Episodes

Episode 104: Matthew Deaner - Navigating the Future of the Australian Screen IndustryIn 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 esta...

In this episode of Two Unemployed Actors, host Max Belmonte sits down with Andy Roth—an award-winning producer, voice casting director, and one of the industry's most sought-after teachers.Andy pulls back the curtain on the "mysterious" world of voiceover, offering a masterclass in what happens on the other side of the booth.From his early days at Samuel French to casting major animated series and commercials, Andy shares the blueprint for building a sustainable career in a rapidly chang...

Send us a textEpisode 102: Making Documentaries with Jye CurrieIn this masterclass on independent filmmaking, Max Belmonte sits down with Jye Currie, the award-winning director and producer behind the AACTA-nominated feature documentary, The Promise.The episode explores the grit required to move from a "proof of concept" short film to a national cinematic roadshow. Jye shares his candid experiences navigating the Australian screen industry, from self-funding a feature to the technical and ...

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...

Episode 100: The Milestone, the Memories, and the New MissionIn 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...

In this instalment of the Two Unemployed Actors podcast, host Max welcomes Anthony Meindle, an award-winning Writer, Director, and creativity expert! Celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of his global acting workshops, he discusses his latest book, Unstuck, which explores removing the psychological barriers that hinder artistic expression. He argues that traditional acting training has remained stagnant for decades, clinging to antiquated "analog" methods that no longer serve the modern, digital age. Meindle advocates for a shift toward presence and authenticity, urging performers to inhabit their true selves rather than performing for external validation. A central theme of the conversation is the concept of 'via negativa', or the "negative path." Inspired by Polish director Jerzy Grotowski, Anthony explains that growth comes not from adding new skills, but from identifying and disrupting the "blocks" that constrain an artist. He poignantly suggests that one's "kryptonite is …

Episode 98: Elevating Your Character with Damien StrouthosWhat does it truly mean to bring a character to life? In this episode, Max Belmonte sits down with actor Damien Strouthos to discuss the bridge between the script and a standout performance. Damien shares his experiences working on major Australian sets and why he believes classical foundations are the secret weapon for the modern screen actor.In this episode, we discuss:The Power of the Ensemble: Damien reflects on the professi...

Episode 97: Harriet Gordon-Anderson on Resilience, Shakespeare, and the Art of Being YourselfIn this episode, Max Belmonte sits down with the incredibly versatile Harriet Gordon-Anderson. From the prestigious halls of WAAPA to the iconic stage of Bell Shakespeare, Harriet’s journey is a masterclass in artistic resilience.We dive deep into her three-year odyssey playing the title role in Hamlet—a production that faced the unprecedented challenge of being shut down twice by the pandemic. H...

Show Notes: Episode 96 — Shane WithingtonIn 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 actin...

🎬 Unlock the Secrets of World-Class Performance with Miranda HarcourtEver wondered how stars like Nicole Kidman deliver such breathtaking, authentic performances? In this episode of Two Unemployed Actors, we go behind the scenes with legendary acting coach Miranda Harcourt.Miranda has worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood and collaborated with visionary directors like Jane Campion, Peter Jackson, and Taika Waititi. In this masterclass of a conversation, she reveals the exact techniques used to build instant chemistry on set, the importance of active listening, and how to find your "flow" under the pressure of a major production.In this high-impact episode, legendary acting coach Miranda Harcourt pulls back the curtain on the craft of elite performance. Known as the "secret weapon" for Hollywood’s elite, Harcourt shares the methodologies she uses to help stars like Nicole Kidman achieve the raw authenticity seen on screen.

Show Notes: Episode 94 – Mastering the American Accent with Paige WalkerIn this episode, Max Belmonte sits down with expert dialect coach Paige Walker to demystify the American accent for Australian actors. From her work on big-budget productions like Netflix’s Pieces of Her to coaching for the stage, Paige shares the technical and physical secrets to nailing a "General American" sound.Key HighlightsThe "Ballet of Accents": Why the General American (West Coast) accent is the essential ...

Send us a text What are Max & Sam watching? Listen now for some great recommendations. Max also reviews The Drovers Wife after attending an industry event Episode Webpage: https://www.twounemployedactors.com/whataretheywatchingepisode93 www.twounemployedactors.com Add Kulcha Productions Support the show

Episode 92: Writing for Actors with Chris CorbettIn this episode, Max and Sam dive deep into the world of screenwriting with Australian industry veteran Chris Corbett. With over 50 hours of television credits—spanning from the high-stakes drama of Blue Healers and All Saints to the intricate mysteries of Miss Fisher—Chris offers a masterclass in what it actually takes to be a "jobbing writer" in the Australian landscape.Whether you’re an actor looking to write your first pilot or a produ...

Show Notes: Episode 91 – Acting vs. Survival JobsIn this episode, Max and Sam reunite to discuss the high-wire act of balancing a creative career with real-world responsibilities. From the philosophy of survival jobs to the launch of a new production company, it’s an honest look at what it takes to stay "work-fit" in the Australian screen industry.Key HighlightsThe "Big Magic" Philosophy: Sam discusses moving out and the importance of having a survival job that funds your passion witho...

Ever wondered what happens after the 'Not Bummer Summer'? ☀️In this episode of Two Unemployed Actors, we sit down with Jordana Beatty (Judy Moody herself!) to discuss her incredible journey from an 8-year-old breakout star to a seasoned professional in the industry.We dive deep into how her craft has evolved, the stark differences between high-pressure TV schedules and film sets, and the reality of navigating the acting world during a global pandemic.Whether you're an aspiring actor or a fan of her work, Jordana’s insights on being prepared and staying grounded are a masterclass in career longevity.What would she go back and tell her young Actor self????Hit play to learn what it's really like to grow up on screen!

Episode 104 | The Modern Audition: Master the Self-TapeSelf-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-InBefore diving into the tech, the ...

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 …

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 TakeawaysBuilding the Character FrameworkDarren shares the specific processes he uses to find a character’s headspace, especia...

Episode 86: A Lot Can Go Wrong on SetRelease Date: Mar 17, 2022Hosts: Max Belmonte & Sam FoldenEpisode OverviewWe’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 ProductionAnousha 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 GroundShe 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 textEpisode 84 – Script Drafts, Action Design, and LA BoundIn 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 PointsTurning 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 HargraveIn 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 ActorsPreparation is ev...

Episode 82: Christiaan Van Vuuren – From Viral Hipster to ABC CreatorIn 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 ListThe hosts dive into th...