Agents Episodes

Episode 107: International Casting Secrets, "Verticals," and AI with Helene Rousse In this episode, Max Belmonte dives deep into the shifting world of international casting with Helene Rousse, a powerhouse Montreal-based Casting Director and founder of Total Casting. With over 35 years of experience spanning talent agent work, acting, and world-class casting, Helene shares the "Formula 1" approach to navigating today’s digital industry. From the surprising explosion of "Vertical" series to th...

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...

Welcome to Episode 88 of the Two Unemployed Actors podcast. In this insightful session, host Max Belmonte sits down with one of the most influential figures in the Australian entertainment landscape: Mark Morrissey. As the founder and managing director of Morrissey Management, Mark brings over four decades of experience to the table, having guided the careers of global stars like Chris Hemsworth. This episode pulls back the curtain on the world of talent representation. Mark dives deep into what agents actually look for during those first ten seconds of a showreel or meeting—identifying a blend of intelligence, commerciality, and vocal timber. He emphasizes that the actor-agent relationship is a true partnership; agents aren’t looking for people waiting by the phone, but for performers who are as driven and invested in their own growth as the agency itself. A highlight of the conversation is Mark’s take on the "self-test muscle." He offers a necessary reality check for modern …

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...

"You can have the talent, but if you lack the right look, you’re not going to get it. You can have the right look, and if you have no talent, you can still get it. That’s the industry." — Sam "I was about to walk into a room full of thirty-five critics who are not afraid to say exactly what they think... and I’m talking about kindergarten kids." — Max 🎬 Key Topics: [00:00:44] The technical nightmare of editing 1,000 video files. [00:01:57] The Brutal Reality: Does appearance matter more than tal...