Share

cover art for EP 149: Casey Walker: Filmmaker

Second Act Actors

EP 149: Casey Walker: Filmmaker

Season 1, Ep. 149

Filmmaker Casey Walker shares his journey into the entertainment industry, detailing his early passion for movies and the challenges faced in both television and filmmaking. He discusses the importance of storytelling, the realities of gatekeeping in the industry, and offers practical advice for aspiring filmmakers. Throughout the conversation, Casey emphasizes the need for perseverance, creativity, and the willingness to learn from experiences. He shares insights into the film production process, emphasizing the balance between creativity and budget constraints. He discusses the importance of collaboration between producers and directors, the role of actors in supporting the creative vision, and the challenges of the audition process. Casey also highlights the significance of continuous practice and learning for actors. He concludes with heartfelt advice for aspiring filmmakers about finding joy in their craft and recognizing when to pivot in their careers.


Takeaways

  • Transitioning from TV to film requires a different approach to storytelling.
  • The filmmaking process is often fraught with challenges and uncertainties.
  • Aspiring filmmakers should focus on creating with the resources they have.
  • Staying motivated in a fickle industry is crucial for success.
  • Completion of projects is more valuable than perfection in the creative process. "Films aren't finished; they're abandoned."
  • Producers must balance creativity with fiscal responsibility.
  • Collaboration is key to successful film production.
  • Auditioning is an actor's primary job.
  • It's okay to pivot if filmmaking isn't fulfilling.


More episodes

View all episodes

  • 179. EP 179: Paul Glancey: Chiropractor & Actor

    45:23||Season 1, Ep. 179
    In this conversation, Paul Glancey shares his unique journey from education to acting, highlighting the influence of his background in sports and teaching. He discusses the creative freedom he found in acting, the mindset required to succeed, and the challenges of navigating the business side of the industry. He emphasizes the importance of research, preparation, and building confidence. He discusses how his athletic background influences his approach to acting, the significance of learning from others, and memorable experiences on set. Additionally, he highlights the unique blend of his chiropractic work with his acting career, and offers valuable advice for aspiring actors.Takeaways.The mindset of an actor is similar to that of an athlete.Acting requires a unique blend of training and instinct.The business side of acting can be challenging to navigate.Creative outlets are essential for personal fulfillment.Research is a fun and essential part of acting.Confidence is crucial in acting; preparation builds it.Mistakes are part of the learning process in acting.
  • 178. EP 178: Pershlie “Perci” Ami: Actor, Author, & Advocate

    46:09||Season 1, Ep. 178
    In this engaging conversation, Janet McMordie and Pershlie 'Perci' Ami explore the the importance of storytelling. Perci shares her personal experiences, highlighting the challenges and learning moments she faced while navigating the film industry later in life. The discussion emphasizes the significance of understanding one's rights, the role of support systems, and the value of behind-the-scenes contributions in filmmaking. She emphasizes the importance of taking charge of one's life, the power of narratives in healing, and the need for connection within communities. Through her experiences, she highlights the significance of mental health awareness, the impact of personal loss, and the joy of embracing diversity and acceptance. Perci's insights inspire listeners to transform their pain into purpose and to celebrate life with laughter and love.TakeawaysStorytelling is a powerful tool for connection.Acting involves continuous learning and adaptation.Actors are not the center of the filmmaking universe.Age should not limit one's ability to pursue new opportunities. Life is about making things happen, not waiting.Everyone has a story to tell, and it can help others.Don't let anger hold you back from living your life.GIVEAWAY!!! Head on over to my Instagram page to win a copy of Perci's book plus tickets to my upcoming live show!!!
  • 177. EP 177: Ken Hall: Social Worker Turned Actor

    01:00:05||Season 1, Ep. 177
    In this conversation, Ken Hall shares his journey from feeling like an outsider in his youth to discovering his identity through punk rock and improv. He discusses how finding a creative outlet in improv transformed his life. Ken emphasizes the importance of embracing differences and using performance as a means of connection and healing, both for himself and others. Ken reflects on his own journey from a career counselor to a performer, emphasizing the importance of play and exploration in the creative process. He encourages aspiring actors to embrace the fun in their journey and to be kind to themselves as they learn and grow.TakeawaysSaying 'yes' in improv translates to saying 'yes' in life.Punk rock and improv share a rebellious spirit.Creativity can be a powerful tool for healing.Differences should be celebrated, not hidden. Improv can help people face their fears.Pushing through fear can lead to great achievements.
  • 176. EP 176: Suzanne Miller: Animator and Actor

    39:34||Season 1, Ep. 176
    In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Suzanne Miller discuss Suzanne's journey from community theater to animation, the myth of being discovered in acting, the blend of animation and acting careers, navigating the business side of acting, and advice for aspiring actors. She reflects on her experiences working on various projects, including her role in the acclaimed series Handmaid's Tale, and discusses her passion for genre storytelling, particularly in dystopian and fantasy settings. Suzanne also highlights the transferable skills gained from acting that enhance her personal life and relationships, while looking forward to future projects in production design and film.TakeawaysAnimation and acting share a deep connection in storytelling Navigating the business side of acting involves networking and learning from others.Early successes in acting can boost confidence but are not always indicative of future success.The acting journey is unique for everyone and often unpredictable.It's important to embrace the journey and not regret pursuing one's passion.
  • 175. EP 175: Susan Serrao: Toy Seller Turned Actor

    52:45||Season 1, Ep. 175
    In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Susan Serrao explore the journey of becoming an actor, the importance of business acumen in the arts, and the impact of the pandemic on artistic growth. Susan shares her personal story of transitioning from a toy seller to an actor, emphasizing the need for networking, creating opportunities, and managing the emotional toll of acting. They discuss the importance of community and support systems in navigating the ups and downs of an acting career, as well as practical advice for aspiring actors. Susan shares her creative journey with her project 'Got MILF', highlighting the challenges and triumphs of bringing her sketches to life. The conversation concludes with insights on future projects and the importance of following one's joy in the artistic process.TakeawaysThe journey to becoming an actor can be non-linear and filled with self-discovery.Business skills are crucial for success in the acting industry.Networking is essential for building relationships and opportunities.Creating your own content can help you learn and grow as an artist.Rejection in acting is common and should not be taken personally.Having a support system is vital for emotional resilience in the arts.Instagram: @iamsusanserraoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SusanSerraoSketchnStuff
  • 174. EP 174: Jinny Wong: Flight Attendant Turned Actor

    54:52||Season 1, Ep. 174
    In this conversation, Jinny Wong shares her early experiences in acting and the challenges of navigating career choices. She emphasizes the importance of personal development, the unpredictability of the acting industry, and offers advice for aspiring actors. Jinny also reflects on how her past experiences have shaped her current approach to acting and coaching. She discusses the importance of affirmations, the impact of societal expectations on women, and the launch of her new podcast, Hitting Her Mark, aimed at empowering women to embrace their passions while navigating life's complexities.TakeawaysNavigating career choices often involves trial and error.Transitioning careers can be daunting but rewarding.Having a safety net is crucial when pursuing acting.Financial literacy is important for aspiring actors.Unpredictability in acting is similar to experiences in other jobs.It's important to enjoy the journey and not just the destination.https://hittinghermark.podbean.com/
  • 173. EP 173: Anne Cloud: Midwife/Nurse Practitioner Turned Actor

    48:02||Season 1, Ep. 173
    In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Anne Cloud explore the intersections of healthcare, creativity, and personal journeys. The emotional connections formed in both healthcare and acting are highlighted, along with the challenges and rewards of building a voiceover career. The discussion emphasizes the importance of storytelling and the development of imagination in voice acting. . Anne discusses finding balance between pursuing a career in the arts and the practicalities of making a living, emphasizing the importance of creativity and personal fulfillment. The discussion also touches on the societal expectations surrounding work and passion, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique paths.TakeawaysEmotional connections are vital in both healthcare and acting.Voice acting requires dedication and hard work.It's important to separate passion from profit in creative careers.Life experiences enrich artistic expression.Humor plays a vital role in the voice acting process.https://annecloudvoiceover.com/
  • 172. EP 172: Michael Mazurkevitch (Actor) & Zac King (Filmmaker)

    52:48||Season 1, Ep. 172
    In this engaging conversation, Janet McMordie speaks with Mike and Zac about their unique journeys into the world of acting and filmmaking. They discuss their personal stories of pursuing their dreams despite family expectations, and the challenges they face in the creative industry. The duo shares insights on collaboration, the importance of education and experience, and the surprising realities of their artistic journeys. They share personal anecdotes from their experiences on set, discuss the release of their film 'Jim's Room', and offer valuable advice for aspiring filmmakers. The discussion highlights the importance of emotional storytelling and the unique challenges faced in the horror genre, while also looking ahead to future projects and aspirations.TakeawaysPersistence and resilience are key to surviving in the creative industry.Creative collaborations can lead to exciting projects and opportunities.The emotional connection to a project can enhance the quality of the art produced.Filmmakers should focus on the process of creation rather than just the end result.Being kind to oneself can improve creativity and artistic expression.Real-life experiences can deeply influence storytelling in film.The horror genre allows for the exploration of real human issues within thrilling narratives.Jim's Room
  • 171. EP 171: Pamela Estrada: Short Detour Into Acting

    44:58||Season 1, Ep. 171
    In this conversation, Pamela Estrada shares her journey into the acting industry, the challenges of relocating to a new country, and the impact of education on her career choices. She emphasizes the importance of empathy in acting and the value of networking and content creation in building a successful career in the arts. She chats about the importance of Shakespeare in understanding acting, and the surprising kindness she has experienced in her career. She discusses the value of on-set experience, the role of comedy in acting, and her passion for building community. Pamela emphasizes the importance of collaboration and offers advice for aspiring actors, encouraging them to stay connected to their craft.TakeawaysEducation plays a crucial role in shaping career paths in the arts.Empathy is essential for understanding characters in acting.Networking is vital for success in the film industry.Creating your own content is increasingly important in today's industry.Not all educational experiences are positive; take what works for you.Personal growth is a continuous journey in the acting profession.https://pawsacrossthewater.ca/