What actually happens behind the scenes.Follow two Actors on their journey through auditions and projects across Commercials, Theatre, Musicals, Voice Overs, TV, and Film.
Send us Fan Mail
In Episode 110 of Two Unemployed Actors, host Max Belmonte sits down with renowned Australian Casting Director and Acting Coach Peter Rasmussen. Successfully wearing both industry hats, Peter offers a uniquely powerful perspective on the exact moment an Actor's training meets the raw reality of the casting room.
In this deeply authentic conversation, Peter opens up about his personal transition from Actor to Casting Director, sharing the brave choices he made regarding his own mental health that ultimately led him to find his true passion behind the camera and in the classroom.
For any Actor navigating the modern industry landscape, Peter drops invaluable gems on how to survive and thrive. He breaks down the number one mistake Actors make during auditions, focusing entirely on the "emotion" instead of the obstacle, and explains why over-planning your performance can completely kill the organic reality of a scene.
Max and Peter also dive deep into the mechanics of the self-tape era, discussing how to overcome analysis paralysis, stop pushing to impress, and pull the camera back to simple truth and subtlety. Peter pulls back the curtain on the business side of entertainment by mapping out the "7 stages of selection," giving Actors a clear, reassuring blueprint of how an audition tape actually moves up the industry ladder to directors and network clients.
Finally, the episode covers essential strategies for unrepresented talent trying to break through the noise, what major Hollywood streaming platforms look for in local talent, and a brilliant post-audition ritual designed to conquer performance anxiety. Get ready to shift your mindset from a passenger to an active creator.
Support the show
An Add Kulcha Production
Send us Fan Mail
Two Unemployed Actors | Episode 109: Greg Apps
Welcome back to another episode of Two Unemployed Actors. In Episode 109, we are diving deep into the psychology of the casting room with one of the industry's most respected voices: Greg Apps. With over 80 films and countless television hours under his belt, Greg has seen it all—and he’s here to tell you why your "best" acting might actually be what's standing in the way of your next big role.
Greg is the mastermind behind "The Audition Technique," a revolutionary approach that challenges the traditional "performance" model. Instead of focusing on technical perfection or hitting every mark, Greg encourages actors to find the organic connection and the unique "vibe" that makes a tape unforgettable. In this conversation, we explore the shift from being a "good student" to being a compelling human being on screen, explaining the science of human connection from the perspective of a seasoned casting director.
Inside the Episode
We break down the nuances of self-taping in the modern era, the first ten seconds of a submission, and how to manage the mental hurdles of rejection. Greg shares candid advice on how to stop worrying about the script and start focusing on the impact you have on the viewer. Whether you are navigating the Australian screen industry or looking to break into international markets, his insights offer a practical roadmap for the working actor.
And this episode isn't just about technical tips; it’s about a complete mindset shift. We discuss the reality of the industry today and how to maintain your passion while navigating the "numbers game." Join us for an hour of blunt honesty and incredible wisdom that will help you stop "acting" and start getting cast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review to help us continue bringing world-class guests to the show. It is time to take control of your craft and your professional career.
Episode Webpage: https://shorturl.at/3s11j
Support the show
An Add Kulcha Production
Send us Fan Mail
🎬 How do you balance coaching A-list stars like Gerard Butler and Salma Hayek while directing Hollywood blockbusters?
In this episode of Two Unemployed Actors, host Max Belmonte sits down with industry powerhouse Michelle Danner. With over 30 years of experience, Michelle is a renowned acting coach, director, and producer who is currently shaping the future of cinema.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
Behind-the-Scenes Secrets: What it was like shooting Miranda’s Victim during a global pandemic with icons like Donald Sutherland, Andy Garcia, Abigail Breslin, Ryan Phillipe, and Luke Wilson.
Global Filmmaking: The logistical and creative differences between filming in Italy vs. the USA.
Project Deep Dives: Get the inside scoop on her upcoming romantic comedy Under the Stars (starring Toni Collette) and her latest project, Starstruck.
Industry Evolution: Michelle’s candid take on the current state of AI in Hollywood and what it means for the next generation of actors.
Whether you're an aspiring actor looking for coaching insights or a filmmaker interested in the mechanics of high-level production, this conversation is a masterclass in navigating a multi-hyphenate career in the modern industry.
Subscribe for more insights!
Resources Mentioned:
Studio: Michelle Danner Acting Studio
Episode Webpage: https://www.twounemployedactors.com/michelledanner/
Support the show
An Add Kulcha Production
Send us Fan Mail
In Episode 107 of Two Unemployed Actors, host Max Belmonte is joined by the legendary Helene Rousse, a Montreal-based Casting Director with an impressive 35-year tenure in the entertainment business. This conversation is an absolute goldmine for emerging Actors looking to understand the mechanics of the international market and the shifting digital landscape.
Helene provides a fascinating update on the Canadian industry, but the real showstopper is the discussion on "Verticals." These short-form series, designed for platforms like TikTok, are exploding in popularity. Helene explains why actors should embrace this fast-paced world, where shooting twenty-five pages a day is the norm and global opportunities for performers are becoming a reality. We also tackle the modern elephant in the room: Artificial Intelligence. From six-figure buyouts for AI voice clones to the ethical implications for voice artists, Helene offers a pragmatic perspective on how to coexist with this technology.
As the industry moves toward a 99.5% self-tape model, technical proficiency is no longer optional. Helene breaks down the make or break factors for your auditions:
First, the vital importance of neutral backgrounds and clear lighting.
Second, why your personality and authenticity must shine through the lens.
Third, how to maintain your acting muscles during slower periods.
We also explore Helene’s unique "Formula 1" coaching method and her Showbiz Connect initiative, designed to help actors stop "zigzagging" and start moving in a straight line toward their goals. Helene’s advice is grounded in her diverse background as a dancer, model, and talent agent, offering a 360-degree view of what makes a performer successful. Whether you are looking to master the technical side of self-taping or seeking creative ways to stand out—like sending a hard-copy resume to make a lasting impression—this episode provides the roadmap you need to stay work-fit and focused in a competitive industry. From corporate voiceovers to high-stakes feature films, Episode 107 is essential listening. Stay creative.
Subscribe for more insights!
Episode Webpage: https://shorturl.at/oU3jy
Support the show
An Add Kulcha Production
Send us Fan Mail
Ivana Chubbuck: The Secret Behind Hollywood’s Greatest Performances 🎭✨
In this episode of Two Unemployed Actors, we are joined by the legendary Ivana Chubbuck—founder of the Ivana Chubbuck Studio and the visionary creator of the world-renowned Chubbuck Technique.
Ivana has coached some of the most iconic actors in history, including Halle Berry, Charlize Theron, Brad Pitt, Jake Gyllenhaal, and many more. Today, she shares her deep insights into the craft of acting, her 12-step technique, and her newly updated book, The Power of the Actor.
Whether you're an emerging actor or a seasoned pro, this conversation is packed with actionable advice on how to turn your personal pain into dynamic, award-winning performances.
In this episode, we discuss:
🚀 Beyond "Honest and Truthful": Why being real isn't enough to get the job.
🏆 The Winning Mindset: How to be an "emotional hero" and overcome objectives.
🧠 The Science of Acting: Drawing from behavioural science and psychology.
✍️ The Work Ethic of Greats: Stories of Christopher Walken, Charlize Theron, and Pamela Anderson.
📹 Mastering the Self-Tape: Tips for creating chemistry and energy on camera.
🚫 Taking the Judgment Out: Why judging your character will lose you the role.
Subscribe for more insights!
📚 Resources Mentioned:
Book: The Power of the Actor (Updated Edition) by Ivana Chubbuck.
Studio: Learn more at the Ivana Chubbuck Studio.
Episode Webpage: https://www.twounemployedactors.com/ivana-chubbuck/
Support the show
An Add Kulcha Production
Send us Fan Mail
Welcome back to Two Unemployed Actors. After a brief hiatus, Max Belmonte returns to provide a transparent look at the modern "slasher" lifestyle within the Australian screen industry. This episode serves as both a personal update and a strategic guide for any creative artist navigating the delicate balance between commercial work and passion projects. Max dives deep into the necessity of a regular career audit, ensuring your daily grind aligns with your ultimate goals.
A major focus this week is the strategic evolution of Max’s television project, Paradise Palms. He explores the critical decision-making process involved in choosing between a high-risk, self-funded pilot and a polished seven-minute short film proof of concept. Max explains how this pivot minimizes financial exposure while creating a valuable standalone asset for festivals and commissioners. With industry events like Screen Forever on the horizon, having a sharp, professional "calling card" is essential for making a lasting impression on decision-makers.
The episode also covers the tactical side of representation. Max shares his journey of transitioning to Agency 888, emphasizing the importance of "interviewing your agent" as much as they interview you. He discusses the power of a refreshed toolkit, featuring new headshots by the acclaimed Sally Flegg and an updated showreel. This transparency helps demystify the process of changing lanes in your career to find a team that shares your hunger for success and understands your unique casting strengths.
To wrap up, Max highlights the value of staying "work fit" through hands-on experience. He recounts his recent lead role in an AFTRS graduate horror production, proving that even with decades of experience, there is always room to sharpen your craft and network with the next generation of filmmakers. Whether you are balancing corporate presenting, voiceovers, or indie shorts, this episode is a reminder to refocus on why you started acting in the first place. Join the conversation and move forward together.
Follow for more insights!
Episode Webpage: https://shorturl.at/h5lQd
Support the show
An Add Kulcha Production
A conversation with SPA CEO Matthew Deaner
What does SPA do
What resources SPA offer to Producers chasing their first credit and tips and tricks
Current issues and opportunities in the Australian industry
Why minimum Australian content quotas are so important and what could the model look like
Why commissioners are risk averse
Screen Forever Conference and how its beneficial for emerging Producers
How other countries are implementing quotas on their local content.
Emerging producers can still make their mark with Short films and low budget content.
How to be successful in building a relationship with commissioners
Intellectual property and how importance ownership is. What happens if producers lose too much of their IP and how to protect IP rights.
Episode Page:
https://www.twounemployedactors.com/Screen-Producers-Australia
An Add Kulcha Production
Max talks with LA Casting Director Andy Roth who specialises in Voice Over work.
Andy Roth , LA Casting Director talks about how he started in Voice Over Casting, building his own Casting business and then Directing.
Its not who you know, it's who knows you!
Some great insights for Actors around auditioning, whether its for Voice or not.
How to navigate the ‘business of connections… and relationships’.
Advice on how to start in voiceovers
How to manage getting direction in the voice booth and having the confidence to make the choices that you feel are right.
Elevating your voice over auditions through physical movement.
Home studio set ups and the need to add your ‘studio sample’ to your website.
Advice on getting an Agent, current industry trends and so much more…
Max talks with Director and Producer of the Documentary ‘The Promise’ Jye Currie
They talk the challenges of Producing and Directing a Documentary
Advice for other creatives wanting to produce a Documentary
The balance between telling a personal story and presenting facts
Managing the wellbeing of crew when filming sensitive and difficult subject matter
Max talks with New York Acting Coach Terry Knickerbocker
Terry established the ‘Terry Knickerbocker Studio’ in NYC and works with Actors like Daniel Craig, Michelle Williams, Sam Rockwell, Austin Butler, and Boyd Holbrook who plays the villain Klaber in “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.”
What drew Terry to Meisner?
What was involved in establishing his extraordinary faculty?
How to approach Auditions
How to make your small part work
And so many more great tips for both established and emerging Actors.
It's the 100th Episode
A time to look back on all the highlights
Max also updates us on whats the next project...
Acting Coach Anthony Meindl & Two Unemployed Actors – Episode 99
- The business of Acting
- What are Actors struggling with the most
- The new book ‘Unstuck’
- How Unstuck can help other creatives
- How do you remove the blocks that get in our way
- The importance of defining what success is for you
Episode Page: https://www.twounemployedactors.com/anthonymeindl
www.twounemployedactors.com
An Add Kulcha Production
Max interviews Actor DAMIEN STROUTHOS
- What is it like working with a great cast like Sam Niell, Marta Dusseldorp and Kate Mulvaney
- How do you bring more to your character than was on the page.
- What was Darren Gilshenan's advice to Damien?
- The benefit of revisiting Shakespeare
- 8 months of presenting Shakespeare to school children
- The benefit of Drama School where the Showcase has all Agents in the room.
Episode Page: https://www.twounemployedactors.com/damienstrouthos
www.twounemployedactors.com
An Add Kulcha Production
Max interviews Actor Harriet Gordon – Anderson
- Hamlet v the plague
- From academic graduate to WAAPA
- Navigating through the industry
- Approaching a character from featured guest in Television to a lead on stage.
Episode Page:
**https://www.twounemployedactors.com/harrietgordonanderson
An Add Kulcha Production
www.twounemployedactors.com**
Max interviews Home & Away Actor Shane Withington
- The great training ground that is working on set of Home & Away
- How to set up for success on a television series
- Playing ‘John Palmer” on Home & Away for over 14 years and the famous character Shane lent on for inspiration.
- Advice for up & coming Actors looking to work in television
- What a normal week on Home & Away looks like
- How the cast & crew are shooting through Covid
Episode Page: https://www.twounemployedactors.com/shanewithington
www.twounemployedactors.com
An Add Kulcha Production
Max interviews Acting Coach Miranda Harcourt
- How Miranda works with Directors like Jane Campion, Peter Jackson, Taika Waititi and emerging Directors.
- How to build chemistry fast
- What are actors consistently asking for help with
- What its like working with Actors such as Nicole Kidman
- How Miranda approaches her Masterclass for Professional Actors
- The power of listening as an Actor
- The magic of finding your flow
Episode page: https://www.twounemployedactors.com/Miranda-Harcourt
www.twounemployedactors.com
An Add Kulcha Production
Max interviews Dialect Coach Paige Walker
What does it take to perfect an accent?
The 3 things Aussie Actors are doing wrong
The difference between Stage and Screen
Being audition ready
Episode Webpage: https://www.twounemployedactors.com/PaigeWalkerEpisode94
www.twounemployedactors.com
An Add Kulcha Production
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
- In Australia you cant afford to write only in a specific genre
- Advice for Actors who want to write
- What the real police said about an episode of Crime Drama
- Reality TV vs Scripted
- Pitching advice
www.twounemployedactors.com
Episode page link:
https://www.twounemployedactors.com/chriscorbett
Add Kulcha Productions
- Staying motivated
- Its quality over quantity when we get to rehearse
- Always make time to evaluate where you are in your Acting journey
- The irony of Max taking time from Acting to develop the Podcast and establish a Production Company, both designed to create more Acting projects.
- Will Max do another student film?
www.twounemployedactors.com
Add Kulcha Production
- How her approach to a character has changed from 8yr old Actor to now,
- Working across comedy and drama roles
- Being prepared for a TV schedule vs Film
- The challenges of filming throughout Covid
- What would you go back and tell your young Actor self?
www.twounemployedactors.com
Its all about auditions.As Actors now we have to get better at auditioning via a 'Self Tape'.Max and Sam share their tech setups, how they approach auditions as Actors, even how they edit and how self tapes is changing the Actor - Agent - Casting Director relationship.
www.twounemployedactors.com
- What does an Agent look for in an Actor
- How have Showreels changed over the years and what stands out
- The unique challenges of 50 worders
- Advice on Self Taping vs Auditioning in the room
- What to do now that you have an Agent
- When to look for representation in LA
We chat with Chris Hemsworth's Agent Mark Morrissey.
- How to approach comedy v drama
- What mistakes are up & coming Actors making when attempting comedy
- Comedy and Shakespeare
- We explore the world of Improv
- Tips for success
A lot can go wrong on set - Two Unemployed Actors - Episode 86
- Max & Sam share their own on-set horror stories
- They also react to other real stories from set
- Anousha demystifies the Casting process
- How to handle audition nerves
- Tips for nailing that audition
- MAX & SAM recap on two amazing guests Christiaan Van Vuuren and Sam Hargrave and why they were inspired by them
- MAX has an update on his passion project
- Where will the Podcast be in late March… L.A.
Max & Sam chat to Writer, Actor, & Director Christiaan Van Vuuren
Famous since ‘Bondi Hipsters’, Christiaan talks all things Acting
From creating your own opportunities to Directing and lots in between
What are Max & Sam watching and why?
How to prepare for a busy TV show work schedule
It's still important to 'not wait for a part'.
We talk about what you need in your 'Acting Toolkit', even the boring bits!
Plus what we're watching.
Max & Sam are surviving the Corona World by broadcasting the podcast remotely!
Discussing 90's movices &, the Australian movie Palm Beach
Updating their NETFLIX 'my list'
Fred and Bella are loving the lock down
-Staying busy even when broken
-Movie review of The Catcher is a Spy!
-Update on Sam Hargrave and his beard
How to stay productive and busy as an actor
- Sam lists all his stage injuries
- Max details short stunt courses for actors
- Gemini Man and Judy review
- Sam aims to be a stunt man and Dachshund wrangler.
Sam teaches us a unique stage technique & keeps travelling to Woollongong for Musical rehearsals
Max votes in AACTA and did not like The Joker movie!
Car v Vespa?
Not one but two Musicals?
Auditions for who?
Short Films?
So many questions to be answered...
Sam needs to comb his hair as two Musicals need him for publicity photos
Max tries to become a lighting director... and fails
How to navigate the world of Social Media as an Actor
Update on whats been keeping us busy
Sam rehearsing for two musicals
Max completing another student film and juggling scripts
A TVC casting each.
Workshops... what to avoid, what to look for, how to know whats right for you???
Sam is back!
Introducing Fred!
What have we been up to????
Max gets a call in the middle of the podcast
How many times does Sam cough????
Dont sign away a project 'in perpetuity'!
How to negotiate out of an 'in perpetuity' project.
Actors, dont forget about Linkedin
Share with us what topics you want to hear!
Remember! Dont give up and dont f**k up!
Yes no SAM just more MAX this episode.
2 short films and a play to prepare for!
The most popular question we have been asked since the show started: How to find a good Agent.
Sam recovers after his Musical 3 Weeks in Spring (you may hear him coughing!)
One of us gets into a musical and it's not who you think!! (Clue: It's not Sam!)
Max juggles two student films and Voiceover work
Two jobs you would not expect to come through an Agent!
This is the Musical Special!
I am surrounded by singing talent - Sam, Emma, & Jess
What not to sing at a Musical audition?
Do Musical performers always sing every song live?
Confessions... Embarrassing moments on stage
What do singers really think of the Musical Cats?
Music in Movies and when is it live?
Who forgot the words to the National Anthem?
What happens when you piss off the piano player in an audition?
Why should Amateur Theatres NOT perform the Musical Wicked?
Google Advertising Fail
and so much more...
Sam does a law student promo
Max fights for attention with Fred in a Self Tape
Max pretends to be Ken.
It takes three cats to make a good actor.
Jess casts Sam in a musical.
Dogfight the Musical v Cats the Musical.
Tips and tricks from a Casting Director.
Accents in Acting and Musicals.
Will Max hold out from watching the last 2 eps of Lambs of God?
Bob the Fish who is our Marketing Director died.
Handling microphones on stage while singing and dancing.
Sam forgot the words to Grease.
Sam auditions for a TVC.
Max's (brief) improv experiences.
How expensive is it to put on a reality tv show?
Max watched 'Lambs of God' at an AACTA event followed by Q&A
Bloopers that made it into films.
Max had a TVC audition... as a father.
Max & Sam find they are both HUGE fans of Kate Mulvany! And they have both worked with her! What?!
Max talks about an upcoming Q&A with Casting Director Nikki Barrett
The movie I Am Mother gets a solid mention.
Max meets Cate Blanchett
Max see's Alan Rickman in road rage.
Agents get a mention... the good, the bad, the ugly.
Full Transcript including Timestamps on our website www.twounemployedactors.com
Max struggles through the intro...
Did Max get a callback from his audition?
Probably not, but he is still giving advice.
What was the latest technical muck up?
Max mentions his radio career... again.
Sam gets violent in the studio.
Sam talks through his latest audition.
We talk through some of the joys of student films.
Max talks through auditioning for Jai Courtney.
Freds opinion on Stranger Things agiain.
Max finds Russell Crowe's tree. It's a ficus.
Sam auditioned for a Musical... with his girlfriend.
Reality TV gets a mention
Max learns about a Huffy Puff.
The joys of creating a podcast
Keep working as an Actor to stay work fit
Appearance v talent
Max's greatest performance reading to children. Is it resume worthy?
Sam opens four doors.
So youre an Actor? Get me a coffee.
Self tape with girlfriend v self tape with Mum?!
Stranger Things gets a mention.
Google Translate v Voiceover scripts
Managing your social media as an Actor.