We have found 20,220 posts across 4 actor forums:
Put Yourself on the Map First... Then Show Your Range... by William Joseph Hill • last post Feb 26th
As an actor, it's always good to first find your niche to put yourself on the map, then you can show your range. A lot of actors bemoan the idea of "typecasting", but if you can get noticed for a specific niche, you can establish yourself as a working actor, THEN look for ways to "stretch". Perfect example that comes to mind is Lady Gaga. Before she became the music icon we all know, she was classically trained and an actress too. But she created that persona that put her on the map, which opened her to "getting" to do acting roles (which she had always had the talent for already).
I think the current climate is more favorable for actors getting to show range, especially with all of the indie production out there. My career has generally been in the indie world -- it seems that these indie filmmakers have the most creativity and are willing to take more risks, so there are more opportunities there. If you're an actor looking to work, you should get to know some of these indie producers creating their own project outside the studio system. If you have additional skills besides acting, you can build relationships that way first.
And let's not forget creating your own work which can help you typecast yourself the way you want to be known in the industry. I'm doing just that with CYBER FIGHTER, a high-end short film based on my feature script and novel. I'm heavy into Post Production now. I wrote, directed and am acting in it as well as doing all the Post Production work from editing to sound, VFX and color grading. The more jobs you can take on, the less people you have to hire.
If you have a script you're looking to produce, this is the perfect time to go after name actors who don't get a chance to play the role you might be offering. We actors love creating great characters and don't always get the opportunity. Like how Ke Huy Quan has been enjoying his recent success as his talents have finally been recognized. Many actors who might have had a good career financially will feel like their talents haven't been recognized, so if you have a vehicle that lets them show a character they would never get to play, you can probably get them to say yes.
I'd caution that you should first develop the script as much as possible to get it as close to perfection as you reasonably can before approaching anyone. And I don't believe in writing for a specific actor in mind as if they say no, then you got nowhere to go. Instead, you can have them pictured in your head, but develop the character as full and rich as you can. If you're not a writer, then partner with a writer who has the chops to write a great script.
Another case in point -- I just worked with William Christopher Ford on CYBER FIGHTER. He has just appeared in Season 6 of COBRA KAI, reprising his role of Dennis DeGuzman from KARATE KID 3. I had met him years ago and we always talked about working together, so this was the perfect opportunity. I cast him in CYBER FIGHTER just before he got the COBRA KAI call, so we had to push production back to accommodate his schedule. He had signed an NDA so he couldn't tell me what "big project" he had been cast in, but I had a hunch...
I gave his character a lot of fun stuff to do, not just in the action scenes, but a great way for him to show his acting talents and deadpan comedic timing. I plan on bringing him back for the feature once that goes into production.
Finally, remember that this is a long process that can take many, many years before you see the fruits of your labor. I've been developing this project for over 20 years, and the short film for almost 10. So it's a marathon. I have no idea where CYBER FIGHTER will end up yet (still need to finish it!), but it's very empowering to take the reins and drive your own career.
Break a Leg!
Actors: Tricky Audition Surprise! Beware—It Happened to Me by Aaron Marcus • last post Feb 26th
Actors: Tricky Audition Surprise! Beware—It Happened to Me
https://youtu.be/-hc_XC1s_EU
Have you ever had an audition surprise? If so, share it here so we can learn from your experiences.
Title, title. What’s in a title? by Nancy Wilkinson • last post Feb 26th
I’ve written a coming of age, based on true events women’s sports story in 1975. We were told no one would pay to come watch women play sports. But a young woman tried out for the college team and was determined to make women’s sports succeed. I’m trying to settle on a title though. Maybe, “We Didn’t Quit,” or “Didn’t Stop Believing, or “Jockettes,” or “ Six Packs and Facials?” Need some serious feedback?
Voiceover Reel Suggestion by Leonardo Ramirez • last post Feb 25th
Hey creatives - I'm in the beginning of my journey with voice acting and in the process of putting together a reel. As a screenwriter, I'm blessed to have material to draw from that I can use for the reel and have separated each into categories. These are the ones that I feel I can do the best on.
Let me know your thoughts as to what else I should include...
Evil Character (gaming) - demon - low pitch/gravelly
Evil Character (gaming) - serpent leader (Phobos) - high pitched
Hero - Middle age /distressed
Narration - calming/English
Narration - calming / Spanish
Narration - commanding
Movie Trailer - Southern draw
Audiobook Narration - normal voice (baritone)
Explainer commercial
Podcast Intro
Latin Accent - male
I've read that having sample in lanuages other than English is also beneficial.
Let me know your thoughts below.
How to make connections by Eileen Gillick • last post Feb 25th
Hi,
How do I make meaningful connections with actors? I'm afraid of coming off that I am using someone just to get information on how they got where they are in the industry. What do I say when I want to know someone who knows someone?
I am still in the beginning stages of acting.
I appreciate whatever advice I am given.
PR in Hollywood is changing… by Maurice Vaughan • last post Feb 24th
I read this in The Dailies email this morning:
**Hollywood's image managers are suddenly the ones needing image management**. A nasty feud between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni over their film ‘It Ends With Us’ has erupted into uncharted territory: publicists getting sued for doing what used to be considered their everyday job.
**The backstory**: During production of their upcoming film ‘It Ends With Us,’ tensions between Lively and Baldoni escalated into matching lawsuits. But instead of just suing each other, they're targeting each other's publicity teams—turning standard PR tactics into potential legal liabilities.
**The text drama**: It started with a simple damage control move. When a Daily Mail reporter was about to publish that Lively was "difficult" on set, her publicist Leslie Sloane sent what would normally be a routine text, suggesting the cast actually had issues with Baldoni instead. The reporter changed the story—and now Baldoni is suing Sloane for damaging his reputation. Meanwhile, Lively's team discovered private messages from Baldoni's publicity team calling him "pompous"—leading to her countersuit. These cases are the first time such standard PR moves have become legal ammunition.
“*This will change the personal publicist game forever, 100 percent. When a client says, ‘I want you to protect my reputation and get ahead of this story,’ or, ‘I don’t like that headline, can you call reporter?’ No way. If what you’re doing has ramifications for another [celebrity], you’re now going to think that you could get sued.*” — A veteran personal publicist tells The Hollywood Reporter
**The Ripple Effects**: Hollywood PR has always been a two-tier system. Big agencies charge A-listers around $10,000 monthly and include legal protection in their contracts. But independent publicists, who typically charge half that, work without any legal protection for themselves. And it's these boutique PR firms that will likely take the brunt of the fallout from the Baldoni-Lively battle:
– Boutique firms can't maintain their current rate without legal protection—they'd be sitting ducks for lawsuits. But adding legal coverage would force them to double prices and lose clients.
– Hungry new publicists are making it worse, offering deep discounts and working without protection just to build their client lists
– Meanwhile, big PR firms with built-in legal protection keep cruising along
– Some stars are now avoiding publicists entirely—worried it makes them look like they're hiding something
**The result?** The industry is splitting into two lanes: legally bulletproof PR for the wealthy, and risky, unprotected PR for everyone else. It's the boutique firms caught in the middle that are feeling the most pain.
**END OF EMAIL**
What are your thoughts on this?
The email says, “*Some stars are now avoiding publicists entirely—worried it makes them look like they're hiding something*.” Do you plan on doing that or keeping your publicist/getting a publicist?
Coffee & Content: Reinvention & Relationships - The Keys to Longevity in Hollywood by Maurice Vaughan • last post Feb 23rd
Stage 32’s founder and CEO, Richard “RB” Botto, shares two videos in today’s blog.
“When Rom-Coms Held Him Back – Matthew McConaughey’s Reinvention”
“The Greatest Thing I Ever Did Was Build Relationships”
Grab your coffee, tea, etc. and jump in!
www.stage32.com/blog/coffee-content-reinvention-relationships-the-keys-to-longevity-in-hollywood-4019
'GHOSTS' Casting Australian version now! by Suzie Steen • last post Feb 23rd
Australia is casting a new series of 'Ghosts'/Australia in Perth, WA - I'm in Sydney, but eh? why not? NCIS Sydney was cast worldwide.
Auditioning by Omari Washington • last post Feb 22nd
Hey actors, I'd love to get your perspective. Do you prefer in person auditions or self tapes these days? I feel like 80% of auditions now are through self taping, which can be frustrating if you're ana actor like me who lives to book the room. I feel like you can connect with casting, producers and directors more when you're in person.
Advice to Actors Submitting for Auditions by Tammy Hunt • last post Feb 20th
Before you submit your resume and headshot, read the breakdown thoroughly.
Make sure you are the perfect fit.
Most breakdowns will clearly describe the type of person they are looking for as well as the filming dates.
Make sure you fit that description and that you are available for those shoot dates.
Follow the instructions in the breakdown. Unless stated otherwise, address the subject line with the name of the character or position you are applying for, along with your name (i.e. Submission for the role of Andrew by John Doe).
When the casting call includes a contact name, make sure you address that person in your email and use the right gender and correct spelling. In the body of the email, state the role(s) you are applying for and give a brief description of why you consider yourself the perfect fit for that role or what makes you eager to join that production.
Include any details requested in the breakdown like your weight, height, and size of your shirt, pants, and/or shoes, and where you are based. Make sure you include an eye-grabbing digital headshot which should be 500kb or less and your resume in PDF.
The files should simply be your name (john_doe.jpg, john_doe.pdf). You can also provide a link to additional photos, your website, and two to three links of clips of your work. Keep your email simple.
At the end of the email add a short and polite note indicating the materials you are submitting.
Use a professional email address. While this may sound silly many forget this simple rule. Imagine receiving an email from I_am_the_actor_for_you@gmail.com instead of john_doe@gmail.com
When signing off, use your full name. It is best if you create an email signature which links to your website and has your contact details.
#actor #audition #film #tv #casting #submission
Don’t Miss This Week’s Stage 32 Community Wrap-Up! by Ashley Renee Smith • last post Feb 20th
Join Stage 32’s Head of Community, Ashley Smith, and Community Manager/Writer’s Room Producer, Kay Ross, for another exciting Community Wrap-Up this Friday at 10:00 am PT / 1:00 pm ET LIVE on Instagram!
We’ll be diving into all the latest industry insights, upcoming Stage 32 events and education, valuable resources, and community highlights. Plus, it’s your chance to ask questions live and get insider tips to help you make the most of your Stage 32 experience! If you have a specific question that you'd like us to answer, drop it in the comments below!
Make sure you’re following @Stage32 and @Stage32Scripts so you don’t miss out!
Set your reminder and join us live: https://www.instagram.com/p/DGT1_t8zweK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
See you there!
The script I’ve been pitching is hitting Netflix! Without me! by Ken Cox • last post Feb 20th
Been pitching for four years limited series idea based on events that happened to my daughter and her friends.
Heard today the basic idea has been made into a documentary. Sadness reigns. So close yet so far.
On the bright side I knew the idea was hold!
12 Oscar-winning roles that were supposed to go to different actors by Pat Alexander • last post Feb 18th
These articles always crack me up -- John Travolta as Forrest Gump??? Not sure it would've hit the same lol
Acting by John Guinn • last post Feb 18th
I did not watch the adds, but i know good acting when i see it.
Super Bowl 2025 Ads: They Were Disastrous– An Actor's Perspective by Aaron Marcus • last post Feb 18th
Super Bowl 2025 Ads: They Were Disastrous– An Actor's Perspective
https://youtu.be/zFJOSnmXLkg
Did you watch the Super Bowl Ads? Did any of the spots stand out to you, either positively or negatively?
If so, what did you think? Share your thoughts here and on the Channel so we can all benefit from your knowledge and insights.
Little Towns Are for Dying by Majestic Tillman • last post Feb 18th
Feedback
A VERY SPECIAL WRITERS ROOM WEBCAST THIS WEDNESDAY 2/19 AT 4PM PT | The Academy Award Nominated Producers of A Complete Unknown Alex Heineman & Fred Berger Join Us for the Exec Hour! by Nick Phillips • last post Feb 16th
Hello, Acting Lounge!
If you were looking for a chance to experience The Writers Room Webcast on Wednesdays at 4pm PT, then this is the week to do it! We will be joined by the Academy Award Nominated producers of the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown, Alex Heineman and Fred Berger, for the Exec Hour.
Featuring not one but two Oscar nominated performances, this will be an excellent opportunity to hear about the processes and stories behind some of the amazing acting talent of this hit film.
Link to the WR Broadcast:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86219883794?pwd=bFTPWC8cVWdSqfUEBFb4emmG6QCahS.1
FREE MONTH OF THE WR:
https://www.stage32.com/writers-room/plans-vip
Mastering Your Craft: 8 Acting Tips for Every Performer by Ashley Renee Smith • last post Feb 13th
Actors, no matter where you are in your journey, there’s always room to refine your skills and elevate your craft. This video breaks down 8 key acting tips that can help you grow, whether you’re just starting out or looking to push your performances to the next level.
Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khc1VWZ8rOk
From understanding emotional depth to improving your on-camera presence, these tips provide practical tools that can make a real difference in your performances.
Which of these tips resonates with you the most? What’s one piece of acting advice that has helped you in your career? Let’s talk about it in the comments.
Stage 32 Community Wrap-Up – LIVE on Instagram This Friday! by Ashley Renee Smith • last post Feb 13th
Join us Friday at 10:00 am PT / 1:00 pm ET for another Stage 32 Community Wrap-Up with Head of Community, Ashley Smith, and Community Manager / Writer’s Room Producer, Kay Ross.
We will be covering all the latest happenings in the Stage 32 community, including:
Upcoming events and education opportunities
Industry insights and must-read blogs
Exciting community discussions and member victories
Live Q&A—get insider tips and updates
Follow @Stage32 and @Stage32Scripts on Instagram and set your reminder now to join us live: https://www.instagram.com/p/DGBwSiTzqqI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Have a question you would love us to answer live? Drop it in the comments below.
I love this clip by Dustin Quinteros • last post Feb 13th
Great advice for both actors and directors.
https://youtube.com/shorts/Z0m1p4WYh_Y?si=7vYZuA4SqCxNIDDB