Schools Episodes

Episode 105: The "Slasher" Life & Strategic Pivots In this episode, Max Belmonte returns from a hiatus to break down the reality of being a "slasher" in the Australian screen industry—balancing Acting, Producing, and corporate presenting & voice over work. He discusses the tactical decision to shift his TV pilot project into a short film proof-of-concept and shares a behind-the-scenes look at changing agents and staying "work fit." Episode Highlights [00:00:43] The Multi-Hyphenate Reality...

Show Notes: Episode 94 – Mastering the American Accent with Paige Walker In this episode, Max Belmonte sits down with expert dialect coach Paige Walker to demystify the American accent for Australian actors. From her work on big-budget productions like Netflix’s Pieces of Her to coaching for the stage, Paige shares the technical and physical secrets to nailing a "General American" sound. Key Highlights The "Ballet of Accents": Why the General American (West Coast) accent is the essential ...

Episode 92: Writing for Actors with Chris Corbett In this episode, Max and Sam dive deep into the world of screenwriting with Australian industry veteran Chris Corbett. With over 50 hours of television credits—spanning from the high-stakes drama of Blue Healers and All Saints to the intricate mysteries of Miss Fisher—Chris offers a masterclass in what it actually takes to be a "jobbing writer" in the Australian landscape. Whether you’re an actor looking to write your first pilot or a produ...

Show Notes: Episode 91 – Acting vs. Survival Jobs In this episode, Max and Sam reunite to discuss the high-wire act of balancing a creative career with real-world responsibilities. From the philosophy of survival jobs to the launch of a new production company, it’s an honest look at what it takes to stay "work-fit" in the Australian screen industry. Key Highlights The "Big Magic" Philosophy: Sam discusses moving out and the importance of having a survival job that funds your passion witho...

Episode 86: A Lot Can Go Wrong on Set Release Date: Mar 17, 2022 Hosts: Max Belmonte & Sam Folden Episode Overview We’ve all had those days on set where things don't go according to plan, but some stories are in a league of their own. In this episode, Max & Sam share a collection of "on-set horror stories" from their own careers and the wider industry. From rogue student film Directors to exploding "honey wagons," we explore the chaotic, hilarious, and sometimes dangerous side of the sc...

Episode 81: What Are Actors Watching? In this episode, Max and Sam step out of the lockdown shadow to talk about the one thing that kept everyone going: Television. But for an actor, watching a show isn't just about killing time; it’s about study, inspiration, and staying connected to the craft. The guys break down their current binge lists and share the professional "takeouts" they found in everything from supernatural mysteries to gritty westerns. The Binge List The hosts dive into th...

Episode 80: Two Actors Survive the Pandemic Welcome to the first episode of 2022! After a transformative year of lockdowns and industry shifts, Max and Sam are back to share how they navigated the "unemployed" life, kept their creative sparks flying, and prepared for a massive year ahead. In this episode, we dive deep into the reality of being a working actor in Australia during a global crisis, from the frustration of cancelled gigs to the unexpected "wins" that come when the industry finall...

Two Unemployed Actors – Episode 38: Navigating Agents, Managers, and the Self-Tape Era 📝 Episode Summary What is the actual difference between an Actor's agent and a manager? In this episode, Max and Sam break down critical industry insights inspired by top Australian talent management veteran Mark Morrissey. From understanding who should be on your team to navigating the digital evolution of casting, this episode is a guide to the business side of show business. 💡 Key Takeaways from th...