The Actor's Career Compass: Your Guide to Acting in Film, Finding Auditions & Agents, and Joining SAG AFTRA

Ever wondered what talent agents really look for when signing actors? Get insider tips from Valerie Adami, a seasoned New York talent agent!

Valerie Adami brings a wealth of experience from her journey in musical theater, commercials, voice-over, and soap operas, to her role as a talent agent. She knows what makes an actor stand out—and what doesn’t.

From her time as director of the Weist-Barron School for Film & TV to representing top talent, Valerie shares valuable insights for actors looking to make a lasting impression on agents:

• Discover what agents prioritize when considering new talent and what makes an actor irresistible to sign.
• Learn the major red flags agents watch for and what mistakes can make them skip over a prospective client.
• Get practical advice on the best ways to contact agents—and the big don'ts to avoid.

Listen to this episode to learn the do’s and don’ts of reaching out to talent agents and discover what it takes to stand out in New York’s competitive acting scene.

You can reach Valerie and her agency at https://sw-artists.com/

Contact Info and Resources

Martin's Email: [email protected]

Martin's Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com

Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.com

Shoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.com

Edit Footage Into a Reel: https://www.demoreelsnyc.com

This podcast dives deep into the world of acting in film, exploring the journey of movie acting with stories, building confidence among aspiring actors, navigating auditions and productions, and offering insights from acting agents, coaches, and the challenges of becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible to advance your acting career, skills, and landing roles.

Are you wondering if an agent or manager could help you land more auditions? The answer might surprise you!

Knowing whether an agent or manager is better for your career depends on your goals and where you are in your acting journey.

Many actors start with one, then add the other once they’re booking more frequently. But as casting trends shift as we head into 2025, the best option may not be what you’d expect.

• Learn why a developmental manager might be more beneficial early in your career than a high-level agent.
• Understand how today’s managers access casting networks, sometimes offering the same audition opportunities as agents.
• Get tips for knowing when the time is right to add an agent to your team.

Listen to this episode to discover if an agent or manager is the right fit for where you are now and learn how to make a smart choice for your acting career.

Contact Info and Resources

Martin's Email: [email protected]

Martin's Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com

Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.com

Shoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.com

Edit Footage Into a Reel: https://www.demoreelsnyc.com

This podcast dives deep into the world of acting in film, exploring the journey of movie acting with stories, building confidence among aspiring actors, navigating auditions and productions, and offering insights from acting agents, coaches, and the challenges of becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible to advance your acting career, skills, and landing roles.

Ever feel like balancing creativity with life’s demands is an impossible juggling act?

Rahti Gorfien, a coach specializing in helping creatives, knows firsthand how challenging it can be to stay organized, visible, and profitable, especially for those with ADHD or other neurodivergent traits.

In this episode, she shares insights drawn from her own experiences as an actor and coach to help artists like you succeed without sacrificing your unique creative spark.

• Discover practical steps to organize your life as a creative without stifling your creativity.
• Learn how to boost your visibility and start earning from your creative work.
• Gain insights on overcoming common emotional barriers to success, based on Rahti’s book, The Five Emotions That Stop Success.

Dive into this episode to learn how to turn your creative passion into a sustainable career, and then schedule a FREE session with Rahti for personalized guidance at www.creativecallingcoaching.com.

Martin's Contact Info and Resources

Martin's Email: [email protected]

Martin's Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com

Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.com

Shoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.com

Edit Footage Into a Reel: https://www.demoreelsnyc.com

This podcast dives deep into the world of acting in film, exploring the journey of movie acting with stories, building confidence among aspiring actors, navigating auditions and productions, and offering insights from acting agents, coaches, and the challenges of becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible to advance your acting career, skills, and landing roles.

Ever wondered if using a stage name could boost your acting career?

Whether you're running into name conflicts, need to stand out online, or just want a fresh start, a stage name might be a good choice.

Understanding the why and how behind stage names can help you make the best decision for your career:

• Discover the main reasons actors choose stage names, from union conflicts to rebranding needs.
• Learn the step-by-step process for selecting and securing a unique stage name that fits your brand.
• Understand the key legal considerations and practical steps to make your new name official across industry platforms.

Listen to this episode to find out if creating a stage name could help take your acting career to the next level!

Contact Info and Resources

Martin's Email: [email protected]

Martin's Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com

Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.com

Shoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.com

Edit Footage Into a Reel: https://www.demoreelsnyc.com

This podcast dives deep into the world of acting in film, exploring the journey of movie acting with stories, building confidence among aspiring actors, navigating auditions and productions, and offering insights from acting agents, coaches, and the challenges of becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible to advance your acting career, skills, and landing roles.

Ever feel like acting is one endless series of auditions, with rejections piling up? How do some actors push through and keep going, even when success feels out of reach?

In today's episode, Martin Bentsen interviews Andrew Roth about his challenging journey as an actor.

Many actors struggle with rejection, self-doubt, and the pressure of comparing themselves to others. Staying resilient in such a challenging field isn’t easy, but with the right mindset, actors can see signs of progress and move forward confidently.

Andrew Roth shares:

• Proven mindset shifts that help you overcome rejection and stay motivated.
• Subtle signs that indicate you’re making progress—even if you don’t see it yet.
• Practical advice for dealing with self-doubt and comparing yourself to others.

Tune in to uncover the secrets behind building resilience in acting and take your next steps with newfound confidence!

Check out Andrew's at the below links:

Roth's Child (www.rothschildamemoir.com)

www.aroth.us

www.imdb.com/name/nm1408714/

@beherenowalways(Instagram) 

Contact Info and Resources

Martin's Email: [email protected]

Martin's Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com

Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.com

Shoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.com

Edit Footage Into a Reel: https://www.demoreelsnyc.com

This podcast dives deep into the world of acting in film, exploring the journey of movie acting with stories, building confidence among aspiring actors, navigating auditions and productions, and offering insights from acting agents, coaches, and the challenges of becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible to advance your acting career, skills, and landing roles.

Wondering how to ask your agent for a submissions report without making things awkward?

By following the right steps, you can avoid offending them and improve your career strategy by understanding which productions you’re being submitted to.

1. Learn how to ask for a submissions report while keeping your relationship with your agent positive.
2. Discover how requesting this report can help you refine your brand and boost your chances of getting more auditions.
3. Includes a detailed sample email to make the request easier and stress-free.

If you’re ready to see where your submissions stand and improve your audition strategy, listen to this episode now for a step-by-step guide!

Contact Info and Resources

Martin's Email: [email protected]

Martin's Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com

Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.com

Shoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.com

Edit Footage Into a Reel: https://www.demoreelsnyc.com

This podcast dives deep into the world of acting in film, exploring the journey of movie acting with stories, building confidence among aspiring actors, navigating auditions and productions, and offering insights from acting agents, coaches, and the challenges of becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible to advance your acting career, skills, and landing roles.

What should you do when the people closest to you don’t support your acting dream?

If you're facing resistance from family or friends who want you to get a "real job," this episode offers advice on how to communicate with them and still pursue your passion.

Learn how to turn doubt into understanding and support:

1. Discover how to have productive conversations with unsupportive loved ones without creating conflict.
2. Learn how to build a successful acting career while managing doubt and skepticism.
3. Get inspired by Martin's personal story of overcoming doubt and making his dream a reality.

If you're struggling with unsupportive family or friends, listen to this episode now and gain the tools to handle it while staying true to your passion!

Contact Info and Resources

Martin's Email: [email protected]

Martin's Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com

Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.com

Shoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.com

Edit Footage Into a Reel: https://www.demoreelsnyc.com

This podcast dives deep into the world of acting in film, exploring the journey of movie acting with stories, building confidence among aspiring actors, navigating auditions and productions, and offering insights from acting agents, coaches, and the challenges of becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible to advance your acting career, skills, and landing roles.

What does a successful acting career actually look like from start to finish?

If you’re wondering how to go from being a new actor to a well-known name in the industry, this episode gives you a clear roadmap.

By following these steps, you can avoid getting stuck and steadily build your career the right way:

1. Learn about the 8 key chapters every actor must go through, from discovering your “Types” to booking recognizable lead roles.
2. Understand how to build a strong portfolio and start landing consistent paid work.
3. Find out why skipping steps in your career can cause long-term setbacks, and how to avoid this trap.

Ready to discover what it takes to succeed in acting? Tune in now and figure out which chapter you're in!

FREE DOWNLOAD:

Get all 8 Career Chapters, along with actionable steps to work through each, by visiting the following link:

https://www.martinbentsen.com/chapters-signup.html

Contact Info and Resources

Martin's Email: [email protected]

Martin's Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com

Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.com

Shoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.com

Edit Footage Into a Reel: https://www.demoreelsnyc.com

This podcast dives deep into the world of acting in film, exploring the journey of movie acting with stories, building confidence among aspiring actors, navigating auditions and productions, and offering insights from acting agents, coaches, and the challenges of becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible to advance your acting career, skills, and landing roles.

Are you tired of feeling like a "classroom actor" and ready to start booking real acting jobs?

If you've been stuck in acting classes without getting paid work, this episode offers a clear path forward.

Learn how to break free from just learning and start acting in actual productions:

1. Discover how to consistently find auditions and get invited to submit self-tapes.
2. Overcome the fear of rejection by understanding the reality of the audition process.
3. Avoid the most common mistake that keeps actors from moving forward in their careers.

Take control of your acting career today by listening to this episode and start booking real work!

Contact Info and Resources

Martin's Email: [email protected]

Martin's Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com

Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.com

Shoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.com

Edit Footage Into a Reel: https://www.demoreelsnyc.com

This podcast dives deep into the world of acting in film, exploring the journey of movie acting with stories, building confidence among aspiring actors, navigating auditions and productions, and offering insights from acting agents, coaches, and the challenges of becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible to advance your acting career, skills, and landing roles.

Why aren’t you hearing back from agents after you submit your materials?

If you’ve been submitting to agents without success, you’re likely missing one or more important elements.

Understanding what agents look for and improving your strategy can help you get noticed and start landing roles:

1. Learn why professional marketing materials, like headshots and demo reels, are essential for impressing agents.
2. Discover how knowing your "Type" and refining your acting technique can dramatically increase your chances.
3. Find out why targeting hard-to-sign agents can lead to better opportunities and a stronger acting career.

Ready to find out why agents aren’t responding to your submissions? Listen to this episode now and start improving your chances!

Contact Info and Resources

Martin's Email: [email protected]

Martin's Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com

Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.com

Shoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.com

Edit Footage Into a Reel: https://www.demoreelsnyc.com

This podcast dives deep into the world of acting in film, exploring the journey of movie acting with stories, building confidence among aspiring actors, navigating auditions and productions, and offering insights from acting agents, coaches, and the challenges of becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible to advance your acting career, skills, and landing roles.