Hometown To Hollywood w/ Bonnie J Wallace

This week’s guest is Kenda Benward. Kenda is a private acting coach, and does headshot photography, as well as taping for auditions, college submissions, and theatrical reels. Kenda is also the mother of actor Luke Benward, whose impressive career began at the age of five, and has averaged one movie a year since, much of that while the family still lived outside Nashville, Tennessee. We discuss how to approach a successful acting career from outside of Los Angeles, how to stand out in an audition, how to help your young actor make the transition to independence and adulthood, and much more. A few favorite quotes: “Don’t let acting completely define who you are.” And “If you decide that acting is your path, then OWN that!” Kenda and I laugh a lot, and her deep wisdom always leaves me feeling grounded and optimistic.

Check out Kenda's upcoming Nashville acting workshop here: http://www.weekendworkshopseries.com

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This week's podcast episode is with television writers and producers John Beck and Ron Hart. The team is best known for their work on "The Hughleys," "According to Jim," "Shake It Up!," and "Pair of Kings." The writing partners also serve as Creators, Executive Producers and Showrunners of the award-nominated Disney Channel series, "Liv and Maddie."

We dive deep into what really goes on behind the scenes of creating a new TV show, and how involved producers can be in the casting process. Beck and Hart share some wisdom for actors of any age, as well as writers who want to break into writing for television. And we laugh a lot too-- these guys are comedy writers, after all. Join us!

Enjoy this podcast? Share it with a friend! And take a moment to rate it on iTunes! Thanks so much.

My guest on this week's podcast is Anthony Meindl. Anthony is a master acting coach, and founder of Anthony Meindl’s Actor Workshop, which has locations in Los Angeles, New York, Vancouver, London, and Sydney. His philosophy is radically different from the status quo—he does not use scene objective, sense memory, or any of the standard 20th Century approaches that most acting schools take as their foundation—instead, he emphasizes “living truthfully in imaginary circumstances.” We talk about a HUGE range of subjects, including his philosophy on acting powerfully, living authentically, and how to stay grounded in this industry. Join us!

 

Links to references in this podcast:

 

Books by Anthony Meindl

(NOTE—Obviously these are books for ADULTS, NOT KIDS!)

At Left Brain Turn Right

BOOK THE F#©KING JOB!

 

Books by Bonnie J. Wallace:

The Hollywood Parents Guide

 

Video:

Ellen Langer: Mindfulness Over Matter

 

Website and Social Media links for Anthony Meindl:

Website: http://www.anthonymeindl.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnthonyMeindl

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonymeindl/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnthonyMeindlsActorWorkshop/

 

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This week's conversation is with Suzanne Goddard-Smythe, casting director for film, television, and stage. Suzanne is best known for casting The Game, Warehouse 13, and Girlfriends. She currently casts Liv and Maddie, KC Undercover, and School of Rock.

We talk extensively about single-camera vs. multi-camera auditions, and the different approaches they require for an actor, as well as the differences between casting a series regular role vs. a guest star, and many other subjects that are invaluable for actors to understand. Suzanne shares her brilliant advice with a warmth and generosity that makes it clear why she is such a gifted casting director. Looking for insight about the casting process, or just curious? Join us!

This episode’s guest on the Hometown to Hollywood Podcast is Booboo Stewart. Booboo is a triple threat best known for his roles in Twilight Saga: Eclipse, X-Men: Days of Future Past, and Disney Descendants.

Booboo talks very honestly about what it was like to grow up as a working actor, his approach to acting and auditions, and his take on what’s really important for success in the industry. His down-to-earth approach to his life and career are truly inspiring. One hot tip: he recommends that guys who want to act learn how to dance-!

Join us!

Like what you heard here? Subscribe to this free podcast, and help me out by giving a quick rating and review! A moment to click on a star rating really helps, and a minute to write a sentence-long review makes a real difference in the iTunes ranking for this podcast! Thank you so much for helping me.

Want to know more about getting a young actor up and running in Hollywood?

Buy my book, The Hollywood Parents Guide, on Amazon!

Need specific help getting your career (or your child’s career) up and running, or to the next level? For the price of an hour of acting coaching, you can get a one-on-one consultation with me over Skype, or in person in Los Angeles. Go to my Consulting page on my website, http://www.hollywoodparentsguide.com.

Thanks and see you next week!

This episode’s guest on Hometown to Hollywood is Betsy Sullenger. Betsy is a producer of both film and television. She’s best known for producing You Again, Who’s Your Daddy, Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse, and she is executive producer of Liv and Maddie.

This episode is like gold for actors of any age, as we talk extensively about the casting process for film and TV. We also discuss what it is that different kinds of producers do, advice for young actors who want to be on the Disney Channel, advice for parents who want to help their kids succeed in the business, and much more. Favorite quotes: "All of those scary people (in the casting room) are secreting rooting for you!" And "Make strong choices-- PLEASE!"

This is a perfect time to share Betsy's wisdom as Season 3 of Liv and Maddie aired it's final episode last week, and the 4th and final season finished taping this week. You can watch Season 4 on The Disney Channel starting September 2016.

Join us!

Like what you heard here? Subscribe to this free podcast, and help me out by giving a quick rating and review! A moment to click on a star rating really helps, and a minute to write a sentence-long review makes a real difference in the iTunes ranking for this podcast! Thank you so much for helping me.

Want to know more about getting a young actor up and running in Hollywood?

Buy my book, The Hollywood Parents Guide, on Amazon!

Need specific help getting your career (or your child’s career) up and running, or to the next level? For the price of an hour of acting coaching, you can get a one-on-one consultation with me over Skype, or in person in Los Angeles. Go to my Consulting page on my website, http://www.hollywoodparentsguide.com.

Thanks and see you next week!

This episode’s guest on Hometown to Hollywood is Sarah Jeffery. Sarah is an actress best known for her work on Shades of Blue, Wayward Pines, and Disney Descendants.

In our conversation we discuss what’s important for success, the challenges of getting a visa for actors who are not U.S. citizens (Jeffery is Canadian), how to stay positive when the going gets tough, and MUCH more.

Join us!

 

Follow Sarah on Twitter: @sarahmjeffery3

On Instagram: Instagram.com/sarahmjeffery/

And on Facebook: OfficialSarahJeffery

Like what you heard here? Subscribe to this free podcast, and help me out by giving a quick rating and review!

Want to know more about getting a young actor up and running in Hollywood?

Buy my book, The Hollywood Parents Guide, on Amazon!