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PSA: Don't take shortcuts! by Ryu Reeves  •  last post Nov 14th

Just this week, I can't begin to tell you how many people I see asking for handouts without wanting to learn acting or screenwriting. They just wanna wake up and get a job like they're looking for a free prize with their happy meal.

This topic has been boiling up inside of me for quite some time, but my last straw is people asking which AI software they can use to do all the work for them. Especially we just had TWO strikes to fight against the damage AI can do to the industry.

To me, this just screams in a thousand different ways that you don't respect the industry. You just wanna wake up and be famous. Nobody wants to put in the work. I can't tell you how many times I've given bullet points for an actor on exactly how they can start getting real work. Only 1% of the actually follow through with putting in the work. Most of them (99%) just wanna go to an audition and wing it. Not willing to take acting classes. Not willing to get a professional headshot. Not willing to put together a portfolio. Nothing. They just wanna ask "How can I get a job on a TV show". To me, this is a huge slap in the face for me and everyone else that loves this business and is willing to put in the work to study!

There's a big difference between asking for genuine advice on how to improve and asking someone to just give you a job without wanting to get experience for that job!

Respect goes a long way in this industry and if you can't be bothered to put in the tiniest bit of work then it's probably not for you.

3 Minute Video - Self-taping Tips and Guidance for Actors by Emily Maguire  •  last post Nov 13th

For those who don't have time to read the full article, I've created a 3-minute video highlighting the main takeaways.


https://youtu.be/zYycXKzbvK8?si=i5VQjadaPtkzMC-h  

This video is an excerpt from a longer article. To read the full article, please visit:
https://www.reflectionscareercoaching.co.uk/post/mastering-the-art-of-self-taping 

Commercial Casting by Sean O'Connor  •  last post Nov 12th

A first for me. I recently auditioned for a tv commercial where the brief for hero male was 50-60 and ‘wife’ a similar age. 

Just seen the finished commercial and the roles were filled by mid-30’s actors. 

I know briefs change in this world, but the ‘wife’ was played by the casting director on the commercial. I’ve seen casting directors and assistants on commercials; nothing unusual in that, but never on one where the CD I submitted the self tape to got the casting themselves. is this unusual? 

I thought I did a really good audition too. 

Determining Intent In Acting and Directing by Mario Leone  •  last post Nov 12th

It is good to determine intent as a Director and as an Actor.

How do we determine Intent?

By asking questions to ourselves:

What does the character want, or what goal are they trying to achieve in the scene?

Define each scene by what the character wants:

Is it physical or tangible?

is it information?

Is it emotional?

The Secondary Gain intent - When a person is trying to make others "think" that their own motives are different from what they say they are.

Could be expressing ulterior motives for example.

What does the character want other people to think they want?

The AGENT EPISODE: Anthony Boyer Breaks It All The Way Down - Think Bigger Actors Podcast by Florin Şumălan  •  last post Nov 11th

https://thinkbiggerpodcast.libsyn.com/episode-411-anthony-boyer-the-agent-episode

Round Two of Auditions by Mario Leone  •  last post Nov 11th

In round two of auditions, we've got THE superstar contenders who check all the boxes – they look the part, act like the pros they are, and could totally rock our their characters. 


Now, instead of a quick script run, we're give them more time to flex their acting muscles. Three performances of each scene, with different emotional vibes each time – it's like watching a mini movie marathon!

As the director, I'm not just looking for talent; I'm watching for that magic chemistry. We chat about why they're hyped for the movie, their schedules, and what makes them tick. It's all about finding the right match, like playing cupid in the casting world. The key is to serve the script and the story, not mind read what is in the Directors head... 

Round three? Picture this: all the actors in one room, paired up, and acting out scenes together. It's like a Hollywood speed-dating session! By the end, I've got the dream team, and we're ready to roll. After thanking our awesome actors, we let them in on the casting decisions within a week.

Post-audition, it's time for heart-to-hearts with each chosen actor. We spill the beans on all the behind-the-scenes deets – the production needs, crazy schedules, and even the possibility of post-editing pick-up shots. For the newbies, it's a crash course on what's ahead. 

Negotiations with the seasoned actors' reps cover everything from pay to travel perks and dietary quirks. And yes, some actors have specific needs, like a trailer the size of a small country!

Once deals are sealed, we've got a week of suspense before we spill the beans to the world. But hey, we've got our backup plans in case things get a bit Hollywood-crazy. 

After the big reveal, our winning actors get a fancy packet with all the deets – from schedules to character breakdowns. First rehearsals kick off like a blockbuster – it's showtime!

Actor Needs by Nick Waters  •  last post Nov 10th

What would you all say you need the most help with as an actor? From craft to navigating the business...what do you feel like would help your career the most right now?

Auditions for Actors by Mario Leone  •  last post Nov 10th

The First Audition

Auditioning is a nerve-wracking experience for the actor, and it's your job to make them feel as comfortable as possible. The more comfortable the actor or actress, the better the performance, and the better the performance, the more of their skill level you will see.

  • Beginning the audition - When you're ready for the first audition, have one of the production assistants from the waiting area bring the first actor to the audition room. When the actor enters, greet them, take his audition form and headshot, and thank him for coming. Always be polite and courteous; these actors are taking time out of their schedules to come to your audition with the hopes of helping you getting a role. Be appreciative and respectful of that.
  • The monologue - After the introductions, if you require a monologue of the actors, ask the actor to begin and watch for body language and believability. In major cities like Los Angeles and New York, experienced actors rarely, if ever, use monologues for auditions and are accustomed to performing a dry read of the script. Monologues are valuable for seeing an actor perform a piece with which he is comfortable.
  • The first read - After about thirty 30 seconds, stop the actor, even if he's not finished with the monologue, and give him a two-page scene from a script other than from the movie you're casting for. Some directors don't like to use the script from the movie, as this may give the actor they're auditioning a premature idea of the character. Character development should happen between the director and the actor in a rehearsal setting, not the audition. Instead, use a script from another movie with a similar tone, characters, and dialogue similar to those of the film you're casting for. Briefly introduce the scene and explain what is happening:, "You are playing the role of the factory worker, Joe who just left work and just found out he's been laid off. This scene takes place in the diner across the street from the factory between Joe and his old friend, Jean, the waitress." After the actor briefly reads over the script, have them perform the scene. Watch for realism and spontaneity in the performance.
  • Give direction - After the scene is finished, ask the actor to perform the scene again, this time changing the approach to how he accepts direction: "Try it again, but this time, instead of being laid off, you just received a $5,000.00 bonus." Watch carefully to see how well the actor takes last-minute direction, how he changes his approach, and if he successfully incorporates your new direction into the scene. This is an important skill for the actor to have because there are often directorial changes on set to which the actor must quickly adjust.
  • Wrap up - After the second read, thank the actor and, if you feel he may be right for the part, give him a flyer for the call back, or second audition, the following week. Be sure to have the second auditions already scheduled so you can invite actors to it during the first audition. If you don't like his or her performance, thank the actor for coming in and politely let them know that you will be notifying them of the audition results. Have a production assistant draft a friendly e-mail and send it to the actors you did not choose. Be sure to thank them for their time, as you may work with them in the future and don't want to burn any bridges. In Los Angeles and New York, producers hardly ever notify actors who are not called back.

  • The next actor - Once the actor leaves, the production assistant from the waiting area should bring in the next person. Each audition should last about five minutes and is designed for you to quickly determine if you could see each actor as one of the characters.

Ed Hooks with Master Tips on ‘Acting for Animators’ by Amanda Toney  •  last post Nov 10th

I found this really interesting. The NY actor turned teacher discusses how DreamWorks’ 1996 request shifted his life path and kicked off his 30+ year career training animators.  https://www.awn.com/news/podcast-ep-231-ed-hooks-master-tips-acting-animators

Why any work is better than no work by Ryu Reeves  •  last post Nov 10th

It wasn't too long ago I was making low budget Tik Tok shorts using my phone and I would put my best one on my IMDB. People would laugh because "it's not a real film and IMDB is no place for homemade tik tok videos!" But I always knew that my goal was to show people what I was capable of.


Sure, I wouldn't exactly recommend this same approach now that I've been in this industry awhile because videos like that heavily weight down your overall IMDB score, but as you can tell by the picture I've attached it's not the final nail in the coffin.

I did it to show whatever companies/people came across my work that I didn't need a big budget to show people what I could do creatively. That TikTok video that was so blacklisted by everyone for coming across as unprofessional is the reason people still reach out to me TODAY to work on new projects. It's the same reason I became a part of actual movies with real actors and a real budget. Most actors/writers I knew in real life never made it below 100,000 on IMDB. So when I made it 94,000 that was the ultimate showing that everything I did worked.

Once again, I would not recommend filling up your IMDB with stuff like I had because it really affects your score since it has no visible engagement online anywhere. Pick one very good video you're proud of. Try to upload it other places of the internet first to gain SOME traction. Just use one. Take that over to IMDB and show people what you can do. Because when you want people to hire you and you have nothing to show...they probably won't hire you. It gives you something to use as a catapult!


Mastering the Art of Self-Taping: A Guide for Actors with Tips from Casting Directors by Emily Maguire  •  last post Nov 9th

As a talent agent, I regularly receive a high volume of self-tapes every week, which has now become the new normal. Through this experience, I have noticed some common mistakes that people make while recording and have compiled them into an article. Whether you are new to the industry or just looking for tips to perfect your self-tapes, this article will guide you in the right direction.

https://www.reflectionscareercoaching.co.uk/post/mastering-the-art-of-self-taping

SAG-AFTRA Strike is OVER! by Matthew Cornwell  •  last post Nov 8th

As of 12:01am Pacific Time on 11/9/23, SAG-AFTRA will no longer be on strike! There are a few steps to go through before the new contract is ratified, but hopefully the terms are amenable to the majority of union members. I look forward to reading the terms and voting in the coming days/weeks!

A. m. a. by Omari Washington  •  last post Nov 8th

Jeanette B. Milio, CEO of Alliance Cinema, Producer, Financier, and Stage 32 Thought Leader & Educator, is hosting a 24-Hour Ask Me Anything ("AMA") in the Financing Lounge today, focused on "Creating a Business Plan for Your Feature". 

Let’s connect on Instagram ? by Summer-Joules  •  last post Nov 8th

Let support one another and connect and help one another grow ? Instagram https://instagram.com/summerjoules_official IMBD https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm10966962

memorizing and reading quick by Mary Tennant  •  last post Nov 8th

Hey all, I want you all know JIM KWIK Memory Recall and Kwik Reading really helps! Am I promoting but I admit it really works! If you go to my YouTube channel Mary Tennant see my self tapes. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-aTlO796NR2S7p-AloJ75A I used to take FOREVER to memorize. But when you learn how to memorize by his ways. Which you wonder why THEY DON'T TEACH THIS IN SCHOOL we be so advance and ahead on the world as a country!!!! This boosted my confidence. I done at least 20 auditions n three weeks. I don't know how I got buried but without the skills from Jim Kwik I would not be able to do it. Did I get booked. NO. But I had two spokes person jobs I was doing during that which memorize had help me. So please this is an INVESTMENT and you be blown away. And learn to JUGGLE TOO!!! Any questions contact me here. ActingMaryTennant@icloud.com Thank you, Mary Tennant

YAY!! The STRIKE is OVER by Summer-Joules  •  last post Nov 8th

Let’s support one another to stay in the GREEN View & comment and I will return https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm10966962

Hollywood actors strike: parties finessing AI terms by Geoff Hall  •  last post Nov 7th

Well, this is encouraging, but I’m unsure about this point…

Meanwhile it has emerged that last Friday’s “last, best and final” offer by AMPTP included the offer of a 100% raise in performance bonuses for high-cost streaming series and features that achieve certain viewership and box office targets.

That seems tightly funnelled and little to do with lower budget productions. After all, the vast majority or films don’t fit into that ‘high-cost streaming series’ category, unless there are more details to come about that.

Also, the ‘minimum rate’ increase of 8% seems way short of the 11% SAG-AFTRA demand. What do you think about these snippets to the potential agreement?

https://www.screendaily.com/news/hollywood-actors-strike-parties-finessi...?

First rule of acting: Never give up! by Ryu Reeves  •  last post Nov 7th

There will always be people trying to downplay your work. I'm here to tell you not to listen to those people and keep doing your thing. I still get people trying to tell me I'll never get anywhere.


When I was a teenager and went to acting school I was told to get a real job. When I started screenwriting professionally I was told nobody would ever read it. When I created my IMDB page with homemade low-budget videos I was laughed at because they weren't real films. When I became a more serious business-man and had 2 films and a TV show to my name I was told they weren't really my projects and other people were the talented ones in those projects. When I hosted my own radio show and hired one of the best rock bands in the music industry today people told me I had to pay my way to success.

If I sold a script today and ended up with a movie on the big screen people would tell it's not as good as (insert any famous movie in that genre). People will always find ways to downplay your accomplishments no matter how hard you work and what you do. Don't work for those people. Work for you.

You don't need money to start acting! by Ryu Reeves  •  last post Nov 7th

I can't tell you how many times people want to get into acting but make excuses about not having enough for a camera or lighting. I started out with a low budget phone and audio that sounded like it was underwater. I saw it as a way for people to at least see what I was capable of from a creative standpoint.


I was making Tik Tok videos as a way to put my short scripts to use. I did whatever I could to get my idea out there. I didn't need an agent, manager, producer, etc. There was nothing stopping me from writing my own scripts and acting them out. It showed people I was a creative writer as well as an entertaining actor. I didn't need to spend thousands of dollars on a professional camera. I downloaded free editing apps from Google Play.

I looked up auditions myself and traveled all over Canada and US to take whatever gigs I could find. I didn't need an agent to do that.

Everybody wants to say "if I had an agent or manager I could do this!" or "if I had money I could do that!" but the bottom line is you CAN do all those things! The real issue is everybody wants to take shortcuts. If you truly love this business you don't need to take shortcuts. Just enjoy the ride.

How Many Different Headshots Do Actors Really Need For Success by Aaron Marcus  •  last post Nov 7th

Do you have more than 1 headshot?


How Many Different Headshots Do Actors Really Need For Success

https://youtu.be/r36sB4hD9Oc

If you have more than 1 headshot, let us know how many.
And, if has it been helpful to your career.