The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World

Welcome to Episode 60 of the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World!

McDonald's pulls their AI-generated holiday ad after massive backlash—and the studio’s response might have been even worse…  If AI is supposed to revolutionize everything, why did it take so much work for something that didn’t work?

Then we dive into the biggest Hollywood deal in years: Netflix's $83 billion bid for Warner Bros and “Succession-like” love triangle with Paramount, hostile takeover bid and all. Paramount tried to pony up with $108 billion and we haven’t heard the end of it yet. E-Kan and Rían dig into what they think this means for the future of Hollywood, and whether it’s a good thing… including Netflix taking over 540,000 sq feet of studio lot in the UK and why Christopher Nolan said he’ll never work with Netflix.

The guys also talk about the ongoing SAG-Aftra Wages and Working Conditions meetings and upcoming contract negotiations with the studios this 2026. In case you forgot, the last contract went to a historic double strike with the actors and writers.

No doom and gloom (completely)—just the facts, some laughs, and what it all means for working actors.

Support the Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ActorsGuidePod

New episodes every week! Follow @actorsguidepodcast wherever you find your podcasts. Please like, follow, review, and rate if you can.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/warner-bros-to-oracles-larry-ellison-on-paramount-offer-your-trust-isnt-enough-we-want-/articleshow/126056779.cms

https://www.forbes.com/sites/danidiplacido/2025/12/09/mcdonalds-ai-generated-ad-controversy-explained/

https://www.businessinsider.com/warner-bros-david-zaslav-ignored-ellison-text-paramount-skydance-netflix-2025-12

https://www.businessinsider.com/warner-bros-david-zaslav-ignored-ellison-text-paramount-skydance-netflix-2025-12

https://www.reuters.com/legal/transactional/warner-bros-discovery-board-rejects-rival-bid-paramount-2025-12-17/

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/warner-bros-discovery-golden-parachutes-david-zaslav-1236452973/

 https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/christopher-nolan-interview-dunkirk-netflix-1201857101/

Hidden Gems:

Polo & Pan (French electronic duo) - Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3TQFivLJEbn2JgUmRe7TyV?si=cD_4ZWL2RGSHix9rua7jdg&pi=6RD0khvqTm2OF

Patrick Massett’s new song “Christmas Every Day” - https://open.spotify.com/track/6IWH8iXvU6UHb6Pnppkf0W?si=-UPihDZMS76BC5Kgkv7RFA

Time Stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(01:14) McDonald’s AI Ad disaster

(05:35) Sag-Aftra contract up for renegotiation

(08:05) Attending the W&W contract meetings

(16:22) Netflix-WB Deal

(25:40) Christopher Nolan will never work with Netflix

Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 59! Actor, teacher, producer, and friend of the podcast Mickey O'Sullivan (Mayor of Kingstown, Chicago PD) joins us today with a wide ranging conversation. From booking diaper commercials at age 2 to working for Green Peace to recurring on shows like Chicago PD and Mayor of Kingstown, Mickey's path has been anything but conventional. 

Mickey and the guys have a raw and thought provoking conversation about his childhood growing up playing hockey, how treating Hollywood like a team sport has helped him, and what he's learned from shooting a sketch every week for the past year. You'll get an insight into how Mickey treats the business like a sport - studying data and mastering the fundamentals, and what he thinks the Hollywood industry is missing and can learn from pro sports. They also talk about craft and you'll hear his self-tape secrets that got him from hating them to loving them.  And the time he forgot the lines and still booked a hit show.  Mickey also shares his experience working for a think tank, why the job isn't coming up with good ideas, but having the freedom to come up with the bad ones and how he used those skills to create his own writers room. 

This is an inspiring episode and the perfect jump start to 2026. 

Support the Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ActorsGuidePod

New episodes every week! Follow @actorsguidepodcast wherever you find your podcasts. Please like, follow, review, and rate if you can.

Information on Mickey O'Sullivan's classes are HERE - https://mickeyosullivan.com/

Mickey's IG: @themickeyosullivan

Mickey's IMDB: http://imdb.me/mickeyosullivan

Mickey's Sketch Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO9GPVqLtOh8Q_uAXliMhWg

Follow @actorsguidepodcast, new episodes every Monday! If you want to support the channel, send to a friend and leave a rating!

Hidden Gems: 

Pappy's and Harriet's in Joshua Tree @pappysandharriets

VO Demo Reels- https://www.voicedemodude.com/

Social Sauna in Chicago -  Lost Languages Sauna @lostlanguagesauna 

Time Stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(03:40) Mickey O'Sullivan doing diaper commercials when he was 2

(08:30) Going all in on acting

(11:30) Janitor by day, auditions at night

(17:50) You can't build a fire without wood 

(20:40) Athletics is performance and what athletes and actors have in common

(24:10) It takes the right time and the right people

(26:20) Starting his own writer's room

(30:00) What happens when you look like an ICE Officer

(26:25) Practical tips on how to handle small talk

(31:14) "Can you be more honest?"

(34:20) Most important thing to do if you're moving to NYC

(37:50) Most marathon runners don't sleep before the race

(40:25) Bigger sets are easier than smaller ones

(41:50) Forgetting the lines and still booked the job

(47:25) Always try to find the ledge and push the limits

(50:18) How Hollywood can learn from the sports world

(53:50) Mickey's holistic approach that he teaches

(01:03:40) Hidden Gems

Welcome to Episode 58 of The Actor's Guide the End of the World Podcast! Apologies this episode got up late, but it's worth it. The holidays are here and can be magical—unless you're facing the dreaded "So what have you been in?" question. In this episode, E-Kan and Rían tackle the unique challenges actors face during family gatherings, from navigating loaded conversations to finding that perfect pivot away while you're cornered at the cranberry sauce.

E-Kan shares his own journey dealing with his strict math-professor father's expectations to finally finding peace with his career choice while Rían shares that early in his career, his resentment towards the question were more of an indication of how he felt himself.   They discuss practical strategies for holiday survival (spoiler: lying about being a heart surgeon is an option), why actors deserve more credit for the tenacity it takes to stay in this industry, and why being present in uncomfortable moments might actually be our superpower. Also how handling these questions might be a useful skill that can be trained, and if you stick to the end, E-Kan and Rían get into a debate about the Cabdriver vs Corporate Worker - who's in a safer position? 

Whether you're dreading Thanksgiving dinner or genuinely love the holidays, this episode offers both comic relief and real talk about self-worth, family dynamics, and why your day job doesn't define you—even if Aunt Karen thinks it should.

Whether you're celebrating or not, happy holidays everyone and be safe. 

Support the Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ActorsGuidePod

New episodes every week! Follow @actorsguidepodcast wherever you find your podcasts. Please like, follow, review, and rate if you can.

@ekansoong @riansheehykelly

Hidden Gems: 

Mickey O'Sullivan classes (Chicago and remote) - mickeyosullivan.com

@themickeyosullivan

Gianino's Pastries (Italian pastries, South Jersey)- 508 Hurffville - Cross Keys Rd, Sewell, NJ 08080

(856) 582-1888

Time Stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(02:21) Does it slow down for actors during the holidays?

(04:24) E-Kan’s father wasn’t always supportive

(08:15) Rían’s parents were open to the arts

(10:25) What to do when you’re waiting

(12:20) Leaning into what you’re excited about

(16:30) What is small talk?

(21:50) Can an actor separate themselves from their career and the craft?

(26:25) Practical tips on how to handle small talk

(34:14) The cabdriver vs corporate worker

(41:40) Hidden Gems

Welcome to Episode 57, the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World Podcast!

In the spirit of the holidays, we thought we’d thank all of our incredible guests from this past year with this holiday sampler of the best moments from their interviews.

If you want to review or go do a deep dive into the full interview - links are below.

E-Kan and Rían will discuss with Oscar-nominated writer Kirsten Sheridan about how she developed her directing process and why her maternal instincts kicks in on a set, as well as what It was like working with a 24-year old Cillian Murphy.

Patrick Massett (Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Friday Night Lights, and the Blacklist) will talk about taking risks and how it has played such a key role in his career. You’ll see why there’s a photo of Mick Jagger hanging in his living room.

Kevin Walsh (Criminal Minds) is a former pro football player and takes the guys into the mind of a pro athlete and why they say athletes make great actors.

Timothy Davis (Billions, The Girlfriend Experience) with an in-depth look at how the Actor’s Studio, along with its shortcomings, have shaped him into the actor he is today.

Shaan Sharma will break down his game-changing practical approach to building a career and building relationships through being of service.

Brandon Finn takes us behind the scenes getting his first series regular opposite Jason Momoa on Apple TV’s Chief of War and what helped him step up to the challenge.

Brian Stepanek will share how he became a beloved cult character to 20 and 30-somethings everywhere, despite his agent telling him not to take it. You’ll also hear the most incredible Gene Wilder story..

This is a special one, thanks again for coming along for the ride with us.

Support the Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ActorsGuidePod

New episodes every week! Follow @actorsguidepodcast wherever you find your podcasts. Please like, follow, review, and rate if you can.

@ekansoong @riansheehykelly

Full interview links: 

Kirsten Sheridan: https://youtu.be/0Ltd3qxgsQI?si=s2tp8y7x-F3PhdaO

Patrick Massett: https://youtu.be/ZxkStpVz8Rk?si=hxmmmRQre6USkkXH

Kevin Walsh: https://youtu.be/Qdwqk4WdZGw?si=4zIbXgok3CJQMGj-

Timothy Davis: https://youtu.be/RoXxiv0B66o?si=N0kPNchSWr-rr2CE

Shaan Sharma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVcU1eMet00

Brandon Finn:  https://youtu.be/ne32qRxy-ks?si=UhNlPQuK3-PH4-Yz

Brian Stepanek: https://youtu.be/lUdymwTQMnQ?si=eA5VRlSfNMWc4Di5

Hidden Gems:

Mickey O’Sullivan’s in person Acting Classes in Chicago and remote

mickeyosullivan.com

Gianino’s Pastries (South Jersey) 508 Hurffville CrossKeys Rd, Sewell, NJ

Time Stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(01:30) Kirsten Sheridan on what makes a great director

(06:40) What working with Cillian Murphy was really like

(08:34) Patrick Massett why he gravitated towards writing

(11:40) Studios aren’t taking risks like they used to

(12:50) How they got Angelina Jolie to be in Lara Croft Tomb Raider

(16:26) Kevin Walsh how storytelling and acting followed him through the years

(19:00) Why pro athletes make great actors

(22:18) Timothy Davis on the shortcomings of acting programs

(26:07) Shaan Sharma how there’s room for success for everyone

(28:12) The old school mentality of the union is a problem

(29:00) The power of focusing your goals as an actor

(33:15) Brandon Finn landing his series regular role opposite Jason Momoa

(38:03) Brian Stepanek on the role he is most known for

(39:59) The best Gene Wilder story

Welcome to the Actors’ Guide to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 56!

It’s that time of year again - it's awards season and time to watch great films, as E-Kan calls it, checking in on the creative diet and staying fit.

E-Kan also drops some wisdom picked up watching Guillermo del Toro, Oscar Isaac, and Jacob Elordi speak at a Frankenstein screening and how del Toro’s gems changed his mind on the mystique of the film director and what makes great directors.

Also Jacob Elordi has some unhinged advice for actors that goes viral, which E-Kan loved - and many actors didn’t. E-Kan and Rían discuss Elordi’s “bloody” acting tip, what makes acting advice helpful, and how it can be dangerous for younger actors.

E-Kan and Rían do their inaugural “Greatest Movies Never Seen” segment and in honor of Tom Cruise receiving an honorary Oscar this week, they take it back to 1983 and watched “Risky Business” for the first time. For those wondering why we chose “Risky Business”, it’s one of the few “Tom Cruise” movies we have not seen.  Aside from some dated aspects of the film (like the premise of running a brothel out of your family’s home), they break down why it stands out amongst the cookie-cutter coming-of-age films we see today and how fascinating it is to see a 20-year old Tom Cruise bust onto the scene, right when his career was sky rocketing. They discuss some great secrets from behind the scenes, like the crazy diet Cruise got on to give him that adorable baby fat. E-Kan also shares what it was like watching Cruise and Rebecca DeMornay’s screen test (link below) and even saw them do a little Lesly Kahn acting trick in the test (Actors, you’re going to want to steal this).

And you’ll hear who received their newly created “Clint Howard” Award, named after Ron Howard’s beloved and lesser famous brother … you’ll want to hear the explanation. This is a fun one, everyone.

Support the Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ActorsGuidePod

New episodes every week! Follow @actorsguidepodcast wherever you find your podcasts. Please like, follow, review, and rate if you can.

LINKS: 

Sophie blog The Final Scene Substack - https://www.thatfinalscene.com/

Jacob Elordi audition advice-

https://youtube.com/shorts/pgS6KyL1LVk?si=SypqPpO4WEBQ8x8P

Frankenstein Screening conversation with Del Toro, Isaac, and Elordi-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5sQhzju0RA

“Tom Cruise” speech

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWZKuueumJE

“Risky Business” screen test -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ok47XuYDEKk

Clint Howard MTV awards sketch - https://www.instagram.com/reel/C98Kfetv7P4/?hl=en

Hidden gems

Glucosamine Lotion for joint pain - https://www.amazon.com/NOW-Glucosamine-Arnica-Liposome-8-Ounce/dp/B001B7I2YW/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1O1O25TYJ4HAJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kUCD113KdLOqdNU-Rn71q0MXAHToiVNBje_4oBzVpf0byMgf0EbNPahQ16XXa5yxibG7wstok9c3Chh5k9o9Im0Bq4WbzMj4dNOEU3X8cqjXIvBPp5_Xo8caHj7YRFjiYXCO0cEHEmL4eZpAtPpIse2u1wq1VdIZbzsxJO6g4jlF7Lc1GpA09e4Jrv7EszLInYWfVxHmT7ltivCCU8kfKmhj9ijlnj_RO5trk4hYMxsbQupVdMHu9N7rdDJON2Y97JZ5iqQD06uAJBRDmAhCF9pRBvsjMWyRQPUg2gDcrUU.iVuU4GjsP0f5YgHtA-du5q27tkOiXypoZgKuBooZHVA&dib_tag=se&keywords=glucosamine%2Blotion%2Bmsm&qid=1764047151&sprefix=glucosamine%2Blotion%2Bms%2Caps%2C397&sr=8-6&th=1

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/raisin-water

Time Stamps:

(0:00) Intro

(2:42) Feeding the creative diet watching good movies

(5:20) Frankenstein with Guillermo del Toro, Oscar Isaac, and Jacob Elordi

(07:20) Guillermo del Toro says “they’re playing football”

(12:30) Jacob Elordi’s crazy audition advice

(16:44) The danger with acting advice

(23:00) “Risky Business” and Greatest Movies Never Seen

(33:00) How Tom Cruise is the ultimate Every Man

(35:50) Does Risky Business hold up? 

(38:20) Watching the Risky Business screen test

(45:22) The “Clint Howard” Award

Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 55! The week we're pulling back the curtain on the maybe not-so-quiet retreat. The numbers are in for 2025, and they're brutal in terms of women directors, and in some ways, non-white directors over all. E-Kan and Rían break down to what might be driving that, and what that means for us performers and creators moving forward and some bright spots. 

Michael Caine announced he will be licensing his voice to an AI-startup backed up by Matthew McConaughey while Morgan Freeman fires shots, saying his lawyers are busy hunting all those out there stealing his voice without his consent. Welcome to the Wild, Wild, West, and the guys try to make sense of it. Also, we talk more about Abba, as you know we love here at the podcast. 

There are some bright spots, including Paramount and Disney commit to putting in more money aimed towards content, and the one thing we know-if you want it, you have to go out there and make it. 

Support the Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ActorsGuidePod

New episodes every week! Follow @actorsguidepodcast wherever you find your podcasts. Please like, follow, review, and rate if you can.

@ekansoong @riansheehykelly

Gene Wilder story TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8DoMtej/

https://www.ign.com/articles/michael-caine-says-licensing-his-voice-to-matthew-mcconaughey-backed-ai-audio-company-is-using-innovation-not-to-replace-humanity-but-to-celebrate-it

https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2025/10/01/abba-voyage-ticket-sales-revenue-2024/

https://theankler.com/p/female-directors-and-hollywoods-grim

https://theankler.com/p/hollywoods-backslide-into-white-male

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/paramount-plans-price-increase-1-095028265.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAL-kpmkYFLUqK_wWZM9Ynkn0Kdk7rYTqVusPhPQ5u5TYinbShkDVVavLpugzh6Lgzpb8NdbE1iEmN1_XVKROop_1e9NUlqty01zULXk2ldKrNVEKuIXx3PeLAOp9kOa3xvTCho0pTkFcv5BLQ3vk9jHqB_BLaXlJnJFMOVr8Kar0

https://wdwnt.com/2025/11/disney-increasing-content-spending-1-billion/

https://deadline.com/2025/11/nearly-half-lgbtq-tv-characters-canceled-glaad-1236608720/

https://deadline.com/2024/11/afm-film-sellers-tell-ifta-they-wont-return-las-vegas-2025-will-set-up-own-market-1236177365/

Chad Sanders “Black Art Bubble” https://www.instagram.com/reel/DP6hJ-KDZQt/?igsh=MWJsbXBrODV2N21tcw==

Hidden Gems: 

Turn off "Access When Locked" on Iphone - "General", "Face ID & Passcode", Allow Access When Locked- Turn Off Control Center

Petit Salons Monday Screening Nights at Petit Ermitage Hotel

Time Stamps: 

(0:00) Intro

(3:00) Great CD Patrick Rush appearance at Lesly Kahn

(6:25) Michael Caine licenses his voice at AI startup

(11:45) AI chatbots are causing psychosis

(17:33) Abba's virtual show sells a million tickets

(24:40) Hollywood migration to Nevada and AFM 

(29:20) Women filmmakers drastically down in 2025

(31:20) How scared is Hollywood? 

(36:50) Paramount and Disney commit billions of dollars to new content

(39:10) If you believe in it, make it 

(40:53) The genius of Chad Sanders and the black art bubble

(45:27) Hidden Gems

Welcome to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 54! This week E-Kan and Rían discuss the Martin Luther King, Jr. - Open AI controversy and the scramble to remove inappropriate Martin Luther King, Jr. Deep Fake videos. (*Disclaimer: there was a mishap with E-Kan's audio for this episode. Major apologies and it was a fluke, we promise.) Also Hollywood’s elite agencies like CAA and UTA have made statements calling out Open AI, opting their clients out. The guys will break down what you need to know to protect yourself, what states have AI protections, and why CAA already has a vault of digital replicas of its clients.

E-Kan also brings up an interesting study about how seeing unauthorized likenesses of yourself can feel like actual physical pain.

But don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom - they dive into their creative inspirations and favorite musicians, Mac Miller, David Bowie, and the shocking revelation that E-Kan knows nothing about the Beatles. And you’ll hear his crazy hot take on the piano vs the guitar.

A timely blend of AI anxiety and personal revelation you didn’t know you needed.

Support the Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ActorsGuidePod

New episodes every week! Follow @actorsguidepodcast wherever you find your podcasts. Please like, follow, review, and rate if you can.

@ekansoong

https://variety.com/2025/film/news/caa-openai-sora-2-harmful-intellectual-property-1236543954/

https://variety.com/2024/digital/news/caa-vault-talent-ai-clones-veritone-1236001187/

https://www.the-independent.com/life-style/friendships-social-media-posting-consent-viral-law-b2798907.html

Hidden Gems: 

Line Learner App 

The Almanack of Naval Ravikant https://www.navalmanack.com/

Time Stamps: 

(0:00) Intro

(1:48) The first time E-Kan was on stage

(5:35) Sora 2 has a Martin Luther King Jr problem

(09:00) The states that have AI protections

(12:00) Tilly Norwood creator has 40 more AI Synthetics to be released 

(13:05) How do you protect yourself if you're deep faked

(14:50) Technology is everything that doesn't work yet

(19:00) Who's older - The Beatles or Abba?

(22:55) E-Kan's hot take on the piano vs the guitar

(25:00) E-Kan's limited music tastes and obsession over Mac Miller

(32:50) How Labyrinth and David Bowie blew Rían's mind

(37:10) A surprising study when you see unauthorized photos of yourself

(39:30) Hidden Gems

Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World Podcast where we talk about acting and Hollywood in a way people understand. Today is good one, guaranteed to lift your spirits or all your money back. 

Ireland recently announced that the will offer a Basic Income for artists, previously a pilot program for three years, but now PERMANENT moving forward into 2026. MIND BLOWN.       E-Kan's ready to move there, who's with him? The guys discuss what this means for other countries and how big this really is. 

E-Kan also has a recent revelation watching theater in NYC, including Hamilton TWO NIGHTS IN A ROW, which he might call life-changing. They break down what they think the differences between acting for Film/TV vs on the stage and some differing opinions. 

Rían will recap how uber-successful TV director David Nutter's (Game of Thrones, Sopranos, The West Wing) showcase went. David Nutter recently made a very special visit to Lesly Kahn Studios to speak to the actors this month and brought a group of Norwegian actors to Los Angeles for a live showcase.

The guys also talk about the kind of perseverance they have gained in their years in LA which prompts a Chinese proverb from E-Kan...

Stick around to the end, every episode the guys share hidden gems - recommendations we’ve picked up on the way to say thanks for listening. E-Kan's Gem is courtesy of a little tip from Lesly Kahn, and is something all actors should be adding to their routine, more important now than ever. 

Support the Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ActorsGuidePod

New episodes every week! Follow @actorsguidepodcast wherever you find your podcasts. Please like, follow, review, and rate if you can.

@ekansoong @riansheehykelly

https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/ireland-basic-income-artists-program-permanent-1234756981/

Hidden Gems: 

Hamilton Cheap Tickets (Standing Room Only)

Actor Wellness Tip

https://www.amazon.com/Australian-Bush-Flower-Essences-Clearing/dp/B00757UBVY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ACSWS96AJ4YL&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TRBWbWEZBSMdtGPPMrTCGEHfB4o-ajfw7MmuiyMQrXO2gmV2AGSXzrpCAQ-Oyt1PUtV0JBciNJqQ1og8mDxpAgKpa8jrIuPtjz6RwD_3Tx67MxR5TxJR721A8cVVFNbijvj7JC3HoYPQxw8N7QbGlf8LqRE4t_rBvyNqSsGW3GGxg37rW9dZNjEBSWXXKOiLZ1nzAi5xzucTtMkt1jW30Q.cdotDyWBiuHMEitW_CDRUTS7LkeKv4KGrqracOgYmz0&dib_tag=se&keywords=australian+bush+flower+essence+clearing&qid=1762286448&sprefix=australian+bush+flower+essenceclearing%2Caps%2C128&sr=8-1

Time stamps: 

(0:00) Intro

(2:35) David Nutter brought Norwegians to LA

(7:42) Is the Golden Age of LA over? 

(14:20) The greatest Chinese proverb ever

(20:30) E-Kan falls in love with theater 

(23:20) E-Kan watches Hamilton TWO NIGHTS IN A ROW

(25:20) Do actors have more power on the stage than in TV/Film?

(33:20) Ireland offers Basic Income to Artists permanently?

(44:35) Hidden Gems

Welcome to the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 52! We get back to the ongoings in the industry, and it’s a lot of bad (surprise), but there’s some good too. Casting Networks, the casting site that most actors need to subscribe to, announced major changes about charging fees to agents and managers. (Video attached below.) E-Kan and Rían talk about the repercussions and what actors need to know, as well as speculation of AI entering the casting industry which brings up the question - would AI replace casting directors, and what would that look like…

But some great news as well- California has huge push for projects coming into the state, including Heat 2, a Daniels film, and a Jumanji movie. Also, Rían’s Rainmaker just got picked up for another season! The guys also share lessons learned from recent guest Brian Stepanek and hugely successful director David Nutter who recently spoke at Lesly Kahn Studios. Some real dimes in this one, you’ll want to hear this.

We also have another Reddit Rundown, where we go into the hottest topics on the actor subreddit, and an actor sent cold emails to top 60 agencies ranked on IMDB, and the results might surprise you.

Support the Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ActorsGuidePod

New episodes every week! Follow @actorsguidepodcast wherever you find your podcasts. Please like, follow, review, and rate if you can.

@ekansoong @riansheehykelly 

HIDDEN GEMS:

NY Ferry - https://www.ferry.nyc/

https://tubitv.com/movies/100047053/glamping

Time stamps: 

(0:00) Intro

(2:10) Brian Stepanek afterparty 

(6:11) David Nutter hugely successful director talks about his process

(16:35 ) Where the younger generation will learn

(18:12) Casting Networks announces changes that might devastate actors

(28:00) Will AI replace casting directors? 

(36:00) Big projects coming to LA and California

(37:20) Reddit Rundown- An actor sent cold email to top 60 agencies

Welcome to the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 51! Award-winning actor-director-teacher Brian Stepanek (The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, Transformers, and many others) joins E-Kan and Rían to share his incredible journey successfully transcending every genre from musical theater to one hour drama, to Michael Bay movies, commercials and voice over to directing for TV, guest teacher at Lesly Kahn Studios, and now podcasting (Here from There with Brian Stepanek) as well

This episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and incredible advice for actors.

You’ll hear how his childhood in Cleveland and visiting Second City in Chicago drove him to comedy and musical theater, performing a one man musical through the coldest winter in Chicago history, to the breakout role that would make him a fan favorite among children and young adults everywhere - and how his agents told him not to take it. Brian shares advice he got from his father that he took to heart and contributed to his massive success, how he became the face of a phonebook company, how he struck up a long time collaboration with directors like Michael Bay, what he learned working with comedy legends like Jim Carrey, Garry Shandling, and Carl Reiner - and a very special moment with Gene Wilder.

You’ll also hear why he wants to give everyone that moves to Los Angeles to act a big hug.

Enjoy this episode with Brian Stepanek.

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Follow Brian Stepanek @brianstepanek

Brian’s Podcast “Here from There w/ Brian Stepanek” - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/here-from-there-with-brian-stepanek/id1802290098

Brian’s IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0826745/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_0_nm_8_in_0_q_brian%2520stepanek

@ekansoong @riansheehykelly 

HIDDEN GEMS:

Tools of Titans- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36146011-tools-of-titans

Brian’s Podcast “Here from There w/ Brian Stepanek” - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/here-from-there-with-brian-stepanek/id1802290098

Parkinson's Law

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/627206.The_New_Drawing_on_the_Right_Side_of_the_Brain?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_20

Time stamps: 

(0:00) Intro

(2:25) How it all started in Cleveland

(5:40) Doing a one man musical during Chicago in the winter

(8:46 ) How “Suite Life of Zack and Cody” changed his life

(12:10) Incredible advice from his father

(15:10) The rough welcome to Los Angeles

(17:50) He wants to give everyone who moves to Los Angeles a hug

(19:20) The role that his agents told him to pass on

(23:00) He wasn’t what they were looking for and booked it anyway

(26:40) Kids go crazy when they see him

(31:10) Doing voices for Jim Carrey

(33:00) Meeting Gene Wilder

(37:50) What he learned from the comedy greats

(40:55) Brian’s favorite story of facing fear

(44:45) Working with Michael Bay

(55:28) Why he went to Lesly Kahn Studios

(1:03:00) How to direct for TV

(1:12:20) Embracing Impostor Syndrom

(1:18:20) The honest truth about social media as an actor

(1:27:00) Hidden Gems