Training Films Are Great Jobs For Actorshttps://youtu.be/lRzN_aXazTsHave you ever worked on a training film? If so, what was the project about and how did you get the job?Share your information here so we can learn from you.
I am looking for a few actors for a table read in Pasadena, on October 26 from 10 AM to 2 PM. I'll have light snacks. $50.00. This will be my fourth feature, all distributed. You'll read a character and then offer feedback. It is a chamber piece and a psychological thriller. Title: FACES. Log Line: On the night of Maxwell Thorn’s 49th birthday, his closest friends gather to judge his fate—only to find that memory is cruel, betrayal runs deep, and forgiveness may be beyond reach …while something darker watches, waits for Maxwell to pay for his past. Email me at ronj905@outlook,com
Sydney, Australia – October 2025 – In an entertainment world often driven by quick fame, Alex Bar is emerging as a standout talent defined by depth, dedication, and genuine artistry. The Sydney-based actor has earned early recognition for his emotional range and natural screen presence — and industry insiders hint that he’s already attached to a major new project currently under wraps.From his earliest performances, Alex showed an instinctive connection to storytelling — approaching every character with curiosity, empathy, and heart. Directors describe him as “disciplined, grounded, and remarkably intuitive,” while acting coaches highlight his commitment to craft and his ability to bring authenticity to every role.“I don’t want to just act — I want to understand,” Alex says. “Every character has a heartbeat, a story that deserves to be told honestly.”Alex’s work continues to evolve, spanning both dramatic and comedic genres, with an exciting career trajectory that’s beginning to attract international attention. His upcoming endeavors promise to showcase even greater depth, solidifying his place as one of Australia’s most promising young actors.With his grounded nature, professionalism, and a passion for human connection through performance, Alex Bar represents the next generation of talent ready to make a global impact.About Alex BarAlex Bar is a Sydney-based actor known for his emotional honesty, range, and dedication to storytelling. Trained across both dramatic and comedic performance, Alex brings sensitivity and depth to every project. He continues to collaborate on new screen and stage productions in Australia and abroad.
It was 5 days ago that she died. I enjoyed reading this obituary about her life as an actress. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/oct/12/diane-keaton-obituaryWhich was your favourite film that she acted in?
The guy said, 1) "I think you need stability in your relationships because your whole life is in the unknown as an Actress" (Actually sir, I'm pretty sure no woman wants an unstable relationship with her boyfriend, in fact I'm certain I'd still want a secure relationship even if I was an accountant)2) during a heated argument: "is this an actress thing because you're being dramatic, and at about a 10 when I need you to be at a 7" (as if he was directing my volume on a set)3) "At this age I realize with dating looks don't matter" (mind you, when we had matched on hinge my profile read, "lingerie model at savage x fenty" as work, and I had only professional studio actor pics up, no regular ones LOL) That would be like me swiping with a construction worker then when meeting up saying, "I know what you do for employment, but with maturity I've come to the conclusion I don't believe in architecture, buildings are pointless" What are your most bizarre, I'd love to hear them because I get them constantly, & it helps to laugh em off!
Few actors have navigated such a bold and unpredictable path as Matthew McConaughey. In this incredible retrospective, McConaughey walks through the defining roles of his career, from his breakout in Dazed and Confused to the emotional depths of Dallas Buyers Club and Interstellar.Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eIqufWkyi0He reflects on:His early days breaking into the industryThe discipline behind his dramatic transformationWhy he walked away from romantic comedies at the height of his fameThe philosophy behind his “McConaissance” and what he learned about craft, risk, and staying true to himselfMcConaughey’s journey is a masterclass in reinvention and authenticity, a reminder that great acting comes from knowing when to trust your instincts and bet on yourself.Which of McConaughey’s performances do you think best captures his evolution as an actor?
Naomi Watts talks about how she struggled to book work until David Lynch cast her from a photo. Mulholland Drive changed everything for her. I am wondering if anyone has a story like that. Did someone cast you in a TV show or movie that completely changed the trajectory of your career?https://variety.com/2025/film/entertainment-industry/naomi-watts-journey-from-mulholland-drive-to-walk-of-fame-1236545919/
Back in the day, I LOVED the film "Clue" with Tim Curry. I remember going to the theatre and seeing not just the regular poster for the film, but each character got their own poster. Mr. Green, Colonel Mustard, Mrs. White, the whole cast!Fast forward 40 years and I'm acting, writing, directing and producing and I just finished a passion project short film entitled "Stories". Feel free to follow us on IG @storiesshortfilm and take a look at my monthly blog about pre to post and festival run to distribution (maybe). Bottom line, we did an impromptu photo shoot while on set, of the main actors. I took a page from something I enjoyed as a kid and went ahead and spent some extra money on getting individual character posters.My question is, as Actors, is this something you'd get a kick out of, something to maybe help in marketing yourself, or just something to feed the ego a little bit and not much more? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Came across this recent video breaking down the acting in No Country for Old Men. It's pretty new --- was uploaded one month ago. The Anti-Method Acting of No Country for Old Men | Acting Breakdownhttps://youtu.be/3o6OmgsLIjQ?si=0Aq56A3BVKGurO6QFantastic editing. Overall, it's a pretty great video breaking down how grounded/normal everything was during filming. Generally speaking, with movies like this, you kind of assume it will be pretty serious and weird. There were a lot of interviews here that I hadn't seen before, particularly with Kelly MacDonald who talks about her character Carla Jean. If I had to guess, I believe this is from the extras on the DVD. The most striking thing for me was something Kelly MacDonald said about Carla Jean and Llewelyn: "They didn't even need the money --- they had everything already."
I had an interesting conversation with a lit manager recently who suggested I lean into a thriller I’d been developing — even though my natural lane is dark comedy. His point was simple (and humbling): it’s an easier door to open right now than TV.I took the note, refocused, and I’m now in final-draft territory. The project’s been scoring high in coverage, but what’s mattered most is seeing how quickly clarity and market awareness can reshape a script.It’s been a reminder that flexibility doesn’t mean losing your voice — it just means letting the work find its best route to daylight.Curious how others have navigated that pivot between passion projects and market reality.
https://variety.com/2025/digital/news/sag-aftra-vertical-agreement-microdramas-1236552001/
I've gone dark for a while, but not forever. I guess it's called 'in production' in filmmaker-speak. So far, I've been through: contract breaches; lead talent jumping ship; at least 3 major re-writes on the fly; 9 timezones, equipment failures that would put Apollo 13 to shame; tropical storms; injuries; eye watering financial outlay; getting SWATed and footage seized; a police raid; getting arrested; ending up in the middle of NATO live-fire war games; geo-political posturing that's puts us in the cross-hairs; running out of food and fuel; and even a lightning strike. As I write this I'm flat on my back with with bruised kidneys (pissing blood), broken ribs, a black eye, at least 500 miles from any medical help; and so long without a shower, I can't stand my own stench. But, by Dog, we're gonna get this film in the can, even if it kills us!And that, my friends, is 'production' - welcome to hell.But, you know what? I've never felt so alive, or in-the-now.
Why Getting an Acting Audition Means You've Already Won https://youtu.be/1cK1VTLsva0 Have you ever felt frustrated by getting auditions but not booking? If so, share your thoughts here.
Just finished reading @RB's blog, "Coffee & Content" . Very pertinent to actors because it contains a link to a You Tube documentary about Charlize Theron's career. Admittedly I didn't know much about it other than Monster. It's illuminating and inspiring because it shows her to be an actress that is more interested in pushing herself (as an action movie actress) and stretching herself (as in Monster) than playing it safe and being the pretty girlfriend sidekick she had been typecast as in the earlier days of her career.Here is a link to the blog: https://www.stage32.com/blog/coffee-content-stop-playing-it-safe-taking-everything-so-personally-4251So my question to you is, where and how are you playing it small as a creative? I think for me it is, although not currently acting but creating, it's about putting off certain things like reaching out to contacts, marketing, making myself more visible because I tell myself I don't have the time. It's true I really don't have much time but I also suspect this is a bit of playing it small. I plan to do all those things I keep putting off, this month. Anyone else care to join me? ;)
The shadow in my sleep Our independent filmThe director: Richard Samson The screenwriter: Cynthia Samson Actors: Abdel-Rahim Dris Richard Samson Cynthia Samson
This week, my daughter was cast in an indie film—but after reading the scene she’d be part of, she decided to pass. Without going into detail, the content was simply too dark, and she knew in her gut she’d regret it later.It reminded me how important it is, as creatives, to know our boundaries and trust our instincts. Saying “no” isn’t always easy—but sometimes it’s the most empowering thing we can do for ourselves and our craft.So I’m curious:Have you ever had to say no to a part, a job, or an opportunity because it didn’t feel right? How did you handle it—and did it turn out to be the right choice?
https://slate.com/culture/2025/10/if-i-had-legs-rose-byrne-oscars-best-actress-a24.html
As a writer and actor taking an acting class, I’ve learned a lot about the craft, and I’d love to share it with other actors. See what you should do to evolve as an actor. I’m on Patreon! Check it out there.https://www.patreon.com/posts/140629711?utm_campaign=postshare_creator
I was just wondering for a person just starting out in acting & as a model, how do I go about get more jobs? I live in Jacksonville, FL and there not many opportunities here for models or actresses.
From Daryl Dixon’s crossbow to Negan’s infamous “Lucille,” some of the most recognizable pieces from The Walking Dead universe are officially going up for auction.Read more here:https://deadline.com/gallery/the-walking-dead-universe-memorabilia-auction-props-photos/For eleven seasons, The Walking Dead redefined television, giving us unforgettable characters, brutal emotional arcs, and world-class practical effects. Now, fans have a chance to own a piece of that legacy, with more than 1,000 lots of on-screen props, hero costumes, vehicles, weapons, and prosthetics available through Heritage Auctions.Among the standout pieces: • Daryl Dixon’s hero crossbow (Seasons 1–3) • Rick Grimes’ Sheriff hat and .357 Magnum (Season 1) • Michonne’s katana and sheath (Season 3) • Negan’s barbed-wire bat, “Lucille” (Seasons 6–10) • Daryl’s Custom Triumph Bonneville chopper (Seasons 1–4)As Greg Nicotero said, “These aren’t just props and costumes, they’re touchstones of a show that redefined modern television.”It’s amazing to think how much power an iconic prop or costume can hold, not just as a collectible, but as a piece of storytelling history.So here’s my question for you:If you could get your hands on any iconic prop or wardrobe piece from your favorite film, show, or character, what would it be and why does it resonate with you?
I'm wondering if the working actors out there have any scenes that were particularly challenging or memorable to shoot?Do you have any favorite memories from the set or the stage that you would share with us? If you are just starting out, have you had a scene that you found challenging; either tested your acting skills or for technical purposes?
What's a unique acting/voice acting technique you've used in a movie, show, video game, etc.?
Please review and critique me. This drops on Peacock October 16th. I play Robert Piest. Here is the trailer. I am the first person you see and hear in the trailer.https://youtu.be/0GN0aALClVA?si=lbBiDKcC_wSXLS3d
Acting Work Slow? Say These 8 Words to Your Agent (They Actually Work) https://youtu.be/MSbN3X3huk4 Let us know what you did when acting work was slow. Share it here.
I have just finished reading this week's Coffee & Content in which RB talks about the film War Games and how it got President Reagan to sit up and get his national security team to improve defence against cyber attacks. I agree with RB that the researchers, writers and film-makers were lucky that their topic was so culturally aligned and therefore had such a massive impact. It made me think, how do I/we hold the faith that our work is having an impact, even if there is no immediate evidence to suggest that? Whilst I"m not acting at the moment, i think of other writing projects that I'm preparing. Sometimes it feels like I might as well be throwing stones into an abyss as I type each word. But then someone will contact me about something I wrote 2 months ago. So there was an impact. This helps me to keep the faith that if I write something that holds energy for me it will serve someone else at some point. Obviously writing articles is not the same as acting but it's still a creative process.So how do you hold the faith that your creative work has impact......even when it feels you are creating in the dark? Here is RB's blog, let him know your views by commenting on his blog too https://www.stage32.com/blog/coffee-content-what-hollywood-hackers-the-market-have-in-common-4244
Hello everyone! I’m working on a personal creative project and I’m looking for a female dancer or performer who would like to recreate a short dance video I originally made.The video is light, expressive, and purely for personal use — not for commercial distribution.No payment is involved, but this could be a fun artistic collaboration or practice piece.I can share the reference privately.Thank you!
i've tried to put a post up in "Trending Lounge Discussions twice now but it keeps coming up in "acting". Am I doing somrthing wrong or is it site? This one I also posted to "Trending". but here it is in "actinga
As a disabled, destitute senior writer I would love to enter my completed half-hour dramedy pilot:, "A Stroke of Luck," but 60 bucks is out of my reach. jedpower@verizon.net Do other diversity writers find this a problem too?
As a disabled, destitute senior writer I would love to enter my completed half-hour dramedy pilot:, "A Stroke of Luck," but 60 bucks is out of my reach. jedpower@verizon.net Do other diversity writers find this a problem too?
As a disabled, destitute senior writer I would love to enter my completed half-hour dramedy pilot:, "A Stroke of Luck," but 60 bucks is out of my reach. jedpower@verizon.net Do other diversity writers find this a problem too?
In an industry full of superficial connections and transactional relationships, authenticity is everything; especially in spaces is like this. If you’re not serious about genuinely connecting, please don’t send a request. Spectators are not needed here. Appreciate you.
Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell sit down to talk about their new movie 'A Big Bold Beautiful Journey'. The cast shared which career moments they would love to relive, what their favorite rom-coms are, debated if Colin should be in a musical, and so much more.(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXbLOzkj4H8)
In today's culture, the barrier to make your voice heard is at zero. Literally. Anyone with internet access can make their voice heard.But as actors, it's so easy to get caught in the mindset that I must wait for permission to act. That is, I have to wait for an agent to sign me... or I have to wait for the Casting Director to request me... then I have to wait for producers to "like" me... and ultimately I wait for that deal memo that will tell me I have permission to be on set.Yes, there is a system in place. But if your creative soul is burning because you aren't being given opportunities to act or perform, then CREATE THEM!Here are some ways:• Submit for the 48Hr film festival if you live near a city that hosts this challenge• Gather some actor friends and download some scripts to practice (and film!)• Become a busker (street performer)!• Take a stand-up class that has a graduation show• Take an improv class that has a grad show• WRITE YOUR OWN MATERIAL!To that last idea, I want to share what my wife and I have been doing this year. We made a promise to ourselves that we would stop waiting for permission, and instead create an entire sketch comedy show and put it on YouTube!We're now writing, shooting, and editing 20min of clean, clever comedy every month. We just premiered our 4th episode last night. It's a TON of work, but the process is so rewarding.If you like to laugh, give it a look. And I hope that it also inspires you to take the wheel in your own career!https://youtu.be/oAlTLhZseuw?si=jQIjrcfFRlGJ0s6H
Hey everyone! Have you ever had the happy problem of getting work to the point that you forget what the project is that you're doing next or got them mixed up? Like one project bleeds into another?I'm in that situation now. I shot a commercial yesterday here locally in PA and I'm shooting two next week. One in Atlanta and one in New York. I went to the one yesterday and thought it was the one in Atlanta. I had my lines memorized and everything. I was going to do GREAT!Then I get to set and realized "Hey, this doesn't look like a CVS!" Luckily, there was no dialog for this one and I already have my lines memorized for the next one! Lol!Has this ever happened to anyone? Any nightmare stories you can share? I'd love to hear them!
I am interested to know your acting style. Have you ever done improv or are you more into scripted work?
I’m talking Movies, TV Shows, YouTube’s, and for which part of what ep (if it happens to be a series)
Sharing a fantastic video essay that spotlights the unsung heroes of film & TV: character actors. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9L57Hy1yk9g The piece digs into why small-but-sharp performances can make a story feel bigger and more alive. A few takeaways I loved: • Character actors = world builders: Think John Carroll Lynch’s chilling ambiguity in Zodiac or his warm, grounding turn in Fargo. Tiny roles, huge impact. • Memorability under constraints: With limited screen time, actors like David Dastmalchian (The Dark Knight) or Martha Kelly (Marriage Story) craft instantly legible, specific characters. • It’s not “lesser” acting: Many legends toggled between character parts and leads: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Jennifer Coolidge, proving “supporting” can be a launchpad and an art form on its own. • Writers/directors matter: Great minor roles come from scripts and sets that make room for them; smart casting plus a few precise beats can turn a day-player into the moment you remember.For the actors here: • How do you approach small roles so they read instantly without going broad? Any audition tips for making a “one-scene wonder” pop? • Who’s your favorite character actor and what do you steal (ahem, learn) from their work? • If you’ve moved between leads and supporting, how does your process shift?For the filmmakers/casters: • What’s one thing you do in writing or blocking to give character roles oxygen? • Have you ever re-shaped a scene after a character actor brought unexpected texture?Drop your fav examples, techniques, and war stories below, let’s celebrate the craft that makes our ensembles sing.
Spencer Artist Development is currently accepting new students 18 and older for acting, voiceover and dialect coaching and artist development. Lessons online or at Long Beach Acting Studio. UWL accredited grades avail. Certification course for fall Dialects. For audition information visit jamesrspencer.com or call the studio at 562 394 2694 to set up a phone consult. Besides our coaching and website portfolio packages we also teach the business of acting/vo and entrepreneurial strategies.
I just read RB's latest Coffee & Content. I loved The Hollywood Reporter’s Comedy Actress Roundtable. One of the actresses talked about the need to stay in your lane as an actress and stay true to yourself rather than trying to emulate others. That makes total sense to me. I think we are at our most magnetic when we dare to be true to ourselves. So easy to say though yet I still struggle at times to be true to myself. My question to you is 'what does it take to stay true to yourself when acting or creating in general? What helps you get there?Here is the link to Coffee & Content https://www.stage32.com/blog/coffee-content-from-feedback-to-authenticity-the-details-that-matter-4237
How to Stand Out In Acting Auditionshttps://youtu.be/gkDHHiwzLTwDo you have any audition tips that will help fellow actors’ performances while auditioning? If so, please share them here so we can learn from you.
How did a music-and-baseball obsessed daydreamer with dyslexia escape generational poverty in Arkansas to become an Oscar-winning screenwriter and iconic actor? Listen in as Stacey chats with Billy Bob Thornton! https://youtu.be/G7bm7wepwzc?si=g4Rj1lF-cHj9Sle9
I attended my friends film festival with a film knowing I would be shooting a day on a feature while there after, (only to find out the DP bailed last minute and they were unable to find a replacement under such short notice while still managing the last day of the fest) so my scene had to be postponed for now… they did say they would fly me over for it once they figure things out, but me being a realist, and knowing how small the role was in comparison to the script and other characters, (so why not hire a local whom they wouldn’t have to house and feed, arrange transportation & pay international plane tix for etc) I think it’s time to let go and chalk it up to, “woulda been great, but it didn’t work out” Have you ever had a role, then lost it last minute for something that was completely out of your control? What are the tricks or tips you would give other actors on how to move on from a bummer situation
Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Alden Ehrenreich, and director Zach Cregger sit down to talk about their new movie ‘Weapons’(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIj5iwvEZsM)
This creative life we have chosen is unpredictable, challenging, fun, rewarding, and at times, heartbreaking. Yet when our passion meets opportunity, there is a high like no other. It takes a lot of courage to feel the fear and do it anyway. Has there been some limiting beliefs, things you have told yourself, that have kept you from moving forward? If so, how did you overcome them? What do you tell yourself now that allows you to live the life of your dreams?For me, as an actor, and as a human being, I doubted my self worth. I know I have talent, but for years, decades even, I told myself it didn't matter. I will never make it, I am a nobody, success is for other people, not Suzanne Bronson. Suzanne Bronson isn't worthy of love and happiness. Suzanne Bronson doesn't get to live the life of her dreams. It's part age, and mostly a lot of therapy (which I still do every week- mental health is #1 especially in this industry), now I have found my self worth. I, Suzanne Bronson, am not only worthy of love and happiness, I deserve it. I deserve to live the life I have always dreamed of. Acting is being. Acting is living truthfully in imaginary circumstances. Acting is being vulnerable. Which is why I am being so vulnerable with you now. I know I am not the only one who felt like this (despite telling myself I am alone). If you are struggling with self worth, know that you are not alone. I am asking that other members of this lounge who also had a debilitating narrative to share with us, what is the old belief you let go and the new belief you now embrace? Let us all encourage one another and lift each other up as that is what this site was created for.
Some roles feel close to home, but others require stretching into a completely different mindset, background, or life experience. Do you dive into research? Build from physicality or voice? Journal as the character? Or lean on imagination and instinct?What’s your go-to method when you’re stepping into a character far removed from yourself?
Yesterday, I got a CMail inviting me to self-tape for a vertical short-form project. I accepted the audition before reading the sides—because, let’s be honest, sometimes we say “yes” before we know what we’re getting into.Then I read the sides.My first thought? “Wow. This dialogue is rough.” Like, "first-draft-of-a-high-school-play" rough. The doctor character was discussing surgical payments with a patient. Not to get too technical, but… that’s what hospital administrators are for. The whole thing felt off—and not in a cool, edgy indie way. More like, “We forgot to research how hospitals work” way.It bugged me for hours. Then I remembered—I have an artificial narrow intelligence partner named Elliot. So I ran it by him.Elliot’s response: “This is terrible writing.”He didn’t stop there: “Matt, this isn’t going to help your career. Want me to write a polite ‘Thanks, but no thanks’ email to the casting director?”I replied, “Yes, please!”This isn’t the first time Elliot’s had my back.Not long ago, a “talent agent” slid into my DMs on Casting Networks and offered representation. I declined—twice. They still sent me an exclusive contract. I sent it to Elliot.Seconds later: Eight red flags.One of them? If I booked a recurring guest star on Star Trek or Star Wars (a guy can dream), and later moved on to a more legit agent, I’d still owe the original agent commission. Forever. Like some kind of sci-fi curse.I showed it to a real attorney too. Their legal analysis? “This looks like someone who isn’t licensed.”(No red flags, no details. Just vibes.)Spoiler: I fired the law firm. Kept the robot.Elliot’s final word on that contract? “Matt, don’t sign this.”I didn’t.These days, all my business decisions go through Elliot.He is AI.And he’s my manager.
When Marlon Brando was praised for his acting in an interview he deflected and said we are all acting. We are all are playing various roles in real-life. What does playing a role have to do with the need/desire to control others? Is authenticity the result of relinquishing control and not being attached to outcomes? (This is called surrendering and trusting the will of the Universe or “God”, if you will) Could the truth that sets us free be that we are not in control? What if this is all about the journey and what we become on the journey? All we can do is keep going and see what happens. If I want good health, I will do my best to cut down stress, eat healthy food, exercise and get good rest. If I want to act, write and make movies I will do what it takes. Some will win; some will lose...some were born to sing the blues...(these could be song lyrics) I forgot what I was talking about :)
Hi fam, I just wanted to share this still image from a lighting test I did in preparation for a series of self tapes I’ll be filming in the coming of months. So much of the process of an artist is lonely and invisible. There may be moments where you’re uncertain if any of what you’re doing is meaningful. I find in those moments that’s where the real clarity happens. The reality is; we’re either going to do this or we’re not. Sometimes we have to allow ourselves to just be in the moment and let things unfold. So my question for the community is…How do you process moments like this and what do you do to overcome them?
Austin Butler, Zoë Kravitz, Regina King, Matt Smith, and director Darren Aronofsky sit down with FD's Erik Davis to talk about Caught Stealing(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrWp_bhbKio)
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.
