What the Hell is Branding for Actors, Anyway?
I sat down with UK-based actor Elijah Khan, known for his starring role in the NBC Studios TV show "Slave Market." Elijah shares insights into his journey as an actor, the challenges of developing multiple income streams, and his innovative app, Accentify, designed to help actors learn new accents affordably. We delve deep into the importance of branding for actors, authenticity, and the evolving nature of an actor's personal brand. Join us for an enlightening conversation that explores the business side of acting and the power of self-awareness in the industry.
I Restarted My Acting Career When I was 47
Rediscovering my first love as a 47-year-old woman in a foreign country was both exhilarating and daunting. After spending 16 years raising my son and navigating life in Germany without knowing the language, I yearned to fill the creative void left by my dormant acting career. From blogging to interior design, I pursued various passions, yet none ignited me quite like acting. A fateful decision to attend an acting workshop rekindled the fire within me, and I knew there was no turning back. Embracing the journey, I reestablished myself as a working actor, proving that it's never too late to chase your dreams.
What's Your North Star?
Are you unsure about where you're heading in your acting career? Do you know what your North Star is? Whether you aim to be in film, television, or theater, having clear goals and milestones is crucial. Finding your "North Star" is all about staying focused and motivated in both life and career. I'll show you how to identify your guiding principle, set clear goals, and stay on track. This is your key to navigating personal and professional challenges with confidence and purpose. Understand your unique energetic signature and align it with your career aspirations.
I'm a Guest on Superfan Attraction
I had a great chat with Diane Foy on her show, Superfan Attraction. We dove into my journey from the US to Germany, the importance of continuous learning, and building genuine industry relationships. If you’re looking for tips and insights to boost your acting career, don't miss the full interview.
Don't Let Your -Yes Year- Become Your Entire Career
Hey, let's dive into something that hits close to home for a lot of us in the acting biz. You know how sometimes it feels like you're just shouting into the void, trying to get noticed? Yeah, been there. I discuss how trained actors, like you and me, can overcome the frustration of stalled careers by moving beyond traditional methods like constant workshops and mass mailings. I delve into strategies for taking control of our own careers, building authentic relationships, and ensuring our branding and materials are on point. Learn how to make your 'yes year' a stepping stone, not a career plateau.
Common Mistakes Actors Make
Delve into identifying and overcoming blind spots that might be hindering your acting career. Discover what blind spots are, how they act as invisible threats, and learn three powerful strategies to turn these challenges into opportunities
A Working American Actor in Europe
Join me as I chat with Brian Caspe, an American expat living in Prague. We dive into his unique journey from the US to Europe, his roles in "Carnival Row" and "Unlocked," and his experiences navigating Prague's acting scene. Brian shares tips on leveraging opportunities in smaller markets and building a strong network. Don't miss his advice on self-taping and keeping your skills sharp.
Make Directors and Other Actors Love You - Best Actors' Advice
This is a little different. Today, I'm the guest on Kiersten Natis's podcast, Acting Out. Kiersten asked many great questions and quickly got to the bottom of some of my favorite things about acting and being an actor. I share how I overcame typecasting by creating my own material and the importance of mastering the business side of acting. From branding to networking, my five-pillar strategy—mindset, branding, marketing, networking, and community—has been key to my success. I promise, it will change how you act and everyone on set will love you for it.
Actors: Find Your Flow
I sat down with Masha Kay, a breathwork and nervous system coach, to discuss how actors can overcome nervousness and reach a state of flow. Masha shares invaluable insights into the nervous system, the power of breathwork, and practical tips that can help actors stay present and perform at their best, whether on stage, in front of a camera, or during auditions. We also explore how music, mindfulness, and self-compassion play crucial roles in managing nerves and enhancing performance.
Iconic Casting Director John Frank Levey on being "Right for the Role"
I had the pleasure of interviewing iconic casting director John Frank Levey. Known for his work on transformative TV shows like "ER," "Shameless," and "The West Wing," John shares his unique insights into what makes an actor right for a role. From his intuitive approach to casting to memorable audition stories, John offers invaluable advice for actors striving to hone their craft. We also delve into his journey from theater to casting, the importance of authenticity, and the collaborative nature of the casting process.
Networking at Film Markets for Actors - yeah, it’s a thing.
I had the pleasure of discussing dynamic networking strategies with Abby Tozer, an accomplished actress, producer, and filmmaker. Abby shares her invaluable insights on navigating the American Film Market (AFM) and other film festivals. From understanding the intricacies of film financing and making meaningful connections, to preparing a compelling pitch deck, Abby breaks down all the do's and don'ts. She opened up about her experiences at the AFM, where she's been twice. She shared some really useful networking tips, how to introduce yourself in the industry, and the importance of always being prepared. Plus, she talked about how she goes about finding the perfect producing partner, the goals they set, the hurdles they've faced, and their exciting plans for future feature films. We also got into the nitty-gritty of creating a great pitch, took a peek into the film market scene, and had a heartfelt conversation about the ups and downs of life as a producer and actress.
How I Started My Acting Career From Nothing
I'm shedding light on the whole idea of 'blind spots' in an actor's career– you know, those tricky areas in an actor's journey that might be silently holding you back. I break down the 8 most common mistakes actors make when it comes to their careers and, of course, I've got the lowdown on how to tackle each one. Just like the blind spots in your car, these invisible threats can hold you back. I get into "being ready," dealing with overwhelm, perfect timing, managing the craziness of busyness, overcoming perfectionism, booting indecision out the door, not turning small stuff into big dramas, and steering clear of those assumptions. From understanding what they are, to changing your mindset from external to internal factors, we’ll cover tools and techniques to help you realize your full potential. Remember, it’s all about getting comfortable with being uncomfortable and turning problems into opportunities.
Actors- Avoid These 8 Common Mistakes
I'm shedding light on the whole idea of 'blind spots' in an actor's career– you know, those tricky areas in an actor's journey that might be silently holding you back. I break down the 8 most common mistakes actors make when it comes to their careers and, of course, I've got the lowdown on how to tackle each one. Just like the blind spots in your car, these invisible threats can hold you back. I get into "being ready," dealing with overwhelm, perfect timing, managing the craziness of busyness, overcoming perfectionism, booting indecision out the door, not turning small stuff into big dramas, and steering clear of those assumptions. From understanding what they are, to changing your mindset from external to internal factors, we’ll cover tools and techniques to help you realize your full potential. Remember, it’s all about getting comfortable with being uncomfortable and turning problems into opportunities.
Actors: This Blindspot Will Keep You From Success
Every successful actor you admire, every single one that you admire, has stood where you are now. They have their own thoughts and fears. I'm taking on a topic that's crucial for every actor: 'Readiness'. Or rather using “not being ready” as a reason for not moving forward. I break down a simple three-step plan to help you move from feeling stuck to taking action. It's straightforward, practical, and could be the nudge you need to get you out of your funk. It's a journey of constant reinvention and relentless pursuit of our dreams.
The Do's and Don'ts for Networking as an Actor
I delve into the essentials of networking as an actor. Joining me is Seamus Sargent, an actor with a rich background and impressive portfolio. We discuss the importance of forging genuine connections in the industry, the value of perseverance, and how to stand out through authentic relationships. Whether you're struggling with self-doubt or looking for proactive steps to advance your career, this conversation offers valuable insights and practical tips to help you navigate the world of acting.
Actors - Up Your Game With This ONE Thing - Acting Career Advice
Many believe that success in acting is just a matter of luck, but I'm here to tell you otherwise. In this video, I'll share the one thing you can do to dramatically increase your odds of landing roles without spending a dime. Yes, it's all about being consistent! By working daily on your castability, outreach, and research, you'll see tangible results and distinguish yourself from other actors.
A Conversation with Casting Director Karoline Matheis
I sat down with Karoline Matheis, who runs one of Germany's biggest commercial casting agencies, based in Berlin. We discuss the power of digital callbacks, the importance of self-tape castings, and how actors can control their auditions to make the best impression. Karoline shares her journey from the music industry to becoming a successful casting director, offering valuable insights for aspiring actors. She also discusses the impact of digital callbacks and the changing landscape of the film industry.
The Art of Improvisation- A Creative Journey in Indie Film Making
I delve into the world of indie filmmaking with Ivan Melikin and Sarah Jane from the Nexus Production Group. They share their insights on the art of improvisation in filmmaking, including their unique process of creating story outlines and allowing actors to develop their own dialogue. We discuss their journey from Australia to Europe, the challenges they faced in Malta and Zagreb, and the secrets behind filming an improvised feature on a micro-budget.
This Actor Is On Fire And Taking Center Stage
I sat down with my friend and talented actor-comedian Matthias Ludwig. We delve into the fears and challenges of performing, both in acting and stand-up comedy. Matthias shares his journey from his first open mic experience to developing his comedic material and how his comedic endeavors have shaped his acting career. We discuss the importance of following one's curiosity, the role of timing and spontaneity, and the delicate balance between comedy and poignant storytelling.
How this Actor Changed the Power Dynamic for Himself in the Film Industry
I had an amazing chat with Angus McGruther, an Australian actor and voiceover artist living in Berlin, who also co-directs the Down Under Film Festival. We talked about how taking on the festival during lockdown helped him build connections and feel more empowered in his acting career. Angus shared some great insights on balancing different roles, the importance of professional relationships, and embracing quiet periods in acting.