Sharing RB's blog about: How technology is reshaping power dynamics in HollywoodThe practical uses of AI for writers, filmmakers, animators, post-pros, and producersWhether these shifts are opening new doors or making the industry more complexhttps://www.stage32.com/blog/coffee-content-what-does-the-future-of-hollywood-look-like-4055Personally it has opened my eyes to thinking a bit more about who holds the power to shape our art and whether I choose to give them that power or not.
Controlling versus letting go and trusting is on my mind recently. This polarity relates to how we approach life, the creative process and also our acting. Viola talks about not trying to control the outcome of a performance. She says: “Whatever I work with at home I only take it to a certain extent,….you gotta say 'yes' to your partner. If they're giving you a line in a certain way, guess what? You gotta get up off your 'A-double-snakes' and use that. - Viola DavisI find letting go and trusting the process frightening and I don’t think I’m the only one. There isn’t one magic tool that can help us to do that. The recent discussions we’ve had about Improv, Meisner and Method can help us to let go in acting. More broadly we can work on challenging unhelpful beliefs, trying to reinforce more helpful ones, feeling the fear and doing it anyway. We can also work on our sense of safety in our body as we control to try to feel safe.An EMDR tool I use to activate the neural networks related to safety is to imagine myself in a very safe situation vividly. I see the place, smell the smells, feel the body sensations and really bring in the feeling of safety in my body. I then tap bi-laterally left-right-left-right on my body to reinforce the feeling whilst telling myself “I am Safe’. I thought this might be helpful for others.Curious to hear how you navigate letting go and trusting the creative process?
SAG-AFTRA has sent out a notice to casting websites offering auditions and charging actors. This is illegal in NY and California. Check out the article:https://deadline.com/2024/01/sag-aftra-letter-casting-websites-charging-fees-auditions-1235798882/
Melanie Scroggins shares her list of the five essential tools you need to build a voiceover business in today’s blog. This is a great blog for anyone who wants to build a voiceover business! If you have any questions about building a voiceover business, post them in the blog comments so Melanie and other members in the community can answer them. If you have any experience building a voiceover business and you want to share tips/insight, post them in the comments too.www.stage32.com/blog/5-tools-you-need-to-build-a-voiceover-business-4054
James C. Clayton—a Canadian filmmaker, producer, screenwriter, and actor with 25 years of experience. He’s best known for his work on Lionsgate’s Bullet Proof and its sequel Get Fast (now streaming on Amazon Prime), and he’s currently prepping his next action-thriller feature, Briefcase, 8, which he wrote, is producing, directing, and starring in.James will be answering questions in real time while actively prepping for production—giving you a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to take a script from the page to the screen.Whether you want to know how to make your scripts more director-friendly, understand where writers and directors often clash, or learn how to stay involved once their script is in motion—this is the moment to ask.Curious how many of your actors also write?
Insightful article on Sam Rockwell, his process and his relationship with his long time acting coach.And, of course, that WHITE LOTUS monologue.https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/sam-rockwell-white-lotus-monologue-acting-coach-1236175014/
Does anyone have time for a quick Zoom? I have a question about an NDA.
Hey Actors!Whether you loved Grey’s Anatomy or not, there’s no denying Ellen Pompeo made a massive impact and she fought hard to know and demand her worth as a lead actress.In this recent episode of the Call Her Daddy podcast, Ellen sits down with Alex Cooper to talk candidly about:- Navigating double standards in the industry- Becoming the highest-paid woman on network television- Salary negotiations and advocating for herself- Her thoughts on Meredith’s most iconic moments (and chaotic dating life)- What it really takes to last in this businessWatch it here >> https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jex1tGfWpno It’s such a raw, empowering conversation especially for actors navigating career longevity, contracts, and the pressure to “just be grateful.” It’s a reminder that knowing your value is not the same as being difficult.Let’s open this up for discussion:Have you ever had to negotiate your value as an actor? What’s one thing you’ve learned about advocating for yourself in this industry?Drop your thoughts below. Let’s learn from each other’s journeys.
Hey all!I've just been reading the answers that Rob Lowry is posting in his AMA today and tomorrow. I felt inspired and wanted to share here. He explained he sometimes gives character playlists with actors or the party playlist if there is a party in the film. This is fun and exciting to me and reminded me about what i've heard recently. Namely that music reaches many parts of the brain including those to do with motion, memory, and reward. Including the retrieval of autobiographical memories which allows actors to access personal experiences that resonate with their character's journey. This process, known as Music-Evoked Autobiographical Memory (MEAM), can lead to more authentic and emotionally rich performances. I found this video on the impact of music on emotional memory https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhoaU34HQxYWhat are your thoughts? And what is the song/piece of music that most helped you when developing a character?
In our weekly video that we released Monday, I talk about the metaphor of being a thermometer vs. a thermostat. Waaaaay too often, actors fall into the trap of being the thermometer. That is, taking the temperature of the room. Trying to figure what is the accurate answer to how to play the role. Owning a taping service for over 15 years, I see this EVERY DAY.A much more powerful approach is to be the thermostat. SET the temperature of the room. And the room can be your self-tape studio, a Zoom callback, in-person audition, or being on set.If you don't take ownership over the role and confidently bring your signature performance, then you risk becoming a carbon copy of the other 80% of actors who are all being thermometers, trying to gauge "what Casting wants." SET the temperature.Now, the rub is that it takes years of training and experience to get to a place of understanding this concept (specifically what your signature performance is), because blind arrogance is just as bad as being completely passive. I guess in the metaphor that arrogance is like being a broken thermostat? The metaphor isn't perfect ;)Here's the video from our YouTube channel:https://youtu.be/7EJDM0u9OcQ
This Wednesday, March 26, Stage 32 is hosting a FREE live webinar with Guillaume Esmiol, Executive Director of the Marché du Film at the Cannes Film Festival, moderated by our very own Managing Director Amanda Toney.Why this webinar matters:• Learn how to use your badge to its full potential• Build a strategic schedule and navigate key venues (Palais, Riviera, Village International)• Understand what buyers and collaborators are actually looking for in 2025• Avoid common missteps and gain a tactical advantage• Walk into Cannes with confidence and purpose• Register here: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/how-to-navigate-the-cannes-film-festival-marche-du-film-1
Come and find out in the next "Ask Me Anything' Session Tomorrow Wednesday in the Composing Lounge with acclaimed music supervisor Rob Lowry. Rob will be answering questions over a full 24-hour period about Using Music as a Narrative Tool in film and TV—a must-follow topic for filmmakers, producers, composers, editors, and storytellers of all kinds. He currently has three films in theaters right now—Companion, Heart Eyes, and Novocaine—and this is a rare opportunity for our community to hear directly from one of the most in-demand music supervisors working today.He’s been featured in Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, THR, and more—and this is a huge opportunity for our members to gain insight from someone who has helped shape the sound of modern cinema.Here's the link https://www.stage32.com/lounge/composing/Ask-Me-Anything-AMA-Wednesday-3-26-Using-Music-as-a-Narrative-Tool
These 3 Self-Tape Editing Mistakes Will Ruin Your Audition: Watch and Avoid Themhttps://youtu.be/vUu-vEFCzbIDo you have a great audition tip? If so, please share it here so we can all learn from you.My New WebsiteWant to let you know that I have a new website: https://howtoactandmodel.com/You can sign up there to be on my special mailing list. I send out helpful industry information. And, after signing up, you will receive a great video: 6 Secrets to Mastering Home Auditions.
In his blog today RB gives us a video about A24 the film distribution and production company. I was particularly interested in their strategy of not spending loads on mainstream marketing but finding ways to do viral marketing, which worked! Here is the link https://www.stage32.com/blog/coffee-content-breakthroughs-brands-letting-go-of-what-holds-you-back-4048RB then goes on to urge us to let go of negative beliefs, emotions and experiences that are not serving us in our creative careers. Coincidentally I was thinking about this today. I reflected that I had an ‘unworthy’ (of success) belief lurking around in the background. Rationally I believe I’m totally worthy of success (and success means different things to different people). However I realised the above from certain responses and reactions i had observed in myself. For example a split second of thinking ‘oh gosh, I don’t know if I can help them’ or feeling like an imposter when a new client wants to work with me. I notice these negative beliefs in my clients too and how they can lead to self-sabotage. For example, not putting oneself forward for things, not fully selling oneself or really going for what we want. The way I tackled this belief today, and one way I suggest to clients, is to write down all the counter-evidence. All the reasons why we are worthy of success or whatever the belief is.So, with this in mind, i'm interested, what negative beliefs, emotions or experiences are you ready to let go of that you believe are delaying or blocking your creative process and progress?
One of the biggest traps actors fall into is settling. Don’t do it. You’ve got something special don’t aim to be good when you have the potential to be great. Push yourself. Keep learning, sharpening your talent, and stay in classes and workshops.Don’t get lost in the weeds. Headshots, agents, managers, auditions, they matter. But zoom out and look at the big picture. Keep your eyes on your larger vision. That’s what shapes your path.This business is all about relationships. Learn to connect, really connect. Listen. Make a genuine impression one that isn’t just handing over a resume. Volunteer at events, go to festivals, attend mixers for industry professionals.Stay grounded. I love ambition, but be real about where you’re at. If you’re just starting out, maybe don’t expect your agent to book you the lead in a huge network series tomorrow. Aim high but keep your feet on the ground while you reach up.Sometimes, just listen. You don’t always have to fill the space. You can learn so much just by observing especially from those with more experience.Be skeptical. This industry is full of noise. Just because someone says they booked a pilot doesn’t mean it’s true. Sometimes “pilot” means a YouTube sketch their roommate filmed on an iPhone. Take it all with a grain of salt.Not every opportunity is a good one. If something feels off, it’s okay to say no, whether it’s a sketchy photographer or a role that crosses your boundaries. Trust your instincts.Keep taking creative risks. You made a bold move pursuing acting don’t stop now. Stay open, stay curious, and keep challenging yourself.Take care of your head and heart. Rejection is part of the job, but it doesn’t define you. Learn to move through it without letting it break you.Most importantly live your life. Don’t pause it for your career. Acting is about channeling real human experience, and you can’t do that if you’re not living. Make time for the people, places, and passions that feed your spirit. It’ll serve you well as an actor, and as a human being.
Make your own way. It worked for me.Encourage each other to grow and create.
I"m doing some thinking about Method acting with a view to writing something about it. Personally I loved my experience of Method acting in London. And I know that many are wary of. it and a lot of drama schools don't go anywhere near it for fear of students getting traumatised. I can see why they might feel cautious. As part of my research I came across what Martha Stewart had to say about Mathhew McConaughey. Apparently he scared her because he used Method acting to get into the characters he played in the Uber Eats commercial. Here is the article: https://pagesix.com/2025/03/13/celebrity-news/martha-stewart-admits-matthew-mcconaughey-scared-her-during-crazy-filming-experience/I wondered what others experiences and view on Method acting are?
https://www.betootaadvocate.com/advocate-in-focus/white-lotus-creator-reveal-sam-rockwells-asian-girl-monologue-was-actually-inspired-by-chris-lilley/
Hello,I have been out of the loop for a while and I wanted to know where do I go to see where actors have been successful in booking paid roles while using Stage 32? Thank you in advance, Aferenni
Getting a callback means that the casting team is intrigued by you and your acting, but they may not be totally sold yet. On top of watching you perform, they might also question you about your acting approach and experience. This is the time to showcase your range, ability to portray your character, and overall skill set. Expect to perform the same material in the same way as in your first audition—but know that you might be asked to make a few changes, such as reading a scene with different emotion or really diving deep into your character’s personality.Callbacks often mean performing a scene with another actor so the director can see if you mesh well with others.The casting director brought you back because your type and performance worked for the character and for the tone of the show. Unless you are given specific notes for the callback, do the exact same performance when you come back in but be open to adjustments.Don’t get locked into your choices. In a callback, the director, producer, and creative team may have you take an adjustment and try the scene a different way. Spontaneous decisions are your best friend so practice various versions of the audition just to be prepared.#actor #audition #callback #casting #film #tv
Here is the link.https://www.stage32.com/blog/behind-the-scenes-part-2-the-making-of-catalyst-studios-alix-with-leading-actors-cristal-aparicio-roberto-urbina-4041I wonder what unique or high-stakes conditions any of you actors have experienced during filming?
Why Most Actors Fail Their First Line And How to Fix Ithttps://youtu.be/lnt8YSVlD8cDo you have a great audition tip? If so, please share it here so we can all learn from you.Don't forget to check out my new website howtoactandmodel.com. When you sign up you will get an incredibly helpful video - 6 Secrets to Mastering Home Auditions
Hi all. After re-introducing myself this weekend I got asked by Amanda Toney Managing Director for Stage 32 if I had any tips for actors starting out. I thought I’d re-post my tips here too. I guess most of you have many years more industry experience than me but here goes. 1.Celebrate the process, not perfection. Acting is a lifelong journey, so set process goals rather than chasing an elusive idea of "perfection." Focus on things like connecting more deeply with vulnerability or learning to let go a little more. Celebrate these moments, even if they’re not perfect. The more you recognize your growth, the more motivated and fulfilled you’ll feel.2. Trust that your passion has a purpose. If you have the drive to act, it’s because you have something valuable to bring to the world through your creativity. When doubts creep in—impostor syndrome, comparison, self-criticism—remind yourself that your voice and perspective are unique and worth sharing. 3.. Prioritize self-care and protect against burnout. Acting is a long-haul journey, and staying in it requires self-compassion. Notice your inner critic and challenge it. Instead of focusing on what you did "wrong," practice acknowledging what you did well. Self-care looks different for everyone—whether it’s walks in nature, yoga, time with friends, or simply getting enough rest. These moments of stillness allow for the "fertile void" (a Gestalt Therapy term), where creativity and renewal emerge.4.Own your uniqueness. There is only one you. Instead of trying to be what you think casting directors want, focus on how you would naturally respond to a scene. React authentically to your scene partners and circumstances—this is what captivates an audience.5. Believe that you are enough. Many actors struggle with a deep-rooted feeling of not being good enough, which can lead to overacting. Work on challenging these beliefs—whether through self-reflection or therapy. The more you trust that you are enough, the more naturally confident and compelling your performances will be.6.. Strengthen your instincts. Improvisation is a great tool for learning to trust yourself. Reflect on times in life when following your instincts led to something positive. If trusting yourself feels difficult, ask yourself where that belief came from. Experiment with small ways to rebuild trust in yourself—it will make your acting bolder and more authentic.7.. Connect with your body. Your body is your instrument. Take time to notice how you hold tension throughout the day. Try body scans, breathing exercises, or gentle movement. Instead of forcing relaxation, simply befriend the tension. When we stop resisting parts of ourselves, they soften naturally.8.. Understand what acting gives you—and give it to yourself. Often, our deeper motivations for acting come from unmet emotional needs—perhaps a longing to feel seen, valued, or validated. There’s nothing wrong with these desires, but the more we recognize them, the more we can meet those needs in healthy ways outside of acting. This frees us to fully enjoy the craft, rather than using it to fill emotional gaps.9.. Live a full life. The richer your experiences, the more depth you bring to your acting. Engage with different people, cultures, and perspectives. Every encounter adds layers to your understanding of human emotion, which enriches your performances.10. Know your worth. It’s easy to feel desperate for a role, but no opportunity is worth compromising your self-respect. Many sensitive, empathetic people struggle with unconscious feelings of unworthiness, which can lead to accepting unprofessional or exploitative situations. No matter how much you want to act, always remember your value and set boundaries accordingly. I’d love to hear additional tips that you would suggest to those starting out:
https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/gael-garcia-bernal-almost-quit-acting-y-tu-mama-tambien-1235102693/ - Gael García Bernal Almost Quit Acting Before Starring in ‘Y Tu Mamá También’ Gael Garcia Bernal talks about how he almost quit acting till he worked with the director, Alfonso Cuaron on “Y tu mama tambien”. It was his direction that made him commit to being an actor. He says, ‘he included us in the process of making it and in his thought process and in his creative process,”. Certainly my best experience with a director is when I felt like we were all collaborating and included in the creative process. I wonder what makes a good director for other actors?
Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Roberto Urbina was raised in diverse cultural settings. He lived in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Miami, Florida. Pursuing his passion for acting, Roberto trained at the prestigious Stella Adler Conservatory in Los Angeles and earned degrees in Film and Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).Roberto’s acting career began in 2000 with his role in Rodrigo Bellot’s acclaimed debut film, Sexual Dependency. The film gained international recognition on the independent festival circuit, winning top honors at the Locarno Film Festival. This success brought Roberto to Los Angeles in 2003, where he officially began his professional acting career in 2004. Over the years, Roberto has built an impressive portfolio, appearing in celebrated films such as Towards Darkness by Antonio Negret and Che, The Argentine directed by Steven Soderbergh. His work extends to television, where he has starred in internationally recognized series like Grey's Anatomy, Correo de Inocentes, Tarde lo Conocí, Metástasis (the Spanish adaptation of Breaking Bad), Recovery Road, Loco Por Vos, and TNT's Snowpiercer, in which he portrayed Javier de la Torre for four successful seasons. His recent projects include the feature film Deadland, directed by Lance Larson, where he plays the lead role of Angel Waters, and Ana Maria Hermida's Alix, reprising his role as Conejo. In addition to acting, Roberto expanded into production in 2015 with the film Hostile Border, which won an award at the Los Angeles Film Festival in 2016. In 2023, he founded Cinestesia Productions, a production company specializing in feature films and production services in Latin America Cristal Aparicio Cárdenas is a Colombian actress and singer born in Cúcuta on July 30, 2006. She showed great artistic talent from a young age, standing out in local music competitions. At 10 years old, she and her family moved to Bogotá for greater opportunities, marking the beginning of her professional career.Cristal was part of the highly anticipated film ALIX, announced in October 2023. In it, she plays a girl recruited by armed groups in a magical adventure. The production has been praised for its originality and Cristal's standout performance.Additionally, the young actress participated in two major international projects: One Hundred Years of Solitude, the adaptation of Gabriel García Márquez's iconic novel, and Bogotá: City of the Lost, a film shot in South Korea, where she shared the screen with actor Song Joong-Ki.Cristal continues to shine in the entertainment industry and proudly represents Colombia in high-profile global projects.
Hey Stage 32 family - sharing today’s post that I had the honor of writing for Stage 32. Don’t despise small beginnings is what I always say. Thanks for reading! Here’s the link: https://www.stage32.com/blog/small-beginnings-and-forever-learning-4036
Do you improvise lines in movies, shows, plays, etc.? What are the pros and cons of improvising lines?
Why the Oscars Have Lost My Interest - Even Though it’s Hollywood's Biggest Nighthttps://youtu.be/gAtU6GueabsDid you watch the Oscars? If so, what do you think? I would love to hear your opinions. Share them here and on the channel so we can all learn from you.
I wanted to follow up on Tammy Hunt 's great post about not learning our lines and using that as an excuse for not giving our all in acting. In my experience, this often happens because we have a lurking belief in the background that we aren’t good enough. Rather than risk ‘failing’ by fully committing—learning our lines well and giving it everything—we hold back. If we don’t get good feedback, we can tell ourselves, *Well, I hadn’t really learned my lines anyway.* It’s a strategy to cushion the blow of disappointment. And while it makes sense, it doesn’t actually help us grow as actors. What does help is understanding why we do it. Once we have more awareness, we can make different choices. Here are three things we can do: 1. Who is the avoider/excuse-maker? How did they develop? Get to know this part of you—the one that avoids learning lines (or anything else). How old do they feel? Are they a teenager? A child? Don’t overthink it—just go with what comes to mind first. When did this part develop? Was it in secondary school when exams started to feel overwhelming? Or in PE class when you dreaded being picked last? Understanding where this pattern started can give us insight into why it still shows up. 2. How is this avoiding/not-fully-invested part trying to protect you? This might seem counterintuitive, but every behavior we develop is originally there to protect us—even the ones that don’t seem helpful anymore. If we view them as having a *benevolent* intention, it changes everything. The ‘not-fully-invested’ part likely developed to shield you from the shame or humiliation of failing. Ouch. No wonder it still tries to step in. 3. Have compassion for that part. Once you recognize how hard this part has been working to protect you, show it some appreciation. Our inner parts respond to being valued and validated. Let it know that you’re an adult now, not a child or a teenager. You’ve survived plenty of ‘failures’ and are still here. You’re okay. More than that, you’re *safe.* You can reinforce this by giving yourself a hug, taking deep breaths, or doing anything that creates a feeling of physical safety. The more this part trusts that you’re okay, the less it will feel the need to hold you back. So next time you catch yourself avoiding, I invite you to take 10 minutes to check in with that part. Get curious. The more you befriend it, the less power it will have over you. I’d love to hear how it goes!
If you’re thinking about becoming a stunt performer or you want to learn more about stunt performing, check out today’s blog. Zuzi Fort talks about how she became a stunt performer, where she trained, why it’s important to get accredited as a stunt performer, and more. www.stage32.com/blog/stunt-performing-the-art-of-falling-4034
- Using lines as an excuse- “When I know the lines I’ll be able to perform the scene better” - this is an excuse to cover up many things, mainly inhibitions, the fear of trying something or not knowing what to do because you haven’t read the scene/script enough. As Lee Strasberg (The Method guru) once said, learning lines is about memory and acting has nothing to do with memory. My advice is to play and experiment with the scene. You can only do this by reading it and making justified choices. Find a suitable way of training your memory to learn lines effectively because that’s not the job of your acting coach.- Not reading the script enough - AKA lazy acting. Some actors go through the script, but only to learn their lines. You need to know the full story, not just the story of the scene your character appears in or only the story of your character. To get the full picture you must read the entire script (more than once). Depending on your character and the size of your role this may not be possible because casting isn’t allowed to send you the full script, but if they can this is the best scenario of course.Here are some things to think about when reading the full script: Why does your character choose those specific words? What do they really mean? What is really going on? What has led them to where they are now? In the early stages of character development you’re like a detective; you have to piece the full picture together to be able to connect to the character, then you have to figure out what the motive behind the character’s behavior is so you can make clear choices in each scene you appear in.- Forcing emotions/trying too hard - this is usually done to impress, and there is logic in that, but acting should feel effortless. When you try too hard or try to force something, it looks fake, feels strange and just doesn’t make the thing you’re trying to make happen appear. The same happens with emotions. Find inner purpose for what your character is going through and demonstrate through gestures and expressions.#actor #tv #film #script #casting
Safe to say this is terrifying. Actors -- your biggest fear?(https://ew.com/walton-goggins-bitten-by-snake-on-the-white-lotus-set-sea...)
Sharing this in the Acting Lounge. I recently did storyboards for the film CLASSIC, written and directed by Michelle Hoffman. Here is a storyboard next to a close up shot of the actress/main character in the film. You never know how a scene is visually translated from script to storyboard to how the director and cinematographer frame/compose the shot. In the end, the actor/actress deliver the goods, serving the story by reacting/acting in the scene. Here is one example of the close shot up of the actress, acting in the scene, facial mood/expression/reaction within the framework/context of the shot. It’s as if you co-wrote a song with the screenwriter and the actress, as a singer, interprets the scene, bringing her own creative expression to the visual and the written word. Filmmaking, a collaborative process and a thank you/shout to the actors and actresses, bringing the scenes alive, from a script page and a storyboard.
Jean-Claude Van Damme talks about succeeding in life, the path to reaching your dreams, visualizing, becoming aware of what you want to do in life...https://youtu.be/Mx0HoQ4iAz8
Hello! My name is Ferris, and I’m a passionate aspiring actor based in Dallas, looking for opportunities to break into TV and film. She has headshots, a demo reel, and a strong determination to succeed. I’m seeking connections with casting directors, managers, and industry professionals who can guide me i builds experience.My goal is to eventually sign with a top agency like WME, CAA, or UTA, but right now, I’m looking for mentors and opportunities to get started. If you know anyone who could offer guidance, please reach out or share this post
Actor Website Secrets5 Features That Can Get More Auditionshttps://youtu.be/WlqnivdaA6YDo you have any suggestions for what must be on an actor’s website? If so, share them here and on the quick tips channel so we can all learn from you.
Hey Superstars!Hope you all had a fantastic Oscar weekend! I was truly inspired by the incredible talent being honored and wanted to share some exciting news along with a few valuable lessons from my own journey.I currently have a feature film set to release this year, and throughout the process, I’ve learned some key lessons that I believe can benefit all filmmakers.1️⃣ Choose Your Team Wisely – Work with people who genuinely want to see you succeed. Unfortunately, I experienced a major setback when my Director of Photography—someone I considered a friend—stole footage from Days 1-5 out of jealousy, which delayed production by a month and increased costs significantly.2️⃣ Pre-Production is Everything – The more you prepare before shooting, the smoother things will run on set. While unexpected challenges will arise, thorough planning helps alleviate unnecessary stress.3️⃣ Always Overbook Extras – If your scene requires extras, always book more than you need. It’s inevitable that some won’t show up, so having a backup ensures you’re never short on talent.4️⃣ Contracts & NDAs are a Must – No matter how close you are to someone, always have contracts and NDAs in place. A paper trail protects both you and the production if anything goes sideways.5️⃣ Feature Films Take Time – The average viewer may not realize how much effort and time goes into making a feature. That’s why having a trustworthy filmmaking community is so important—you need a solid support system.6️⃣ Invest in the Best Crew You Can Afford – Cutting corners on key crew positions can cost you more in the long run. For example, hiring a cheaper sound mixer might mean spending extra in post to fix audio issues. Always aim to hire the best within your budget to ensure quality from the start.7️⃣ Don’t Rely on ‘Fixing it in Post’ – It’s always better to address issues on set rather than pushing them to post-production. Fixing things in post is often more expensive and time-consuming, and in many cases, avoidable with the right approach on set.I hope these insights help you navigate your own filmmaking journeys more smoothly! I truly appreciate all the support, and I’m looking forward to inviting you all to the premiere of Back Burner in July. I’ll keep you posted once I have an official date!Thank you all for being part of this journey with me!
This is an interesting list from Variety. I agree with the top 10 but would have moved Chiklis in The Shield up a few spots - I loved that show. What do you think are the best performances on TV in the last 25 years? https://variety.com/lists/greatest-tv-performances/
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/britt-lower-severance-season-2-helly-helena-1236148471/
At Stage 32, we are dedicated to helping creatives like you take your career to the next level. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, connect with industry professionals, or develop your next project, we’ve got exciting new education and executive mentorship opportunities designed just for you!Check out the Stage 32 available courses for March here: https://www.stage32.com/blog/red-carpet-roll-out-march-2025s-new-executives-education-at-stage-32-4025#blogComments
Join Stage 32’s Head of Community, Ashley Smith, and Community Manager / Writer’s Room Producer, Kay Ross, as they cover all the incredible things happening in the Stage 32 community.What’s on the agenda? • Upcoming events and education • Valuable resources to help you grow • Blog highlights and industry insights • Your chance to ask questions live and get insider tipsMake sure you’re following @Stage32 and @Stage32Scripts on Instagram so you don’t miss out.Set your reminder here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DGjeDArSG0n/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==See you there!
As an actor, it's always good to first find your niche to put yourself on the map, then you can show your range. A lot of actors bemoan the idea of "typecasting", but if you can get noticed for a specific niche, you can establish yourself as a working actor, THEN look for ways to "stretch". Perfect example that comes to mind is Lady Gaga. Before she became the music icon we all know, she was classically trained and an actress too. But she created that persona that put her on the map, which opened her to "getting" to do acting roles (which she had always had the talent for already). I think the current climate is more favorable for actors getting to show range, especially with all of the indie production out there. My career has generally been in the indie world -- it seems that these indie filmmakers have the most creativity and are willing to take more risks, so there are more opportunities there. If you're an actor looking to work, you should get to know some of these indie producers creating their own project outside the studio system. If you have additional skills besides acting, you can build relationships that way first.And let's not forget creating your own work which can help you typecast yourself the way you want to be known in the industry. I'm doing just that with CYBER FIGHTER, a high-end short film based on my feature script and novel. I'm heavy into Post Production now. I wrote, directed and am acting in it as well as doing all the Post Production work from editing to sound, VFX and color grading. The more jobs you can take on, the less people you have to hire. If you have a script you're looking to produce, this is the perfect time to go after name actors who don't get a chance to play the role you might be offering. We actors love creating great characters and don't always get the opportunity. Like how Ke Huy Quan has been enjoying his recent success as his talents have finally been recognized. Many actors who might have had a good career financially will feel like their talents haven't been recognized, so if you have a vehicle that lets them show a character they would never get to play, you can probably get them to say yes.I'd caution that you should first develop the script as much as possible to get it as close to perfection as you reasonably can before approaching anyone. And I don't believe in writing for a specific actor in mind as if they say no, then you got nowhere to go. Instead, you can have them pictured in your head, but develop the character as full and rich as you can. If you're not a writer, then partner with a writer who has the chops to write a great script.Another case in point -- I just worked with William Christopher Ford on CYBER FIGHTER. He has just appeared in Season 6 of COBRA KAI, reprising his role of Dennis DeGuzman from KARATE KID 3. I had met him years ago and we always talked about working together, so this was the perfect opportunity. I cast him in CYBER FIGHTER just before he got the COBRA KAI call, so we had to push production back to accommodate his schedule. He had signed an NDA so he couldn't tell me what "big project" he had been cast in, but I had a hunch...I gave his character a lot of fun stuff to do, not just in the action scenes, but a great way for him to show his acting talents and deadpan comedic timing. I plan on bringing him back for the feature once that goes into production.Finally, remember that this is a long process that can take many, many years before you see the fruits of your labor. I've been developing this project for over 20 years, and the short film for almost 10. So it's a marathon. I have no idea where CYBER FIGHTER will end up yet (still need to finish it!), but it's very empowering to take the reins and drive your own career.Break a Leg!
Actors: Tricky Audition Surprise! Beware—It Happened to Mehttps://youtu.be/-hc_XC1s_EUHave you ever had an audition surprise? If so, share it here so we can learn from your experiences.
I’ve written a coming of age, based on true events women’s sports story in 1975. We were told no one would pay to come watch women play sports. But a young woman tried out for the college team and was determined to make women’s sports succeed. I’m trying to settle on a title though. Maybe, “We Didn’t Quit,” or “Didn’t Stop Believing, or “Jockettes,” or “ Six Packs and Facials?” Need some serious feedback?
Hey creatives - I'm in the beginning of my journey with voice acting and in the process of putting together a reel. As a screenwriter, I'm blessed to have material to draw from that I can use for the reel and have separated each into categories. These are the ones that I feel I can do the best on.Let me know your thoughts as to what else I should include...Evil Character (gaming) - demon - low pitch/gravellyEvil Character (gaming) - serpent leader (Phobos) - high pitchedHero - Middle age /distressedNarration - calming/EnglishNarration - calming / SpanishNarration - commandingMovie Trailer - Southern drawAudiobook Narration - normal voice (baritone)Explainer commercialPodcast IntroLatin Accent - maleI've read that having sample in lanuages other than English is also beneficial. Let me know your thoughts below.
Hi,How do I make meaningful connections with actors? I'm afraid of coming off that I am using someone just to get information on how they got where they are in the industry. What do I say when I want to know someone who knows someone? I am still in the beginning stages of acting. I appreciate whatever advice I am given.
I read this in The Dailies email this morning: **Hollywood's image managers are suddenly the ones needing image management**. A nasty feud between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni over their film ‘It Ends With Us’ has erupted into uncharted territory: publicists getting sued for doing what used to be considered their everyday job. **The backstory**: During production of their upcoming film ‘It Ends With Us,’ tensions between Lively and Baldoni escalated into matching lawsuits. But instead of just suing each other, they're targeting each other's publicity teams—turning standard PR tactics into potential legal liabilities. **The text drama**: It started with a simple damage control move. When a Daily Mail reporter was about to publish that Lively was "difficult" on set, her publicist Leslie Sloane sent what would normally be a routine text, suggesting the cast actually had issues with Baldoni instead. The reporter changed the story—and now Baldoni is suing Sloane for damaging his reputation. Meanwhile, Lively's team discovered private messages from Baldoni's publicity team calling him "pompous"—leading to her countersuit. These cases are the first time such standard PR moves have become legal ammunition. “*This will change the personal publicist game forever, 100 percent. When a client says, ‘I want you to protect my reputation and get ahead of this story,’ or, ‘I don’t like that headline, can you call reporter?’ No way. If what you’re doing has ramifications for another [celebrity], you’re now going to think that you could get sued.*” — A veteran personal publicist tells The Hollywood Reporter **The Ripple Effects**: Hollywood PR has always been a two-tier system. Big agencies charge A-listers around $10,000 monthly and include legal protection in their contracts. But independent publicists, who typically charge half that, work without any legal protection for themselves. And it's these boutique PR firms that will likely take the brunt of the fallout from the Baldoni-Lively battle: – Boutique firms can't maintain their current rate without legal protection—they'd be sitting ducks for lawsuits. But adding legal coverage would force them to double prices and lose clients. – Hungry new publicists are making it worse, offering deep discounts and working without protection just to build their client lists – Meanwhile, big PR firms with built-in legal protection keep cruising along – Some stars are now avoiding publicists entirely—worried it makes them look like they're hiding something **The result?** The industry is splitting into two lanes: legally bulletproof PR for the wealthy, and risky, unprotected PR for everyone else. It's the boutique firms caught in the middle that are feeling the most pain. **END OF EMAIL** What are your thoughts on this? The email says, “*Some stars are now avoiding publicists entirely—worried it makes them look like they're hiding something*.” Do you plan on doing that or keeping your publicist/getting a publicist?
Stage 32’s founder and CEO, Richard “RB” Botto, shares two videos in today’s blog. “When Rom-Coms Held Him Back – Matthew McConaughey’s Reinvention” “The Greatest Thing I Ever Did Was Build Relationships” Grab your coffee, tea, etc. and jump in! www.stage32.com/blog/coffee-content-reinvention-relationships-the-keys-to-longevity-in-hollywood-4019
Hey actors, I'd love to get your perspective. Do you prefer in person auditions or self tapes these days? I feel like 80% of auditions now are through self taping, which can be frustrating if you're ana actor like me who lives to book the room. I feel like you can connect with casting, producers and directors more when you're in person.
Before you submit your resume and headshot, read the breakdown thoroughly.Make sure you are the perfect fit.Most breakdowns will clearly describe the type of person they are looking for as well as the filming dates.Make sure you fit that description and that you are available for those shoot dates.Follow the instructions in the breakdown. Unless stated otherwise, address the subject line with the name of the character or position you are applying for, along with your name (i.e. Submission for the role of Andrew by John Doe).When the casting call includes a contact name, make sure you address that person in your email and use the right gender and correct spelling. In the body of the email, state the role(s) you are applying for and give a brief description of why you consider yourself the perfect fit for that role or what makes you eager to join that production.Include any details requested in the breakdown like your weight, height, and size of your shirt, pants, and/or shoes, and where you are based. Make sure you include an eye-grabbing digital headshot which should be 500kb or less and your resume in PDF.The files should simply be your name (john_doe.jpg, john_doe.pdf). You can also provide a link to additional photos, your website, and two to three links of clips of your work. Keep your email simple.At the end of the email add a short and polite note indicating the materials you are submitting.Use a professional email address. While this may sound silly many forget this simple rule. Imagine receiving an email from I_am_the_actor_for_you@gmail.com instead of john_doe@gmail.comWhen signing off, use your full name. It is best if you create an email signature which links to your website and has your contact details.#actor #audition #film #tv #casting #submission
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.
