In this episode of Get Scene Unscripted, host Jesse Malinowski sits down with Michael Sokol — actor, writer, producer, and filmmaker — to talk honestly about what it really means to build a sustainable career in today’s film and TV industry.Michael shares his journey from acting into writing and producing, why becoming a hyphenate matters more than ever, and how creating your own work can deepen your acting craft instead of distracting from it. They break down the realities of auditions, rejection, casting rooms, self-tapes, and why treating acting like a business is no longer optional.This conversation dives into:Why actors should learn writing, producing, and editingHow creating content improves your acting skillsWhat casting rooms actually care aboutWhy not every project needs to be a “magnum opus”How indie filmmakers should think about audience, purpose, and distributionWhy rejection isn’t personal — and how to reframe itIf you’re an actor feeling stuck, burned out, or unsure where your next opportunity is coming from, this episode offers grounded, practical perspective from someone who’s lived on both sides of the industry.🎧 Subscribe for weekly conversations with casting directors, agents, filmmakers, and working actors.📩 Join our newsletter for actor resources, podcast drops, and upcoming workshops:https://getscenestudios.us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=7660af20fdb3c04d6b6516591&id=eecb804958

If you’ve ever thought, “It probably won’t matter anyway” — this episode is for you.In this episode of That Actor Couple, Jesse and Candace Malinowski break down a real, recent audition experience and the mindset shift that every actor needs: give yourself the shot to win.This conversation also covers:Deciding before you audition if a job is worth itWorking local and understanding worst-case scenariosWhy productions don’t “owe” actors anythingHow following directions protects casting directorsLive auditions vs self-tapes and controlling what you canWhy stacking income and stability matters for actorsIf you want fewer regrets, fewer “what ifs,” and more confidence in your submissions — this is a must-watch.👇 Comment below:What’s the hardest audition direction you’ve ever had to figure out?📩 Join our newsletter for actors (podcasts, workshops, and industry insight):https://getscenestudios.us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=7660af20fdb3c04d6b6516591&id=eecb804958🎟 Get your tickets for the Southeast Actors Summit! https://www.getscenestudios.com/southeast-actor-summit

In this episode of Get Scene Unscripted, Jesse Malinowski breaks down the big industry news everyone is talking about: Disney’s partnership with OpenAI and the release of Sora — and what it actually means for actors.Instead of feeding fear, Jesse offers a grounded, long-term perspective rooted in history, creativity, and mindset.In this conversation, Jesse covers:What Disney’s partnership with OpenAI really involvesWhy AI-generated characters are not the same thing as replacing actorsHow fear and anger shut down creativity — and opportunityWhy actors are not at the “top of the food chain,” and why that mattersThe parallels between AI and past industry shifts like television and CGIA powerful story about someone using AI to finally become an artistWhy curiosity is the only mindset that creates momentumHow assumptions — not facts — derail acting careersWhy most actors don’t fail because of technology, but because they stop enjoying the journeyJesse challenges actors to stop clenching their fists and start asking better questions:What’s possible now? How can I adapt? How can this serve my creativity instead of killing it?This episode is about choice — fear or curiosity — and why one leads to stagnation while the other leads to opportunity.👉 Comment below: Are you approaching AI with fear or curiosity right now?👉 Subscribe for weekly conversations designed to help actors build careers that actually last.

Today Jesse sits down with David Martin, the mind behind the original Get Scene studio design and the technical wizard behind so many of your favorite projects. From producing for major YouTubers and Cam Newton to editing over 500 million views’ worth of content, David brings a creator-first mindset that every actor needs to hear. 

This episode covers:
🎥 Why actors MUST learn the technical side
— lighting, framing, lenses, exposure, editing, and self-tape quality
— and how understanding these tools makes you a better actor

💡 The mindset shift that changed David’s career
—from chasing money to focusing on how his work makes people feel
—leading to new clients, bigger opportunities, and creative fulfillment

❤️ Creating with your spouse
— how he and his wife Aaron turned auditions into connection, play, and teamwork
— and why trusting your reader is essential

📱 Why YOU should start creating content now
David says it best:

“Be the creator, not the consumer.” 

If you’ve been stuck waiting for opportunities to come to you, this conversation will shake you awake.

👇 Comment below:
What’s ONE piece of content you will create this week?

🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes with the top actors, agents, casting directors, and creatives shaping the Southeast entertainment industry.

👉 Join the newsletter:
https://getscenestudios.us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=7660af20fdb3c04d6b6516591&id=eecb804958

Agent Cheri Van Loon from Marilyn’s Agency joins Jesse to share real, practical insights about auditions, communication, materials, and what it truly means to take ownership of your acting career.

Cheri brings passion, clarity, and zero fluff — she loves this industry and cares deeply about the actors she works with. In this episode, she breaks down exactly what she sees every day inside the audition and submission process.

They cover:
🌟 What Cheri loves most about being an agent
📬 The communication habits agents wish actors had
📸 Why your headshots matter more than you think (even if you still “look like them”)
🎯 The mindset shift: “Treat every audition like it’s your last”
💼 Why actors must take ownership of their business
🧒 How kid actors differ from adult actors — and where the training begins
🎭 Why community theaters, classes, and creative outlets keep you sharp
📈 Why continual training and refreshed materials are essential

Cheri’s advice is real, encouraging, and a must-hear for any actor who wants to grow.

👉 Subscribe for weekly conversations with top casting directors, agents, and working actors.
👉 Comment below: What’s ONE thing you’re improving in your audition process after this episode?

Join the newsletter for monthly actor insights:
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Actor, coach, and filmmaker Dwayne Boyd joins Jesse Malinowski for one of the most authentic and inspiringconversations on Get Scene Unscripted.

From founding Premiere Actors Network over 20 years ago to working with Al Pacino, Nicolas Cage, and Netflix’s Raising Dion, Dwayne has lived every chapter of the actor’s journey — the grind, the pivot, and the freedom that comes from saying yes to growth.

🎭 In this episode, they talk about:

• Building a career that lasts decades, not seasons

• Why financial freedom fuels creativity

• The secret to balancing multiple passions (acting, coaching, real estate, more)

• How to turn imposter syndrome into momentum

• The power of saying yes — and when to finally say no

• Using AI and new tech to expand storytelling, not replace it

This isn’t just another actor interview — it’s a blueprint for sustainable success in Hollywood and beyond.

💬 Comment below: What’s your “side hustle” or creative project that gives you freedom?

🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring the top casting directors, working actors, and agents shaping the Southeast film industry.

Actor and entrepreneur Rosemary Gilbert joins Jesse Malinowski to share how starting a pool company with her husband completely changed her life — both financially and creatively.This episode is all about the real side of pursuing your dreams while keeping stability and purpose. Rosemary breaks down how she went from waiting tables to running a thriving business that actually gives her more energy and freedom to act.They dive into:💼 How actors can create businesses that serve their careers💡 The surprising lessons she learned from customer service🎭 Why your side hustle should give you energy — not drain it❤️ How working with her husband made their marriage stronger🎬 The mindset shift from “I can’t” to “I’m going to figure it out”Rosemary proves that success doesn’t mean giving up your art — it means building a life that supports it.👉 Hit Subscribe for weekly conversations with top actors, agents, and casting directors.👉 Comment below: What side hustle or business idea could support your acting dream?Find all our offerings at: www.GetSceneStudios.com#GetSceneUnscripted #RosemaryGilbert #ActorTips #ActingPodcast #ActorEntrepreneur #SideHustleForActors #ActorMindset #FinancialFreedomForActors

He’s got over 130 film and TV credits, but actor Tony DeMil says the biggest lesson he’s learned isn’t about booking — it’s about being happy now.

In this episode of Get Scene Unscripted, Jesse and Tony go deep on the mindset shift every actor eventually has to face: that more roles, money, or fame don’t guarantee peace.

They talk about:
🎭 How Tony went from Orlando’s indie scene to working on Burn Notice and Bloodline
🧠 Why chasing “the next booking” won’t fix your unhappiness
💬 The mindset that keeps you grounded between jobs
💡 How to enjoy acting again — even when auditions are slow
💰 Real talk about financial stability and side jobs
🥋 What jiu-jitsu taught Tony about patience, ego, and growth
❤️ Why self-awareness and gratitude are essential for longevity

This episode is raw, vulnerable, and packed with hard truths about what it really means to succeed as an actor.

👉 Hit Subscribe for weekly interviews with top agents, casting directors, and working actors.
👉 Comment below: What does happiness look like for you right now?

Join our Improve Your Audition Bootcamp starting NOV 17th! 5 workshops, one week to CHANGE EVERYTHING! Use promo code FREEBOOTCAMP and get the Bootcamp FREE with the purchase of any of our other workshops! Find all our offerings here: www.GetSceneStudios.com

You might recognize Lauren Buglioli from the hit soap Beyond the Gates, where she’s appeared in over 70 episodes — but her real story is about growth, self-worth, and learning to let go of perfection.In this Get Scene Unscripted episode, Jesse sits down with Lauren to talk about:

🎭 How playing a “flawed, powerful woman” changed her real life

💬 Why actors must separate themselves from their characters

⚡ How to stop chasing perfection and start living your purpose

🧘‍♀️ Why your worth isn’t defined by jobs, followers, or praise

❤️ The importance of gratitude, mindset, and spiritual growthLauren gets raw and honest about what it’s like to be publicly misunderstood, how she’s learned to “love the discomfort,” and why your ego can be your biggest obstacle.

👉 Hit Subscribe for weekly conversations with top actors, agents, and casting directors.

👉 Comment below: What’s one thing you’re learning to let go of as an actor?

Join our Improv Your Audition Bootcamp starting NOV 17th! 5 workshops, one week to CHANGE EVERYTHING! Use promo code FREEBOOTCAMP and get the Bootcamp FREE with the purchase of any of our other workshops!

Find all our offerings here: www.GetSceneStudios.com

What do casting directors really look for in self-tapes, and how can actors actually book more of the new “vertical” films taking over the industry?In this Get Scene Unscripted episode, Jesse sits down with casting director Cheryl Louden-Kubin to talk about the explosion of vertical micro-dramas, auditioning for fast-paced productions, and how staying grounded personally is just as important as growing professionally.They cover:🎬 What casting directors wish actors knew about audition prep📱 How the “vertical” film world works (and why it’s a game-changer)⚡ The mistakes that make actors lose roles before callbacks💡 Why professionalism and energy on set get you rehired🧘‍♀️ How Cheryl stays centered through stress, hypnotherapy, and self-care💬 Why actors need to be well-rounded humans — not just artistsCheryl has cast over 30+ feature-length vertical films and helped hundreds of actors break into this fast-growing genre. Her advice is honest, practical, and deeply encouraging.👉 Hit Subscribe for more conversations with top agents, casting directors, and working actors.👉 Comment below: Have you auditioned for a vertical or micro-drama yet? What was your experience?Join our Improve Your Audition Bootcamp starting NOV 17th! 5 workshops, one week to CHANGE EVERYTHING! Use promo code FREEBOOTCAMP and get the Bootcamp FREE with the purchase of any of our other workshops! Find all our offerings here: www.GetSceneStudios.com