Episodes

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...

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 perform...

Send us a text Episode 84 – Script Drafts, Action Design, and LA Bound In this episode, Max and Sam dive into the "doing" phase of the creative journey. Following recent high-profile interviews, the boys discuss how to turn industry inspiration into tangible progress, from finishing a pilot script to understanding the complex world of action design. Key Discussion Points Turning Inspiration into Action: Max shares how the recent interview with Christian Van Vuuren provided the final push ...

Episode 83: The Art of Action with Sam Hargrave In this high-octane episode, Max and Sam sit down with Sam Hargrave, the visionary director behind Netflix’s Extraction franchise. From his beginnings as a stunt performer in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to directing some of the most ambitious action sequences in modern film history, Sam shares the grit, discipline, and creative philosophy required to bridge the gap between stunts and storytelling. Key Takeaways for Actors Preparation is ev...

Episode 82: Christiaan Van Vuuren – From Viral Hipster to ABC Creator In this episode, Max and Sam sit down with the ultimate "slashie," Christiaan Van Vuuren. From the viral explosion of the Bondi Hipsters to creating hit shows for the ABC, Christiaan has navigated the highs and lows of the Australian screen industry with a relentless "do-it-yourself" energy. Whether you're an actor waiting for the phone to ring or a writer with thirty unfinished scripts on your laptop, this conversation is ...

Episode 81: What Are Actors Watching? In this episode, Max and Sam step out of the lockdown shadow to talk about the one thing that kept everyone going: Television. But for an actor, watching a show isn't just about killing time; it’s about study, inspiration, and staying connected to the craft. The guys break down their current binge lists and share the professional "takeouts" they found in everything from supernatural mysteries to gritty westerns. The Binge List The hosts dive into th...

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 finall...

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 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 ...

Episode 77: The Secret to Staying "Work-Fit" In this episode, Max and Sam peel back the curtain on what it actually takes to stay busy as a working actor. Hint: It’s not luck, it’s about being "fit" for the job when the call finally comes. From LinkedIn wins to agent updates and the technical side of self-taping, we’re covering the grind that happens between the projects. The "Secret" to a Busy Week Max has been juggling short films, corporate videos, and voiceovers. The secret? There isn'...

Episode 76: The "Muppet Agency" Saga & Trusting Your Gut In this episode, Sam and Max dive deep into a series of on-set disasters that serve as a massive reminder for every actor: Always trust your gut. Max recounts a "comedy of errors" with a production company that lacked professionalism at every turn—from freezing casting calls to literal phone-snatching. Key Segments & Timestamps The Golden Rule: Why you should never ignore your instinct when a project feels "off." The 15-Minute Freez...

Episode 75: Dodging Scams and Standing Your Ground In this episode, Max and Sam discuss the "wild west" of the acting industry. From booking voiceover gigs while waiting in a vaccine queue to reporting a predator on StarNow, the boys cover the essential safety and business skills every actor needs. They also dive deep into the world of day rates, defending your project fee against lowballing clients, and the creative hustle of marketing an indie feature film. In This Episode, You’ll Lea...

Show Notes: Episode 74 – The Power of LinkedIn and the Return of In-Person Auditions In this episode, Max and Sam discuss the shifting dynamics of the acting industry, from the digital "Creator Mode" on LinkedIn to the high-stakes energy of an old-school, in-person audition room. Whether you’re trying to fix your skincare routine or write your first screenplay, there’s something in here for every artist "between projects." In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The Actor’s Skincare Survival Guide...

Episode 73: Storytelling Secrets with George Miller & The Actor’s Instrument In this episode, Max and Sam return from a short break to discuss the "nuts and bolts" of the industry. From the anatomical dangers of whispering to the high-level storytelling philosophies of George Miller, we’re covering the full spectrum of the actor’s journey. Max shares his experience from a recent screenwriting masterclass, while Sam updates us on his latest musical theatre auditions. Plus, find out how Max ...

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 71: The Accent Grind & Cinema Catch-Up In this episode, Max and Sam dive into the practicalities of maintaining an acting career, from the technicalities of dialect coaching to the relief of finally finishing a personal website. They also break down a massive list of recent cinema releases and streaming hits. In This Episode: The Power of the U.S. Accent: Sam discusses his recent session with dialect coach Danielle Roffe. They explore why a flawless American accent is no longer a ...

Episode 70: Kung Fu, King Street, and the Post-Show Blues In this episode, Max and Sam celebrate a massive milestone 70 episodes of being "between projects!" The guys dive into the reality of wrapping a major production, from the high-energy chaos of a stage farce to the practical steps every actor should take when the curtain finally falls. Max shares the "behind-the-curtain" secrets of his recent run in the play Lipstick, including a hilarious (and slightly awkward) mission to King Stree...

Show Notes: Episode 69 – The Chaos of Being "Between Projects" In this episode, Max and Sam prove that being "unemployed" is actually a full-time job. The guys dive deep into the contrasting worlds of independent film sets and the high-octane pressure of live theatre tech runs. From hostel living and lighting setups to stage moustaches and missed cues, it’s a candid look at the grit behind the glamour. Key Highlights The Feature Film Grind: Sam updates us on his current feature shoot near...

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 exp...

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...

Two Unemployed Actors – Episode 66: Social Media Strategy for Actors Max goes solo this week to tackle one of the most requested topics from workshops, DMs, and emails: Social Media Strategy. If you’re an up-and-coming actor, it’s time to stop treating your social profiles like a casual personal diary and start viewing your online presence as a crucial extension of your professional brand. In this episode, Max breaks down the common pitfalls actors face online, how to navigate the major platf...

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 64: Set Disasters, New Ventures, & Homegrown Hits Happy New Year! Max and Sam kick off their first episode of 2021 by hitting the ground running. In this episode, the boys catch up on a massive couple of weeks filled with indie feature film night shoots, chaotic corporate gigs, the launch of a new business, and some major wins for the Australian screen industry. From a truck taking out a roller door mid-take to a dachshund refusing to be upstaged at play rehear...

Episode 63: The Intersection of Acting and Psychology with Simon Ward With Sam busy on set, Max Belmonte sits down with actor and registered psychologist Simon Ward. Having trained at the Royal Academy of Music in London while balancing a career in psychology, Simon brings a unique dual perspective to the podcast. In this episode, Max and Simon unpack the intense psychological landscape of being a modern creative, from the toxic traps of social media algorithms to navigating the striking stat...