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Second Act Actors
EP 132: Jeremy Benning: Cinematographer
Season 1, Ep. 132
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In this conversation, cinematographer Jeremy Benning shares his journey to becoming a cinematographer. What is a cinematographer, you might ask? Or you might not because you feel stupid asking it....FEAR NOT! I ASKED HIM!
He discusses his early interest in photography, his experience volunteering at a community television station, and the different paths people can take to become a cinematographer. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and actively pursuing work. Jeremy emphasizes the collaborative nature of working on set, particularly with directors and producers. He shares insights into building rapport and trust with actors and adapting the blocking to their needs. He emphasizes the trust and collaboration between camera operators and the cast, as well as the technical awareness and continuity of experienced actors. Jeremy provides tips for actors to make his job easier, including taking acting for camera workshops and being open to asking questions and seeking guidance from the crew. He also shares memorable moments on set and expresses his gratitude for being able to pursue his dream job.
Takeaways
- Building relationships and networking are crucial in the film industry.
- Collaboration and communication are key when working with directors and producers, as they set the tone and vision for the project.
- Working with actors requires flexibility and trust, allowing them to bring their own ideas and interpretations to the scene. Camera operators are an extension of the DP and play a crucial role in working with technical teams and the cast.
- Experienced actors have a strong technical awareness and continuity, which helps in achieving consistent shots.
- Actors can make the DP's job easier by taking acting for camera workshops, asking questions, and seeking guidance from the crew.
- Being aware of the camera and lighting can greatly enhance an actor's performance and contribute to the overall quality of the shot.
- Persistence is key in the entertainment industry, and actors should never give up on their dreams.
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147. EP 147: Nadine Charleson: Web Designer & Actor
46:56||Season 1, Ep. 147In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Nadine Charleson explore Nadine's journey into the acting world, her experiences in various cities, and her transition into voiceover work. They discuss the challenges of the acting industry, the importance of self-worth, and the creative process behind auditions, particularly for high-profile projects like Star Wars. Nadine shares insights into her imaginative approach to voice acting and the technical aspects of her craft, highlighting the joy and freedom it brings her. Nadine emphasizes the value of embracing failure as a learning tool and the importance of training in acting. She concludes with insights on future endeavors and the excitement of new opportunities in her career.TakeawaysSelf-worth is crucial in navigating the acting industry.Imagination plays a key role in voice acting.Training and practice are essential for maintaining creativity. Storytelling is a powerful tool for creativity and inspiration...Survival jobs can be reframed as 'thrival jobs' that support passion.Embracing failure is essential for growth and learning.Training and practice are crucial for success in acting.Finding supportive networks is vital in the acting industry.
146. EP 146: Ally Murphy: Flight Attendant Turned Actor
42:23||Season 1, Ep. 146In this conversation, Ally Murphy shares her journey from teen actor to flight attendant and back to the acting world. She discusses the challenges of body image in the industry, the importance of resilience in the face of rejection, and offers valuable advice for aspiring actors, particularly those starting later in life. Ally shares her insights on re-entering the film industry, emphasizing the importance of having fun while performing, the value of life experiences, and the necessity of creating one's own opportunities. She discusses the differences between voiceover and on-camera acting, memorable moments from her career, and the significance of networking and personal growth. Ally encourages aspiring actors to take risks and embrace every opportunity in their journey.TakeawaysActing is like a muscle; you need to practice regularly.Every job teaches you something, even the tough ones.Life experiences enrich an actor's ability to portray characters.Understanding the business side of acting is crucial.Imagination and play are vital components of acting.Take risks and embrace every opportunity in your acting journey.
145. EP 145: Chris Dattoli: Marketing Specialist Turned Voiceover Artist
47:50||Season 1, Ep. 145In this engaging conversation, Chris Dattoli shares his journey into the world of voice acting, discussing the importance of regional accents, the challenges of career transitions, and the passion that drives him. He emphasizes the significance of networking, learning from experienced coaches, and the emotional techniques he employs to connect with characters. The discussion also touches on the joys of working in a creative field and the imaginative processes that enhance performance. He discusses the importance of human connection in a tech-heavy field, the shift in voiceover styles towards a more relaxed and relatable approach, and offers valuable advice for aspiring voiceover artists. Chris also reflects on memorable experiences in the booth and looks forward to future projects, emphasizing the importance of maintaining one's inner child throughout the journey.TakeawaysNetworking and research are crucial for success in the voice acting industry.Transitioning careers can be daunting but rewarding when pursuing passion.Voice acting allows for creative expression and emotional connection with audiences.Finding the right coach is essential for growth in voice acting.Imagination is key to embodying characters in voice performances.Using personal connections can enhance emotional delivery in voice work.Never lose your inner child while pursuing your passion.
144. EP 144: Elizabeth von Isser: Engineer Turned Actor
55:41||Season 1, Ep. 144In this conversation, Elizabeth von Isser shares her unique journey from a career in engineering to becoming an actor and screenwriter. She discusses the challenges of ageism in the entertainment industry, the importance of building a supportive community, and her experiences in indie filmmaking. Elizabeth emphasizes the need for individuals to take initiative in their creative pursuits and not wait for permission to follow their passions. She also shares insights from her upcoming projects!TakeawaysAgeism in the entertainment industry presents significant challenges for women.Building a supportive community is crucial for success in filmmaking.Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of self-representation and initiative.She encourages aspiring creatives to take risks and pursue their ideas.
143. EP 143: Sonia Iris Lozada: Fashion Designer Turned Actor & Poet
45:28||Season 1, Ep. 143In this conversation, Sonia Iris Lozada shares her journey from fashion design to acting and the surprises she encountered in the entertainment industry. She also discusses the parallels between fashion design and acting, as well as her passion for writing and how her creative process is influenced by her background in acting. The conversation explores the themes of societal division, curiosity, gratitude, and the acting industry. Janet and Sonia discuss how the pandemic has exacerbated societal separation and the importance of curiosity in understanding others. They also delve into the impact of curiosity and gratitude on the acting career, emphasizing the need to be present and grateful for opportunities. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the Sonia's podcasts, Poetic Resurrection and Overheard at Chica's Cafe, which focus on leadership, storytelling, and the power of conversation.TakeawaysSonia's journey from fashion design to acting was influenced by her love for entertainment and her musical background.Sonia's writing is influenced by her acting background, and she visualizes her stories as if they were scenes in a film or TV show.Curiosity is essential in understanding others and bridging societal divides.Gratitude and presence are key to success in the acting industry.https://sonialozada.com/
142. EP 142: Richard Comeau: Actor & Fight Director
47:13||Season 1, Ep. 142In this episode of Second Act Actors, host Dr. Janet McMordie welcomes the talented Richard Comeau, actor and Canada's first Indigenous fight director. Richard shares his unique journey into the performing arts, starting from a high school experience marked by shifting dreams—from aspiring baseball player to pilot—until a chance encounter with a drama teacher changed his path. Currently starring in the production "1939" at Can Stage in Toronto, Richard reflects on his career, including his recent successes at Stratford, and offers insights into the determination and passion required to thrive in the acting world. Tune in to hear Richard's inspiring story and learn more about his experiences in the industry.Go See Richard in Can Stage's Production of 1939. Click here for tickets!
141. EP 141: Sophie Ann Rooney: Director, Filmmaker, Acting Coach
01:10:10||Season 1, Ep. 141In this conversation, Janet McMordie and director/filmmaker/acting coach Sophie Ann Rooney discuss the importance of collaboration and the artistry of acting. They emphasize the need for actors to understand and appreciate the work of other professionals in the industry, such as filmmakers, composers, and costume designers. Sophie also highlights the importance of taking direction and being open to creative exploration. She emphasizes the need to unite as a team and the power of shared knowledge. We discusses her approach to directing actors in different art forms, highlighting the importance of understanding the medium and adjusting the performance accordingly.TakeawaysShared knowledge and unity as a team can lead to exponential growth.Understanding the medium is crucial when directing actors in different art forms.The core of acting remains the same, but the lens and focus change.Preparation and research on the director's style and vision can enhance an actor's performance. Acting is not just about learning lines and saying what's on the page, but about honoring the story and infusing it with your own artistry.Collaboration is essential in the acting industry, and actors should strive to work respectfully and creatively with other professionals.Links:https://www.sophieannrooney.com/https://www.rawactorstudio.com/https://www.thekingblackbox.com/
140. EP 140: Daniel Levinson: FDC Fight Master & Owner of Rapier Wit
01:28:10||Season 1, Ep. 140Daniel Levinson, FDC Fight Master and Owner of Rapier Wit joins me and discusses his journey from theater school to becoming a fight director. He shares his experiences with theater school, the challenges he faced, and the evolution of his career. He discusses his approach to stage combat and choreography. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and historical accuracy in fight scenes, and how he builds fights based on the actors' skills and comfort levels. He also talks about the role of improvisation and making choices as an actor, and the impact of those choices on the audience. Daniel shares his favorite moments from his career, which involve seeing others excel and feel emotions through his work.TakeawaysAdmitting mistakes and being open to learning and growth is crucial in both medicine and the arts.Curiosity and a willingness to explore new ideas and perspectives are essential for personal and professional development.The new normal is constantly changing, and it is important to embrace change and adapt to new circumstances.Empathy, understanding, and vulnerability are key in building meaningful connections and creating a safe space for communication.The evolution of a career often involves taking risks, making sacrifices, and learning from failures.Creating a safe space for the audience to have emotional experiences is the goal of an artist.https://www.rapierwit.com/
139. EP 139: Andrea Kenyon: Casting Director
53:08||Season 1, Ep. 139Montreal-based Casting Director, Andrea Kenyon shares her journey of becoming a casting director and the daily process of casting a show. She emphasizes the importance of the audition breakdown and how it inspires agents and actors to suggest and portray the right characters. Andrea also highlights the collaboration between casting directors and actors, debunking the misconception of conflict between the two. She expresses her passion for the industry and the constant growth and learning that comes with being a casting director. She shares insights and advice for actors. She emphasizes the importance of understanding tone and doing thorough preparation for auditions. Andrea also discusses the role of casting directors in championing actors and making the casting process a positive experience. She shares memorable moments in her career where she made a difference in casting decisions. Andrea advises actors to have a passion for the craft, constantly grow and learn, and not tie their self-worth to audition results.TakeawaysCasting directors are champions for actors, constantly working to get them hired and supporting their growth and success.Collaboration between casting directors and actors is essential, and casting directors strive to provide actors with the tools and opportunities to shine. Understanding tone is crucial for actorsDon't tie your self-worth to audition resultsConstantly grow, learn, and have a passion for the craft