"*It’s the biggest note I hear directors, casting directors, and coaches give when actors are too tense, rigid, stuck in their heads, or overacting… ‘Just be yourself’, ‘Relax’ or ‘Know that you are enough’...*" — Rebecca Reaney
Posted something for the Acting Lounge, but I don’t think it went through. Will try again.
I'm seeking a literary agent located in either the Los Angeles area or Texas. This would be for a thriller topic book. Does anyone have a referral? Thanks!
Matthew Cornwell (full-time actor, SAG-AFTRA member, and co-founder of Get Taped) wrote a must-read blog about self tapes.
BEWARE: My Image Was Stolen- Here's How I Got Paid
RB shares, that industry conversations often end with, “What else do you have?” and that means staying in motion creatively and having more than one script as a writer. Curious what projects members in here are currently juggling whether it be writing projects, acting projects or other creative projects? I"m juggling preparing two scenes for an acting showcase plus setting up and facilitating an online acting workshop.
https://www.stage32.com/blog/coffee-content-the-fatal-screenwriting-mistake-only-having-one-script-4108
Normally I post educational videos from my YouTube channel.
I wanted to reach out to any actors on the East Coast, especially in the New York and Connecticut area. I often direct my plays and scripts for festivals and would like to expand my network of actors. Unfortunately, in most cases these festivals do not pay, so there is no budget to compensate the actors. I would like to offer an Actors Reel for anyone who is willing to be part of my projects.
Welcome dramas from all over the world to come to China for a tour and exchange ideas.
Hey I just got feedback from "Andy Richley" on a reality show pitch I sent to him for a project I created entitled "Trailer Park Girls". Hi feedback was excellent. I am not saying that he loved eveything about my project, LOL, but what he did say was really invaluable to me and the project. He gave me some really actionable advice on the project, and it is clear to me he really knows what he is talking about and has a lot of experience in the industry. So, if you are planning to use the "Script Services" "Pitch" function through the Stage32 dashboard, I would highly recommend sending your pitch to Andy Richley he is really good, and you will not be disappointed.
You submitted for a role and got asked to send in a self-tape. The due date is a week from now. Now what?!
As an independent filmmaker/producer who casts his own projects — here’s what I look for:
Be prompt. Don’t wait until the last day. And please don’t email the casting director to say you’re busy and might be late. If you booked another project after submitting, just don’t submit.
Get a solid reader. Don’t have your friend or partner who’s not an actor feed you lines. It’s often so distracting it takes away from your performance. If you’re stuck, pre-record the lines yourself and play them back — or leave space and react naturally.
Keep it simple. Don’t add music, effects, or flashy editing. It’s usually just distracting. We’re here to watch you, not your editing reel.
No need for pro gear. You don’t need a blue backdrop, studio lighting, or professional audio. A phone works just fine. What matters most is your performance.
Skip the agency tag. Unless your agent or manager is submitting for you, don’t mention them in your slate. If you’re submitting directly, we assume you’re independent.
Keep it private. Don’t post your self-tape or use it in your demo reel. These are copyrighted scripts, and using them without permission is unprofessional.
Be professional. Casting is complicated. Sometimes things fall through or shift. As an actor friend once told me, until there’s a signed contract, anything can change.
If you want to stand out — just be prepared, be respectful, and deliver a great performance. That’s it.
Hi. I have recently returned to my acting training and have been reflecting on my journey. In particular how acting has transformed me off-stage. I feel more connected to my body and my instincts. I'm more trusting of them and bolder about going for what I want in terms of professional goals (to act, to coach actors and eventually to produce). I'm curious about what you feel are the benefits of acting to how you show up in your life off-stage?
FIND FREE Self-Tape Readers For Actors: The Method Nobody Discusses
Hi! I worked as a screenwriter in Russia for many years and now live in Israel where I became a director. (https://filmfreeway.com/AlexanderDetkov) My short film "BEFORE THE BARMITSVA" has won several international awards. I am currently developing new projects for cinema and streaming platforms and am looking for a co-author who also has experience in cinema.
Hi everyone,
As an actor, the arrival of artificial intelligence in the film industry stirs a mix of emotions in me, but more than fear, it serves as a reminder of how the industry has always evolved with technology. Every major breakthrough in cinema has initially been met with fear, but over time, we've adapted, gotten used to it, and in many cases, we've embraced these innovations to tell stories in new ways.
Last month, I took the leap and committed to my acting career full-time. I quickly discovered that marketing yourself for day player roles is a different process compared to submitting for supporting or lead roles. In fact, day player casting is quite similar to extras casting when it comes to how actors present their headshots. After making a few subtle adjustments to my photos, I started receiving more CMail audition invitations.
One of the biggest challenges I’m currently navigating is self-taping auditions. It’s been tough. Instead of focusing solely on my performance, I often find myself distracted by technical concerns: Is the lighting good? Am I framed properly? And because I use a prerecorded audio track as my scene partner, I have to time my line delivery carefully. To make things even more complicated, I’m using an old cassette recorder as my reader.
That said, I’m starting to get the hang of it. I now begin every audition with a test shot to ensure the lighting is right, I’m fully in frame, and the audio playback is low enough that the tape hiss doesn’t detract from the performance.
Despite all the challenges, I’m happy. My career goals are realistic, and I’m beginning to build momentum.