A Conversation with Casting Director Karoline Matheis
I sat down with Karoline Matheis, who runs one of Germany's biggest commercial casting agencies, based in Berlin. We discuss the power of digital callbacks, the importance of self-tape castings, and how actors can control their auditions to make the best impression. Karoline shares her journey from the music industry to becoming a successful casting director, offering valuable insights for aspiring actors. She also discusses the impact of digital callbacks and the changing landscape of the film industry.
The Art of Improvisation- A Creative Journey in Indie Film Making
I delve into the world of indie filmmaking with Ivan Melikin and Sarah Jane from the Nexus Production Group. They share their insights on the art of improvisation in filmmaking, including their unique process of creating story outlines and allowing actors to develop their own dialogue. We discuss their journey from Australia to Europe, the challenges they faced in Malta and Zagreb, and the secrets behind filming an improvised feature on a micro-budget.
This Actor Is On Fire And Taking Center Stage
I sat down with my friend and talented actor-comedian Matthias Ludwig. We delve into the fears and challenges of performing, both in acting and stand-up comedy. Matthias shares his journey from his first open mic experience to developing his comedic material and how his comedic endeavors have shaped his acting career. We discuss the importance of following one's curiosity, the role of timing and spontaneity, and the delicate balance between comedy and poignant storytelling.
How this Actor Changed the Power Dynamic for Himself in the Film Industry
I had an amazing chat with Angus McGruther, an Australian actor and voiceover artist living in Berlin, who also co-directs the Down Under Film Festival. We talked about how taking on the festival during lockdown helped him build connections and feel more empowered in his acting career. Angus shared some great insights on balancing different roles, the importance of professional relationships, and embracing quiet periods in acting.
How to Get into and Network at A-List Film Festivals
I am thrilled to have director and coach Carla Gutmann with us. Carla, a Canadian filmmaker based in Berlin, has mastered the art of getting her films into prestigious festivals like Cannes and the Toronto Film Festival. She also coaches actors on breaking into these high-stakes environments and navigating the marketplace where critical networking happens. In 2017, she kicked off 'A-LIST FESTIVAL COACH', helping actors navigate and stand out at the world's elite film festivals.
From Concept to Contender: A Sit-Down with Director Frederic Kau
I had an inspiring chat with Oscar finalist Frederik Kau about his film, "Those That Follow." We dove into the intense topic of neo-Nazism in police departments and explored how Frederik used a married couple to tell this complex story. We also talked about the importance of recognizing a near-win as a win in itself, just like getting callbacks in acting. Frederik shared some unique insights into his casting process and how editing can totally reshape a character.
Tips & Tricks for Crew United That Will Change Your Life
Curious about how to get the most out of Crew United? In this episode, I chat with actresses and Crew United reps Olivia Rogalla and Sonia Hausséguy, who walk us through how to use Crew United to boost your acting career. From tips for Crew United that help you research projects and find casting opportunities to insider advice on networking and navigating features like the "Connection Level," they break it all down. If you’ve been wondering how to make Crew United work for you, this one’s for you!
Interview with A-List Acting Coach Mel Churcher
Join me as I sit down with renowned acting coach Mel Churcher in this fascinating episode. We dive deep into the intricacies of acting for screen versus stage, explore the transformative power of physical metaphors in character preparation, and uncover practical exercises to find your center amidst the nerves. Beyond her hands-on work, she's written three insightful books on acting, with "The Elemental Actor" being her most recent masterpiece. Mel's expertise and reputation as one of Europe's top coaches shine through, making this a must-watch for all actors.
How this Actor Booked Over 150 Commercials
Alex shares his journey from studying computer science in Berlin to becoming a successful actor with over 150 commercials under his belt. Tune in to hear his firsthand tips on how to land commercial roles, the importance of having top-notch photos, and the value of consistent practice and discipline. You’ll also discover Alex's unique insights into how acting techniques can be applied to improve tennis performance and visa versa, and why balancing a flexible job alongside acting pursuits is key to a sustainable career. Don’t miss this episode full of practical advice and inspiring stories for both aspiring and seasoned actors alike.
Everything You Need To Know For A Successful Acting Career
Ready to unlock the secrets to a thriving acting career? Today, I’m breaking down the 5 essential pillars: Mindset, Marketing, Branding, Networking, and Community. This proven system is the exact approach I used to transform my career—from day player and co-star gigs to landing guest stars and recurring roles. I’ll not only walk you through what each pillar means and why it’s critical for your success, but I’ll also share actionable steps you can start implementing right away. These strategies, from personal branding for actors to smart networking tips, are game-changers for any actor aiming to elevate their career. Don’t miss out—your next big leap starts here!
5 Mistakes Actors Make That Block Success
The are 5 kinds of mistakes that most actors make that keep them from the success they want and deserve. In this article, I list them and give you actionable steps that you can take right now to get your career back on track.
Getting Proactive About Your Acting Career
Jerry, more than any other actor I know, is very systematic about the way he has created a career for himself as a POC actor in Germany and Internationally. He understands the film industry here inside and out and has been able to apply his knowledge from his past career in marketing and even his university studies to become a lawyer, to the business of acting. He refused to accept being typecast as a "thug" or "immigrant" just because of his skin tone and then set about changing the way people think about casting him - or in other words, his branding. But he took it one step further, and makes it a point to not only make sure people see him the way he wants to be seen but that they know who he is through effective and targeted marketing. Grab a "Spezi," then sit back and enjoy. This is a good one.
The CrÆtive Mind
How to Get to the Next Phase of Your Acting Career
Although an acting career can feel non-linear, meaning our career trajectory is comprised of fits and starts, forward propulsions, standstills, and detours. Still, if you look at your career as a whole, you’ll be able to see the points where things began to change and you got some forward momentum. An actor’s career is made up of four phases, each with its own set of challenges. Don’t worry though, in this week’s episode of Act Bold, I go through each of the phases, name the challenges so you know how to recognize where you are and of course, give you some step-by-step action plans so you can get to the next level. What? Did you think I was going to leave you hanging?
Why Branding is Important for Actors
Discover how to elevate your acting career with authentic branding for actors! In this guide, I’ll break down how defining your brand as an actor can make you memorable in the industry, help you stand out as an actor, and land the roles you’ve always wanted. Learn how to build personal branding for actors by leveraging your essence, personality, and unique traits. Whether it’s embracing your actor identity, showcasing unique branding as an actor, or highlighting your life experiences, this is your step-by-step roadmap to creating a brand that’s truly YOU.
Creating Clips That Define Your Acting Journey: Interview with actor & coach, Theresa Sophie Albert
In this engaging episode of Act Bold, join the lively conversation between Anne and Teresa Sophie Albert, an accomplished actress, coach, and cherished friend. Delve into the world of acting as Teresa shares insights on her innovative coaching platform, Wild Sample. Explore the essence of unique character creation, the significance of branding for actors, and the powerful connection between personal experiences and compelling performances. Uncover the secrets of preparing for captivating roles and gain valuable tips for standing out in the competitive casting landscape. Don’t miss this enriching dialogue packed with inspiration and practical advice for aspiring and seasoned actors alike.
How to Get Free Acting Headshots in 2023
Want to know how to get free headshots for actors in 2024? I’m sharing simple, practical ways to get stunning actor headshots without breaking the bank. We’ll talk about why acting headshots are so important, how to avoid spending money on mistakes you don’t need to make, and where to find resources like Backstage and Filmmakers. Plus, I’ll show you how to connect with TFP photographers, tap into local community resources, and prepare for your shoot so your professional acting headshots truly represent you. Let’s get started!
Actions That Book Jobs: What Booking Actors Do (That You Should Do, Too)
Here's the deal: I'll reveal two distinct types of actions that can either propel you forward or hold you back. Brace yourself for the revelation that certain actions you're currently taking could be undermining your success without you even realizing it. It's all about striking that delicate balance between honing your craft and grasping the business side of the industry. Once you grasp this concept, it can truly transform your trajectory in the most remarkable ways.
Jealousy & the Actor: Converting Envy into Action
Have you ever seen a fellow actor land an amazing role and thought, "Why not me?" That pang of actors’ jealousy is something we’ve all felt, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. In this week’s podcast, we’re diving into how to deal with jealousy as an actor, from breaking down the illusions of social media to turning career envy into actionable steps. We’ll explore how to stop being jealous by shifting your perspective, taking control of your journey, and using your unique voice to stand out in the industry. If you’ve ever felt jealous of others’ success, this episode is for you.
How to Make Good Headshots Great
Headshot season is here, but before you spend a fortune, there are a few things you need to know to make your investment count. Your actor headshots are one of the most important tools in your portfolio, alongside your showreel. Their job? To get you auditions. If they’re mediocre, something isn’t working.
There’s more to acting headshots than just picking your favorite outfits and getting a haircut. You need professional acting headshots that truly represent you at your best—photos that let your essence shine and catch a casting director’s attention instantly.
Want to know the secret? Listen to my interview with Danny Fernandez on The Act Bold Podcast, where we dive into headshot tips from photographers that will help you stand out and get cast.