My Most Tragic On-Set Movie Experience: And In Lifehttps://youtu.be/0RlVqIBOiMwHave you ever witnessed a horrible experience while working in the industry? If so, please share it here so we can learn from you.You can sign up to be on my special industry email list at: howtoactandmodel.com and also receive a free video: 6 Secrets to Mastering Home Auditions
I posted in the Filmmaker's lounge that as of Friday, I was able to get a worldwide distribution deal for a friend's movie "Transient", from when I was in Cannes this past May. It got me thinking. I haven't been at this game for very long (only five years) and there have been a lot of "firsts" for me since the opening bell. On the Acting side of things, the first time I got a SAG commercial was special. The first time I could barely make out that I was actually in "Guardians of the Galaxy 3" made me cry in the theatre. The first time my kids saw me on TV doing a crime recreation on the ID Network was pretty cool too. The first time I acted in a feature film that would go on to win Best Indie of the Year (according to Film Threat in 2023), was astounding! There are so many firsts. I'd love to hear about your favorite firsts and why they stick with you after so long.
I want to share a recent experience from set that turned into a serious health scare—and one I didn’t see coming.I'm currently working on a confidential Disney project (can’t say much yet!), and I’m booked for several days. As expected, my sleep and meal schedules shifted to match production's timeline. I eat when production eats, rest when they say rest. That’s just the nature of set life.But here’s the problem: I'm prediabetic and on medication that must be taken with food—and on a schedule. I’d adjusted my routine to match production’s without fully thinking through the implications. By the second day, I was suddenly very ill and had to leave early. I couldn’t figure out what went wrong. I was eating well, taking my meds... everything should’ve been fine.Turns out, the disruption to my schedule—especially meal timing—had thrown my system out of balance. I didn’t want to make a fuss, but production brought over the medics, and they found my blood pressure was through the roof.Here’s what I learned: when I return to set this week, I’m bringing my own food, despite the amazing catering. I’ll quietly eat and take my medication according to my usual routine, even if that means sneaking in bites between takes. My health has to come first.This is something we don’t talk about enough—how invisible health routines can clash with production life. If you're diabetic, prediabetic, or managing any condition that relies on strict timing, talk to your doctor about how to maintain your regimen on set. Don’t wait until your body tells you something’s wrong.Your health matters—even when the cameras are rolling.
Hey everyone, recently I've been binge-watching 'Better Call Saul,' and I'm currently on Season 5 episode 3. Kim Wexler just had a really great monologue I wanted to share. I've been considering putting it in a demo at some point. Here's the script, feel free to take a look, and I definitely recommend watching Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad if you ever have some down time!"Listen to me. You do not get to make up your own rules. Put on your big boy pants and face reality. No one is mistreating you here. We were trying to meet you halfway! Well, that's over. The $18,000? Guess what? It's off the table. Tomorrow, you come to your senses? You'll get 10. And y'know what happens after that? The sheriff comes out and kicks you outta here, and you get nothing. Why should you get to drag this out for 7 months while all of your neighbors, every single one of them, played by the rules? Do you think you're special? A contract means something. It's the law, and it's enforceable. Deal with it."
Hey everyone! I've been on quite the hot streak lately. Four bookings in the last month! Not too shabby! My question is what do you do to keep it going? Keep auditioning obviously but more than that. What do you do keep the good luck flowing? Any superstitions out there?
When you’re not working, how do you stay connected to your craft without burning out?
In this Actors on Actors with Kate Winslet and Zoe Saldana, Zoe says she manifested working with Jacques Audiard. He was on her list of directors she wanted to work with. I would love to work with Clint Eastwood. He is an actors' director having been an actor himself. What about you? Who is on your dream list of directors? https://youtu.be/BOoD8qNzjTQ?si=3T2vlVRENFCSEcgH
Should Actors Work With More Than 1 Agent? https://youtu.be/TqcZH6k_exo Do you have more than 1 agent? If so, let us know why and if it is working for you both here and on the channel so others can learn from your real-world examples.
Hi all! I wrote an article on what I’ve learned as an actor that works primarily on camera. I’m seeing many beginner actors make the same mistakes I did when I started.I’d always recommend an acting class, but if you can’t do one right now, I’d read these tips. https://www.patreon.com/posts/138475256?utm_campaign=postshare_creator
Hi everyone, I’m currently looking to connect with professionals in the film and television industry as I explore new job opportunities. With experience in scriptwriting, assistant directing, and script reading—as well as a background in filmmaking from the German University in Cairo—I’m passionate about storytelling and eager to bring my skills to new creative projects. I would love to connect with industry professionals, recruiters, and fellow creatives who might offer advice, guidance, or point me toward opportunities in production, development, or writing roles. If you have any leads, suggestions, or just want to connect and share experiences, I’d be grateful to hear from you! Thank you in advance, and I look forward to connecting with more amazing people here on Stage 32.
What happens when you step into a character who isn’t the center of the story, but the spark that sets it ablaze?Elle Fanning discusses her role in Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value as Rachel, a character who becomes the unintentional catalyst for a fractured family’s emotional reckoning. Fanning shared that the role felt deeply personal and cathartic, allowing her to pour parts of her own experience into Rachel’s misplaced presence in the family drama.Acting alongside Stellan Skarsgård, Renate Reinsve, and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, the film explores a director’s attempt to mend his broken family, while reckoning with buried emotions and generational wounds. Reinsve’s performance as a sister still carrying childhood weight speaks to the quiet complexity actors must bring to roles steeped in unspoken trauma.This film is a powerful reminder that the most compelling characters are often the ones navigating silence, grief, and miscommunication, not with big speeches, but through subtle internal shifts.Watch the video here: https://deadline.com/video/sentimental-value-stellan-skarsgard-toronto-studio/As an actor, how do you approach characters who are emotional triggers within an ensemble, those who spark conflict without always understanding their own role in it?
Hi everybody on Ponce Deleon” I’m an actor, writer and producer. I’ve been with the community for a few months now. However, this is my first time introducing myself here on Stage 32. I’m a part of the Sundance Writers Collab Community and UK based Actors Forum among others. So here’s a bit of info about me below. I’d love to connect with you. Please follow me on socials and reach out to connect! I look forward to meeting and collaborating with you!
Just read RB's Coffee & Content blog which contains a video essay about Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, spotlighting the massive effort to create a tactile, practical world on set. It talks about how they found a disused factory and turned it into a whole world with different sets and dug a massive water tank to film the water scenes. It made me think how cool and fun that would be to film in as an actor compared to a film set where most of it is added in using CGI afterwards.Here is the blog: https://www.stage32.com/blog/coffee-content-building-worlds-breaking-in-4216It got me thinking, how does the type of film/play set affect your acting .?How does it impact the extent to which and how you use your imagination? Which would you prefer, to be on a purpose built world inside a studio or on a set with minimal props?
Yeah, we've all heard it. "Can you work as a local?" In other words, we're not paying for any of your housing or gas etc. I am in the fortunate situation that I have family and friends I'm close enough to stay with, in every major market except, for some reason, Chicago. The majority of my acting work has been in New York, Atlanta, or here, where I actually live, in Central Pennsylvania. But I have worked in California, Texas, Louisiana, Ohio, Massachusetts, Florida, Alabama, and a whole host of other places. I'm also retired (twice!) and love to travel anyway, so for me, it's never really been a big deal to scurry off on a moment's notice (preferably 48 hours) to another part of the country for a one day job, enjoying the drive. But I'm curious for everyone else NOT in my position. How far will you go for a gig?
I’ve recently been cast as a replacement in a play (I'm in 2 plays at the moment, one my own, and one... this). The rest of the cast and crew are Brazilian, and they’ve already been rehearsing for about two months. I don’t speak Portuguese, so I’m often in the dark when conversations switch away from English.At my first rehearsal, things escalated between the director and one of the actresses (who is also a producer and whose idea the play was based on). The director kept giving her notes—apparently the same ones he’s been giving for weeks—and she became more and more upset. Eventually, they were shouting at each other in Portuguese for nearly 40 minutes, often pointing at me while arguing. They occasionally switched to English, and at one point the director slammed the table, spilled drinks everywhere, and walked out saying, “If you don’t take my notes and stop behaving like this, I’m done.”After he left, the actress continued arguing with the assistant director for another 20 minutes. I’ve known her for years—she’s very confident and self-assured—so I think this was more of a creative clash than a personal issue.For context:I stepped in mainly as a favour after the previous actress dropped out.I’m not being paid and also cover my own petrol (1.5 hours each way to rehearsal).I’ve been getting very positive feedback, so I don’t think I’m the problem here.I’m trying to figure out whether I should stay in this production or step away. The rehearsal environment feels very tense and unprofessional, but I also don’t want to leave them in the lurch. Has anyone been in a similar situation? What would you do?
Tribute to a Grand Master in the Craft of Acting… Peter Frisch... TheFrischApproach.com... https://youtu.be/a2Dm2HdKASg by Actor RYAN OL... https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10454348/
If so message me :)
Happy Tuesday! I've been considering the above question for a workshop proposal and got interested to see if you have a view on this too. It may of course not be of interest at all. As you likely know we can he securely attached, anxiously attached, anxiously and avoidantly attached or have a disorganised attachment style. This style affects how we relate not just romantically but with people in general including our scene partners, acting teachers, directors, crew etc. Do you have an awareness of how (if at all) your attachment style shows up in your acting process?For me, having an avoidant attachment style, I notice there is a part of me that fears being 'submerged'/overwhelmed by the emotions of the character i'm playing. Just noticing this has helped and it's still a work in progress
What's the Difference Between an Actor's Residual and Foreign Royalty ChecksResiduals VS Foreign Royalty Checks - they're not the same thing, and every working actor should know the difference. In this video, https://youtu.be/8gHEculmXCc I break down exactly how these payments work differently, when you get them, and what they mean for your acting income. Have you ever received a residual or a foreign royalty check? If so, let us know about the project and other details about the payment on the channel so we can learn from you.#residualchecks#residualchecksactors#whatareforeignroyaltychecks #whatareresidualchecks #actingresidualchecks
Hey everyone! There is something that I do once a year. It's usually like clockwork around Christmas vacation but I decided to knock it out a little early this year and share it with you as well. Many of you have seen this before (as well you should, if you are a TV/Film Actor) so it's old hat, so to speak. But those that are new to the platform, I'd like to share this class from the great Michael Caine. Let me know what you think!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZPLVDwEr7Y&t=10s
Actors- have you ever had to learn an accent for a role? If so, how did you learn it? I once had to learn a German accent for THE BEAMS ARE CREAKING. This was last century, so I had a cassette with a person teaching German accent, that I would listen to in my car during my commute.
If you haven’t been following The Pitt on HBO Max, now’s the time to catch up. This gritty, grounded medical drama just earned 13 Emmy nominations, and the behind-the-scenes process is a masterclass in actor collaboration, preparation, and presence under pressure.In this Deadline article, the cast and creative team, including Noah Wyle, Shawn Hatosy, and Katherine LaNasa, open up about the emotional depth of the show, the power of being present on set, and how leadership, tone-setting, and intention impact every performance:https://deadline.com/2025/08/the-pitt-noah-wyle-passion-series-success-1236490890Highlights include: • Why emotional continuity and vulnerability matter more than stardom • How actors tackled intense prosthetic work and emotional trauma authentically • The importance of trusting your scene partner, even with minimal prepWhether you’re early in your career or a seasoned actor, this article is full of gems about leadership, professionalism, and building a character in a high-stakes environment.Question for the Lounge:What’s the most impactful set experience you’ve had, where someone’s leadership or presence made a difference in your performance?
I am not an actor however, I will never not feel awed when listening to this man talk about the craft. I only wish I'd had the opportunity to pick his brilliant mind while he was still here.(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdQRdJsBc-A)
Have questions about how to get the most out of Stage 32?TODAY at 12:00 pm PT / 3:00 pm ET, we’re hosting our FREE Community Open House Webcast—a live event designed to help you navigate everything Stage 32 has to offer.Whether you’re looking to grow your creative network, explore education or script services, or figure out how to make the most of the Writer’s Room, contests, pitch sessions, or lounges—this is your chance to get answers in real time.If you have questions you’d like answered live, post them at the below link:https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/Official-QandA-Thread-August-Stage-32-Live-Community-Open-House-Webcast And if you haven’t registered yet, it’s free to attend! If you can't make it live, registering will ensure that you get the full recording to watch in your own time:https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32-s-august-community-open-house Hope to see you there!
What does Denzel Washington, A$AP Rocky and Spike Lee have in common? Aside from growing up in the big smoke of NYC, the trio star in Spike Lee’s latest film Highest 2 Lowest. Watch as they talk family roots, A$AP’s throwback with Denzel’s family Christmas and Denzel’s competitive riff from He Got Game.(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WV2EpELLUuo)
The last one I read was Mathew McConaughey's "Greenlights" but am looking for another to enjoy! Please comment with any rec's :)
https://www.castingnetworks.com/news/the-ultimate-guide-to-audition-advice-from-casting-directors/
Our August Open House is happening this Wednesday, and it’s completely free for any new or current Stage 32 members to attend! This is a fantastic opportunity for you to learn how to get the most out of the platform, ask questions live, and take part in a posting challenge where one winner will receive a free Stage 32 webinar.Even if you can’t attend live, you can register to receive the full recording on demand.Here’s the link to sign up: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32-s-august-community-open-house
"A pragmatic farmer dismisses a bat bite, only to descend into a terrifying maelstrom of paranoia and rage when a visiting doctor identifies the early signs of rabies. Forced to confront a diagnosis that is a death sentence, he becomes the subject of an intimate and harrowing human drama. This is a psychological horror that charts one man's devastating descent into madness; a character study on fear, loss of control, and mortality. The protagonist's performance would be essential. With the right lead (a Jake Gyllenhaal type for his intensity), this could really hit cult status. Think the psychological breakdown of The Shining meets the visceral body horror of The Exorcist, but grounded in a terrifyingly real and clinical scenario. The logline is solid, I'm weaving the web of the story. Right now, I'm just testing the waters with the core idea. What are your first thoughts?"
The Casting Director Said I Was Great But Didn't Book: Here's Whyhttps://youtu.be/2GeDvaGppAYHave you ever gotten great feedback after an audition and didn’t book the job? If so, share your story here and on the channel so we can learn from you.You can get onto my special email list by signing up at: howtoactandmodel.com
I’ve been doing voice acting on and off for a few years, and I’m opening myself back up to projects. If you’re looking for a voice actor for narration or character work, I’d love to collaborate. I’m excited to bring my range and creativity into new projects and connect with others in the community. :)
Just read this week's Coffee & Content and the fascinating short video interviews DPs about the tools, routines, and creative habits they rely on to prepare, shoot, and deliver their best work. It ranges from sugar to coffee, to meditation and reading to having an electric guitar at the ready with an. amp! Here is the link https://www.stage32.com/blog/coffee-content-the-tools-routines-and-relationships-that-drive-creative-success-4202My question is what do you fellow artists do to prepare? For me it depends on what I am creating and it changes over time. Currently it's a 10-minute vocal warm up and body warm-up before acting.
Ugh! I'm telling on myself again. There was an audition I did a while back where I just phoned it in. I wasn't really interested in the material and I didn't mind letting it show. I even went so far as to audition in my underwear. Buuuuuuut.... that was exactly what they were looking for with the character and I ended up getting the part. And yes, it actually ended up being a good time on set. Have any of you ever phoned in an audition and still gotten the part? I'd love to hear your stories!
We come from all over the world on this platform. We are in all different stages of our careers. Some of you are new to acting, some of you are veterans, some of you even do it for a living. I am curious what kind of training, if any, everyone has had. I went to a performing arts high school my senior year, then I majored in theater in college. (Didn't complete, so I stayed in Orange County) where, I went to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. (Hated it!) Then private classes in OC. I have also taken private classes at Playhouse West with one Jeff Goldblum! and Mark Pellegrino. (loved it) I have had real life training about what a set is like when I worked as an extra for four years. Classes will teach you how to act, but theater is an entirely different animal from a movie set with a camera in your face. What about the rest of you?
From Muhammad Ali in Diff’rent Strokes to Sting in Only Murders in the Building, a perfectly placed cameo can be unforgettable, and even iconic. Cameos like these don’t just break the fourth wall, they leave a lasting impression and often become fan-favorite moments.This new article from Deadline highlights ten of the most memorable TV cameos of all time, and it’s a fascinating reminder of how much impact one brief appearance can have on both a story and an audience:https://deadline.com/2025/08/from-muhammad-ali-to-al-gore-ten-memorable-...So let’s start a conversation:What’s your favorite cameo performance in TV or film and why did it stick with you?And for the actors here: Would you ever want to play a fictional version of yourself on screen?Some of my personal favorites are Prince in New Girl, basically every Stan Lee appearance in the Marvel movies, Bill Murray in Zombieland, and Peter Jackson in Entourage. And more recently, Scorsese in The Studio!
Heard Taylor Sheraton say... that Billy Bob Thornton 'doesn't give a fuck' before admitting that he had to write him a part. Do you find non-attachment the best approach when going for a role?
Why I Walked Away From This Acting and Modeling Agency (Red Flags) https://youtu.be/UZZVrEbAl-wHave you ever walked away from a talent agency? If so, share your information here and on the channel so we can learn from you.You can be on my special email list and receive helpful industry information. Visit: howtoactandmodel.com to sign up.
In an recent interview at the Sarajevo Film Festival, actor Gary Oldman - who I love - shared the best advice he had ever received. He said: "it was a criticism that his eyes looked dead in a scene, sharing that he learned right then and there that much of acting comes from and through the eyes."The best advice I received (although still figuring out how to put it into practice) is to notice how many body feels when my character is sad, for example, and to recreate the body sensation in order to connect with the sadness at each rehearsal.What's the best acting advice you've ever received? Here is the article https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/ray-winstone-marvel-angelina-jolie-steven-spielberg-sarajevo-1236346689/
I came upon this video this morning, and Katee throws down truth about acting which I think we can all relate to. Please share your reactions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbYEfmMyRU0&ab_channel=TheSackhoffShowClips
Mine currently, (it switches up all the time) is @SamValentine of @OneBrokeActress for how insightful, helpful, and eager to learn that her line of questioning is. I'd love to hear yours, I'm always looking for more!
I inspired nick Trautmann in the movie the defender and Angela by him chill guy every day enjoy Dean.
Hello,I'm looking for an acting agent. I just turned 22 today. So yeah, if ur looking for some young adult actor then I'm available.I'm currently living in Germany however after I finish my Master Degree in Screen Acting I plan on moving to some place where English is the main spoken language.
Hello all! I'd love to hear your 'Weekly Wins' - something positive that's happened to you this week in your acting career. It can be anything from booking a role, auditioning, attending a class or even watching a great movie/play.Let's hear them!
Hey everyone! One of the things that surprised me about this industry when I first got into it, was how people will tell you EXACTLY how they see you, based on the roles you get. Almost immediately, I found out that I'm a Dad, a Teacher, or a Cop. Even in my own movie "Turbo Cola", which I CAST, I played a cop! Lol! And lately, in the commercial world, Big Pharma seems to love me. I've done commercials and industrials for WeGovey, Zepbound, etc and literally yesterday, I did one for a big medical chain. Now, don't get me wrong, I'll play the hell out of these roles. The pay is usually nice and the work is fairly easy. Say a few lines, show the product, etc. I know I shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. I mean, I'm booking dammit! Lol! But I would like some variety every now and then. And I found a cure for that. I MAKE MY OWN STUFF! When I want to play a bad guy, I write a bad guy role and get my friends together (pay them of course) and make it. The days of just being the actor are over. And I'm not just talking Youtube and TikTok. Has there ever been time when you've said "screw it" and made something on your own so you could go against the grain of how you are normally cast? I'd love to hear it!
Mine currently is @Gabriellebyndloss for how encouraging, vulnerable, and authentic her posts areI'd love to hear yours!
In an ideal world, we would only take those roles that fulfill us as actors. There's roles we take to pay the bills, and then there's roles we take because we love it. Did you know that Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman didn't get paid much for the last two seasons of Sherlock? But they kept coming back because it was fun and they loved it! What role is that for you? What roles do you find most fulfilling and why? Have you played a role where you took a pay cut for no pay just because you thought it would be fun for you as an actor? Let's hear it!
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.
