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“Actors know how to walk into a casting office and nail their audition in one take. A self tape is no different.”  In this week’s episode I’m joined by a casting director from the Southeast, Erica S. Bream. Erica shares a ton of info on her Instagram account (@ericasbreamcast) and in this episode we dive into self tapes, improving your relationships with casting and solving that pesky slate shot once and for all.Check it out.   Resources In this Episode:   Instagram: @ericasbreamcast The post Casting Director Erica S Bream with Advice for Actors appeared first on Actor CEO.

“Maybe I’m a jack of all trades and a master of none. Maybe I’m putting my eggs in too many baskets.” That’s a mindset that is limiting and old school. It’s not how the world works anymore.  Daisuke (pronounced DICE-kay) was born in Kuwait City, Kuwait. His father, Hirohiko Tsuji, was an architect working there at the time of his birth. He moved to Chiba, Japan, when he was 2 years old, and then moved to Sacramento, CA, when he was 8. He started studying theatre at Rio Americano high school, continued at American River College, then transferred to UCLA, where he received his BA in Theatre Arts.   He became an acting company member of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in 2010, where he has appeared in more than 10 productions. In 2013, he moved back to LA to shift his focus on TV/Film. His role as the lead, Jin Saikai, in Playstation and Sucker Punch Production’s blockbuster hit Ghost of Tsushima introduced him to a huge audience of game fans. Here he shares his experience and advice for actors interested in working in this genre.    Resources In this Episode: Websites: Daisuke Tsuji IMDB The post Acting in Video Games with Daisuke Tsuji of Ghost of Tsushima appeared first on Actor CEO.

“It’s the audience’s medium.” Samantha Strelitz is known for her work as Mary Beth Gaskill in Rockstar’s blockbuster video game Red Dead Redemption II  and her roles in HBO’s Vinyl and the film DieRy. Samantha has worked extensively as an eSports host helping viewers follow the fastest rising elements of competitive gaming.    Resources In this Episode: Websites: Samantha Strelitz IMDB The post Acting in Video Games with Samantha Strelitz of Red Dead Redemption 2 appeared first on Actor CEO.

“Imagination is most important.”  Patrick Gallagher graduated from the National Theatre School of Canada in 1993 and began his career in Toronto working in the theater, in film and on television. In 2003 he gave a strong performance as Awkward Davies in Peter Weir‘s Oscar-nominated Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003). His next role was Det. Joe Finn in the seventh season of the highly acclaimed Canadian television drama Da Vinci’s Inquest (1998), carrying that character into the new series Da Vinci’s City Hall (2005). He will also be remembered as Gary the Bartender in Alexander Payne‘s multi-award-winning Sideways (2004). He’s also acted in video games including Ghost Recon and the fearsome Kotun Kahn in Playstation’s blockbuster hit Ghost of Tsushima. In this episode Patrick shares his advice and insight for actors looking to actin in video games.    Resources In this Episode: Websites: Patrick Gallagher IMDB   Twitter The post Acting in Video Games with Patrick Gallagher of Ghost of Tsushima appeared first on Actor CEO.

You can always negotiate.  Khalid Rivera is an actor and chart-topping recording artist known for his extensive work on screen, stage and music. He has appeared on Broadway, Television and, Films. He is also a proud Sag-Aftra and AEA member who strives to be positive and influential. Khalid has studied contracts in and out of university and has been helping actors get information, break down details and finally understand what exactly it is they should or should not be signing. Listen in.    Resources In this Episode: KhalidRivera.com On Social Media: @KhalidRivera The post Contract info for actors and artists with Khalid Rivera appeared first on Actor CEO.

Actors are want a sense of purpose. Jenna Doolittle (a Doolittle who does a lot!) is a Career Coach for actors and a working actor herself. Her company, Actors Rise, empowers actors to take control of their careers so they can stop stressing and start booking. As an actor, Jenna has appeared on shows like American Horror Story, NOS4A2, and Scandal. She was recently featured in The New York Times for her work during the pandemic creating a free newsletter for actors called Actors Rise.   Resources In this Episode: Subscribe to the Actors Rise FREE newsletter: www.bitly.com/actorsrisenewsletter   Follow on Instagram: www.instagram.com/thatdoolittle   Follow on Twitter: www.twitter.com/thatdoolittle   www.imdb.me/jennadoolittle   To learn more about coaching with Jenna, email: ActorsRise@gmail.com The post The Actors Rise newsletter with Jenna Doolittle appeared first on Actor CEO.

“We’ve been trained out of our instincts.”  Jo Kelly is an acting coach that has spent more than 20 years coaching award-winning actors (Owen Wilson, Brittany Allen, Caitlin Gerard, Laura Spencer, Carlos Leal) but also singers, dancers, directors and corporate executives in Paris, Madrid, Zurich, Toronto, Los Angeles, and New York. As a director, her first film won several awards. Currently she is working on a documentary & she is developing two feature projects.   Resources In this Episode: @tobeornottoact_jokelly   ToBeorNotToAct.com   Here is a free training from Jo Kelly. How to Stop Being a Good Actor So You Have a Chance at Being Great. The post Acting from your Instincts appeared first on Actor CEO.

Seeing the business from so many sides makes it clear – actors are entrepreneurs. Jade is an award winning, Mauritian/English Actor and Filmmaker from London. She began her acting career in 2006 which has spanned TV, Film, Theatre and Voiceovers. Jade is most known for her role of Naeema in THE INTENT. She began creating her own work in 2009 due to the lack of auditions at the beginning of her career. Jade is now CEO of London Independent Pictures and has produced award winning films which she has both written and performed in. She also runs a successful voiceover company Jade Asha Voiceovers. Jade has filled her book, The Actorpreneur, with her years of experience in various sides of the industry. It’s become more clear than ever that actors can control their artistic destiny and build a multi-faceted creative business. That’s what we discuss in this episode.   Resources In this Episode: @JadeAsha @actorpreneurbook The Actorpreneur book JadeAshaVoiceOvers.com The post The Actorpreneur with Jade Asha appeared first on Actor CEO.

As agents, we want someone who’s already doing it.  Nicole Pryor Dernersesian is the President and CEO of Firestarter Entertainment, a talent agency based out of Los Angeles that represents actors for television, film, commercials, print and theatre. Nicole founded Firestarter in 2013 and her company now represents over 1000 actors in Los Angeles, New York and Las Vegas. And in 2019, Nicole launched a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization called, Inclusion Media Group: Striving to make a more inclusive world by creating content that tells diverse stories. Nicole is also the host of the entrepreneurship advice YouTube Series: NICOLE TALK. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Nicole performed in the Las Vegas Company of “The Phantom of the Opera” directed by the incomparable Hal Prince for 6 ½ years and over 2600 shows.   Resources In this Episode: Websites: FSETalent.com   Instagram: @FSETalent The post Agent Advice with Nicole Dernersesian of Firestarter Entertainment appeared first on Actor CEO.

“I think we have to adapt to the times.”   Justin Connor is an actor, writer, director, and musician who produced the award-winning feature film THE GOLDEN AGE, which just made its worldwide release on Amazon Prime. The soundtrack, also written, performed and produced by Connor, is available on all streaming platforms, with a double vinyl album being released later this month. THE GOLDEN AGE, a musical rockumentary shot over a decade in California and India, introduces us to the character of subversive pop star Maya O’Malley who, after a string of controversial remarks, gets dropped from his music label and sets out on a spiritual pilgrimage throughout India in an attempt to resolve his troubled past. The film was the winner of the Audience Award at the AWARENESS FILM FESTIVAL and the JAIPUR INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, and won the Best Performance Award at the NEW HAMPSHIRE FILM FESTIVAL. Connor is also releasing A DAY IN THE LIES, a memoir novel that delves deeper into the life of the film’s main protagonist, Maya O’Malley, which will be released on Amazon this Spring. Justin Connor currently lives in Los Angeles, and splits time between music and painting, and prepping the release of his third album, MATERIAL LIFE. You can track the film’s progress on social media as well as at www.justinconnor.com.   Resources In this Episode: Websites: JustinConnor.com Watch The Golden Age on Amazon. The post The Golden Age and the multiple opportunities for artists with Justin Connor appeared first on Actor CEO.

Actors who improve their health improve their performance. Moniqua Plante is an actor and a Certified Health Coach, Confidence Curator, and Wellness Expert for Actors and Creative Pros. She knows all too well the crazy pressure put on actors to look a certain way or be a certain size and her mission is to help actors stop obsessing and finally feel good in their own skin, and most importantly confident AF in everything they do. In this episode we cover tips for the best actions actors can take to immediately start improving their health, goals you can set and start right now and why it’s important for actors to take control of their health. Your work is based on instrument (your body and your mental health) and you should take care of it.   Resources In this Episode: Follow and Connect: @moniquaplantewellness @moniquaplante Visit moniquaplante.com The post Health Tips for Actors with Moniqua Plante appeared first on Actor CEO.

Align your mind. Book more jobs. Love your life. Jumpstart your best year yet with actress (Atypical / Netflix) + Founder of ActorInspiration.com, Wendy Braun. In this episode recorded live from our Facebook broadcast, Wendy drops a ton of knowledge and tips to help you make 2021 your breakthrough year. Plus, you’re invited to attend her Free 5-Day Success Breakthrough Experience For Actors and get a free gift to help you rock every self-tape in 2021.Click here to register now: Actorinspiration.com/success Wendy Braun is an accomplished actress with over 75 TV + Film credits (now enjoying her 3rd season on Netflix’s Atypical), over 100 commercials and thousands of voiceovers.  For years, she has been a guiding light in the entertainment industry as the CEO + founder of ActorInspiration.com, where her transformational tools + powerful teachings have helped thousands of actors worldwide overcome obstacles + create breakthrough success. Casting directors have called her a “spiritual game-changer for artists,” while her students have gone on to become Series Regulars, perform on Broadway, win awards on stage + screen, all while living a more joy-filled + abundant life.      Resources In this Episode: Websites: ActorInspiration.com The post Wendy Braun on Actor Inspiration appeared first on Actor CEO.

“Maybe I’m a jack of all trades and a master of none. Maybe I’m putting my eggs in too many baskets.” That’s a mindset that is limiting and old school. It’s not how the world works anymore.  Janine DiVita has been seen on Broadway in Grease (Rizzo), Anything Goes, and The Mystery of Edwin Drood, as well as the First National Tours of If/Then (Anne), Finding Neverland (Mary), and Young Frankenstein (Elizabeth). Regional Favorites include Francesca in The Bridges of Madison County (Theatre Raleigh), Nancy in Oliver! (Walnut Street Theatre, Barrymore Award Nomination), Eva Peron in Evita (Engeman Theatre), Lady of the Lake in Spamalot (TUTS), Terri in Sophisticated Ladies (Arena Stage) and Young Little Edie in Grey Gardens (Portand Center Stage). Her TV and Film credits include The Deuce (Amy Goldman), Gravesend (Jennifer), Elementary, Hear My Song, and The Americans. Janine is also a writer with a screenplay in development with Dolphin Entertainment and an album in development with Broadway Records. She directs and produces for the USO Show Troupe which entertains over 200,000 service members and their families each year and co-founded Empowered Voices, a theatrical prevention education company that provides Sexual Assault Prevention Trainings for the Military community and beyond. For more info: www.janinedivita.com IG Janinedivita   Resources In this Episode: Websites: JanineDivita.com   Instagram: @janinedivita The post How to be an actor and business owner with Janine DiVita appeared first on Actor CEO.

Everyone has the same 24hours in a day. It’s how you use them that determine your success. Amira Alvarez is the CEO and Founder of The Unstoppable Woman, a global coaching company where we help ambitious entrepreneurs, creatives, business owners, and leaders create true freedom and live an uncompromised life… free from overwhelm, burnout, or financial constraint. Her insight and tips in this episode are extremely valuable for actors and artists looking to create momentum in their business, sucess in their lives and confidence that they are working a plan that is helping them achieve their dreams.   Resources In this Episode: Websites: Amira’s Website Amira’s Podcast Facebook  Instagram Twitter The post New Year, New Goals and a Million Dollar Mindset with Amira Alvarez appeared first on Actor CEO.

Health insurance for actors can be a nightmare. Carey helps us understand it. Carey Blackburn is a working actor, licensed health insurance agent, and budding producer exploring the intersection between free, unconventional artistry and financial peace. She aims to demystify the healthcare marketplace for creatives, regardless of union status or frequency of out-of-town gigs, to create more mental capacity for passion projects!   Resources In this Episode: Websites: Find out more on Carey’s website: CareyBlackburn.Agentcom The post Actor Health Insurance with Carey Blackburn appeared first on Actor CEO.

Your website is your marketing hub. Make it stand out. Kristina Horan is an actress and website designer who specializes in creating custom websites for actors and professionals in the entertainment industry. In a competitive market, Kristina‘s websites are known for creating a unique brand identity that represents the clients personality, professionalism and casting goals. We discuss what makes a good website for actors, what casting needs and where to start in this episode. Kristina is give YOU 20% off when you use the code ActorCEO. Check out your website options at www.kristinahoran.com Resources In this Episode: Websites: KristinaHoran.com Instagram Facebook Free guide here!  The post Actor Websites with Kristina Horan appeared first on Actor CEO.

Self tapes are much more accepted, but the theater community (unions) need to get up to speed.  Michael Cassara casts theatre and film in New York City, with a focus on musical theatre projects. Since 2003 he and his team have cast over 500 productions, including over 25 off-Broadway shows, dozens of national tours and frequent work with many of the nation’s top regional theaters. Since 2013 he has served as the resident casting director for the National Alliance for Musical Theatre, and he spent 12 years in the same position for the New York Musical Festival. Upcoming projects include the world premiere of the new musical adaptation of Mr. Holland’s Opus (by BD Wong and Wayne Barker) as well as 8 new musical films being created as part of the 2020 NAMT Festival of New Musicals. In this episode Michael shares his tips on self tape auditions (even for musical theater) and where he thinks the audition process is going in the future. Resources In this Episode: Websites: MichaelCassara.com Michael’s IMDB Facebook Instagram The post Casting Director Michael Cassara appeared first on Actor CEO.

You can build something much bigger than one creative project at a time. Richard is an Emmy® winning Personal Brand expert and the founder of Hollywood based digital agency Fanology. His unique approach to personal branding has launched, revived and catapulted the careers of many actors, athletes, musicians, television hosts, business executives, and entrepreneurs. He takes a holistic view of personal branding, believing that a personal brand can only be successful if implemented through every aspect of a person’s life and that the key to a successful personal brand is its growth from an individual’s unique life purpose. In 2010, Richard became one of Hollywood’s go-to social media pioneers, working to develop online brands for hundreds of celebrities ranging from Larry King to young Disney stars, such as Ashley Tisdale. Through his strategy and insight, his clients have amassed considerable influence in their chosen fields using their unique gifts and abilities to increase personal wealth and live a more authentic life. After serious illness, forced was Richard to take stock of his own life. It was then he created a process called the Minimum Viable Person, a system inspired by Silicon Valley’s minimum viable product. In adopting the MVP lifestyle, a person is able to define their life purpose, set a mission, take a series of low-risk, high-reward steps to implementing their purpose, and then quickly validate the results their new actions are having across all aspects of their life. When Richard is not coaching his personal brand clients or speaking on stage, Richard is leading Fanology, a full service digital agency he founded in 2010. With offices in Los Angeles, Dallas, San Francisco and Oklahoma City, his award-winning team works with industry-leading brands such as Toyota, Lexus, Microsoft, LiveNation, P&G, and the Special Olympics, to identify their Superfans and help their stories, build brand loyalty, and attract more customers to cross over and become the enormously valuable Superfan.   Resources In this Episode: Websites: RichardJanes.com The post Producer Richard Janes On Branding and the Future of Hollywood appeared first on Actor CEO.

What do you want to believe instead? What do you want to think instead? Billie Shepard has been a professional actor for years and for the last 20 years has been helping business speakers upgrade their presentation skills using professional acting techniques. It makes so much sense that actors have an incredible wealth of skills that so many in the business community can benefit from. With client like Facebook, Uber and others, these skills are in demand now more than ever. Billie’s new book showcases these techniques. Resources In this Episode: Websites: The Billie Shepard Presentation Method The post Billie Shepard Helps Business Speakers Become Powerful Presenters with Acting Techniques appeared first on Actor CEO.

“I don’t need to live there, I just need to go there when there’s work there.” As an actor, he has appeared in over 100+ commercials and 60+ films and 18 national television series. He’s had network television appearances on Operation REPO, Discovery ID, Buried in the Backyard, The NightShift, Longmire, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, This is Us, There’s Johnny, Yellowstone & Better call Saul! He has acted alongside Kevin Costner, Tony Danza, Jane Seymour, Patrick Duffy, Roger Bart, Don Ameche, Stacy Keache, John O’Hurley, Andre Braugher, Andy Samberg, Milo Ventimiglia, Bob Odenkirk, Aidan Quinn, BJ Novak, Ashton Kutcher and more. Sean has trained with several of the top Improv Troupes in the country including The Second City, The Groundlings, Upright Citizens Brigade and I.O. West. He also studied acting at both the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute and the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. Resources In this Episode: Websites: Sean’s IMDB The post Hundreds of Acting Jobs Without Living in Los Angeles with Sean Dillingham appeared first on Actor CEO.