All your actor related feeds in one place  •  Actor's Forum

Log in to Actor's Forum to favorite the posts you're interested in and discard the ones you don't want to see again.
Access filtering functionality, search and more... It's FREE!

We have found 19,529 posts across 4 actor forums:

Reflection of an actor on the fear of AI in cinema by Juanma Mallen  •  last post May 8th

As an actor, the arrival of artificial intelligence in the film industry stirs a mix of emotions in me, but more than fear, it serves as a reminder of how the industry has always evolved with technology. Every major breakthrough in cinema has initially been met with fear, but over time, we've adapted, gotten used to it, and in many cases, we've embraced these innovations to tell stories in new ways.


When sound cinema arrived, many thought it would mark the end of silent films, that human voices wouldn’t be powerful or expressive enough. But today, sound is the backbone of cinematic storytelling, from dialogue to music that makes us feel.

The same happened with digital cinema. For years, actors and filmmakers resisted the change, fearing that the magic of celluloid would be lost. The texture, the color, the authenticity... But digital cinema not only democratized production but also allowed for stories to be told with stunning visual quality. Today, few question whether it’s better or worse than film.

CGI (computer-generated imagery) was another breakthrough that shook the industry. Purists said CGI would ruin the acting, that the visual effects would take over. However, actors soon learned to coexist with it, interacting with virtual environments and computer-generated creatures, and CGI became a powerful tool to expand our imagination and create worlds otherwise impossible.

Now, artificial intelligence presents itself as the next big challenge. And yes, it provokes a legitimate concern: to what extent will algorithms be able to replicate the human emotion in acting? Will it be possible for AI to replace the vulnerability, depth, or authentic connection an actor has with their character and the audience? Initially, the idea that AI could generate faces, voices, or even facial and body movements creates an understandable fear: the fear of being replaced, of losing our essence as artists.

However, I believe that the history of cinema shows us that technological advances never replace art, they transform it. The tools change, but the human being remains the creator, the one who interprets, the one who connects. Actors have learned to embrace new technologies to enrich their performances and make them more complex. Why couldn’t the same happen with AI?

Instead of fearing it, we should ask ourselves how AI can expand our artistic capacity. Could it help us create more complex characters, explore unknown facets of acting? Or perhaps, over time, we’ll learn to collaborate with these technologies, rather than be replaced by them? At the end of the day, the true magic of cinema remains the ability to tell human stories, a power that, no matter how advanced technology becomes, will always be in our hands.

The initial fear of AI is understandable, but as has happened many times before, I believe that adaptation will be inevitable. If there’s one thing we actors know, it’s that the fear of the unknown is just another step on the path to discovery. And as it has always been, art and technology will continue to walk together, changing cinema forever.

Self-tape Auditions by Matthew Gross  •  last post May 8th

Last month, I took the leap and committed to my acting career full-time. I quickly discovered that marketing yourself for day player roles is a different process compared to submitting for supporting or lead roles. In fact, day player casting is quite similar to extras casting when it comes to how actors present their headshots. After making a few subtle adjustments to my photos, I started receiving more CMail audition invitations.

One of the biggest challenges I’m currently navigating is self-taping auditions. It’s been tough. Instead of focusing solely on my performance, I often find myself distracted by technical concerns: Is the lighting good? Am I framed properly? And because I use a prerecorded audio track as my scene partner, I have to time my line delivery carefully. To make things even more complicated, I’m using an old cassette recorder as my reader.

That said, I’m starting to get the hang of it. I now begin every audition with a test shot to ensure the lighting is right, I’m fully in frame, and the audio playback is low enough that the tape hiss doesn’t detract from the performance.

Despite all the challenges, I’m happy. My career goals are realistic, and I’m beginning to build momentum.

My fathers True crime murder story by Eric Rasmussen  •  last post May 8th

BURIED IN SILENCE
A True Story of Murder, Deceit, and a Fight for Justice

I stayed in my father's house… while his killers slept just rooms away.
They told me he was missing.
But he wasn’t.
He was buried — in a shallow grave under a shed they just bought — just feet from where I stood.

I slept in that house while they lied to my face.
I cried in that house while they pretended to care.
At night, my wife stayed on speakerphone to protect me. One night, she heard footsteps near me. She screamed into the phone, waking me just in time to see my father's wife walking silently back to her room…   Was she going to put me with my father ? 

She knew.
They all knew.

They let me mourn in the home where they hid his body.
And no one stopped them.
That’s why I’m telling this story — because Jerry Rasmussen deserves justice.

Watch the trailer:
https://youtu.be/b59WqUllyck?si=h-eMdcMTBz3DpSOy

See the case file and documents:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/15JDfd1-1l0eVCtbzyrvhn91SJBSH_mCU/view?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lPhNOjR2m16mBtWancg2zY51JYPYOBiE/view?usp=drivesdk

Most Challenging Role? by Suzanne Bronson  •  last post May 8th

What role has been your most challenging to take on? One that you thought you had in the bag, but really struggled to connect with? For me, Laura in THE GLASS MENAGARIE was more difficult than I thought. I had no trouble with the lines, but my acting teacher kept telling me I was missing the essence of Laura. It wasn't until I put on a dress that I was really able to capture her disability and fully understand the insensitivity of the people around her. What about you? Is there an AHA MOMENT connecting with a character you would like to share?

Reflection: When Power in the Film Industry Becomes Abuse by Juanma Mallen  •  last post May 8th

For decades, cinema has been portrayed as a world of dreams, fame, and artistic expression. But behind the cameras lies a much darker reality: the systematic abuse of power by producers, directors, and influential figures—especially toward young actors and actresses.


The combination of wealth, prestige, and control over budding careers creates a perfect environment for manipulation. Many young people, full of hope for a chance in the industry, have been emotionally, psychologically, and even sexually exploited by those who used their positions as shields of impunity.

The Harvey Weinstein case was only the tip of the iceberg. What’s truly alarming is how this behavior was—and in some cases still is—built into the system. The promise of fame or the fear of being blacklisted has kept many victims silent, while their abusers thrived.

When it comes to underage actors and actresses, the issue becomes even more serious. The industry has failed to protect them. Many started working without real support networks, exposed to environments where boundaries were blurred and consent was irrelevant.

The stories of figures like Corey Feldman and Jennette McCurdy reveal a repeated pattern: exploitation disguised as mentorship, complicit silences, and a machine willing to sacrifice the most vulnerable to preserve its image and profits.

Talking about this is not an attack on cinema, but a call for transformation. Art can no longer be used as an excuse for abuse. Visibility, accountability, and education within the industry are essential steps toward changing this culture.

Young talent deserves to grow in a safe, ethical, and human environment. We shouldn't wait for someone else to speak up before we take action.

by Juanma Mallen  •  last post May 7th

Not long ago, I had the opportunity to share the stage with an actor who lives with an intellectual disability. It wasn’t a “different” experience in the condescending sense of the word. It was demanding, eye-opening, and deeply human.


Many in the industry still wonder —often silently— whether it’s “worth it” to include people with intellectual or psychosocial disabilities in professional productions. Concerns about workflow, direction, or “production risks” often come up. But these questions reveal more about our limitations than theirs.

Episode 601: State of the Industry - Think Bigger Actors Podcast by Florin Şumălan  •  last post May 7th

"Season 6 kicks off with DaJuan Johnson breaking down the current State of the Industry—what’s shifting, what’s working, and what actors need to know now."

https://thinkbiggerpodcast.libsyn.com/ep-601-state-of-the-industry

Straight Talk for Actors (from a Director Who Casts) by Stephen Folker  •  last post May 5th

I’m not an actor—I'm an independent director/producer who regularly casts for projects.

Here are some tips I think can really help actors, whether you're new or experienced:

1. Use a current headshot.

Avoid sending photos from 10 years ago or ones that are overly retouched. We need to see what you actually look like—wrinkles, blemishes, and all. Authenticity matters.

2. Avoid generic cover letters.

It's obvious when you've copied and pasted a canned response. Take the time to personalize your submission—it shows you're genuinely interested in the role.

3. Read the casting call carefully.

If the listing says "must work as a local," don’t ask for travel or lodging. If it's a non-union project, don’t try to get it flipped to SAG. Just don’t apply if it doesn’t fit.

4. Don’t pass off the job to your manager or agent.

If you're not a name actor and the rate/location are clearly listed, there's nothing to negotiate. Third-party involvement just complicates things.

5. Be on time and bring a good attitude.

No drama. No ego. Be someone people want to work with again.

6. Don’t hound producers for demo clips.

Most films go through a festival run or seek distribution first. Instead, ask before booking when you might receive a clip—then wait patiently.

7. Show gratitude.

A simple thank you to those who gave you a shot goes a long way.

Hope this helps. I’d love to hear from actors—what draws you to a project, and what turns you off?

The Force of Preparation is strong with this one - Sharing This Week's Coffee & Content by Alexandra Stevens  •  last post May 5th

In this week’s Coffee & Content, we’re celebrating 20 years of Lucasfilm Animation and breaking down how you can position your project to stand out in today’s market. What’s your next “And What?” Read it here >> https://www.stage32.com/blog/coffee-and-content-from-the-clone-wars-to-your-script-the-force-of-preparation-4090


May Phoenix AZ in person Meetup by Suzanne Bronson  •  last post May 3rd

Actors in the Phoenix Metro area. In Person Meetup May 15th !


RSVP here:
https://www.stage32.com/meetups/2030

Gamechanger for Casting by Rob Rutledge  •  last post May 2nd

Hey All! Rob Rutledge, Casting Director. Long time Karmalicity Member. We have a created a NEW, FREE NATIONAL ACTORS WEBISTE. We've add almost 600 actors in just a couple weeks https://usactors.com 100% Free You create a profile, and based on your profile and preferences, our AI system auto-submits you for possible roles. All free to you. More time acting, less time submitting. Link you socials as well as your websites, and videos, or even host videos on the site, all 100% free. Check it out!

We'd love to cast you! by Rob Rutledge  •  last post May 2nd

We've created a new Actor's Website. 100% Free! 600+ Actors have joined already! 2 weeks old! Find Talent, Get Found! https://usactors.com

Want a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most successful global streaming hits of all time? by Alexandra Stevens  •  last post May 1st

Stage 32 is hosting a FREE educational webinar on Netflix’s smash hit ADOLESCENCE, and it’s packed with invaluable insight for filmmakers, cinematographers, producers, actors, ADs, production managers—anyone working on set or looking to level up their on-set knowledge.


Join First Assistant Director Sarah Lucas as she shares how the AD team pulled off the show’s signature one-shot episodes and managed hundreds of cast and crew across a massive, complex production.

Register for free now: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/filming-adolescence-how-the-ad-team-made-magic

FREE Webinar Alert! Behind the Scenes of ADOLESCENCE: How the AD Team Mastered One-Shot Magic on Netflix’s Smash Hit _Taught by Sarah Lucas, First Assistant Director_ by Sandra Isabel Correia  •  last post May 1st

I’m beyond excited to invite you to an incredible Live Q&A with Adolescence Assistant Director Sarah Lucas, exclusively for Stage 32 next week!


As many of you know, this show’s impact extends far beyond the screen, something I explored in my latest blog post. You can check it out here:
https://www.stage32.com/blog/adolescence-shaping-minds-through-socially-responsible-storytelling-4080

Now, it’s your chance to dive deeper into the craft and challenges of bringing a production like Adolescence to life!

Stage 32 is hosting a FREE educational webinar, giving filmmakers, cinematographers, producers, actors, ADs, production managers—anyone working on set or looking to sharpen their skills—a behind-the-scenes look at how the AD team pulled off the show’s “iconic one-shot episodes” while managing a massive, complex production.

Join First AD Sarah Lucas as she breaks down the process, techniques, and on-set magic that made it all possible.

Register here:
https://www.stage32.com/education/products/filming-adolescence-how-the-ad-team-made-magic

For all the details, head over to today’s blog post:
https://www.stage32.com/blog/stage-32-presents-a-behind-the-scenes-look-at-netflixs-smash-hit-adolescence-with-first-assistant-director-sarah-lucas-4087

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to learn from the best! See you there!

CBS, Netflix Casting "Little House" Reboot by Matthew Gross  •  last post May 1st

I was sifting through the breakdowns moments ago, and noticed casting is searching for Native American actors for principal roles in the "Little House on the Prairie" reboot shooting in Winnipeg. How exciting! That's what this world needs right now, wholesome, family entertainment. Kudos, CBS, Netflix.

What tool has upped your game as an actor? by Suzanne Bronson  •  last post May 1st

Is there a book you have read or an podcast you listen to that has been game changer for you? Are there any tips or techniques you would like to share with us that has really helped you? For example, I listen to a podcast by a casting director who interviews other casting directors about their journey and their casting process. It's called THE EB CO: OFF BOOK It has been very insightful and helpful when going in to auditions. I also listen to THE TOWN which is all about the business of HOLLYWOOD. Are there any actors' podcasts you listen to? I really like INSIDE OF YOU WITH MICHEAL ROSENBAUM Having knowledge of other actors' experiences on set and some of their techniques, for me has been very beneficial. 

What’s Your Favorite Monologue or Audition Piece to Keep in Your Back Pocket? by Ashley Renee Smith  •  last post Apr 30th

Whether you’re heading into an audition, putting something on tape, or just keeping your skills sharp, having a solid monologue or scene in your arsenal is essential. So I’m curious, what are your go-to monologues or favorite scenes to pull from when you need something reliable?


One of my personal favorites is Almost, Maine by John Cariani. Back when I was in film school and had to direct actors for class assignments, I always found myself coming back to that play. It’s set in a fictional town in northern Maine called “Almost,” and the entire story unfolds over one magical night under the northern lights. Each vignette explores love: finding it, losing it, or getting a second chance: with a beautiful mix of heart and humor.

Because the play is made up of short scenes between two characters, it was a dream to direct, and a joy to watch performers explore. Some scenes are sweet and whimsical, others are gut-punch emotional, but they’re all so well written and give actors something to play with.

So now I want to hear from you:

What’s a monologue or scene you keep in your back pocket?
Do you have a piece that just fits you? One you always return to? Or maybe one you’ve recently discovered that you love?

Let’s build a little list in the comments: we might even inspire each other to try something new!

Rehearsal Ruts: When Over-Preparation Kills the Moment by Alexandra Stevens  •  last post Apr 29th

I"m inspired by Karssima Belev's post 4 days ago about "Letting go and being in the moment" and the really interesting and helpful responses you gave. It made me think about times I feel 'over-rehearsing' has made my performance go stale. I totally agree that knowing our lines inside out is vital but my question is, how do you keep rehearsals alive without locking in delivery or losing spontaneity? I guess improvising the before and after of the scene with my scene partner is one way I have tried to this. What about other ways?


Looking for Actors & Artists to Feature by Laura Fortino-Zeni  •  last post Apr 28th

My company is part of the creative team behind Indie Pathways Magazine and we are always looking for actors, artists, industry professionals, directors, writers and dancers to feature in our magazine that releases monthly. There is no cost to be in magazine. You just need photos and be able to tell a good story about yourself.  if you’re interested, let me know. I’ll send you a link to submit and we will contact you.

How This Powerful App Helped Me Get An Agent by Aaron Marcus  •  last post Apr 28th

How This Powerful App Helped Me Get An Agent

youtu.be/CwB1lSf8Ads

SIGN UP to be on my special mailing list: howtoactandmodel.com/
and get essential acting and industry-related information and
receive a great bonus video:

6 Secrets to Mastering Home Auditions