Share

cover art for EP 150: Salvatore Antonio: Actor, Coach, SCAR

Second Act Actors

EP 150: Salvatore Antonio: Actor, Coach, SCAR

Season 1, Ep. 150

Salvatore Antonio shares his journey into the acting business and the challenges he faced along the way. He discusses the need to identify personal goals and preferences in order to make strategic career choices. Salvatore also highlights the impact of storytelling and the role of actors in connecting with people. He encourages aspiring actors to stay on the ladder of their career and be resilient in the face of challenges. Salvatore Antonio shares his journey of leaving acting and pursuing a career as a funeral director. He talks about the moment of realization and the decision to make a change. He reflects on the importance of having a plan B and being prepared for the ups and downs of the acting industry. He emphasizes the need to humanize the casting process and the importance of kindness and empathy in the industry. He also reflects on the power of collaboration and the impact of storytelling on audiences.



Takeaways

  • Identify personal goals and preferences to make strategic career choices.
  • Stay on the ladder of your career and be resilient in the face of challenges.
  • Having a plan B can provide a sense of security and stability in the unpredictable acting industry.
  • Actors should focus on doing their best work and not define themselves solely by the outcome of auditions. Champion yourself as an actor and bring your unique perspective to your work
  • Authenticity and individuality are crucial in storytelling
  • Collaboration can lead to powerful and transformative experiences
  • The acting industry is constantly changing, and actors need to adapt and find joy in the process

More episodes

View all episodes

  • 166. EP 166: Raissa Patton: Hairstylist

    57:21||Season 1, Ep. 166
    In this conversation, 4x Emmy nominated hairstylist Raissa Patton shares her unique journey, detailing her family background, early influences, and the challenges she faced in the hair and makeup industry. She discusses the importance of unions, the surprises she encountered in her career, and offers valuable advice for actors on how to collaborate effectively on set. She emphasizes the importance of communication, the value of collaboration, and the lessons learned from setbacks. Raissa also expresses optimism for future opportunities and the significance of being prepared for the unpredictable nature of the industry.TakeawaysBuilding a career in hair and makeup requires creativity and collaboration.Networking and connections are crucial in the film industry.Actors should come prepared for hair and makeup fittings.Collaboration on set involves balancing the needs of directors and actors.Freelance work can lead to financial instability without proper support.It's essential to be open-minded and consider others' ideas in creative processes.Building relationships with crew members can lead to lifelong friendships.The transformative power of hair and makeup can significantly impact performances.Embracing the journey and learning from experiences is vital for growth.
  • 165. EP 165: Jacob Wyse: Pre-med/Medical Salesperson Turned Actor

    39:07||Season 1, Ep. 165
    In this conversation, Jacob Wyse shares his unique journey from aspiring doctor to actor, highlighting the importance of creativity, family support, and the courage to pursue one's passion. He discusses the challenges and rewards of transitioning to a career in acting, the balance between logic and creativity, and the excitement of navigating the unknown in the entertainment industry. He emphasizes the need for passion and courage in pursuing one's dreams, while also reflecting on memorable moments in his acting journey. He discusses the surprises of the industry, including the unpredictability of success and the challenges of being an actor.TakeawaysThere's an unspoken connection with the audience during performance.Acting can serve as an emotional release and creative outlet.Building a community is essential when moving to a new city.Engaging in local activities can foster connections in the industry.Life is too short to not pursue your passions.
  • 164. EP 164: Alison Mullings: Creative Full-time

    50:40||Season 1, Ep. 164
    In this engaging conversation, Alison Mullings shares her journey into the world of acting and podcasting, discussing the importance of storytelling, the challenges of theater school, and the evolving landscape of the acting industry. The dialogue highlights the significance of personal growth, family support, and the unique experiences that shape an artist's career. Alison's passion for celebrating Canadian talent and her reflections on education provide valuable insights for aspiring actors and creatives. The conversation also touches on the evolution of Alison's podcast, the inspiration found in conversations, and concludes with valuable advice on pursuing creative endeavors without waiting for permission.TakeawaysFamily support is crucial, even if they initially doubt the career choice.Theater school can be a mixed experience, depending on personal investment.Education is often wasted on the young; maturity changes perspective.The acting industry is slowly changing to include more diverse body types.Hosting a podcast has helped Alison become more comfortable in her own skin.Networking is crucial in the creative industry.Starting projects without waiting for perfect conditions is essential.https://www.alisonmullings.com/projects-8
  • 163. EP 163: Kelly Boaz: Casting Associate

    59:29||Season 1, Ep. 163
    In this conversation, Casting Associate Kelly Boaz shares their unique journey from being an actor to a casting director, discussing the challenges and insights gained along the way. They emphasize the importance of mentorship in the casting industry, the nuances of auditioning, and the relationship between actors and casting directors. Kelly also provides valuable tips for actors to enhance their auditions and discusses the significance of agency representation in the industry. The conversation is filled with personal anecdotes, industry insights, and encouragement for aspiring actors.TAKEAWAYSTransitioning careers can lead to unexpected opportunities.Mentorship is crucial in the casting industry.The casting process involves collaboration and organization.Understanding the character's context is vital for auditions.Casting directors want actors to succeed and shine.
  • 162. EP 162: Kat Fury: Broker Turned Actor

    39:44||Season 1, Ep. 162
    In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Kat Fury discuss Kat's journey from a finance career in Singapore to pursuing acting in Toronto. Kat shares her experiences of moving to Canada, the challenges of starting a new career, and the supportive community within the acting industry. They explore the surprises and realities of acting, the importance of networking, and the whimsical nature of pursuing a career in the arts. She offers practical advice for those looking to make similar career changes, highlights memorable experiences in acting, and discusses her aspirations in fitness and comedy. Kat also stresses the significance of personal branding and entrepreneurship for artists, providing valuable resources for newcomers in the industry.TakeawaysNetworking and taking classes are crucial in the acting industry.It's important to have hobbies outside of acting to stay motivated.Explore interests from childhood to guide your career path.Continuous learning and exploration are key to growth.
  • 161. EP 161: John Mawson: Merchant Marine Turned Actor

    47:06||Season 1, Ep. 161
    In this conversation, John Mawson shares his unique journey from a successful career in the Merchant Navy to becoming an actor and filmmaker. He discusses the pivotal moments that led him to pursue his passion for acting later in life, emphasizing the importance of commitment, continuous learning, and the collaborative nature of the arts. John also highlights his project 'Unsinkable,' inspired by a true story from World War II, showcasing his dedication to storytelling and resilience in the face of challenges. He shares insights on working with A-list actors, the release and reception of his project 'Unsinkable', and his aspirations for future film and TV adaptations. TakeawaysJohn emphasizes the importance of commitment and hard work in acting.The evolution of a story can be complex and multifaceted.Writing from a character's perspective can enhance storytelling.Good projects attract talent and collaboration.Writing is a technical skill that requires practice and learning..https://wondery.com/shows/unsinkable/
  • 160. EP 160: Chris Bridges: Makeup Effects Artist

    01:02:28||Season 1, Ep. 160
    In this conversation, Janet McMordie interviews Chris Bridges, one of Canada's most respected Makeup Effects Artists, about his journey into the world of special effects and prosthetics. Chris shares his early inspirations, the challenges of self-education, and the collaborative nature of creating characters in film. He discusses the importance of practical effects versus CGI, the role of actors in the application of prosthetics, and the creative process behind character design. The conversation highlights the passion and dedication required in the industry, as well as the emotional connections formed through creative collaboration. He reflects on memorable moments in his career, offers valuable advice for aspiring artists, and discusses the realities of working in the special effects industry. Chris also shares his future aspirations and concludes with words of wisdom for those looking to pursue a creative career.TakeawaysSelf-taught artists can thrive in the special effects industry despite the lack of formal education.Collaboration with various departments is crucial in the creative process of filmmaking.Prosthetics must fit the narrative and be believable to the audience.Casting decisions are influenced by the physicality required for prosthetics.The industry is competitive, and continuous learning is essential for success.Surrounding yourself with talented individuals enhances creativity.https://gaslightfxstudio.com/
  • 159. EP 159: John Thomas Gauthier: Bartender & Actor

    50:20||Season 1, Ep. 159
    In this conversation, John Thomas Gauthier shares his journey into acting, discussing the challenges and triumphs he faced while pursuing his passion in the entertainment industry. He emphasizes the importance of community, networking, and staying motivated amidst the ups and downs of an acting career. John also provides valuable advice for aspiring actors, particularly those looking to enter the industry later in life, and reflects on the realities of being a character actor in a visually driven industry. He emphasizes the importance of self-production in showcasing his range as an actor, while also reflecting on the support from his family and memorable moments on set. John looks ahead to future projects and offers insightful advice on finding joy in the creative process.TakeawaysNetworking is crucial in the entertainment industry; it's often about who you know.Staying motivated involves surrounding yourself with supportive peers and exploring different roles.Formal education in acting does not guarantee success; passion and hard work are essential.Character actors often face challenges due to similar looks and types in casting.Being observant in everyday life can enhance acting skills. Having a unique appearance can be both an advantage and a disadvantage in acting.The relationship with oneself is the most important one.
  • 158. EP 158: Amy Crater: Community Manager & Actor

    47:09||Season 1, Ep. 158
    In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Amy Crater discuss Amy's journey from high school to Chicago, the challenges she faced throughout it all, and her eventual return to acting in Arizona. Amy shares her insights on navigating the unpredictable landscape of an acting career. She emphasizes the importance of intuition, the value of life experiences, and the necessity of finding stability amidst the chaos of the industry. She also highlights the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in a constantly changing field, offering practical advice for aspiring actors.TakeawaysFinding a community is essential for growth in acting.Resilience is crucial when facing career challenges.Creativity allows for new directions in one's career.Life experiences contribute to personal growth and confidence as an actor.Respect everyone on set, regardless of their role.