Actors Talk with Tommy G. Kendrick

NOTES FROM THE SET OF SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER, WAR GAMES AND MORE My guest for this episode of Actors Talk with Tommy G. Kendrick is film and television director John Badham. Most listeners will know Badham from his films Saturday Night Fever with John...

Turning Minutes Into Moments AND Moments Into A Career In "Know Small Parts - An Actor's Guide To Turning Minutes Into Moments and Moments Into A Career" Laura Cayouette approaches the acting business with the viewpoint and insight that can only come from experience. In this case, experience with auditioning for and booking scores of 'small parts' over a career that now spans more than twenty years. Some actors may turn their noses up at the prospect of acting, even embracing small roles for more than 'a year or two', or 'just to get started.' Get Know Small Parts - An Actor's Guide To Turning Minutes Into Moments and Moments Into A Career Here During our conversation for this episode of Actors Talk, Laura offered this: The book is predominantly for people trying to 'figure it out' so those are the ones that I really want to reach...the actors who are in the first five years of their career. And you know actors of course think that the first five minutes of their career is all they need to suffer through...or the first five weeks or months or whatever...they don't realize that in the first five years if you're working at all, that's pretty good progress... You've definitely heard the expression,' there are no small parts only small actors,' right? My favorite reason to know how to make the most of a small part is that they deserve it. There are no small parts, only small actors - Laura Cayouette turns that phrase on its ear a bit with the title of her excellent new book: "Know Small Parts - An Actors's Guide To Turning Minutes Into Moments & Moments Into A Career."Laura takes her 20+ years of experience as an actress in Los Angeles and now in New Orleans and her work in films and television shows like Django Unchained, Now You See Me, Kill Bill, The Evening Star, Friends, Treme, etc. and offers actors a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities that come with auditioning for and booking small parts. Small Parts - Big Opportunities One reason small parts are a big deal to me is that I make a living playing them I began our conversation by asking Laura Cayouette if there were any common questions she was hearing from classes and workshop students when she was out promoting her book. Inevitably, among the first questions, she says is something about Quinten Tarantino. That hardly seems surprising. Cayouette has one of the best roles of her career as Lara Lee Candie-Fitzwilly in Tarantino's Django Unchained. Lara Lee, you will remember is the sister to Leonardo DiCaprio's Calvin Candie. Although Cayouette had worked with Tarantino previously - a small role as Rocket in Kill Bill: Vol. 2 - and though both had been on board Hell Ride, he as Executive Producer, she as Associate Producer and Actress, Cayouette was surprised and excited to read the script for Django Unchained. Upon reading the script, she realized the character of Lara Lee Candie Fitzwilly had been written for her. It was one of the most enriching experiences of my life...that thing of feeling that you are part of something ...very few directors when you walk on their set do you know in advance that you're making something that will last You Don't Go There To Suck Quentin really does make it [a film company] feel like a family... you'll never work harder...partly because you'll put so much pressure on yourself to deliver a Tarantino quality performance...you don't go there to suck, you go there to deliver ...everybody's bringing their A game, or else. Shirley MacLaine You can turn any minute into a moment. You can be unforgettable with no dialogue and nothing to do but clap. Ms. Cayouette relates an anecdote about her first big Hollywood film: The Evening Star, starring Shirley MacLaine: In a scene in which MacLaine was essentially a background player Cayouette says "she stole that scene out from a bunch of really talented people.

KEVIN SIZEMORE - RETURN ENGAGEMENT Connect with Kevin Sizemore on Facebook or on Vine, Twitter or Instagram with the handle @kevinsizemore This is the second appearance on Actors Talk for actor, Kevin Sizemore. Kevin was my guest for Episode 25 in October of 2012. At that time, Kevin was promoting a new film called Red Line, which is currently enjoying international distribution. Since Kevin has a recurring role in the new series UNDER THE DOME, a production of CBS, Amblin Television and DreamWorks Television, and has several other projects ready to drop, I thought it was time we got together for another chat. Producing A Web Series Kevin and I began this conversation talking about an interesting project he's doing with his acting class. Kevin and his students are producing a web series that he and the students are writing. This web series will be used for multiple purposes. It gives his acting students a chance to take what they're learning out of the classroom and into a real working situation. It gives the actors potential demo reel material to present to agents and casters. And, because the series is being produced under a SAG-AFTRA New Media Agreement, the actors who are not already union members, become eligible with their participation in the project. RED LINE - CAN I GET A WITNESS PROTECTION? After getting an update on the action-thriller, Red Line , called The Limit in Japan, Kevin brought me up to date on several additional projects: Can I Get A Witness Protection, a faith-based comedy written/directed by Robert G. Lee about a family forced into witness protection after the dad witnesses a murder. SKYPE YOUR WAY TO THE SET Kevin related how he came to get cast in NECESSARY ROUGHNESS in an episode directed by actor Rob Morrow (Numb3rs, Northern Exposure). Lacking a way to get to a callback in L.A., Kevin was able to set a Skype casting session with Rob Morrow and ended up booking the job. I got Kevin to elaborate on the experience of doing a callback for a guest star role via Skype. In the changing world of casting, we actors need to be prepared to utilize every tool available. This is a great real-world example of how familiarity with current technology allowed an actor to book a role he otherwise might well have lost. SET DYNAMICS - TEAM WORK - ENJOYING YOUR TIME ON SET Kevin and I discussed one of the aspects of being the guest actor on a show that relates to 'fitting in.' When you join a show that's already up and running, whether it's for one episode or multiple episodes, there is already a 'family dynamic' in place among the existing cast and crew. How does the new kid on the block 'fit in' in a way that allows him/her to do the job they're hired for in the most seamless fashion? This can be more of an issue earlier in the career journey, but can also be a continuing issue if the actor is shy or otherwise insecure. In this part of our discussion, Kevin has some excellent advice on how to treat people on the set, starting with the crew! It all comes down to treating all the people you work with, from extras, crew to series leads with mutual respect. It's all about team work. THIRTEEN MILLION VIEWERS GO UNDER THE DOME This interview was recorded last week prior to the premiere episode of UNDER THE DOME on CBS. Some of the questiong reveal my unfamilarity with the Steven King story upon which the series is based. Ratings for the pilot episode were excellent with 13.1 million viewers and a 3.2 rating among the key 18-49 demographic. The series stars Dean Norris who is coming off another his series, Breaking Bad Kevin Sizemore will be playing Chester's Mill police deputy Paul Randolph. Kevin has described his character as "I'm more of a react first and think later type of guy...which can get me into trouble from time to time." All the actors listening will appreciate hearing how Kevin was cast straight off a taped audition.

North Of Hollywood For every fan of Hollywood, the movie business, of the actor's journey, you've probably read numerous accounts of 'how to succeed' in shown business. Rarely will you have the opportunity to read such an honest account of what succeeding in Hollywood can mean, especially if one gets attached to the fame that comes with success. Rick Lenz' memoir NORTH OF HOLLYWOOD takes the reader places that most memoirs gloss over or avoid completely. He takes us into his private life and into the difficulties, many self-inflicted, that can come with the territory. Since this interview was originally broadcast, NORTH OF HOLLYWOOD has garnered seven book awards for the author including: Finalist, Forward Reviews Book of The Year; First Runner Up, London Book Festival (Biography)and winner of the 2012 Los Angeles Book Festival. Following is my review of NORTH OF HOLLYWOOD. After listening to my conversation with Rick Lenz, I hope you'll hit up your favorite book seller and pick up a copy of NORTH OF HOLLYWOOD. I can't recommend it highly enough. REVIEW: NORTH OF HOLLYWOOD by Rick Lenz In NORTH OF HOLLYWOOD, author Rick Lenz says: I love acting, but I don't much care for show business... Show business as a career, for those of us whom it chooses - we never choose it; no one lacks that much common sense - is the most enticing siren the gods ever conjured, at least to those with the weakness... Any wayfarer with even miniscule common sense would take whatever evasive action was necessary to avoid that route. And that was from a successful Hollywood actor. NORTH OF HOLLYWOOD, winner - Best Biography at the 2011-2012 Los Angeles Book Festival is an often funny, sometimes gut wrenching and immensely engaging true tale of one actor's journey to grab the brass ring of show business success and by extension, celebrity. Rick Lenz moves in for an ECU (extreme close up) on a very successful career and an often dysfunctional personal life. How does the professional actor manage the demands of 'the business' and the responsibilities of a husband and father? Is it possible to maintain equilibrium in both? Of course it IS...but it's not going to be easy. And this isn't an 'easy' book. Actor-playwright-artist and now author NORTH OF HOLLYWOOD gives the reader a raw to the bone, bravely personal view of what it can mean to succeed in show business. And what happens when, almost inevitably, that success slips away. From Lauren Bacall giving 'thumbs up' to Lenz taking over the role of Igor in the Broadway production of CACTUS FLOWER, to his rise to stardom following release of the film version with Goldie Hawn, Walter Matthau and Ingrid Bergman, the reader is along for what will become a bumpy show biz ride. The work, the fame, the celebrity are all enticing and seductive but ultimately a mirage: When I arrive on the set the director seems surprised. "I'm really sorry," he says. "You're not quite what I had in mind." When I ask him what he had in mind, he shrugs and simply says, "Someone younger." And this: ...I begin to freeze up at auditions. Years ago I was offered a role on COLUMBO...I said no to the job...Years later I have an audition with Peter Falk for one of his latter-years episodes of the show. I want it desperately, and that's how I read for it...I map out every moment. That's the number one film auditioning no-no. I'm programmed like a robot and that's how it comes out at the audition: mechanical, unnatural and dead...I've blown it by a combination of wanting it too much and my Trojan Horse acting. Ouch!! Lenz pulls few punches in illuminating the price success may extract from the actor and from the ones he loves. Though not in any way a religious book, NORTH OF HOLLYWOOD strikes me as the chronicle of a spiritual journey - though such might come as news to the author. Perhaps I'm reading that part in because it's the way I tend to see things.

Cut Through The Noise With An Original Film Score About This Episode I am very excited to bring you this episode of ATP because it's actually a reboot you might say of a an early episode...Episode 9 to be exact which was originally released on March 4, 2012, so just over 1 year ago. This episode features an interview with and music by a wonderful composer of film music, Jurgen Beck. Why bring back an episode from over a year ago? Am I just getting lazy? Well no, I hope not. This interview is one of my favorites and I think there is really great information for filmmakers, especially perhaps more inexperienced filmmakers who can get clued into some of the issues involved with the very important process of securing original music for your film and video productions. The episode was broadcast during the early days of the podcast when the listenership was a fraction of what it is today. For example a year ago each episode was getting maybe 400 plays while each episode is now averaging about 8,500 plays from almost 120 countries around the world. So the vast majority of you, my current audience have not heard what I think is one of the best ATP episodes I've produced. Not Forgotten Additionally, the timing is right. One of the projects Jurgen has scored, a documentary called NOT FORGOTTEN - The Untold Story of Autism in Ukraine is available for free for a limited time and I wanted to help get the word out about that film. Click on the title above and check it out, please. The movie can be viewed free online until May 23, 2013. The trailer is below: Not Forgotten - The Untold Story of Autism in Ukraine from Magnum Digital Cinema on Vimeo. My Name Is Paul Jurgen also recently completed the score for what looks like a very exciting new feature film call MY NAME IS PAUL. The trailer for this film was just recently released. My Name is Paul (MNIP) Teaser Trailer from Trey Ore on Vimeo. Want to know even more about Jurgen Beck? Please visit his web site. Listen to and purchase pieces you hear in this podcast and many, many more at JurgenBeck.com "One of the most satisfying aspects of composing music is watching the filmmakers I get to score music for go on and get selected into film festivals and winning awards." Jurgen Beck Film music. What would a great film be without a great score? Well it just wouldn't be a GREAT film, would it? Think of your favorite films and I'll wager that somewhere in that thought process there is a tune or a melody or a riff of music that immediately comes to mind. I'll go back into my own film going experiences and pull out a couple of examples off the top of my head: What would the Pink Panther series be without the scores by Henry Mancini? Of course you'd still have the brilliant comedic performances by Peter Sellers and the direction by by Blake Edwards but who can think of The Pink Panther and not begin to hum a few bars of the theme music? On the dramatic side of things, I think about the music of composer Maurice Jarre and some of the films of David Lean. The scores for Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago (including the popular hit Laura's Theme) immediately come to mind. During the interview, Jurgen Beck mentions the work of composer Hans Zimmer. Yes, the film score is a vital component to the experience of watching and becomming absorbed in a film. The Interview This interview was conducted via skype between my home in the Austin,TX area and Jurgen's location near Dallas,TX. The interview lasted for over an hour but it has been edited for time so that I can include some music cues written for film projects by Jurgen Beck. In a little over an hour we touched on many aspects of composing original music for film. The interview begins by getting a feel for Mr. Beck's childhood and when he first realized he had a gift for music. We move through a discussion of his development as a mostly self-taught musician,

THIS IS WHERE WE LIVE As I said to a buddy with whom I saw the film at SXSW: As actors this is the kind of project that touches that THING inside of us that makes us want to pursue the actor's journey. CREAM OF THE CROP THIS IS WHERE WE LIVE p...

THE RETRIEVAL The Retrieval, beautifully written and directed by Chris Eska, is one of only two films I was able to see at SXSW 2013. I have to say, if I could do it over again and could see only two films, I'd see the same two films in a heartbeat. The other film I saw at SXSW 2013 was the equally impressive This Is Where We Live. I'll defer talk about that outstanding film until the next episode of Actors Talk Podcast which will feature my interview with the writer, co-director and star, Marc Menchaca. Screening At the Phoenix Film Festival April 5, 6 and 7 2013 A CIVIL WAR DRAMA Here's a log line for the film as taken from IMDb: "On the outskirts of the Civil War, a boy is sent north by a bounty hunter gang to retrieve a wanted man." The boy, Will, is played with skill beyond his years, by newcomer Ashton Sanders. Will is led in his errand by Marcus, who has traded his soul for survival in a strong supporting performance by Keston John. Their task is to go north into Union territory and retrieve Nate, a freedman with a bounty on his head. Marcus and Will are sent on this 'errand' by Burrell, the villain of the piece, played with a disturbing ease by well-known horror film star Bill Oberst Jr. Tishuan Scott as Nate delivers what will surely be a breakout performance, a performance rewarded the special jury prize for acting at SXSW 2013. As the story unfolds, Nate is duped into believing that his dying brother has asked Marcus and Will to find him and bring him home. That, of course, is a lie designed to coax Nate to take the journey back where he can be turned over to Burrell for a reward. It's a simple story of trust, betrayal and survival. Two black men sent to retrieve another black man for a white man's bounty, set against the backdrop of war, circa 1864. Not so simple after all. The Retrieval clip 2 from Chris Eska on Vimeo. KUDOS TO WRITER/DIRECTOR CHRIS ESKA With a script, direction, cinematography, editing and performances that are all first rate, The Retrieval achieves that which other films with far greater budgets can only wish for. This is a story, a film that never veers off course and for that writer/director Chris Eska and producer Jason Wehling and the entire production team must be congratulated. Imagine the challenges: a period story, a young actor in one of the crucial roles, shot almost exclusively in exterior locations, a Civil War battle as one of the set pieces and all this on a low-budget SAG contract. The result, a very fine film. The kind of film that all indie filmmakers should look to for inspiration - for validation that great work can be accomplished where great talent is brought to the task. The Retrieval is a welcome reminder that in filmmaking, money may make things easier, but talent makes them possible. Tishuan Scott wins Special Grand Jury Prize for Acting at SXSW 2013 from Arts+Labor on Vimeo. AN ATP FIRST - AN IN PERSON INTERVIEW I've know Tishuan Scott for a couple of years now, introduced through common work in SAG-AFTRA actor's conservatory events. I've known him to be an outspoken proponent for union actors in our right-to-work state, not always an easy task. When I learned that Tishuan was in one of the SXSW narrative film selections, I made it a point to get to a screening. Good decision on my part! I was so blown away by both his performance and by the whole film, I set out secure an interview with Tishuan for ATP. In person, Tishuan Scott is a rather gregarious presence with a booming bass voice. The voice is not quite James Earl Jones, but not far from it. Dennis Haysbert...that's certainly in the ball park. Be prepared to hear this voice coming from a radio or television or movie screen for a long time to come. That great voice is a gift and as Tishuan Scott tells it, he doesn't remember exactly when it came but : "I just sort of woke up with it one day.

BRANDING and REINVENTION FOR ACTORS AND ENTERTAINERS In this episode of Actors Talk Podcast, we'll explore the concepts of REINVENTION and BRANDING and how they relate to those of us who are actors or other entertainers. BRANDING is a hot topic these days. Everywhere in social media circles people in all manner of businesses, in and out of show business, are told that to maximize their success in those endeavors they must be aware of their BRAND. They must avoid all things that are 'off brand." Be sure to check out John C. Morgan's web site for information on his services and appearance schedule: John C. Morgan As President George W. Bush And don't miss the YouTube Channel for some very funny video content! REINVENTING THE PRESIDENT - FINDING A NEW CAREER John C. Morgan made a reluctant entry into the world of the celebrity impersonator during the first term of former president, George W. Bush. Some twenty years before, John had given up on his dream of making his career in the music business as a singer-songwriter. John says a combination of fear, rejection and a realization that he was not 'serving his family well' led him to give up on that dream. After putting the music business aside, John went back to the family business and helped his mom and dad run their appliance store in Orlando, FL. There John became what he describes as a 'pretty ambitionless guy', a 'couch potato', active in his local church but not doing much else with his life . I wanted to do a lot more...but hesitated because of a lot of fears, mistrust and self-doubt...I just chose contentment rather than going for my dreams. One gets the feeling that giving up on that dream had taken a toll and he had just decided to settle for what it appeared life was going to offer him. YOU LOOK LIKE W After George W. Bush came to national prominence, people started tapping John C. Morgan on the shoulder, telling him how much he looked like W. While he apparently found that amusing, it really didn't mean anything to him at the time. John says he was completely unaware there was a thriving industry of celebrity look-alikes: Cher, Lucy and Ricky and of course, Elvis and many others. Everyone knew of the Elvis impersonators but Morgan was oblivious to the possibilities of using his resemblance to the President as a way of earning extra money, much less of making that the basis for a reinvention of life as he knew it. A friend in the entertainment business suggested he should capitalize on his resemblance to George W. Bush but still, John just didn't see that as his future. ...It didn't fit in my paradigm of normal, and normal is what I wanted to be. So he dismissed the idea. FROM A DEAD SLEEP TO A NEW CAREER John may not have been all that interested in the possibilities of pursuing the celebrity look-alike business, but his wife's interest was piqued. One evening John's wife, Kathy saw a George W. Bush impersonator on a late night talk show and she did a web search to see who else was working in this arena. As John says: It was really the speaker fees that caught her eye. When she saw how much they were making for an appearance, she actually woke me out of a dead sleep, dragged me to the computer and said 'I just found your new career. You are going to become a George Bush impersonator. FEAR OF REJECTION This is a concept with which most actors are familiar and it's one that John struggled with as well. We talk quite a bit about this fear and about the struggle between self doubt, faith and fear. There's no doubt in my mind that I was born to perform. Those twenty years that I gave it up were difficult for me to deal with...I was being molded into a man that God could use...There are reasons not to do something, but fear is not one of them. I didn't want to look back ten years, and it's now been ten years, and wonder what could have been. REINVENTING AND BRANDING FOR ACTORS

HBOs TREME recently wrapped production in New Orleans, LA after shooting thirty-six episodes. That is far too few episodes for a show that has consistently delivered some of the best acting, writing and directing on television. Do only the good (t...

ONE LESS BITTER ACTOR - THE ACTOR'S SURVIVAL GUIDE On April 11, 2012 I recorded an interview with actor, teacher Markus Flanagan that dealt in large part with information and ideas from his terrific book One Less Bitter Actor. That interview was first distributed on April 12, 2012 as Actors Talk Podcast Episode 012. Welcome everyone to ATP Episode 31 my name is Tommy G. Kendrick, I am the producer and host of our little digital get together and I'm happy to say that this episode of Actors Talk Podcast is sponsored by the fine folks at Kiwaii 100% True New Zealand Spring Water. For the past several years I've been recommending Markus Flanagan's One Less Bitter Actor to every actor who asks me for advice about 'the business' about pursuing the life of a professional actor. The book really is THAT good. Let me quote myself from a Review I wrote of One Less Bitter Actor for a blog post from 2008: Just the chapter on Auditioning is more than enough reason to purchase ONE LESS BITTER ACTOR. How I wish I’d had this book thirty years ago. I had no mentor, no acting guru and no relative in the business. The information and insight in this one chapter could have saved me a lot of angst, anger and agony along the way. And it is a book that every actor, particularly every actor at the beginning of his/her career should read and should keep handy for review during the tough times. April 2009 talk at the University of Colorado from Markus Flanagan on Vimeo. Austin Actors Conservatory I'm happy to say that the Austin Actors Conservatory will be presenting Markus Flanagan in an afternoon seminar on Saturday, February 23rd at Studio E in Austin. TX. Visit the Austin Actors Conservatory page on Facebook. If you're a member of SAG-AFTRA, join the AAC and help us bring more great programs like this to Texas actors. If you're not a SAG-AFTRA member, join as a 'Fan' of the AAC and join with us in workshops, seminars and networking opportunities. Actors Talk Podcast Episode 12 Because Actors Talk has grown significantly since the original broadcast of this interview with Markus Flanagan, I'm taking this opportunity to re-distribute the interview originally published back in April 2012 as Episode 12 of ATP. If you can make the Austin seminar on February 23rd, don't miss it. If you're not able to make the seminar, I think you'll get a lot out of this interview and I urge you to purchase a copy of One Less Bitter Actor. You won't Regret it. If you like to listen to audio books, use this link to get One Less Bitter Actor at audible.com. Use the banner link below to get the audio version of ONE LESS BITTER ACTOR for FREE with a trial subscription to Audible.com. Cancel within 30 Days if you want to and there's no charge. You keep the audio book. If you purchase a subscription to Audible.com, I receive an affiliate commission.

Building A Fan Base With Google+ Hangouts On Air On January 16, 2013 I hosted the first Actors Talk Podcast Google+ Hangout On Air with a panel of independent filmmakers: Benjamin Dane, Sean Johnson Jr. & LaMarcus Tinker and Christopher Shawn Shaw. ...

FROM STAND UP COMIC TO BUSY FILM ACTOR With some bumps along the way. In Part 1 of my recent interview with the very busy comedian-actor, Michael Joiner we talked mostly about his career as a stand up comedian. In this final part of our interview Michael Joiner and I talk about acting in films, about the changes going on in the 'faith based' film arena, about his faith and how that has influenced his career. A QUICK THANK YOU Before moving further into this episode of the podcast, I'd like to use this space to publicly thank actor MANDELL BUTLER for the kind words he posted to his Facebook page about Actors Talk Podcast. I won't quote the whole mini review but in part is says this: For all those who have ever had questions about working in the TV/Film Industry on any level (as an actor or behind the scenes), I highly suggest you listen AND subscribe to Actors Talk Podcast... At the bottom of this page I'm posting a photo and link to Mandell Butler's web page. Just paying it forward here. Now back to our regularly scheduled program. GETTING PERSONAL WITH ACTOR MICHAEL JOINER We talk extensively about how he came to be cast in THE GRACE CARD, starring with Michael Higgenbottom and Louis Gossett Jr - yes THAT Louis Gossett Jr. - how his impulse was to decline the role before ever reading the script and how his performance as racist cop, Mac Macdonald has opened doors to many other film projects. About 2002, Michael Joiner and his family moved back to Los Angeles, CA so he could further his acting career. While in Hollywood Michael studied to improve his 'acting chops' and in particular cites working with teacher and film director John Swanbeck, teacher for actors such as Kevin Spacey, as being particularly instrumental in his growth as a film actor. WHO LOVES THEIR JOB MORE THAN ACTORS? "I love God, I love my wife, I love my family, but I don't think there's anyone who loves their job they way actors do.." For a time all seemed to be going according to plan - God's plan as Michael Joiner tells it - and then it happened. Although he felt safe on this journey of faith in the film business, the economic downturn in 2008 - 2009 that impacted so many families hammered Joiner and his family as well. STORMS OF LIFE We ended up having to sell our house on a short sale. I was heartbroken...I yelled at God a few times and said He didn't know what He was doing... [I told him] Don't you know I need to be in Hollywood? When I came to my senses, as I always do, I said, 'Well Lord, I don't know what to do about my acting career because we're going back to Kansas City to live. But I do know what to do as a husband and a father and I'm going to do that. But even through this disappointment and apparent failure Michael says he still felt that he was not through with acting. He says he told his wife: "Michelle, God still has something [for me], He's telling me 'just stay sharp with my acting technique and do what I can with what I have and God's gonna do something..." THE GRACE CARD Michael Joiner and Michael Higgenbottom on Patrol in The Grace Card. Michael Joiner's story, with its success and struggle and even doubt is told with such disarming honesty that even the non-believer will be intrigued. Before being called literally 'out of the blue' to be the lead actor in The Grace Card, what was Michael's opinion of most so called Christian Films? When called by The Grace Card director David G. Evans to discuss possibly playing the lead in the film Michael offers this: "He told me it was a Christian film...I almost said no thanks because...he lost me at 'Christian Film'... But he asked to read the script and found that it was written by Howie (Howard) Klausner writer of the Clint Eastwood film, Space Cowboys. " ...I was really touched by it [The Grace Card] the first time I read it. I said, man this is really moving me..." As it turned out,

God's Smart Aleck Michael Joiner Riffs On The Film Business, Clean Comedy and Faith in this in-depth interview exclusively for Actors Talk. The discussion with Michael via Skype was conducted a couple of weeks prior to distribution of this podcast...

There's A Little Bit of Geek And Hero In All Of Us On January 16,2012 I published the first episode of Actors Talk that featured an interview with a guest, conducted via Skype. My guest for that episode was producer-director Ron Newcomb. I had m...

How to be a voice actor: Do you have to have a 'radio voice', the 'voice of God' to be successful with voiceovers? What kind of training is required? How do you go about recording a demo? What is a niche market and how do you get work there? Can you do VO work part time or is this a full time or nothing gig? Must you live in a major market to make money in voiceovers? If these are some of the questions you have about working in Voiceovers then please join me with my guest for this episode, Ms. Bettye Zoller. International Award-Winning Voiceover Talent Bettye Zoller "You know...modeling, film acting, Broadway stardom, getting a TV sitcom lead role, all of that is a build...it's a career build. It takes time and first and foremost it takes training. WHY...WHY...answer the question somebody, why do all these people think that voiceovers are instant success? It drives me nuts. Why? Voiceovers aren't a get rich quick scheme, it's a build, you know? " From Bettye Zoller's site VoicesVoices.com Casting Directors, Agents,Clients,and Producers, say she is "unique " because she offers so many types of voice deliveries, characters, dialects, attitudes, yes, she is a virtual compendium of voice over types and genres. From major network promos (BBC, LIFETIME, BRAVO, THE WEATHER CHANNEL, FOOD NETWORK, WABC NYC) to a smooth romantic trailer for DISNEY BOOKS, to upbeat, comedic, inspirational and touching radio and TV commercials (CHIFFON MARGARINE “It’s Not Nice to FOOL Mother Nature,” PACE PICANTE SAUCE “It’s Made In NEW YORK CITY!!.” AMERICAN AIRLINES, BANQUET FOODS, AMERICAN RED CROSS, U.S. NAVY, and many hundreds more. She narrates audios at the Smithsonian American History Museum, the Holocaust Museum, the Ellis Island Museum, the Kimbell Museum, and many others. She voices apps, building tours, city walking tours, GPS systems in Germany, toys, games, video games, websites, greeting cards, Lionel trains, kiosks, computer software, and audio books. She is a Simon and Schuster author, narrator, producer with over twenty audio titles that she’s written and published in the voice speech communications and voice over education field. She is a professional audio engineer skilled in post production and demo creation and owner of the full service VoicesVoices Recording Studio is in Dallas, Texas. She is the recipient of ADDYS, CLIOS, 1st PLACE NATIONAL GOLDEN RADIO AWARDS. And she’s the dedicated educator who has started so many in broadcasting and voice overs. She is degreed through doctoral study from four universities. THE NICHE MARKET DEMO Bettye suggests cutting individual demos for specific niche markets such as medical, real estate, art galleries, buildings, museums or monument tours, etc . These demos should have a few examples of from the specific niche you are targeting. Medical work, for instance, can require the ability to pronounce complicated and sometimes odd sounding terms. The VO actor has to be able to make such terms sound as natural and 'real' as possible without stumbling over the terminology. So, if you have a background in medical work or if you have a facility for handling that kind of material, it would be wise, says Bettye Zoller, to prepare a demo just for that market segment. Bettye suggests producing this type demo in a 'bare bones' production style with little to no post-production, no background music, etc. Let the caster hear your voice and how you communicate this particular type of material. The same ideas hold true for other niche demos whether they are for an art gallery or a real estate company or some other specific market segment. Another area Bettye suggestS not overlooking is promo work for local radio and televsion outlets. This can be an especially effective marketing effort in regional or smaller markets where the producers might welcome someone different who can add a new voice to their 'cast'. WHAT'S A GOOD TIME LIMIT FOR A DEMO?