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 Welcome back to Two Unemployed Actors!

After a brief fortnight break, Max and Sam are back in the studio, with a special guest appearance from Fred the sausage dog, to dive deep into the messy, rewarding reality of the screen industry.

In Episode 40, the guys unpack crucial insights gathered from recent industry sessions with professional Casting Directors Anousha Zarkesh and Kirsty McGregor. They break down a liberating perspective that every Actor needs to hear: a Casting Director’s job isn't necessarily to find the best Actor on paper, but rather the right Actor to bring a specific character to life within the unique tone of the project. Max and Sam also discuss the mechanics of professional submission etiquette, sharing essential tips on keeping showreel links updated to avoid missing out on career-changing roles.

Of course, it wouldn't be an honest chat without exploring the setbacks. The boys confront a casting director’s ultimate pet hate, turning up completely unprepared, prompting Sam to candidly share a past nightmare audition for a Nickelodeon series. They weigh the massive mental shift required when moving from a comfortable lounge room self-tape setup to walking onto a bustling, high-stakes 50-person television set.

Finally, the conversation gets deeply personal as the focus shifts to Acting mechanics. Sam opens up about his recent struggles with vulnerability, discussing the difficulty of staying present during challenging breakup scenes and the hurdle for Max of stripping away a defensive "corporate mindset" to find an authentic artistic voice. They analyse powerful workshop techniques utilised by industry mentor Anthony Brandon Wong, including the strategic use of imagery and emotional substitutions to access raw feelings on cue.

Whether you are preparing for your next big audition or trying to break through your own emotional blocks, this episode is packed with the honest peer-to-peer advice you need.

Episode Webpage: https://shorturl.at/al8Vk

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Welcome back to another episode of Two Unemployed Actors! This week, Max and Sam tackle the realities of navigating the performing arts industry during unpredictable times, sharing personal audition updates and a few fantastic television recommendations.

First up, Max shares his major takeaways from an exclusive Q&A session with Australian theatre legend John Bell, founder of Bell Shakespeare. We dive deep into the daunting gap that exists between independent, profit-share theatre and major mainstream companies. What does it take for an up-and-coming actor to bridge that divide and truly get noticed by industry scouts?

From there, we open up a debate on the creative process: how much rehearsal preparation at home is actually too much? Max and Sam clash on the merits of arriving at the first rehearsal completely off-book versus keeping yourself flexible to discover blocking and character choices alongside a director’s live guidance.

We also bring you on-the-ground industry updates as restrictions across Australia begin to ease. We discuss our experiences submitting to the Casting Guild of Australia’s self-tape library database, navigating file sizes under tight deadlines, and the unique dynamic of taping a commercial audition together at home as a real couple.

Finally, we wrap up the episode with a round of "What We’re Watching." We share our thoughts on the premiere of the new Snowpiercer series, explain why the gripping miniseries Defending Jacob on Apple TV+ might just be one of the best television shows ever made, and break down the gritty premise of the French Netflix drama Inhuman Resources.

Whether you are currently treading the boards, running lines for your next self-tape, or just looking for your next binge-watch, this episode is packed with honest industry insight. Don't forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform!

Episode Webpage: https://shorturl.at/7BVcq

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In Episode 38 of Two Unemployed Actors, Max and Sam break down what it really takes to navigate the modern entertainment landscape as a working performer. Building on the priceless industry insights shared by legendary Australian talent manager Mark Morrissey, this episode tackles one of the most common points of confusion for developing creatives: the distinct roles of Agents versus managers. We explore how to effectively leverage both types of representation to advance your career, protect your personal brand, and open new doors in a highly competitive market.

The conversation also shifts to the rapidly changing mechanics of the audition process itself. We discuss the introduction of an innovative new self-tape database designed to change how Casting Directors source, review, and organise talent. Max and Sam offer practical, real-world advice on maintaining a high level of professionalism throughout the self-tape era, ensuring your work stands out for the right reasons.

Whether you are a fresh drama school graduate trying to book your very first professional gig or a seasoned Actor looking to pivot your current strategy, this episode serves as a vital guide. We candidly discuss the unique mental pressures of the Australian screen industry, sharing personal anecdotes and strategies for keeping your creative passion alive when faced with the inevitable dry spells. Ultimately, the biggest takeaway from this episode is the critical power of collaboration and communication, treating your representation as a unified team rather than a transaction.

Tune in as we unpack the realities of the business side of show business, offering actionable tips you can immediately apply to your next audition or agency pitch. Don't forget to check out our full archive of resources on the website, and join the conversation by following us on Instagram.

Episode Webpage: https://shorturl.at/SKvPC

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- Taikia Waititi to direct Star Wars!
- Nicolas Cage is The Tiger King!
- Review of Hollywood, Into The Night, and Get In
- Sam updates us on his AACTA pitch competition

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- State of the industry
- Which Aussie show is the first to go back in production
- Whats happening in Hollywood
- Extraction Review
- Sams Ted Talks highlights
- Update on Voiceovers
- Using substitution in Acting
- What did the Premier of NSW say to get Max excited?

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- Max is a Detective again.
- A Zoom rehearsal for a Musical?
- Casting information from Kirsty McGregor 
- Sam has to do WHAT!? in the middle of a Musical!!!
- What does it take to get cast in Neighbours

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- Alec Baldwin reading live for the Play Orphans
- Tiger King - Extra Episode - Is it worth it?
- Max helped another guy going for the same part as Sam!
- Sams Audition prep
- Max's tragic Storyville episode

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- Julia Garner from Ozark Q&A
- A mystery casting
- Dangers of Zoom
- Sam finally sees The Invisible Man
- Max is back at Storyville reading to children
- Screen Producers Australia talking to Screen Queensland about the state of the industry

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- Can Max use a home office news presenters set up for a self tape
- Mockumentary
- Millenium Lego Falcon finished!
- Grant Thompons helping Sams audition
- The movie Upgrade and Leigh Whannell
- Max's coffee machine drama. The Sequel.
- Broadchurch review with David Tennant and Olivia Coleman

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Max & Sam are surviving the Corona World by broadcasting the podcast remotely!
Discussing  90's movices &, the Australian movie Palm Beach
Updating their NETFLIX 'my list'
Fred and Bella are loving the lock down

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