Advocating for minorities and challenging stereotypes is important in every industry, including Hollywood. Don’t wait for someone else to make the changes you wish to see, take the action yourself! 

Hamzah Saman is a MENASA actor, CSA Casting Director, and owner of Arab American Casting. Hamzah was born in Lebanon and came to the U.S. when he was 15 years old. This has fueled his career in Hollywood as he is actively working to change the perception of Arab and Middle Eastern artists. Some of Hamzah’s acting roles include working on General Hospital in 2019, booking 4 roles in feature films in 2019, and starring as "Inmate 093" in the The Human Centipede III. As a Casting Director he worked on Argo in 2012 in addition to over 40 feature and short films, commercials, and television shows. 

In this episode, Hamzah shares the prominent events that have paved the way for his Hollywood career as an actor and a Casting Director. You will hear how his time working on the film, Argo, inspired his idea for Arab American Casting, what his experience has been in the industry as a Middle Eastern man, his opinion on type-casting, how actors can get connected with him for casting, and more. 

Tune in to Episode 61 of Hollywood Dream Maker to hear how Hamzah Saman made his Hollywood dreams come true!

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• When Hamzah knew he wanted to become an actor (2:25)
• How Hamzah came up with the idea for Arab American Casting (17:53)
• Hamzah’s thoughts on type-casting and Arab stereotypes (30:00)
• How actors can get connected to Hamzah for casting (41:11)
• Hamzah’s advice for actors (48:39)

Connect with Hamzah

• IMDb

Let’s Connect: 

• Manhattan Actor Studio 
• Website

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first official job landed for any actor is a monumental step in their career. However, some are the lucky ones with their first role being in a blockbuster hit. 

Joseph D'Onofrio is a wildly successful actor who has enjoyed both comedic and dramatic roles throughout his career.  In the beginning of his acting career, D'Onofrio landed film roles in "Good Fellas" (1990) as Young Tommy, The drama "Jungle Fever" (1991) by Spike Lee, and played Slick in Robert De Niro's "A Bronx Tale" (1993). He then made his way into comedies like "The Pallbearer" (1996), and "The Deli" (1997) with Mike Starr. Not only was D’Onofrio in movies then, but he also worked in television with recurring roles on ”30 Rock’ (2009-2010) "The Black Donnellys" (2006-2007) and "Are We There Yet?" (2010-2012).

In this episode, Joseph shares his Hollywood story, one that starts with his first role as Young Tommy in “Good Fellas”. He talks about how he landed that initial role, what it was like appearing in a breakout film, why it’s important to have a good reputation in Hollywood, what it was like working among Hollywood icons, how the industry has changed, and more. 

Tune in to Episode 60 of Hollywood Dream Maker to learn about Joseph’s successful Hollywood career! 

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• How Joseph’s dancing background led him into Hollywood (3:33)
• The story of how Joseph landed his role in “Good Fellas” (12:44)
• That it’s important to have a good reputation in Hollywood (29:20)
• How Joseph got the role in “A Bronx Tale” (32:53)
• Joseph’s perspective on how the industry has changed (45:20)

Connect with Joseph

• IMDb
• Instagram

Let’s Connect: 

• Manhattan Actor Studio 
• Website

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who has been your favorite guest that has appeared on Hollywood Dream Maker? 

Today’s episode is a compilation of some of the best pieces of advice from the past 58 episodes of Hollywood Dream Maker. I’ve been blessed to have amazing guests who have made their mark in Hollywood and continue to inspire the next generation of actors and actresses.

In this episode, you will hear pieces of advice from past guests that will be valuable for actors today and the stars of the future!

Let’s Connect: 

• Manhattan Actor Studio 
• Website

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you know that you have the power to change your story? And if you change your story, you change your life.

Today’s solo episode is all about using your imagination to visualize what you want to achieve in life. It is said that if you can imagine it, forget about it. For those who want to achieve a dream, you should take time to experience, enjoy and live that dream in your mind. Familiarize yourself with it so well that you can describe it in great detail. As you do all that, remember to take action. Make bold steps and believe in yourself! 

In this episode, I talk about the power of using your imagination to attract what you want in life!

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• Why imagination is a powerful tool (01:11)
• The experience that made me want to become an actor (04:07)
• Why you need to pay more attention to the inner voice (10:40)
• The importance of having a morning routine of gratitude (12:59)

Let’s Connect: 

• Manhattan Actor Studio 
• Website

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“They pay me to wait, I act for free” 

Terri Ivens is a thirty-five year SAG seasoned professional, Best Supporting Actress

Emmy® nominee, Series Regular on 25 x Emmy® Award winning, Outstanding Digital Drama Series, The Bay, on Amazon Prime. During her seven-year portrayal of Simone on ABC’s All My Children, Terri became a fan favorite. Her film credits include Roger Corman’s Syfy cult-classic Pirahnaconda, Prime Video’s newly released Coven, and psychological thriller, The Last Exorcist with Danny Trejo. From sit-com comedy to dramatic crying on cue, Terri’s had a fantastic career in Hollywood thanks to her wide range of acting ability.  

In this episode, Terri talks about what she has learned throughout her 35 years+ as an actress in Hollywood and what she recommends for the next generation of actors coming up. She talks about when she became interested in acting, the best pieces of advice she has been told, why acting is a learned skill, the different ways the industry has changed, her advice to young actors, and so much more. 

Tune in to Episode 57 of Hollywood Dream Maker to learn from the incredible actress Terri Ivens!

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• When Terri knew she wanted to become an actress (8:34)
• About Terri’s very first job in Hollywood (15:41)
• One of the best pieces of advice Terri’s acting coach told her (19:44)
• How Terri handles the nerves that come with acting (23:26)
• Terri’s perspective on how the industry has changed (56:16)
• The advice Terri would give her younger self (1:08:37)

Connect with Terri Ivens

• IMDb
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Instagram

Let’s Connect: 

• Manhattan Actor Studio 
• Website

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One thing that many of us who get bit by the acting bug have is a natural love for performing, but each of our journeys into the industry is one of a kind. 

Will Roberts is an award-winning actor, film and television weapons expert, cowboy, author, reporter, dancer, and holder of two Guinness World Records. Some of his film credits include The Redeemer, A Soldier's Revenge, iBot, The West and the Ruthless, just to name a few. Wil’s television credits include Netflix hit Lucifer, True Terror-Robert Englund, Wave Rider, Mann & Wife, and Last Man Standing, and more. This spring, he will star in the second season of the Emmy award-winning drama series Studio City, streaming on Amazon Prime. Outside of acting, Will is also a professional clown and holds the Guinness World Record for "Gun Spinning" and "Most People Inside a Spinning Lasso."

In this episode, Will shares his unique journey to Hollywood, from loving performing as a young kid to working as a professional clown. He gives his advice for actors on how to market themselves using social media, why it’s important to love the hustle that comes with the job, and exciting projects he is working on currently. 

Tune in to Episode 56 of Hollywood Dream Maker to learn how Will made his Hollywood dream come true! 

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• When Will knew he wanted to be a performer (3:18)
• About Will’s time in the circus and the world records (13:46)
• How Will has used social media to leverage his brand as an actor (33:50)
• Why it’s important to enjoying the hustle in your work (52:24)
• What’s up next for Will (1:09:35)

Connect with Will Roberts

• IMDb
• Website
• Instagram

Let’s Connect: 

• Manhattan Actor Studio 
• Website

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you struggle to get what you need from the relationships in your life? Taking the time and effort to work on your relationship with yourself is so important in order to make the most of your relationships with other people. 

Michele Paradise is a former model turned Relationship Healer. She is certified in Neuro Linguistic Programming, helping her clients to work through their developmental trauma and heal their inner child. Michele is also a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Personal Development Coach with Deepak Chopra, speaker, and soon to be author. Through her work, Michele guides her clients on their journey of insight and self-awareness so that they become equipped with all the tools that they need in order to get what they want from themselves and others.

In this episode, Michele and I have an incredible conversation about how we can heal the relationship with ourselves in order to show up in all areas of life as a version of ourselves we are proud of. Michele explains the science behind developmental trauma, what the four different attachment styles are, how we can begin healing our inner child, and her advice for actors to overcome anxiety. 

Tune in to Episode 55 of Hollywood Dream Maker to learn how to confront your trauma, overcome anxiety, and heal the relationship with yourself! 

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• About Michele’s background and description of developmental trauma (4:53)
• The four attachment styles in relationships (24:16)
• Michele’s advice for healing our inner child (29:33)
• What the three pillars of healing intervention are (37:55)
• About Michele’s new courses, The Paradise Process & Finding Paradise (52:37)
• Michele’s advice for actors on handling nerves and anxiety (1:01:12)

Connect with Michele Paradise

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website

Let’s Connect: 

• Manhattan Actor Studio 
• Website

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you been scammed in Hollywood? 

Unfortunately, there are many scams within the acting and entertainment industry in Hollywood. Many people prey on the hopeful young actors and talent that are desperate for their big break. Whether it is acting workshops, modeling opportunities, talent management, or anything else - if it sounds too good to be true then it definitely is. 

In this solo episode, I am talking about how to avoid getting scammed in Hollywood. I talk about the importance of doing your research, the red flags to look for, common scams that I have heard about, and how to find reputable people to work with. I am so passionate about helping young actors, which is why I created the Manhattan Actor Studio, and I hope this episode helps you avoid the common Hollywood scams. 

Tune in to Episode 54 of Hollywood Dream Maker to learn how to avoid getting scammed in Hollywood!

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• Why you have to do your homework for casting workshops (2:35)
• Red flags to look for (7:50)
• To remember that you are hiring them, not the other way around (9:49)

Let’s Connect: 

• Manhattan Actor Studio 
• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you have an agent or a manager? If you’re looking for representation, it’s incredibly important to find someone that aligns with your goals  so they can help you get to where you want to go within Hollywood. 

Brian Patacca, also known as “The Representation Whisperer” helps actors get what they want without suffering. He  helped 542 actors find representation (and counting!), get connected to agents or managers that have their best interest and will ultimately lead them to fulfilling their potential. His coaching clients include Tony Award-winners, Broadway stars, network Series Regulars, filmmakers, writers, and stand-up comedians. Brian has led workshops at SAG-AFTRA, universities across the globe including Northwestern, Pepperdine, PACE, Columbia College Chicago, Rose Bruford, and countless acting studios in the US and abroad. 

In this episode, Brian and I have a fantastic conversation about his career in Hollywood helping actors find representation. Brian has a unique perspective as the middle man between actors and agents or managers, understanding what both parties are looking for in each other. Brian talks about how his experience as a reverend impacts his work with actors, his advice for actors looking for representation, mindset tips for overcoming negative thoughts, and so much more. 

Tune in to Episode 53 of Hollywood Dream Maker to learn how Brian helps actors find the right representation so they can land more roles and elevate their career! 

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• About Brian’s work helping actors find representation (2:31)
• How Brian’s role as a reverend impacts his work with actors  (11:10)
• Brian’s advice for actors looking for representation (27:03)
• Mindset tips for overcoming negative thoughts (46:55)
• Brian’s advice for aspiring actors (58:13)

Connect with Brian

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website
• Entertainment Website - FREE WEBINAR
• Brian Breaks Character Podcast Website

Let’s Connect: 

• Manhattan Actor Studio 
• Website

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While specializing in certain genres in Hollywood can be valuable, saying yes to new opportunities and different types of roles can open incredible doors for your future as an actor. 

Oscar Torre is one of the most successful Cuban-American actors of a generation. Oscar currently stars as Vinny Malone on Tyler Perry's hit series, "THE HAVES AND THE HAVE NOTS." and is best known for his critically acclaimed performances in the dramas "THE BOATMAN",  Lionsgate's "LADRON QUE ROBA A LADRON"; the boxing drama "COUNTERPUNCH" and the political drama, "LIBERTAD.” Oscar is widely recognized for his scene-stealing performance as Officer Vasquez opposite Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms in the hit comedy franchise, "THE HANGOVER 3." 

In this episode, Oscar and I have a great conversation about his journey to a thriving and successful career in Hollywood. Oscar talks about when he first got bit by the acting bug, how being Cuban-American has impacted his career and the roles he gets, what it was like acting in Hangover 3, his advice for other actors, and more. Be sure to check out Oscar’s next role in the upcoming Starz, TV series “GASLIT” that stars Julia Roberts and Sean Penn and in Paramount's Star Trek Picard and is one of the leads in the Amazon Original Film that will soon be released, “7TH & UNION”. 

Tune in to Episode 52 of Hollywood Dream Maker to learn how Oscar Torre’s made his Hollywood dream come true!  

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• How Oscar became interested in pursuing acting (2:19)
• Oscar’s first job after moving to Hollywood (14:24)
• How being Cuban-American has influenced Oscar’s career (18:03)
• Oscar’s experience acting in the Hangover 3 (45:06)
• Oscar’s advice for his younger self (1:07:15)

Connect with Oscar 

• IMDb

Let’s Connect: 

• Manhattan Actor Studio 
• Website

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.