Casting Directors 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...

In this episode of Two Unemployed Actors, host Max Belmonte sits down with Andy Roth—an award-winning producer, voice casting director, and one of the industry's most sought-after teachers. Andy pulls back the curtain on the "mysterious" world of voiceover, offering a masterclass in what happens on the other side of the booth. From his early days at Samuel French to casting major animated series and commercials, Andy shares the blueprint for building a sustainable career in a rapidly chang...

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...

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 …

1. The Casting Director’s Role in Production Anousha explains how casting directors are often the first "heads of department" hired. They are frequently brought on during the development stage—sometimes years before a project is financed—to attach high-profile actors to help secure funding and distribution. 2. Authentic Casting and High Ground She shares the intensive process of casting the First Nations film High Ground. This involved traveling to remote communities to find authentic perform...

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...

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...

Episode 54: Self-Tape Mix-Ups, Commercial Auditions, & The Reality of Voice Acting Ever prepared for a self-tape only to realize you read for the wrong character entirely? That's exactly how Max kicks off this week's episode. From hilarious audition mishaps to a deep-dive masterclass into the business of voice acting, Max and Sam are pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to survive between projects. Whether you are looking to break into the voiceover industry, wondering if high-...

Cinema is officially back, Max gets an exciting tap on the shoulder for a new project, and we are breaking down the absolute essentials of landing a role on a major television series! In this milestone 50th episode, Max and Sam cover everything from high-profile Hollywood blockbusters to the exact tactical steps you need to take to catch the eye of top Casting Directors. Whether you are trying to master your audition nerves or wondering how fast-paced television sets operate, this episode ...

Episode 45: Red Flags, Self-Tapes, and the Production Boom The Australian screen industry is booming, but navigating it requires a mix of hustle, flexibility, and knowing when to say no. In this episode, Max and Sam dive deep into the current self-tape revolution, recount some major recent audition wins, and break down the red flags every actor should watch out for on Zoom calls. Plus, invaluable showreel and wardrobe tips straight from a top Casting Director. Key Moments & Takeaways T...

📝 Episode Summary After a quick fortnight break, Max and Sam are back in the studio (accompanied by some minor desk chaos courtesy of Frederick the sausage dog). This week, the guys dive into invaluable casting director insights, the reality of audition etiquette, and the deeply personal hurdles of breaking down emotional walls in your acting. 💡 Key Takeaways from this Episode The Right Actor vs. The Best Actor: Unpacking a crucial philosophy shared by Casting Director Kirsty McGregor. Ca...

Episode 39: John Bell’s Wisdom, Rehearsal Debates, and What We’re Watching 📝 Episode Summary In this episode, Max and Sam navigate the highs and lows of the Acting industry, from learning at the feet of an Australian legend to the practical realities of self-taping in your living room. 💡 Key Takeaways from this Episode Learning from a Legend: Max recaps an exclusive masterclass with John Bell, founder of Bell Shakespeare. We discuss his career, his take on the "mumbling" trend in mo...