Episodes
Generative AI is a topic causing excitement and concern in the entertainment industry. Powerful technology such as deep fakes, ChatGPT and Dall-E-2 is rapidly impacting the content creation process — from editing and special effects to the scripts and performances themselves. To talk about this hot-button issue, we’re joined by Nina Schick and Matt Belloni. Schick is an AI advisor, speaker, and author of Deepfakes: The Coming Infocalypse. Belloni is the former editor of Hollywood Reporter and...
Published 01/19/23
Celebrity publicist Shannon Barr joins the show to talk about what publicists do, when they’re necessary and not necessary, how to find a publicist who’s a good match, and the best ways to work together. Barr is the CEO of Strategic Public Relations, whose clients include Jeffrey Wright, Brenda Song and Nicolette Sheridan. This is a replay of an episode recorded last year. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not...
Published 01/05/23
On this replay of one of our most popular episodes of the year, acting coach Nancy Banks shares the habits and mindsets of actors who rise to the top of their game. Banks is a respected acting coach whose clients include Margot Robbie, Jennifer Aniston and Forest Whitaker. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.
Published 12/22/22
With streaming companies bringing foreign language content into millions of U.S. homes, live-action dubbing has become a growing opportunity for performers. In this replay of a panel discussion recorded earlier this year, actors, casting directors, and producers offer an insider perspective on how live-action dubbing works, the skills you need to be successful, and tips on the best audition strategies. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of...
Published 12/08/22
A replay of Ben and Duncan’s interview with Liz Shuler, the first female president of the AFL-CIO. They discuss new momentum in the labor movement, the challenges we still face, and her vision for work in the future. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.
Published 11/24/22
SAG-AFTRA surveyed thousands of members about their experience with self-taping. The findings of that important survey are discussed in this episode with SAG-AFTRA Vice President, New York Ezra Knight, Chief Economist David Viviano, Chief Contracts Officer Ray Rodriguez and Director of Commercials Contracts Claudette Singh. The conversation, which is a replay of a live-streaming event from September, includes a candid look at the challenges and opportunities with self-taping and what the...
Published 11/10/22
One of the most popular SAG-AFTRA contracts is the Micro-Budget Project Agreement, which allows low-budget productions to create content quickly and hassle-free. Giving us the lowdown on everything Micro, the Short Project Agreement (SPA), and other low-budget agreements, we are joined by Stacey Travis, chair of the National Low Budget Committee, and SAG-AFTRA National Director, Entertainment Contracts Jessica Johnson. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of...
Published 10/27/22
In an industry still riddled with sexism, one family of females has surpassed many of the hurdles. The Leders have had tremendous success in Hollywood, working in varying roles. On the show, we listen to a panel discussion from last June, featuring Mimi Leder, executive producer of The Morning Show, Geraldine Leder, SVP Casting at Paramount Television Studios, Stefanie Leder, a writer and producer of such shows as Faking It, and Hannah Leder, an actor and filmmaker, whose credits include The...
Published 10/13/22
On this episode, SAG Award-winner Ariana DeBose (West Side Story) has a heartfelt conversation with her good friend Aida Rodriguez. The two talk about Aida’s unique journey as a comedian, her struggles as an impoverished and single Latin X mother trying to break into the business, and her first ever one-hour comedy special “Fighting Words” on HBO Max. The interview was part of a live stream event hosted by SAG-AFTRA in June. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of...
Published 09/29/22
Self-taped auditions have emerged as a standard practice in the past two years. And while they have become the norm, what is not normal is the requests that put an undue burden on performers. The 2022 SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contract contains provisions that address these issues and concerns. To walk us through self-tape audition rules, we are joined by three SAG-AFTRA Vice Presidents and performers involved in the negotiations—Michelle Hurd, Michele Proude and William Charlton. This is a...
Published 09/15/22
Guest Liz Shuler is the first female president of the AFL-CIO, a powerful federation of 57 unions, including SAG-AFTRA. On the podcast, she talks about the exciting new momentum in the labor movement, the challenges we still face, and her vision for work in the future. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.
Published 09/02/22
This month, the SAG-AFTRA National Board voted overwhelmingly to approve a successor agreement with Netflix. The agreement includes significant changes benefiting background performers and stunt coordinators, and it significantly expands SAG-AFTRA’s coverage of Spanish-language dubbing. SAG-AFTGA’s Ray Rodriguez and Beth Millman walk us through the details. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply...
Published 08/18/22
Sarah Seeds and Lindsay-Elizabeth Hand are creators of Riding the D with Dr. Seeds, which started as a low-budget web series and is now streaming on Amazon. In this replay of a recent video PTEOE interview, the duo offers their tried-and-true tips on how to take your own content creation to the next level. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.
Published 07/28/22
A good publicist can help you get press and craft a compelling image and story. Entertainment publicist Shannon Barr joins the show to talk about what publicists do, when they’re necessary and not necessary, how to find a publicist that’s a good match, and the best ways to work together. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.
Published 07/14/22
Talent can only take you so far. That’s why it’s important to foster relationships and mine your unique skills to broaden your horizons. Guest Troy Pryor, a producer, speaker, coach and founder of The Creative Cypher, offers tips on how to expand your career. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.
Published 06/16/22
Special guest Nancy Banks is a respected acting coach whose clients include Margot Robbie, Jennifer Aniston and Forest Whitaker. In this episode of the SAG-AFTRA podcast, Banks covers the habits and mindsets of actors who rise to the top of their game. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.
Published 06/02/22
Being a SAG-AFTRA member provides you with credibility and gives you access to resources that can improve your career. To learn about the perks available to members (did you know you get money off shoes?), we talked to members of the National NextGen Performers Committee Jenna Doolittle, Nikki Dixon, and Cee Jay Joseph. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.
Published 05/19/22
Live from SXSW 2022 in Austin, Texas, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland hosts a panel that looks at content streaming and how it’s affected SAG-AFTRA members and the industry. Guests include actor Ginnifer Goodwin, actor and producer Michelle Lang, and SAG-AFTRA’s Chief Contracts Officer Ray Rodriguez. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.
Published 05/05/22
After weeks of negotiations, SAG-AFTRA’s national board has approved the tentative agreement for the Commercials Contracts and recommends a Yes vote from the membership. We take a deep dive into how this contract will impact future work. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.
Published 04/21/22
Is Hollywood getting better at depicting the modern Native American experience? We posed this question to top actors, casting directors and writers in a special town hall meeting. Listen in on this replay of that important discussion. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.
Published 03/31/22
One question on the minds of many young performers and their parents: How do you nail your next audition? To get the best tips and strategies, we speak to four leading casting directors. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.
Published 03/17/22
What’s the best way to get your voice ready for an audition or a performance? Podcast guest Katie Riggs, a master vocal technique and therapy coach, walks us through helpful exercises and warm-ups to relax, protect, and strengthen your voice. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.
Published 01/20/22
Improvisation can be a wonderful way for actors to sharpen their skills and improve their confidence. In this episode, we revisit a PTEOE presentation with comedy improv pros Sarah Claspell and Johnny Meeks of the Upright Citizens Brigade. They offer improv exercises that are both useful and very funny. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.
Published 01/06/22
Chris Shiflett is the lead guitarist for the rock band Foo Fighters and an active union member. On this Spring 2021 episode, we revisit a conversation Gabrielle Carteris and David White had with Chris about how he landed his dream job, Covid-19’s impact on the music business, and why he hopes to encourage more vocalists to be part of SAG-AFTRA. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.
Published 12/23/21
How do you run your career like a business? Start by identifying and hiring the right team. On this episode, a lawyer, agent, publicist and social media expert discuss how they ensure people make the best decisions. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.
Published 12/09/21