TVC 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 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...

Show Notes: Episode 96 — Shane Withington In this episode, we are joined by Logie Award-winning actor Shane Withington . With over 40 years in the industry, Shane shares the wisdom gained from a career that spans iconic Australian dramas like A Country Practice and his long-standing role as John Palmer on Home and Away . Whether you're an aspiring actor or a fan of Australian TV, this conversation is packed with "boots-on-the-ground" advice about longevity, set etiquette, and the craft of acting...

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...

Two Unemployed Actors | Episode 59 Show Notes Episode Summary In this episode, Max and Sam give you a raw, honest, and hilarious look into the realities of life as a working Actor in Australia. Max takes us behind the scenes of his multi-day shoot for a major MG / CarSales commercial—complete with drones, sound stages, and a brutally public parallel parking fail. Meanwhile, Sam celebrates wrapping up his massive 10-month journey with Spring Awakening , diving headfirst into the post-show withdra...

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...

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 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 ...

Episode 46: COVID Sets, VO Nightmares, & Pizza Film School In this episode of Two Unemployed Actors , Max and Sam dive into the realities of working on a modern, safety-first film set, share the psychological hurdles of voice work, and look at how Hollywood's biggest directors are giving back to the indie filmmaking community. 🎬 Episode Timestamps • 00:00:00 – Intro • 00:00:24 – Filming Ruby's Choice and COVID-19 Protocols • 00:06:23 – Voice-Over Work and Challenges • 00:14:51 – The Russo Brothe...

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 The Amateur...

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 ...