Film 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 behind the camera...

In this episode of Two Unemployed Actors, Max Belmonte sits down with the multi-talented Michelle Danner, a renowned Acting Coach, Director, Producer, and Actor. The conversation explores Danner’s extensive career, offering a masterclass in filmmaking and the dedication required to succeed in Hollywood.Danner begins by discussing her film The Italians, describing it as a "love letter" to her heritage. She highlights the joy of working with a generous cast, including Abigail Breslin and many long-time collaborators. This theme of loyalty continues as she reflects on Miranda’s Victim, a historical drama featuring industry icons like Donald Sutherland and Andy Garcia. Danner shares a humorous yet harrowing story about contracting a serious infection from prop smoke while directing under strict COVID-19 protocols, emphasizing the resilience needed on set.The discussion shifts to her international work, specifically Under the Stars, filmed in Italy. Danner shares her excitement about…

Episode 104: Matthew Deaner - Navigating the Future of the Australian Screen Industry In this deep-dive episode, Max Belmonte sits down with Matthew Deaner , the CEO of Screen Producers Australia (SPA) . They explore the critical shifts currently happening in the Australian screen sector, from the "Survive to '25" mantra to the high-stakes battle over streaming quotas and local content investment. Whether you are an actor looking to transition into producing—the "slasher" career path—or an estab...

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 fro...

In this episode, we sit down with Darren Gilshenan , an award-winning actor and NIDA alumni whose career spans iconic Australian television, film, and a decade with the Bell Shakespeare company. Darren dives deep into the technical "cornerstones" of acting, the strategic complexity of comedy, and what it really takes to stay relevant in a competitive industry. Key Takeaways Building the Character Framework Darren shares the specific processes he uses to find a character’s headspace, especially w...