Auditions Episodes

Two Unemployed Actors — Episode 110: Inside the Casting Room with Peter Rasmussen What happens when an Actor's formal training meets the raw reality of the casting room? In this episode, host Max Belmonte sits down with renowned Casting Director and Acting Coach Peter Rasmussen to bridge that exact gap. 📝 Episode Summary Peter brings a uniquely powerful dual perspective to the show. He began his journey as an Actor, graduating with an Acting degree in 1997, before transitioning behin...

Episode 109 – The Audition Revolution with Greg Apps Episode Summary In this episode, Max sits down with legendary Australian Casting Director Greg Apps (Casting Director of Mission Impossible 2, Chopper, and Romper Stomper). Greg shares his unconventional philosophy on why the best "acting" often leads to the worst auditions and how his "Audition Technique" helps actors bypass the technical traps of drama school to find genuine, human connection on screen. Key Takeaways The "Acting" T...

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...

This episode of Two Unemployed Actors features a deep dive into the craft of acting with Ivana Chubbuck, the renowned creator of the Chubbuck Technique and coach to A-list stars like Halle Berry and Brad Pitt. The conversation centres on the release of the updated edition of her seminal book, The Power of the Actor, and how performers can transition from simply being "truthful" to being "extraordinary." Key Discussion Points • The Chubbuck Technique: At the heart of the discussion is a look at Ivana’s 12-step method, which utilizes behavioural science and psychology to help actors move beyond basic realism. • The Emotional Hero: “Being real” is often not enough to secure a role. Ivana explains why "honesty" in a scene isn't enough to win a role. She emphasizes a "winning mindset," where characters act as emotional heroes who strive to overcome their obstacles rather than being victims of them. • Turning Pain into Power: A core pillar of the discussion is the use of personal trau…

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...

Unlock the secrets behind some of Hollywood’s most iconic performances in this deep-dive interview with legendary acting coach Terry Knickerbocker. In this episode of Two Unemployed Actors, host Max explores the craft, discipline, and mindset required to sustain a high-level career in the entertainment industry. The interview with acting coach Terry Knickerbocker highlights several foundational principles for building a sustainable and professional acting career. Here are the key takeaways...

Episode 100: The Milestone, the Memories, and the New Mission In this landmark 100th episode of Two Unemployed Actors, host Max Belmonte reflects on the journey from a 20-year corporate career to becoming a dedicated Actor and Producer. This isn't just a look back; it’s a strategic deep dive into what it takes to survive and thrive in the Australian screen industry. We revisit the highs, the lows (including a Subaru-induced Vespa accident), and the incredible insights shared by world-class...

Episode 104 | The Modern Audition: Master the Self-Tape Self-taping has evolved from a "convenience" to the industry standard. In this episode, Max and Sam break down everything you need to know to turn your living room into a professional casting suite. From the essential technical gear to the mindset required to deliver a winning performance without a director in the room, we're covering the "new normal" for the working actor. The "Unemployment" Check-In Before diving into the tech, the ...

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 …

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 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...

Inside This Episode: The Mystery: Max shares a strange story about a national brand requesting the removal of DIY content he starred in for them. We discuss the nuances of usage rights, "private" videos, and why brands sometimes hide their own content. The 5-Second Audition Setup: Learn how to streamline your home studio using Newer lights and a smartphone rig so you can focus on acting, not tech issues. Raising Your Rates: Max opens up about the "imposter syndrome" hurdle of increasing his pro...

Episode 76: The "Muppet Agency" Saga & Trusting Your Gut In this episode, Sam and Max dive deep into a series of on-set disasters that serve as a massive reminder for every actor: Always trust your gut. Max recounts a "comedy of errors" with a production company that lacked professionalism at every turn—from freezing casting calls to literal phone-snatching. Key Segments & Timestamps The Golden Rule: Why you should never ignore your instinct when a project feels "off." The 15-Minute Freez...

Episode 75: Dodging Scams and Standing Your Ground In this episode, Max and Sam discuss the "wild west" of the acting industry. From booking voiceover gigs while waiting in a vaccine queue to reporting a predator on StarNow, the boys cover the essential safety and business skills every actor needs. They also dive deep into the world of day rates, defending your project fee against lowballing clients, and the creative hustle of marketing an indie feature film. In This Episode, You’ll Lea...

Show Notes: Episode 74 – The Power of LinkedIn and the Return of In-Person Auditions In this episode, Max and Sam discuss the shifting dynamics of the acting industry, from the digital "Creator Mode" on LinkedIn to the high-stakes energy of an old-school, in-person audition room. Whether you’re trying to fix your skincare routine or write your first screenplay, there’s something in here for every artist "between projects." In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The Actor’s Skincare Survival Guide...

Episode 72: High-Stakes Callbacks & Industry Insights In this episode, Max and Sam break down the essential "between projects" hustle. From securing major play callbacks to prepping for the influx of international productions in Australia, the boys discuss how to stay sharp, stay trained, and stay visible in a competitive industry. Inside This Episode • 00:00 – Introduction Max and Sam kick off the show with an overview of a busy week ahead, including audition updates and upcoming industry...

Show Notes: Episode 68 – The Hustle and the Harmony In this episode, Max and Sam discuss the relentless "between projects" lifestyle, balancing the physical demands of theatre with the technical grind of voiceovers and self-tapes. From navigating the logistics of independent theatre props to geeking out over LinkedIn connections with industry legends, they cover the full spectrum of the modern actor’s journey. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The Reality of Indie Theatre: Max shares his exp...

Episode 67: Jim Carrey’s Method Madness, Feature Film Life, and Unexpected Auditions In this episode, Max and Sam catch up on a whirlwind week of production, rehearsals, and industry deep dives. From the stage in Sydney to film sets in Newcastle, the guys explore what it means to truly live with a character and how the most unexpected opportunities (like an Italian animation audition) can land in your inbox out of nowhere. Key Segments & Discussions The Return of Live Theatre: Max provide...

Episode 65: From Cannes to Chris Pratt: Navigating the On-Set Grind Juggling survival jobs, celebrating major creative wins, and staying grounded when the industry gets chaotic. this week Max and Sam dive deep into the messy, exciting reality of being a working actor. From short films heading overseas to masterclasses in set etiquette and a surreal celebrity encounter at a Sydney bar, this episode is packed with honest advice, laughs, and unfiltered industry insights. In This Episode...

Two Unemployed Actors | Episode 61 In the final episode of the year, Max and Sam catch up on a chaotic end-of-year rush of auditions, corporate gigs, and play rehearsals. From navigating malfunctioning set tech to breaking down the legal realities of firearms and stunt safety, the boys dive deep into what it really takes to survive and thrive on a modern film set. Key Takeaways from the Episode Residual Heat Memorisation: When the tech fails, the Actors process takes over. Max breaks down...

Two Unemployed Actors | Episode 60: On-Set Intensity, Audition Secrets, and Showreel Essentials What does it really take to film an intense, emotional drama under strict on-set restrictions? In this episode, Max and Sam catch up on a busy wave of end-of-year projects, breaking down the exact mechanics of their latest film shoots, upcoming theatre rehearsals, and the vital tools every Actor needs to stay bookable. Max dives deep into his experience filming the AFTRS short Water Under the Br...

Two Unemployed Actors | Episode 59 Show Notes Episode Summary In this episode, Max and Sam give you a raw, honest, and hilarious look into the realities of life as a working Actor in Australia. Max takes us behind the scenes of his multi-day shoot for a major MG / CarSales commercial—complete with drones, sound stages, and a brutally public parallel parking fail. Meanwhile, Sam celebrates wrapping up his massive 10-month journey with Spring Awakening, diving headfirst into the post-show withdraw...

Two Unemployed Actors | Episode 58 After a short hiatus, Max and Sam are back to chat about a massively busy few weeks. From corporate DIY shoots and intense short films to feature film callbacks and big premieres, the boys dive deep into what it actually takes to survive and thrive on set. They also break down the business side of the industry, navigating the new Casting Networks layout, and how to manage usage fees so you don't get ripped off. What We Cover This Episode: Juggling the Gi...

Are creative self-tapes completely rewriting the rules for modern casting? In this episode of Two Unemployed Actors, Max and Sam dive straight into the reality of the acting hustle. They break down a massive week of on-set experiences, discuss a creative shift in audition tapes, and explore how actor branding is evolving in the modern screen industry. Timestamps & Key Topics 00:00 – Welcome & The Fatman Trailer: The boys catch up and share their hilarious, confused reactions to Mel Gibson...