Self Taping 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...

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" Trap: Wh...

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 the...

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: Navig...

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...

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 gues...

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 boys c...

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 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 finally f...

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 prof...

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 experience...

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 how he...

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's wil...

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-priced...

Two Unemployed Actors | Episode 41: What Directors Want & Mastering the Audition In this episode, Max and Sam dive deep into the mechanics of the Director-Actor relationship and break down what it really takes to walk into an audition room with absolute confidence. From the high-stakes sets of premium television to the fast-paced world of commercial casting, the boys discuss how preparation creates the ultimate creative freedom. 📝 Episode Summary Max shares exclusive insights from a recent MEAA ...

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 this Episod...

"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...