Somewhere between teaching math in Miami and doing student films off Craigslist, this week’s guest, Zach Mendez, realized he wasn’t going back to a traditional career.

He just wasn’t built for it.

What followed wasn’t a clear plan, filled with stand-up gigs, improv classes, sketch comedy, philosophy books, long stretches of doubt, and a few lucky breaks.

Now he’s working in AAA games, bringing real humanity into roles that live inside the most fantastical worlds.

In this episode, Zach talks about the shift that changed everything:

Not trying to win.

Not trying to impress.

Just showing up, telling the truth, and having fun.

This one’s for anyone who’s realizing that there’s no “right” way to build a career.

Zach’s episode is out now.

Spotify. Apple Podcasts. YouTube.

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Matthew Brezina didn’t take a traditional path into performance capture.

He studied politics. Fell into acting. Picked up martial arts. Shot indie films with friends. And somewhere along the way, realized he wanted to build a career that brought all of it together.

Today, he’s a producer and AD on some of the most technically demanding PCAP shoots in the industry, and a co-founder of The Actors Volume.

In this episode, Matthew reflects on what it means to grow in the middle of the work. We talk about early pivots, tough calls, leadership on set, and how community keeps you grounded when the pressure kicks in.

It’s about learning on your feet, staying open, and building something that actually fits who you are.

Please enjoy.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and watch on YouTube.

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Richard Dorton didn’t grow up thinking performance was where he’d land. He was a mixed Asian American kid in D.C., drawn to monsters, makeup, and movement. But something kept pulling him toward the industry and he kept finding ways in.

He managed a costume shop in D.C., studied stage makeup, and launched his own SFX company, Gore-tastic, so he could bring his love of horror to life.

Eventually, he stepped into the suit himself…and something clicked.

In this episode of The Actors Volume, Richard shares how that first mocap job opened a door he never expected.

Since then, he’s performed in hundreds of games and brought characters like Darth Vader, Kratos, and Wolverine to life.

We talk about the grind, the pivot points, and the moments that nearly broke him.

We also dive into what kept him going and why collaboration is still at the center of the work.

Please enjoy.

Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

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Jeff Berg didn’t grow up thinking acting was a real option. He was raised in a small town in Canada, far from soundstages or casting offices, but something kept pulling him toward the work.

In this episode, we trace that path. From theater school in New York to indie film, and eventually to the world of performance capture, where he found a kind of creative freedom that stuck.

Jeff talks about what shifted when he stopped chasing approval and started trusting his instincts.

We get into coaching, collaboration, warmups on set, and why presence matters more than polish. He also shares how becoming a father changed the way he works and the kind of artist he’s becoming.

Please enjoy.

Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

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Emily Schweber didn’t plan on working in casting. She studied printmaking, worked in a darkroom, and thought her path would stay in the art world. But one night, sitting at a dinner table as a friend reviewed audition tapes, something clicked: People do this? This is a job?

That moment quietly sparked a career. From flipping through headshots as an unpaid assistant to casting Titanic, The Matrix, and eventually shaping performances in games like Mirror’s Edge Catalyst and Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Emily has built a body of work defined by instinct, care, and real connection.

In this episode, we talk about what makes an audition land, how the industry has shifted post-pandemic, and why generosity still matters in this business. Emily also shares how she’s creating space for actors to ask questions, build relationships, and keep doing the work with heart.

Please enjoy.

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Jee Young Han didn’t set out to work in performance capture. But from drama club to New York, from working behind the scenes to starring in Dragon Age, her path has been anything but straight.

And that’s what makes it hers.

In this episode, we talk about burnout, booking, and what it takes to stay grounded in an industry that can mess with your head.

Jee shares how community, not networking, has been her way through, and why learning the rules before breaking them gave her room to really play.

Please enjoy!

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Welcome to The Actors Volume Podcast—your resource for Finding Your Path and Honing Your Craft. Join industry professionals Jeff Berg and Matthew Brezina as they have candid conversations with their friends, colleagues, and mentors so you can get to know those who make this industry special and learn the standards they set for success.Whether you’re an actor or a creative, each episode is crafted to inspire, educate, and empower you to achieve your goals in Performance Capture. Jeff brings an actor’s perspective to the discussions, while Matthew offers valuable insights from the production side, ensuring you get a complete picture of the talented artists and extraordinary work that define this incredible field.Subscribe today and join the conversation with The Actors Volume!