Acting

Aaron Marcus thanks for this tip. I'm actually going to start looking into commercial modelling after learning more about it from you in your Tips videos and in lounge conversations with you. This tip might come in handy further down the road if I manage to get any of that type of work

I think commercial modeling could be really interesting for you. And, can't wait until you tell me about your first booking. Thanks as always, for leaving great comments.

ooh Sydney S yes this does look exciting! Definitely one to consider

Couldn't agree more, hope you can make it!

Make sure to put your questions below for Davina to answer live tomorrow during the webinar Q + A! Email edu@stage32.com as well to submit your questions for Davina or any questions you may have.

See everyone tomorrow, we're excited to welcome Davina back!

See everyone in less than an hour!

Alexandra Stevens, I only started in April of this year with a happy accident. I feel like I am rapidly evolving, though not sure into what. How to explain writing hundreds of songs along with developing out four TV series, four films and a stage musical? As for any grit or resilience, I simply think of the legacy I want to leave for my son.

My goodness, Wyman Brent how do you create the time? Look forward to finding out when we chat later this week

It is a combination of creative synesthesia, ADHD with hyperfocus and lots of coffee.

Aaron Marcus thanks again for being so generous with your sharing and tips. As I start to mobilise myself at some point to look for roles, student films is a great idea to get going. I have noted the links

You are so welcome, Alexandra. With your amazing writing skills, have you ever thought about writing a screenplay? I know you have so much to share with others.

I have done those things. Been in many a student film/play. Thank you for sharing your tips with us again Aaron Marcus I recommend everyone subscribe to his YT channel.

Thank you so much, Suzanne. And, I really appreciate you spreading the word about my channel.

Brandon Keeton I'm impressed by your perseverance and drive to stick with a passion project for forty years! Good on you! it must feel beyond fulfilling to finally be filming it. whilst I have yet to experience a role like you describe yet, I'm curious which of the actors' skills and attributes made their performances so on point ? Always interested to hear a directors' point of view

I can't say that I have had that experience yet Brandon Keeton I bet some of our long time professionals have. Let's hear it.

Brandon Keeton i didn't read this as a rant at all! I read it as you encouraging to take full responsibility for our acting careers. To take our power back. I found your story very inspiring and encouraging. I definitely want to try my hand at this before the year is out. Thank you!

The best advice I have ever gotten: "Start where you are. The mother duck doesn't wait for her ducklings to line up, she just starts walking and expects the ducks to line up behind her. " And if you have ever seen a duck and her ducklings, there is always a straggler who is struggling to catch up. Survival of the fittest. This is a great analogy for a career in entertainment. Like you said, Brandon Keeton

After 21 years in the Marine Corps and 10 years as a small business owner, I was sitting on the couch one day and realized that I had lived 30 years of my life in the service to others. I wanted to do something just for me for a change.

So at 47 years old, I sold my business and never looked back. I have gotten into writing, directing and producing as well. Having a ball at the moment!

What drew you to acting/entertainment business Brandon Keeton ? Why is that what you wanted to do for yourself?

I think Dave Franco has the look to play Luigi Mangione, Pat Alexander.

I think Dave Franco's statement is tone deaf. He may look like the guy, but I would keep that to myself. .I don't understand why people think Mangione is a hero. No one has approached Franco about it because making a movie about Mangione would be in poor taste. I see protests and cancel culture campaigns against any studio who did that.

I think there's a lot of people in America without healthcare or with terrible healthcare plans because all healthcare companies are predatory. Instead of... you know... focused on providing the best healthcare to keep it's citizens alive. Whether you like what happened or not, anything (including a movie) that brings light to this ongoing crisis in our country has tangible value.

Mangione killed a United Healthcare CEO, who had nothing to do with anything related to denial of services, and Mangione has had no connection to UHC. He has not said anything, people are making a lot of assumptions. One can make a documentary about our unhealthcare system, no need to glorify a murderer. There have already been numerous fictional films about our lack of healthcare system. Should we make a movie about the man (I refuse to write his name) who killed Kaylee Gonclaves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin because an actor may look like that killer?

Alexandra Stevens The article seems to discuss research from the perspective of an actor or actress which is important. For me, as a creator/writer, the research often takes a different form. I need to ensure that the cultural context and the world my characters inhabit are portrayed accurately. If I’m writing a film or series set in the UK, the US, or with significant ties that pivot into Mexico, France, or Jamaica, the level of authenticity required is high. It’s not just about understanding how a detective would operate in the US; legal and police procedures can vary drastically from region to region. Take England, for example. It’s often about grasping the finer details of local customs, language, and cultural nuances that influence how a character behaves. Research, in this sense, is crucial—often intense—and sometimes feels like stepping outside your comfort zone, but it’s essential to make the story feel real and relatable to the audience.

Thank Suzanne Bronson for your considered answer. I'm interested by what you said about not wanting to be influenced by others who have experienced and written about, say, terminal illness. I respect your ability to trust in your own imagination and how you would behave in those given circumstances.

Kenneth George it makes sense that you need to do a lot more research as the writer, especially if your scenes are taking places in countries other than your own. As a Brit, albeit living in Portugal, i'm interested in what you said about finer details of local customs, languauge and culture. I just read your profile, I'mi guessing some of the series is situated in the UK then?

Alexandra Stevens Great point, Alexandra — especially about the finer details of culture, language, and local customs. The depth of research really depends on your role. As a series creator (who also writes), I approach research from a broader perspective — focusing on multi-season arcs, character histories, and how international settings impact the story. When I’m wearing the “writer” hat on someone else’s project, the focus is more narrow — typically just writing specific scenes for a predefined world, with no "creation" responsibilities.

That said, I’m not sure how familiar you are with boxing, but when you’re aiming to take the belt from someone like Vince Gilligan in the crime thriller division, your research has to be next-level. You can’t fake authenticity, especially in this genre. Whether it’s a character’s dialogue, an international crime network, courtroom drama, or medical scenes — everything has to stand up under scrutiny. You’ve got to earn every scene.

As for locations, the series you mentioned isn’t actually based in the UK — most of it takes place in the US, with storylines that stretch into Mexico and France. But like most crime thrillers, the world is interconnected: a cartel leader might be born in one country, operate in another, and hide out in a third. We’re also developing a UK-based project right now, though… and getting a proper South London accent for the dialogue is a whole new challenge! I’ve also had some suggestions that if a UK producer or network were to option or acquire the series, some of the scenes outside the US — when appropriate — might be reset to Britain. But these elements often get refined once a project is acquired.

And yes, market awareness is key. While the US dominates in production, the numbers show that a significant portion of revenue from top-grossing films comes from international audiences. The same goes for global streaming. So, I always keep an eye on what resonates across borders — particularly in the thriller genre, where audience tastes often align in interesting ways.

https://www.boxofficemojo.com/year/world/

Having been on both sides of the table (I also Produce, Direct and Write), I can tell you that when it comes to lead characters, IMHO, that is something that should be discussed with the Director so you can support their vision of the character.

If you're the lead, you SHOULD have done some research. Again, in my opinion.

Keep in mind that you were cast because you 1) Look the part), and 2) can act.

Anyway, as an Actor, even if it's a small role, I'll ask if the Director has a backstory in mind. If not, I'll make one and let them know about it and see what they think. Sometimes they steer me a little more on to the course that they were thinking but most often times, the love that I did it and are fine with what I came up with.

As a Director, I LOVE when actors do this, even if the part is a featured extra. It doesn't have to be an extravagant backstory, but it lets me know you're on the team.

Great advice for someone who in interested in directing.

Acting in Film: An Actor's Take on Movie Making (Applause Acting Series) is the companion book. I enjoyed the video, as well.

I agree. This workshop is brilliant. Watched a number of times.

Insight from a decades long successful career!

I watch this EVERY year around Christmas time and I ALWAYS start the New Year off STRONG! It's great to go back and get little reminders.

Nicolá MelissiAn thanks for you generously sharing video. I really enjoyed getting to know you a bit more through the video. Makes total sense that as actors we need to harness all our abilities and assets in order to make life for us and make money. Unfortunately we can also have unhelpful beliefs e.g 'the struggling artist' that can affects us. Good luck with getting the pipe sorted!

That sounds like it was a great experience. Congratulations. Hope you have a wonderful time in L.A.

I gave some workshops there three weeks ago.

Nicola, do you have an agent or do you find work on your own? Hope you enjoy my other 500+ quick tip videos on my channel.

Great tips Aaron Marcus When I did extra work, getting yelled out by a crew member was my greatest fear.

It was the first and only time for me. I learned a valuable lesson that day. Thanks for sharing.

Aaron Marcus always entertaining and illuminating to hear about your on-set experiences. I would have felt very embarrassed had that happened to me but of course you were not to know

It was a difficult situation. However, I learned from the experience and never had that issue again.. Thanks for your always interesting comments.