We’re dedicating this week’s episode to the 2021 awards and festival season—perhaps the strangest one in Hollywood history! Jack is joined once again by Backstage’s executive director of media Kasey Howe to discuss how COVID-19 has shifted film and guilds awards’ schedules, what the 2020 Emmys can teach us about advertising trends and remote campaigning, and whether virtual film festivals will affect what we consider an Oscar contender this year.

Casting insider Christine McKenna-Tirella then provides thoughts on networking amid a pandemic, tips for optimizing social media communication, and her favorite current casting opportunities for Backstage users. Check out casting director Melanie Forchetti’s YouTube Live on marketing yourself during these uncertain times here: https://bit.ly/3mPjOFd

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Backstage has been the #1 resource for actors and talent-seekers for 60 years. In the Envelope, Backstage’s podcast, features intimate, in-depth conversations with today’s most noteworthy film, television, and theater actors and creators. This is your guide to every aspect of acting, from voiceover and commercial work to casting directors, agents, and more. Full of both know-how and inspiration, In the Envelope airs weekly to cover everything from practical advice on navigating the industry, to how your favorite projects are made, to personal stories of success and failure alike. Join host Jack Smart, Awards Editor at Backstage, for this guide on how to live the creative life from those who are doing it every day: https://bit.ly/2OMryWQ

Subscribe and listen to In the Envelope:

- SoundCloud: https://bit.ly/2jUpnnw

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- iTunes: https://apple.co/2rs0llz

- Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2QNmu6C

- Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2DJv6bD

Follow Backstage and In the Envelope on social media:

- https://www.facebook.com/backstage

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Looking to get cast? Browse Backstage casting listings: https://bit.ly/3mth68e

Check out Backstage’s community-driven virtual programming, The Slate: https://bit.ly/2WDNXf0

Backstage stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. Visit our list of resources: https://bit.ly/3cuMBt5

Special thanks to...

- Host: Jack Smart

- Producer: Jamie Muffett

- Social media: Katie Minard, Alysa Cirelli

- Design: Mark Stinson, Caitlin Watkins

- Additional support: Kasey Howe, Samantha Sherlock, Benjamin Lindsay, Oriella St. Louis