In these new short episode series of DOA (Diary of an Artist), podcast host Cindy Claes, shares the real month-to-month work of an artist, the messy behind the scenes, the months of negotiating to get new gigs and contracts, as well as the exciting moments of creating magic in film, theatre and dance!

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Cindy Claes, host of The Loud Whisper Takeover podcast, shares insider tips on how creatives can land podcast interviews and maximise these opportunities to promote their projects.

• Creating value for both podcast hosts and listeners rather than focusing solely on self-promotion
• Understanding that podcast hosts invest time, money, and energy into their shows
• Researching the podcast format before reaching out - is it journalistic or conversational?
• Preparing three key points you want to communicate regardless of questions asked
• Considering what uncomfortable questions might arise and having strategies to address them
• Recognizing podcasts as "evergreen" content that represents you long after your current project
• Focusing on sharing transformative stories that will resonate with and impact listeners
• Technical preparation: good lighting, clear audio, appropriate attire for recording

IG Cindy Claes:

@cindy_claes

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Former dancer and choreographer Cindy Claes, now action actress and filmmaker, reveals the essential skills and mindset needed to break into action acting, drawing from her extensive background as a "movement nerd". She is now also leading workshops called the ACTION ACTORS LAB. 

• Understanding the fundamental differences between real combat sports and screen fighting choreography
• How physical posture directly influences emotional states for more authentic character development
• Using physical theatre embodiment techniques to create unique physical signatures for characters
• Balancing technical skills with character awareness in action scenes
• Adapting self-tape techniques specifically for action scenes
• Working with multiple languages and how each affects physical presence and authority
• and more!

If you're interested in joining the Action Actors Lab to develop these skills in person, send Cindy a DM or message on social media to learn more about these workshops.

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Artificial intelligence is transforming how filmmakers and choreographers make work. It also offers exciting possibilities to become more efficient and productive with admin tasks, or filling in funding application forms to finance creative projects. 

Performers, dancers or actors, can also make AI work for them, to prepare castings or find more castings for example, to name but a few.

In this episode, Cindy Claes (host; action actress; filmmaker) and Jenny Ambukiyenyi Onya (AI business owner and artist) discuss how to unlock creativity and productivity with AI.

Get your seatbelt on and listen to the list of top tips for actors, dancers, writers and filmmakers. Tune in to unlock the potential AI could offer you to expand your creative business even more!

Instagram Host - Cindy Claes:

@cindy_claes

LinkedIn Guest - Jenny Ambukiyenyi Onya:

Jenny Ambukiyenyi Onya 

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(This Bonus episode is in French. For subtitles, please listen on Youtube.)

Et si la voie traditionnelle de faire ses films – attendre des années pour obtenir des subventions – n'était pas la seule voie possible ?

L'animatrice du podcast, Cindy Claes, a invité Brandon Gotto, un cinéaste belge qui a pris les choses en main et qui a créé plusieurs longs métrages avec des micro-budgets allant de 1 000 à 5 000 €. 

« Pour moi, chaque film est une question de vie ou de mort. Je dois le faire », confie Brandon avec une passion sincère. Alors que de nombreux réalisateurs passent des années à naviguer le labyrinthe bureaucratique des commissions cinématographiques, Brandon a progressivement construit un CV impressionnant en opérant en dehors du système.

Cet épisode lève le voile sur les réalités pratiques du cinéma indépendant et offre des conseils pratiques pour commencer à créer ses propres films dès maintenant, sans attendre les conditions idéales.

Instagram Cindy Claes:

@cindy_claes

Instagram Brandon Gotto:

@brandongotto_filmmaker

Inferno - Bande Annonce:

https://youtu.be/4NEp0f58k2Y?si=qZDPWGssgKJL-P4o

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Cindy Claes shares her strategy on how to build a network when attending film festivals. She is a Podcast host, Action Actress and Filmmaker.

She tried out different approaches recently, and went to four different film festivals. After some failures and successful connections, she shares her experience in details and offers practical top tips for making meaningful industry connections.

Don't just attend film festivals crossing fingers hoping to meet someone who will change your career - go with a clear strategy! 

• How to select festivals?
• When to get your accreditation?
• How to navigate industry networking events?
• Business cards or Instagram?
• How to follow up after initial meeting?
• Creating value 
• The Belgian Independent Film Network and WhatsApp group
• Networking as an actor versus as a filmmaker/director, differences?
• What are the do's and donts?

A special shout out to the BIFFF, International Toledo Action Film Festival, BSFF and BRIFF film festivals!

Instagram Cindy Claes:

@cindy_claes

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Actors, stunts, dancers... we are all "peak performers". Briana Bowley, a specialist in nervous system regulation for high performers, reveals how our fight-flight-freeze responses can either sabotage our efforts or become powerful allies in our creative journey.

When you'll understand why you freeze during that Brazilian jiu-jitsu sparring sessions or why you're drawn to action movies despite hating real-world violence, you might gain access to profound new insights about your own patterns and potential. 

We explore the seemingly contradictory attraction many of us have to martial arts and action movies while being fundamentally non-violent people. Is it because survival is portrayed in such vivid ways? Is it about reclaiming power? Seeking the spark of uncertainty in monotonous lives? Or perhaps it's about creating those powerful "blended states" where challenge and safety coexist, allowing us to test our edges in controlled environments.

In this episode we learn that the body cannot distinguish between surviving through an experience or thriving through it and how the "minimal effective dose" concept helps performers achieve results without burning out.

One of Cindy’s key takeaways is how opportunities to "brag" about successes can reprogram nervous system patterns.

Ready to transform your relationship with performance, success, and the inevitable challenges of a creative career? Discover how understanding your nervous system patterns can help you approach your craft with greater self-awareness, efficiency, and compassion. 

FREE QUIZ with Briana:

www.nsquiz.com

IG Host - Cindy Claes:

@cindy_claes

IG Guest - Briana Bowley

@brianabowley

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In this episode, comedy writer Sophie Estourgie (based in The Netherlands) shares her incredible story of winning a prestigious L.A. screenwriting competition and getting her script, “The B Word”, produced. Sophie reveals how a script she almost set aside, gathering dust, is now set to be produced in L.A., and she might even land one of the leading roles herself!

But that’s not all. Sophie is also working on a dark comedy titled “Somewhere Between Here and There”, about a ghost who shows up at her own wake. With a team of 8 actors, they are currently fundraising to bring this script to life—and they’ve even secured sponsorship - from a funeral home! (Yes, really!) Support their campaign by clicking the link in the description!

In this episode, host Cindy Claes and Sophie dive into writing, comedy, overcoming failures, and the process of turning ideas into reality - no matter the obstacles.

Whether you’re a writer, filmmaker, actor, or just someone who loves the behind-the-scenes magic of storytelling, this episode is filled with both practical insights and inspirational takeaways.

Crowdfunding link to support “Somewhere Between Here and There” and help bring this unique dark comedy to life: 

https://www.voordekunst.nl/projecten/19048-somewhere-between-here-and-there-1

IG Short Film:

@somewherebtwnfilm

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IG Guest:

@sophiestourgie

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In this episode, we explore a thought-provoking question: What would a movie look like if motherhood—or the lack of it—wasn't part of the script? Could it be a thriller, a rom-com, or even a western? These questions lead us into an engaging conversation with Mademoiselle Ginger, a French-American dancer, choreographer, and teacher based in London.

With her trademark orange hair and undeniable charisma, Ginger shares her transformative journey from professional dancer to creative powerhouse. At age 29, a mysterious inner ear problem led her into an eight-year battle with anxiety. She offers a visceral description of the physical manifestations of anxiety: "You're hot, you're bothered, you need to fiddle with your hair, you need to leave the room." Her words shatter many misconceptions about mental health.

Join us for this powerful conversation about creating a life on your own terms.

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IG Guest Mademoiselle Ginger

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Our host, action actress and filmmaker Cindy Claes, interviews UK-based action filmmaker Nathan Geering.

Nathan shares his incredible journey from breakdancer to award-winning action filmmaker, revealing how he choreographed real skydiving fight scenes, trained with Jackie Chan’s stunt team, and is now in the midst of producing an international feature film. His story is nothing short of mind-blowing. Highlights include:

• Winning over 30 awards for his short films
• Traveling the world to build an international action film network
• Training with industry legends, including members of the Jackie Chan stunt team
• Blending breaking, martial arts, and fire performance into original action sequences rarely seen in mainstream cinema
• Launching his feature film The Lock In, an international production shot across multiple countries
• Treating filmmaking as an ongoing practice of research and development—filming daily and using each project as a tool for growth

This episode is packed with inspiration, innovation, and real-world insights into the evolving world of action cinema.

IG of our guest Nathan Geering:

@rm_action_design

IG of host Cindy Claes:

@cindy_claes

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