Acting

Matthew thank you for laying out this important distinction. Misclassifying performers as independent contractors can leave them without the protections and benefits they deserve and it also exposes producers to penalties for failing to follow tax and labor laws. In my experience productions run more smoothly when everyone is clear about their responsibilities and rights and when cast and crew are treated as employees when the production exercises control over their schedule and performance. It is worth consulting a qualified entertainment attorney or accountant when drafting agreements to make sure they comply with federal and state regulations.

Eric Charran I was offered a "contract". I had legal insurance but cancelled it when I realized ChatGPT can do a better job. I uploaded the contract and several red flags were indicated, including the misclassification. I discussed with my Chat (Elliot) how I was feeling about the offer, and he wrote a polite decline email which I sent to production.

Matthew, that was a smart move. In my experience both as a writer and producer never underestimate the value of reading every clause and understanding the implications. Early in my career I saw friends take on projects under contractor terms that offered little protection or recognition. It is always better to walk away than to be locked into a bad deal. It is encouraging to hear you used AI tools and your own judgement to spot the misclassification and responded respectfully. This kind of diligence builds a reputation for professionalism and helps push the industry toward better practices.

In the Envelope: The Actor's Podcast

https://www.backstage.com/podcasts/

Thanks for sharing the podcast, Florin Şumălan. Javier Bardem is an incredible actor! He said:

"Believe me, I respect everybody’s method, as long as those methods respect everybody’s process. You want to be in character 24/7? Absolutely fine. You want me to call you by your character’s name? Absolutely fine. You want me to give you my lines out of camera, dressed as the character? Fine, absolutely; you’ll have me. But in the moment where I see you behaving improperly and inappropriate with somebody—not me precisely, but somebody else in the crew, in the team, the actors, fellow actors—because that’s the way the character does it? No, I’m not gonna allow that. I don’t think that’s art. I think that’s abuse.”

I agree. Safety and respect are really important. Someone's acting shouldn't harm others, put them in danger, or disrespect them.

Maurice Vaughan , I like that part too. I found this podcast recently and I think these episodes - interviews are helpful to understand better some things about acting and actors: their craft, how they approach some of their roles, their techniques, their thinking, philosophies...

I haven't heard those Brittany Christine but at parties people ask me to whip out a monologue like I'm a trained monkey there for their amusement. To which I say, "That's like asking a lawyer to do his summation here on the spot for our amusement."

The bizarrest that I have been told, was at 15 when I told my father I wanted to be an actress. His response, "You may as well become a prostitute then." Still have no idea what he meant by that but does give you insight as what type of people my parents are.

I haven't had any strange responses from men I've dated.

I am always amused though when I receive unsolicited advice from strangers/coworkers especially men. Like, "You should trade in your car, and pay a little more and get a 4door so you can drive Uber." (This was after I just purchased my very first new car a 2017 FIAT that I wanted. I wanted that specific car that's why I bought it, now a 27 co worker is giving me advice I didn't ask for because he wants to drive Uber.)

Between your comments and mine, I think we got a stand up routine.

I've been told by friends of the family and peers over the years that I should have kids, even though I've never had the desire to be a mother. I've had a family friend tell me that I would change my mind when I'm older. Well, that was in my late teens, early twenties. I'm in my forties now and still don't want kids. I have a cat ladies joke that I would perform at open mic nights and it's crazy to see how the younger men react to that. I find that the older men (Gen X and Boomers), don't care and can laugh at it, but the younger generations (Millennial and Gen Z men) act really offended that I don't want to have kids and they ask me, what if you meet someone who wants kids? I told the Gen Z guy, well he wouldn't be the one, Sir. lol!

Me too Haley Mary I think it's funny how everyone has an opinion on how someone else should live their life (I've been told what city NOT to live in because of politics) when they can't even get their own life together. I tell people, "I already have a dad. And you're not him."

Suzanne Bronson I'd like to see your father try to say the same thing to any of my actress/model friends in Los Angeles- they are some of the hardest working women I know, and beautiful inside to out. They eat healthy, work out regularly, are spiritually sound, emotionally open & vulnerable, intelligent in different ways wether it be street smart or book smart or naturally curious, because all this shows up on camera when the lense points your way! Also most are total prudes so it would make more sense to be compared to nuns!

Haley Mary as a comedian, this is gold for material. I would 100% be making fun of that group on stage-funny how big of a difference that makes when trying to get people to understand, it's like, "now that I have your attention, here's why that's unfair" :P I always joke to my guy friends, careful how you treat me, I'll end up making a movie about it LOL

Brandon Keeton I'mma wait til after Christmas to start on the New Yrs ones but a serial killer one would be good to throw in the mix with animation and rom coms, thx!

Haley Mary that tells me any creators/writers/directors watching should tap into making some more Thanksgiving themed ones! Its a forgotten market between halloween and christmas lol

You're welcome, Brittany Christine. I want to rewatch Free Birds now. Maybe a double feature. Free Birds and National Lampoon's Thanksgiving Family Reunion.

Brian Harrison Mack always a classic!

Yan Ju Zeng that is now #1 on my list because adults like it so much! I saw it was the creators of Shrek and I loved the adult humor in there that one too TY for the help!

For any acting class, I would ask if they allow auditing - either free or for a small fee.

Aaron Marcus posts often in the Acting Lounge. He has a YouTube channel which is amazing.

https://www.youtube.com/@theactorcareercenter3748

So I'm not sure if it's anything like the UK but sites like mandy, backstage, starnow, actors access could be good starting points.

That’s a great question, Janeen Stokes, and you’re definitely not alone in feeling that way. Starting out in a smaller market can be tough, but there are still a lot of ways to build momentum from where you are.

First, make sure you have strong, professional headshots and a clear résumé that highlights your strengths and any training or on-camera experience, even student films or local projects. You can also look into casting sites like Backstage, Actors Access, and Casting Networks, which post opportunities nationwide, including self-tape auditions that allow you to submit from anywhere.

Networking is another powerful tool. Join online communities like right here in the Stage 32 Acting Lounge and the other Stage 32 Lounges to connect with filmmakers, writers, and producers who might be developing projects that need emerging talent. You can also explore short film or student film collaborations by reaching out to nearby schools & universities—many filmmakers are looking for actors to bring their stories to life, and it’s a great way to gain credits and footage for your reel.

If you’d like to build more skills and confidence, Stage 32 has some fantastic acting education available here: https://www.stage32.com/education/collections/acting

You’re already doing the right thing by asking and getting involved. Keep putting yourself out there and building relationships, and the work will start to come your way!

It is IYW and this the chance to build relationships. Head on over to the Introduce Yourself Lounge and network.

Sounds exciting!

We have so many talented actors in the community!

As someone who has taken Develop Your Audition Process to Book More work I highly recommend it. It isn't for 2025 specifically, you can still use it to book more work for years to come. I am putting AN Insider's Tips on Getting Hired Anywhere in the World on my WishList. Thank you James Lagrimas

Suzanne Bronson thank you! Love hearing that the Audition Process workshop continues to help you. It’s built for exactly that kind of lasting impact.

And yes, An Insider’s Tips on Getting Hired Anywhere in the World is a fantastic next step.

Really appreciate you sharing your thoughts here!

Thank you for sharing Penelope Ann Miller's insights into the process of building an indie feature. It is inspiring to see how she approached the material from both a craft perspective and a practical one. Stories like this remind us that acting is as much about patience and collaboration as it is about performance. I look forward to the AMA session and to learning more about the challenges and discoveries that shaped the film.

You're welcome, Eric Charran. Stories like Penelope's inspire, encourage, and teach actors, writers, filmmakers, and so on. And they help us avoid mistakes.

Self tapes can feel awkward at first but they offer a chance to take control of your performance. Treat them as mini rehearsal sessions rather than mere obligations. Invest time in good lighting and sound, read the script thoroughly and make strong choices. Over time they become an asset because you get to shape your best take.

I love hearing actors reflect on the moments in their careers that still inspire them and the romantic comedies that shaped their tastes. Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell are both fearless in their choices and their new film looks like it embraces that adventurous spirit. When performers share what moves them it reminds us that storytelling is about connection and joy. I am curious to see Colin tackle a musical and to see how their chemistry shines in this project.

Rose Byrne has always had a remarkable range, from intense dramas to quirky comedies, so it is encouraging to see a project like this that gives her a complex central role. I appreciate that A24 continues to support stories about motherhood that are neither saccharine nor sensationalized. If the film builds on the tension and momentum of its predecessor while offering a fresh perspective it could resonate with audiences and awards voters alike.

Thanks for sharing this conversation. It is fascinating to hear how the cast balances crowd energy with the intimacy of character moments and still maintains connection on screen. Working with an artist like Bad Bunny must add a new dynamic too. When an ensemble is so varied there is an opportunity to explore each person's inner life while keeping the story cohesive. I look forward to seeing how Darren Aronofsky translates that energy to the screen.

Brandon congratulations on having such a busy audition schedule. When I was juggling multiple submissions I would first get clear on any hard deadlines and make sure those pieces were memorized and rehearsed before moving to work that could wait. I also tried to match the time I spent on an audition to the significance of the role and my personal interest in the project. If a part excited me or aligned with my long term goals I would invest more energy into the preparation. It also helped to block off quiet time on my calendar for each audition so I could focus fully without distraction. Keeping organized notes on each script and character made it easier to switch gears quickly. Hope that helps and keep up the momentum.