jobs for Actors - Many You've Never Heard About - Here are 23 https://youtu.be/7WdieakkoHA?si=jiTK44fYlruRt9yA Have any suggestions for acting jobs outside of the traditional ones? If so, share them.
“When we connect to people with our emotions we generally want two things: To be understood and/or to have the other person feel the same way that we feel. In order to have these things happen, first we must deeply feel the emotion and second, the emotion needs to be expressed in a strong and compelling way.This is exactly what has to happen in an audition. You need to walk into the room with a feeling of joy for being there and excitement that you get to share your work and yourself. If this is what is naturally being expressed, that is what the people in the room will connect to and they’ll have an immediate, positive response to you. This works both ways, as I’m sure you know. If you don’t feel connected to the material and don’t feel confident that your audition will be a strong and interesting representation of what you have to offer the role, you’ll connect with doubt and anxiety. When it’s time to work, and this goes for taped auditions as well, you need to reach out to the people watching and connect to them with the honestly felt emotions you’ve brought to the piece, expressed with power and heart. “Expressed” is a keyword here. Remember, film and TV auditioning and acting is not so much about creating something outside of you as it is about expressing what is already inside you. The people in the room want pure emotion, honestly expressed and in a taped audition the camera demands no less. Any showing, selling, or creating outside of the self puts a wall of effort in front of you and makes it impossible for you to make the true connections that make the auditioners feel what you want them to feel. But when your connection is eye to eye, face to face, and emotion to emotion, they know they’ve met the actor who can make the audience take notice and really feel. To connect through the eyes, body energy, facial expressions, and emotions is to so thoroughly wrap yourself around a role that you cannot be separated from it.”- Craig Wallace is the creator and award-winning teacher of the Wallace Audition Technique#actor #expression #technique #emotion #audition
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-PDoo2BXLQ
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.
