Actor 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...

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...

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 changing ...

Episode 98: Elevating Your Character with Damien Strouthos What 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 professional le...

Episode 97: Harriet Gordon-Anderson on Resilience, Shakespeare, and the Art of Being Yourself In 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. Harr...

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...

🎬 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.

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!

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 Takeaways Building the Character Framework Darren shares the specific processes he uses to find a character’s headspace, especially w...

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 a ...

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 Freeze: Wait...

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 Learn: The...

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: Why u...

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 event...

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 "bonus"...

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 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 platfor...

Episode 47: The Icon Series – Kate Fitzpatrick In this landmark episode, Max & Sam are joined by a true legend of the Australian stage and screen, Kate Fitzpatrick . With a career that spans the golden era of Australian theatre to the bright lights of Hollywood, Kate offers a masterclass in longevity, artistic integrity, and the grit required to sustain a lifelong career in the arts. Key Highlights The Patrick White Connection: Kate discusses her profound creative partnership with Nobel Prize wi...

Two Unemployed Actors | Episode 44 Are corporate shoots worth the headache, and what really goes on behind the scenes of massive reality TV franchises? In this episode, Max and Sam dive deep into the stark differences between professional sets, independent casting platforms, and the wild world of DIY corporate gigs. Max shares a cautionary tale about battling a dual-teleprompter nightmare at a corporate shoot, while Sam breaks down a demanding StarNow audition that crosses the line into actor ex...

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...