Actorcast

Brian and I originally chatted on my other podcast, Relate with Patrick McAndrew, and after that conversation I knew I wanted to have him on Actorcast. Brian is an expert on the entertainment industry and particularly on the business side of acting. In this episode, we discuss why actors must develop a business vocabulary for their business, how to develop relationships with agents and managers, and how actors can find success through connecting with various players in the industry.

Brian is the author of Acting As a Business: Strategies for Success, Fifth Edition, published by Random House, currently in its 40th printing. Acting As a Business is now considered such a vital resource that it recently won a spot on Entertainment Weekly Magazine's exclusive list of Top Ten "Show-Biz Industry Bibles." Brian is also the author of the book Actors Take Action: A Career Guide for the Competitive Actor. Brian created the advice column "Actor's Cues and A's" for Back Stage, and his books are required or recommended reading in many conservatory training programs, including Yale and Juilliard. Brian is the country's foremost lecturer on self-marketing techniques for actors. He lives in New York City and works with actors at all stages of their careers. Since 2010 alone, actors who have worked with Brian have become the stars of major motion pictures (Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Inside Llewyn Davis, Robin Hood, Drive, and the Columbia Pictures release Great Hope Springs with Meryl Streep); been the recipients of Emmys and a Golden Globe (The Big Bang Theory); have become the stars of such television series as: Netflix's Sense8, Orange Is The New Black, HBO's True Blood, Charlie Sheen's Anger Management, Stargate Universe, and Outsourced. Also in the recent past, Brian's clients have landed leading and supporting roles in such Broadway productions as Frozen, the eight-time Tony Award winning Once, the five-time Tony winner Peter and the Starcatcher, Ching-lish, Al Pacino's The Merchant of Venice, Robin Williams's Bengal Tiger, American Idiot, Enron and Next Fall. Actors who have worked with Brian have later signed with agencies including: Creative Artists Agency (CAA), William Morris/Endeavor, ICM, Paradigm, Gersh, Innovative Artists, Abrams Artists, Don Buchwald & Associates and many others.

To learn more about Brian, head to http://www.actingasabusiness.com

Follow my work at https://patrick-mcandrew.com and @patrick.mcandrew

Jumpin Boogie Woogie by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Artist: http://audionautix.com/

I first got acquainted with Adam Weissman through a mutual contact at The Actors Fund and after connecting I definitely wanted to have him on the show. Legalities, rights, and regulations aren't often at the top of actors' minds when performing in projects, but it's important for us to have a foundational knowledge in these concepts. In this episode, Adam and I discuss common legalities actors should know about, what we should and shouldn't post on social media, and common pitfalls actors fall into regarding legal issues.

Adam is a NY-based lawyer that represents artists, creators, and production companies in the media and entertainment world. Adam's practice combines his love of the arts and performance, fascination with the changing landscape at the intersection of law and digital media, and insight gained from his past as an associate at a litigation firm, fighting for his clients in court and resolving complex disputes. Outside of law, Adam is a musician and performer with a passion for the Blues, R&B, and Rock, and dabbles in documentary film-making.

You can learn more about Adam and his law practice at https://www.adamweissmanlaw.com

Follow my work at https://patrick-mcandrew.com and @patrick.mcandrew

Jumpin Boogie Woogie by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Relying on auditions to get work can be tiresome and soul-crushing. Instead, why not create your own work by writing a play, filming a web series, or starting a podcast? It is so important for actors to create their own work and in this episode we talk about why. While putting together your work won't necessarily win you awards or accolades, it can provide you with something much more valuable: insight into yourself as an actor and professional.

Follow my work at https://patrick-mcandrew.com and @patrick.mcandrew

Jumpin Boogie Woogie by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Artist: http://audionautix.com/

In another solo episode of Actorcast, we discuss five different ways that you could build relationships with casting directors. Casting directors are not the scary gatekeepers that some actors make them out to be. On the contrary, they are often friendly, dedicated people who enjoy working and collaborating with actors. There are a variety of ways to make connections with these vital players in the entertainment industry. It's important to keep in mind, however, that building meaningful relationships takes time and patience.

Follow my work at https://patrick-mcandrew.com and @patrick.mcandrew

Jumpin Boogie Woogie by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Anna Robb joins us for this episode of Actorcast from an international background in the performing arts. I was so inspired by Anna's story of working as a production stage manager, not only for a variety of types of venues, but in countries all around the world. We discuss her work in the theatre, her international perspective in the arts, and why building TheatreArtLife was so essential for theatre practitioners today.

Anna is an experienced Producer/Production Stage Manager. Her 20-year work history spans Asia Pacific, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East and Europe. She has worked for companies such as Cirque du Soleil, Franco Dragone Entertainment Group, Christie Digital Systems and The Sydney Opera House. Anna was an integral part of the research and development, training and formation, creation and operation of the 250 million dollar aquatic show, The House of Dancing Water in Macau. She also maintained the daily operations of this complex show as the head of Stage Management for 7 years. Anna has been employed in the areas of concerts, arena events, corporate events, trade shows, musical theatre, plays, dance, circus, outdoor festivals and mega shows. Anna holds a honours degree in Design for Theatre and Television and is also the Co-Founder and Managing Director for TheatreArtLife, an online platform for entertainment industry professionals.

Learn more about TheatreArtLife at https://www.theatreartlife.com/ and @theatreartlife.

Follow my work at https://patrick-mcandrew.com and @patrick.mcandrew

Jumpin Boogie Woogie by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Artist: http://audionautix.com/

After I stumbled upon Sean De Simone's work as a casting director for TV hosts, lifestyle shows, and reality TV, I knew I wanted to have him on the show. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of TV hosting as Sean shares his perspective on how this world differs from the world of acting. We discuss the differences and similarities between hosting and acting, what makes a great host, and why personality and passion matter so much.

After graduating with a degree in Communications from the Pennsylvania State University, Sean took the leap and relocated from his hometown of Philadelphia to New York City where he began his career in the entertainment industry gigging around town as well producing, directing and distributing short films and documentaries. In 2002, Sean moved into casting as an assistant during the initial boom of reality television and soon quickly earned his stripes working on numerous non-scripted, formatted and lifestyle shows for many of the major cable networks. In 2007, Sean launched Sean De Simone Casting working on sizzles, series and pilots for networks including A&E, Animal Planet, BET, Bravo, Discovery, DIY, E!, Food Network, Fuse, HGTV, History, Lifetime, MTV, Nat Geo, OWN, Oxygen, Spike, Tru TV, TLC, USA, and WE as well as various production companies in the US, Canada, and the UK. Sean is an expert in TV Host and Brand Spokesperson casting, having worked extensively with QVC and the Home Shopping Network as well as numerous beauty, fashion, home, cook, and fitness brands.

Learn more about Sean and his work by visiting https://seandesimonecasting.com/ You can check out his Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/27758285862.

Follow my work at https://patrick-mcandrew.com and @patrick.mcandrew

Jumpin Boogie Woogie by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Penny Templeton is a master in the craft of acting. Ryan Kessler connected us both and I was so inspired by her insight into the acting world while we had our conversation. We discussed her career as an acting coach, what the "craft of acting" means to her, and why self tapes or so crucial today. We also talk about why actors must be prepared when encountering their work and why they must make informed decisions when taking on a character.

Penny Templeton’s over 30 years of artistry is the culmination of four generations of theatre actresses. Although Penny was warned by her family not to go on the Stage, she embraced her legacy and began performing and studying under such masters as Paul Sorvino and Wynn Handman. Highlights of her career include starring in Joyce Carol Oates’ I Stand Before You Naked at the American Place Theatre, and as Paul Sorvino’s wife in All The King’s Men. She started teaching in the early 1990’s, and opened the Penny Templeton Studio in Manhattan in 1994. Ms. Templeton was selected by Columbia University’s School of the Arts to teach ‘Acting for the Camera’ to third year MFA students. Her book on the craft, business and art of acting, ACTING LIONS has been referred to as “The Actor’s Bible” and has received rave reviews in the industry. Her unique teaching methods and techniques have garnered awareness and recognition from the press as well as industry peers. Most recently the Wall Street Journal highlighted her On-Camera Teaching techniques in its article on the importance of Green Screen in today’s films. She has appeared on ABC News, as well as broadcast media outlets in the US, Great Britain, Canada & Australia as an expert commentator on the craft of Acting. Her articles on acting have been published in national magazines, and she was called upon to be a finalist Judge for the New York Film Festival, Emmys and Cable Ace Awards.Her directorial credits include the Off Broadway show, The Rise of Dorothy Hale, as well as the one man shows: F Train, Idiot’s Guide to Life and I Stand Before You Naked. She is featured in Ronald Rand’s acclaimed Acting Teachers of America, and Glenn Alterman’s book, Promoting Your Acting Career. Ms. Templeton works and Skypes regularly with actors in Theatre, Film and Television in New York City, Los Angeles, throughout the United States, and all over the world. She has recently produced her Facebook Live Stream series on the craft of acting, airing Wednesdays at 5pm EST on the Penny Templeton Studio Facebook page. Penny teaches her Master Class, Advanced on Camera and coaches actor on set, for theater, auditions. and coaches and records self-tape auditions.

Learn more about Penny, her book Acting Lions, and her work at https://pennytempletonstudio.com. You can check out the studio's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PennyTempletonStudio.

Follow my work at https://patrick-mcandrew.com and @patrick.mcandrew

Jumpin Boogie Woogie by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Hank and I had the opportunity to connect through our mutual friend, Ryan Kessler, who was a previous guest of Actorcast. I was inspired by Hank's devotion to the craft of acting and enjoyed having him share his insights with you all. We talk about why actors need to build a stronger work ethic, why script analysis is such an important class to take, and one of the biggest hurdles that actors need to overcome.

As well as being Co-Owner, Hank Schob teaches Camera Technique, Green Screen and Private Coaching for Actors at Penny Templeton Studio. A graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Hank immediately began working on stage. His 50 years of theatre experience Off Broadway include the hit show Your Own Thing, Regional Theatre, and National Tours with stars such as Richard Gere in Awake and Sing, Jose Ferrer in Cyrano, and John Raitt in Shenandoah. He was nominated for a Carbonal Award in the Leading Actor category for his portrayal of Billy Flynn in Chicago. Mr. Schob has also been featured in the films Cadillac Man, Heading for Broadway and Fame. His TV credits include roles on All My Children, Ryan’s Hope, Kojak, and Law & Order. He has also appeared on Good Morning America as an expert commentator on Acting and has been casting director for the feature film The Paragon Cortex as well as for Off-Broadway and Summer Stock. He contributed chapters on Camera Technique to the book Acting Lions.

Please visit https://pennytempletonstudio.com to learn more.

Follow my work at https://patrick-mcandrew.com and @patrick.mcandrew

Jumpin Boogie Woogie by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Artist: http://audionautix.com/

In this solo episode of Actorcast, we talk about why it's so important to apply your acting skills to the real world in your interactions with people. We do such a great job of understanding the psychology and behavior of our characters and we never want to judge them, so why can't we apply this same practice in the our real-life relationships? It's important to exercise our capacity for empathy not only on stage and on the screen, but in society as well.

Follow my work at https://patrick-mcandrew.com and @patrick.mcandrew

Jumpin Boogie Woogie by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Alexandria and I had the opportunity to connect on my other podcast, and since then I've learned how amazing she is at sharing valuable content for entertainment professionals! I had to invite her for a Q&A session on Actorcast. In this episode, we talk about the incredible work that The Actors Fund is doing, whether or not actors should work full time jobs, best courses of action for actors seeking employment, and why we must remove the starving artist mindset from our brains.

Alexandria Bellivan is a career development professional with nearly 10 years of experience working within the workforce development realm. Currently, Alexandria works as an Employment Specialist and Program Manager for The Career Center at The Actors Fund assisting performing arts and entertainment professionals to secure multiple streams of meaningful income while they pursue their creative endeavors.

Please visit The Actors Fund at https://actorsfund.org/ and contact Alexandria on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandriabellivan/.

Follow my work at https://patrick-mcandrew.com and @patrick.mcandrew

Jumpin Boogie Woogie by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Artist: http://audionautix.com/