Short Films Episodes

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 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...

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...

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 performer...

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...

Episode 78: Self-Tape Walls, Tenet’s Sound Mix, and The Racist Joker This week on Two Unemployed Actors , Max and Sam catch up on a hectic week of back-to-back gigs, major life changes, and the technical struggles of being a modern actor. From navigating rural sets to debating the merits of Christopher Nolan’s sound design, there’s plenty to unpack. In This Episode: The Acting Hustle: Max breaks down a week that included a short film ( Flooded Fire ), social media ads for a dating site, and a lo...

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, You’ll Hea...

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 Gigs: Max...

Episode Overview In Episode 56, Max and Sam take you behind the scenes of the unpredictable Acting world, covering everything from unscripted canine co-stars to major industry milestones. Max shares a wild commercial audition involving his dog Fred and talks about his exclusive invitation to vote in the AACTA Drama Chapter. Meanwhile, Sam celebrates booking a rare paid short film, shares a hilarious "wrong script" mishap, and the boys break down the business reality of budget voiceover platforms...

Two Unemployed Actors — Episode 53 In this episode, Max and Sam unpack the sheer variety of the working actor’s life. From local indie short films and voiceover wins to massive multi-channel commercial studios, the boys share the unpolished truth of a week on the hustle in Australia. Plus, a peek at the upcoming studio relocation! Episode Timestamps 00:00 — Welcome & Coffee: Surviving the lockdown hustle. 00:30 — Max’s Big Day: Voiceover wins and securing a new corporate wine-presenting gig. 02:...

Two Unemployed Actors | Episode 52: Navigating the Industry as a Young Actor with Yasmin What does it take to balance high school, a social life, and a packed filming schedule? In this episode, Max sits down with 12-year-old up-and-coming actor Yasmin to discuss her fast-tracked journey in the industry, her professional approach to audition nerves, and the universal hurdles every actor faces, no matter their age. 🎙️ In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The Transition to Screen: How Yasmin moved from m...

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 is pac...

Two Unemployed Actors — Episode 49: Fast Sets, Hot Mics, and Protecting Your Likeness In this episode, Max and Sam dive deep into the practical realities of balancing a survival job with "acting fitness." Max shares his recent experiences on a fast-paced TV commercial (TVC) set, breaking down the unique pressure of working with a hot mic linked directly to the client room. The boys also tackle a crucial, rarely discussed topic: the business side of acting, image usage rights, and why you should ...

Two Unemployed Actors | Episode 42 Show Notes In this episode, Max and Sam delve deep into the mechanics of filmmaking, character creation, and the heavy emotional demands of the acting craft. Max shares direct takeaways from a recent Q&A with director David Michôd, Sam breaks down the psychological hurdles of a tragic new monologue, and the guys review the high-tension thriller 7500 . Episode Highlights Inside Blue Tongue Productions with David Michôd Max recaps a fresh Facebook Live Q&A hosted...

Two Unemployed Actors | Episode 37 📝 Episode Summary In this episode, Max and Sam cover the massive industry news of Taika Waititi taking on Star Wars and Nicolas Cage becoming the Tiger King . They also dive deep into a review of Ryan Murphy's Hollywood , exploring how the power balance has completely shifted from the ruthless 1940s studio system to modern actor-producers. Plus, Sam gives an update on his latest self-tape practice and the upcoming AACTA shortlist reveal! 💡 Key Takeaways from th...