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The Whale by Geoff Hall  •  last post Jan 17th

My week started off with watching ‘Society of the Snow’ and last night I finally got to watch A24’s ‘The Whale’, directed by Darren Aronofsky, written by Samuel D Hunter (and based on his play). Starring Brendan Foster and Sadie Sink.


There is something about films being made that are based on plays; Dial M for Murder comes to mind. The sets for the films are simple, stage-like affairs. I think I’d call this style ‘Intimisme’, because with The Whale you have a cast of seven actors who move around a beautifully crafted set, which becomes the centre of expressing the pain of their soul.

But where’s the action? We are always told that it’s all about the action, aren’t we, but in Aronofsky’s ‘The Whale’ we have the intimacy of pain, of Charlie (Brendan Fraser) and Ellie (Sadie Sink), in fact every character save for the Young Ellie, brings their pain to Charlie’s apartment. 

And, you are carried along by the dialogue, carried on waves of emotion, waves of pain and you get astonishing performances from every actor on this set. I don’t know why I was so surprised, astonished even, at Brendan Fraser’s performance; it goes beyond the heavy prosthetic he had to wear. Beyond ‘George of the Jungle’ and ‘The Mummy’ and it turns out that he is a great actor, which perhaps shows that any level of performance is all down to the material. 

As Charlie says towards the end of the film, ‘People are amazing’. He’s talking about you and me, about us and our resilience, our tenacity for life. That we keep on going, no matter what is thrown at us. Note to self: It turns out that Life can throw us more than one curve ball, simultaneously!

I’ve included in this post, the link to the final scene, with its over-swell of emotion. This is a stunning performance from the small intimate cast of life’s heroes. 

I recommend that if you haven’t watched this film yet, that you will make it a priority to do so. If you have watched it, then please leave your thoughts on this little masterpiece below. 


https://youtu.be/LvwOSmIba_k?si=aTOXLVhz05ysEdVc

Navigating a Hypothetical Dilemma by Matthew Gross  •  last post Jan 16th

As an actor exploring potential representation, let's delve into a hypothetical scenario. Imagine discovering a boutique agency run by a dedicated owner and her single assistant. Now, consider learning that the owner's adult son is facing serious, life-altering mental health issues.


In this situation, there's a potential challenge. On one hand, the agent might need extended time off to support her son, which could impact your job opportunities. On the other hand, there's an opportunity to contribute to the destigmatization of mental illness through supporting the agent by allowing her to represent you.

How would you approach this hypothetical dilemma? What factors would you weigh in balancing your career aspirations and the call to raise awareness about mental health?
I'm curious to hear your thoughts on this hypothetical scenario. Your insights matter, so let's open up a constructive conversation. 

In-Person Networking Meetups This Thursday! by Ashley Renee Smith  •  last post Jan 16th

Hey, Actors!


2 Stage 32 in-person networking meetups are coming up this Thursday! I'm including links to the meetup pages for you all below. If you live in any of these cities or are nearby, be sure to RSVP and seize this opportunity to meet with other creatives in person and help build your local creative community! 

Austin, TX: https://www.stage32.com/meetups/1948/January-Stage-32-Austin-TX-In-Person-Meetup

Phoenix, AZ: https://www.stage32.com/meetups/1950/January-Stage-32-Phoenix-In-Person-Meetup

Starting this weekend...Acting Workshop: Build Your Successful Preparation Process! by Sydney Summers  •  last post Jan 16th

In this exclusive Stage 32 4-hour workshop, you will develop your acting process so you feel confident that you are delivering to the best of your abilities every time. You will also be exploring intensive scene-study work to help you create captivating performances. Guiding you through you audition, scene study, and character process is esteemed actor Ryan Cartwright. Ryan has over 30 years of professional acting experience and training and he has developed a robust acting process that he will share with you to incorporate into your own process to consistently elevate your work. Ryan has starred in numerous TV series and movies including BONES, MAD MEN, THE BIG BANG THEORY, KEVIN CAN WAIT and ALPHAS. He has an extensive understanding of what helps book roles in the casting office and what directors delight in seeing on set, and is passionate about teaching other actors the secrets to success.


PLUS! Ryan will provide you with exclusive handouts to help you hone your acting process. Downloads include:

-The Audition Process Beat Sheet
-Filming Day Checklist

https://www.stage32.com/classes/Acting-Workshop-Build-Your-Successful-Preparation-Process

Update for actors! by Omari Washington  •  last post Jan 16th

Hey Superstars! I have some great news for you. Casting directors have OFFICIALLY started in person auditions again. I just left my first in person audition of the year earlier today. To be honest, it felt so good to be back in front of casting vs submitting a self tape. I feel like it's extremely hard to book with a self tape because casting was seeing a lot more talent via self tapes. Now there's hope again for all the actors like me who like the energy they get when auditioning in front of casting. Let's go!!!

A Salute to the Crooners by Dan Olivo  •  last post Jan 16th

Dan Olivo’s Almost 50 Birthday Bash with his 7 piece band - Saluting the Crooners https://www.eventbrite.com/e/-a-salute-to-the-crooners-dan-olivo-his-little-big-band-tickets-787978614247?aff=oddtdtcreator Come join us for an unforgettable night of music and celebration at A'Roma Ristorante in La Palma, CA We are thrilled to invite you to Dan Olivo’s almost 50 Birthday Bash !!! Dan will be performing live with his incredible 7 piece band. Get ready to eat, drink and have a blast as Dan and his band take the stage to entertain you with new arrangements of songs from Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Dean Martin, Harry Connick Jr., Michael Buble' and more !!!!!

Extension by Justin Reinsilber  •  last post Jan 16th

Is there a link for the Karmalicity extension? Thanks!

Stage 32 + United Airlines Descend Upon Park City This Week! by Ashley Renee Smith  •  last post Jan 15th

In Stage 32's effort to contribute to diversity, equality, and inclusion in the industry, next week we will be in Park City shining a light on female and non-binary filmmakers and the impact they make on entertainment. Learn more in today's blog!

https://www.stage32.com/blog/stage-32-united-airlines-descend-upon-park-city-this-week-3609

A tentative question. by Murphy Ernst  •  last post Jan 13th

This is perhaps the dumbest question I have ever had because I should have asked this question at FADE IN. 

I have all but completed a script, set in the South Pacific, and at no point is race mentioned. I approach that subject as the director's concern, how he or she sees the characters --

Concerning the current social environment, I would ask if my script is sunk before it hits the water.

The narrative involves two old-school men, with old-school ways, masculine of course. Cast alongside them are three strong women, but is that enough? Is there a market? 

Strange days indeed.

A tentative question by Murphy Ernst  •  last post Jan 13th

I have a script all but complete. The story involves three old war horses (veterans) . They are old school, masculine, they are cast with strong women. In this current social environment, is it enough to include strong women? Or is the project sunk before it is in the water because it contains masculine characters, traits, and themes?


It is set in a South Pacific country, at no point is race mentioned.

The Dangers Of Getting Top Production Value For Zero Cost by Maurice Vaughan  •  last post Jan 13th

Tennyson Stead talks about the danger of cutting corners with the safety and well-being of cast and crew on set, in exchange for production value.


This is an IMPORTANT topic. Please read this blog, post in the comment section, and share this blog with others.

www.stage32.com/blog/the-dangers-of-getting-top-production-value-for-zero-cost-3608

A Salute to the Crooners by Dan Olivo  •  last post Jan 13th

Dan Olivo’s Almost 50 Birthday Bash with his 7 piece band - Saluting the Crooners https://www.eventbrite.com/e/-a-salute-to-the-crooners-dan-olivo-his-little-big-band-tickets-787978614247?aff=oddtdtcreator Come join us for an unforgettable night of music and celebration at A'Roma Ristorante in La Palma, CA We are thrilled to invite you to Dan Olivo’s almost 50 Birthday Bash !!! Dan will be performing live with his incredible 7 piece band. Get ready to eat, drink and have a blast as Dan and his band take the stage to entertain you with new arrangements of songs from Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Dean Martin, Harry Connick Jr., Michael Buble' and more !!!!!

Lew Bracker Interview: James Dean Stories by Dustin Richardson  •  last post Jan 11th

Hi actors!


If you're a fan of James Dean, I wanted to share this interview series with you. 

Lew Bracker was a very close friend to James, and he recounts a lot of amazing stories about their friendship, filming all his films, working with Natalie Wood, and more. He talks about James's approach to acting/filmmaking as well. Some of his stories are from his book "Jimmy and Me," which is a must-read! It's super fascinating looking back on this era of Hollywood.

I hope you enjoy it. I did this interview back in 2022.

Part 1: https://youtu.be/v8mv6ZRcrB8?si=tv2bNg9ZP_hTd-OH

Part 2: https://youtu.be/mRHad4n92eg?si=xxW3nWhVECvjI7q6

Part 3: https://youtu.be/GwgPh5v8rd8?si=3klri1X3Z8V1yh4U

First Commercial Contract Today by Matthew Gross  •  last post Jan 11th

Last night, I had a surreal dream where Colleen Dewhurst encouraged me to seize an audition opportunity. In the dream, I almost missed out because I didn't have my reading glasses, but she reminded me not to give up before even trying. Fast forward to today, and I received a contract in my email for a project I thought was a comedy sketch—turns out, it's a commercial!


It's incredible how life can imitate dreams. This unexpected opportunity reminded me that if you don't believe in yourself, who will? Despite feeling discouraged about finding a commercial agent, I'm now gearing up to shoot a commercial tomorrow, complete with residuals outlined in the AFTRA contract. The journey to this point has been filled with ups and downs, but this experience is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief.

So here's my lesson from the dream and today's surprise contract: Never underestimate your own potential, and don't let self-doubt hold you back. Dreams can be prophetic, and sometimes all it takes is a leap of faith. Excited for this new adventure and grateful for the reminder to believe in myself.

Less Woo & More Do: The Four P’s To Achieve Results In Your Entertainment Career by Maurice Vaughan  •  last post Jan 11th

In today’s blog, Ava Paloma talks about The Four P’s that can help you achieve results in your entertainment career.


Ava is an actress, producer, screenwriter, and founder & owner of WV4 Productions.

www.stage32.com/blog/less-woo-more-do-the-four-ps-to-achieve-results-in-your-entertainment-career-3606

Looking for an acting retreat on West Coast by Kris Keppeler  •  last post Jan 9th

Can anyone recommend an acting retreat, like a 3 to 7-day intensive? I'd like something designed for experienced actors looking for a tune-up. 

Have Agent, Will Travel by Matthew Gross  •  last post Jan 9th

Hey everyone!

Update on my journey towards securing commercial agent representation! For those following my lounge posts, you know I've been diving into the world of Los Angeles-based commercial agents via YouTube videos. One recurring theme that's got me excited? Travel! Commercial actors often jet-set domestically and internationally for shoots.

So, naturally, getting my U.S. Passport made it to the top of my to-do list. But, as life would have it, here's where things took an unexpected turn. Last evening, Representative Jimmy Gomez, CA-34, sent out an email announcing a U.S. Passport Fair for his constituents. Props to him for always staying engaged with us!

Excitedly, I had my paperwork ready and my passport photo taken, only to find out that all the slots for the fair were taken when I tried to register! Lesson learned: Always keep an eye on all email accounts, especially the ones where career opportunities might pop up unexpectedly.
Moral of the story? I'm registering my acting Gmail account with Representative Gomez's office. They provide fantastic services that can boost my career, but missing out due to a slow email check? Not again!
Stay tuned for more updates and lessons from this wild ride towards chasing dreams! And hey, let me know if you've got any passport tips or similar experiences. Sharing is caring, right?

The Best Way You Can Begin Acting by Aaron Marcus  •  last post Jan 9th

The Best Way You Can Begin Acting

There are several things all actors need to do to
begin or take their career to the next level.

Use this link to watch and learn the best way to begin and have success
https://youtu.be/NIdM29m2VZw

If you have any suggestions for other ways for people to begin acting
or move their career forward, please share them here.

The Intimidating Talent Agency by Matthew Gross  •  last post Jan 8th

I'm doing a lot of research into commercial talent agents. The next one on my list is Firestarter Entertainment. Folks, I took one look at the Woodland Hills tower where this agency is housed and immediately felt intimidated. I looked over the website, and my feelings of trepidation lessened. Then I searched for the agent, Nicole Pryor Dernersesian, on YouTube, and my insecurities melted away. Social media is the job seeking actor's very best friend. Nicole is the type of agent I'd be thrilled to associated with. What did we ever survive as artists before YouTube?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVMaqn8oInY

Acting notes by Director Richard Bazley. by Richard Mark Bazley  •  last post Jan 8th

A clip from my interview with Adam Loretz 'What makes a multi award winning short film?'. Here I talk about how my training in animation has proved useful and has even influenced my Directing in Live Action.