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How do you prepare for roles that are very different from who you are in real life? by Ashley Renee Smith  •  last post Sep 25th

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?

How AI Is Helping Actors (a.k.a. My Manager Is an Intelligent Machine) by Matthew Gross  •  last post Sep 25th

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.

Are you acting at this moment? by Erik David  •  last post Sep 24th


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 :) 

I’m in the lab by Ponce Deleon  •  last post Sep 24th

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?

The 'Caught Stealing' Cast on Filming with a Crowd, Working with Bad Bunny, and More by Pat Alexander  •  last post Sep 24th

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)

What is you favorite medium? by Suzanne Bronson  •  last post Sep 23rd

Fellow actors! I am curious to know do you prefer acting in live theatre or film? As someone who was stage trained and then went to television and film, it was quite an interesting experience. I still prefer to perform live on stage. So, I'm asking,  which do you prefer and why? 

Book or Script - where do you start? by Alexandra Stevens  •  last post Sep 22nd

I've just been reading RB's "Coffee & Content" . It contains a video essay about the film Jaws and how much money it made at the box office. It got me thinking off on a bit of a tangent about what it would be like, as an actor, to play in a movie that is adapted from a book. I love doing research so when I have had a script based on a novel I have enjoyed reading the novel to develop my character (Big Little Lies and White Oleander. But you may feel differently?

So my question to you is: if you’re acting in a film based on a book, do you like to read the book for extra insight into your character—or do you prefer to stick just to the script? How do you think it helps or complicates character development?
Here is RB's blog link https://www.stage32.com/blog/coffee-content-pitch-with-precision-hook-your-audiences-4231

This 1 Word Boosted My Acting Career: But Could Destroy Yours by Aaron Marcus  •  last post Sep 22nd

This 1 Word Boosted My Acting Career: But Could Destroy Yours

https://youtu.be/Ywf9DnYNA-c

Have you ever said yes or no to a project based on your skills? If so, please let us know how things worked out. Share it here and on the channel so we can learn from you.

Take One: Virtual Acting Intensive – Sharpen Your Craft, Expand Your Opportunities by Angela Caito  •  last post Sep 21st

Actors are constantly told to “be ready when opportunity knocks.” But the truth is, opportunities rarely give a polite knock. They show up unannounced, often in the form of a last-minute self-tape or a live audition that requires you to deliver a layered performance in just a few minutes. That’s why training is so important and not just to build skill, but to build confidence and consistency.

I’m excited to share that registration is now open for the Take One: Virtual Acting Intensive, happening October 25–26, 2025. This two-day online workshop was designed for actors who want to strengthen their audition skills, expand their emotional range, and learn how to approach material like a professional.

What makes this intensive unique is the line-up of coaches and industry professionals who will be guiding actors through the process. We’ll be joined by respected coaches including Max Decker, Tracy Taylor, Johnathan Zabawa, Linda Lord, and Swan Elliott. Each brings a wealth of experience, from network television to feature films, and they are committed to giving every participant constructive, actionable feedback.

Over the course of the weekend, participants will work on:

Audition Techniques – Breaking down sides quickly, making strong choices, and standing out in the first 15 seconds.

Building a Character from the Ground Up – Tools to create depth and authenticity in every performance.

Self-Taping Best Practices – Tips on lighting, framing, and delivery to make your tapes look polished and professional.

Faith-Based & Independent Film Opportunities – Exploring a growing space in the industry and how to navigate it with integrity and skill.

This intensive isn’t about vague advice or generic encouragement. It’s about hands-on learning. Actors will perform, receive notes, and immediately apply what they’ve learned. By the end of the weekend, you’ll walk away with practical tools you can use in your next audition — and in your career overall.

Because it’s virtual, actors can join from anywhere. But space is limited to make sure everyone gets individualized attention.

Take Time to Smell the Roses! by Brandon Keeton  •  last post Sep 21st

  One thing that my fellow workaholics and I have, is an inability to smell the roses when the time comes.  It's easy to go from one project to the other and forget about the things you've done before, always looking to what's next.  And while that does keep you busy and focused, it can also leave you empty and never really satisfied.


  This past weekend (yesterday/Saturday to be precise) I decided, at the request of my wife, to do just that.  Take some time out and enjoy what I've done.  So, date night it was!  Lol!

  We went to the premier of my first Western just outside of Philly and had an absolute ball!  In addition to showing the Western, they also showed some shorts of up and coming Pennsylvania filmmakers.  I am happy to say that there was NOT ONE weak link in the bunch.  If you are ever looking to film somewhere cheap and with friendly people and locations, don't overlook PA!

  While there, I didn't worry about the scripts I'm writing, the audition I missed (long story there), or the incredibly BAD day I was having otherwise.  I just went out with my wife and enjoyed time with my filmmaking friends to watch a movie we had made together.  The bonds that we have in our small Central PA filmmaking community were made even stronger last night.  And it wouldn't have happened if I had let the rest of the day ruin what became a pretty cool night.  

  Oh yeah, fellas!  Listen to your wife!  Ha!

Starting by Jessica Putnam  •  last post Sep 20th

I am looking for advice on how about getting roles to start my acting career. please leave my any suggestions or tips!

Male Monologue / Scene Suggestions by Nicholas Burton  •  last post Sep 19th

Hi all, thought I'd post some dialogue sequences from a few movies I love. 

Note: I'm just an actor, not an acting coach. The choices below are just my opinion :)

Closer - Clive Owen and Julia Roberts' break-up scene. This one is paced so well and the back and forth gets very venomous at times. It's one of my all-time favourites.

Manchester By the Sea - Michelle Williams and Casey Affleck reflecting on the aftermath of the housefire. This probably verges into Female Dramatic territory, but could be used for Men to show dramatic expression.

Shooter - The Attorney General's monologue to Bobby Lee Swagger after Danny Glover's "Colonel", is cleared of mass murder during conflict.

The Breakfast Club - Karl the Cleaner's reveal to the students. This piece is great for an adult telling a bunch of high school kids "where to shove it". He sees them for who they really are, scared, anxious or fake. 

Clerks - Dante tells girlfriend Veronica the difference between making a man and woman climax. This one is funny to me and written really well.

Why 'One Battle After Another' Is Unlike Any Other Paul Thomas Anderson Movie by Pat Alexander  •  last post Sep 19th

Leonardo DiCaprio, Regina Hall, Chase Infiniti, Teyana Taylor, and Sean Penn sit down with FD correspondent Erik Davis to talk about their upcoming movie 'One Battle After Another'. The cast shares how this movie breaks the PTA mold, what it was like working together on set, and so much more.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SshHYnLCUwI)

National Theatre at Home by Ponce Deleon  •  last post Sep 18th

Hey everyone” For all of acting friends and soon to be collaborators. I recently came across this gem online. There’s been a lot of chat about what actors do to keep themselves connected to their craft without burning out. This topic has stayed with me all week long. I want shout out to Ashley Renee Smith  for sparking this conversation as it has inspired to keep deepening and nurturing my craft. In response to my comment about actors attending theatre. I want to share this global platform. Here you can watch all of London’s National Theatre right from your home or devices. I’ve dropped the link in the comments where you can register for free”

The Long Walk Stars Break Down Their Stephen King Adaptation That's Unlike Any You've Ever Seen by Pat Alexander  •  last post Sep 18th

The Long Walk stars Mark Hamill, Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Garrett Wareing, and Tut Nyuot sit down with ScreenRant to break down the themes of Stephen King's novel and how Francis Lawrence translated them to the screen in what promises to be a breathtaking cinematic experience.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCyti6gDON4)

What is the longest film festival run you’ve done? by Brittany Christine  •  last post Sep 18th

As an actress I wish I would have showed up to as many of my screenings as possible & a lot sooner, but it wasn’t until I became a writer that initially got the ball rolling for me and now as a Producer I find it a necessary expense and just know I need to always have a budget for the in person speaking events

My First Leap as an Actress at the Marbella Film Festival by Yvonne Padmos  •  last post Sep 17th


So, I checked off a bucket list item I didn’t even know was on there: signing up as an actress for the Marbella International Film Festival. As a writer? That’s my jam—words on paper, stories I control, no risk of a camera catching my bedhead vibes. But as an actress? Never done it. Never stepped into someone else’s film, because, let’s be real, my scripts are my safe little bubble where I’m the director, the star, and the plot twist.


With a mix of curiosity and a pinch of nerves, I filled out the application. Name, experience (basically none), a photo that hopefully didn’t scream “I just rolled out of bed.” And then… the next day, a “You’re in!” lands in my inbox. Me? Invited? I was bracing for a polite rejection like, “Try again next year as an extra in a coffee shop scene.” It feels like winning a lottery I accidentally entered.


Now the real question: am I good enough to shine in a story that’s not mine? To breathe life into someone else’s words without holding the pen? It’s terrifying but exhilarating. In a world of AI scripts and green screens, there’s something raw and magical about human vulnerability on film. Here’s the kicker: what if your flaws are the exact spark a story needs?


Writing is architecture; acting is an emotional rollercoaster. Sometimes you need that ride to see what really holds. Am I ready? Nope. Am I diving in? yeah. Because if you never step out of your bubble, you miss the best plot twist: rediscovering yourself in a stranger’s script.


Who else is heading to Marbella, ready to jump into the deep end? Share your stories, fears, or audition-fail jokes—let’s lift each other up. Maybe we’ll all end up in a short film called Writers Turned Actors: A Comedy of Errors. Your tip might just save my scene.

Rest In Peace Robert Redford -What did you like best about him and his work? by Alexandra Stevens  •  last post Sep 17th

I liked "All The President's Men" and how he was able to break down such a complex story  and tell it in an almost anecdotal and easy to understand way. 

Highest 2 Lowest — Spike Lee and Denzel Washington in Conversation | Apple TV+ by Pat Alexander  •  last post Sep 16th

Spike Lee and Denzel Washington sit down for a free-flowing conversation about their careers, their experience making Highest 2 Lowest, and of course, basketball. 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjH_otb9lAQ)

How Do You Muster Up The Courage to Live a Creative Life? by Alexandra Stevens  •  last post Sep 16th

I just started reading Elizabeth Gilbert's "Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear". I sheepishly acknowledge i'm a bit late to the party as it was published in 2015. She talks about the courage it takes t to bring the creative treasure within you to the surface and that it is scary scary scary.


Somehow her acknowledging this helped me to feel less scared. It also made me reflect on how I dance (and sometimes get trampled on) by my fear. 

One strategy is to feed the creative/dreamer part in me so that it's warmth and energy makes the fear feel smaller. This might be through reading about creativity, watching a film, writing or doing some character prep.

Another way is to commit to creating before I consume. Only after i have created something (even if just 15 mins of writing) do I let myself anywhere near the Gram or any other content.

Curious to hear your take on how you gather the courage to live a bold and creative life?