Showreels 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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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 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 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...

Episode 43: Mastering the "Boring Bits" & The Actor’s Toolkit In this episode, Max and Sam take a deep dive into the "boring bits"—the essential administrative and maintenance tasks that keep an actor's career moving forward even when they aren't on set. From website refreshes and profile audits to mastering the "sweet spot" of preparation, this episode is a blueprint for turning downtime into a competitive advantage. Sharpening Your Toolkit The guys discuss why now is the perfect time for a ...

Episode 35: Casting Director Insights with Kirsty McGregor, Remote Rehearsals & Audition Prep 📝 Episode Summary In this episode of Two Unemployed Actors, Max Belmonte and Sam Folden take a deep dive into keeping the momentum going during industry downtime, navigating virtual script read-throughs, and preparing for big opportunities. Max shares key takeaways from an exclusive live session with top Australian Casting Director Kirsty McGregor (Neighbours, Breath), breaking down what really...