On the Brian Breaks Character podcast, Brian slays the suffering artist myth so you can attract the right attention, get out of your own way and become so aligned with your spiritual purpose that abundance finds you.
If you're an actor, creator, butcher, baker or candlestick maker and you believe that creatives can save the world, then you're in the right place.
Each episode, Brian goes behind the scenes with people who proudly walk the path LEAST taken. He talks to inspiring activists, creative folks, working actors and showbiz gamechangers. They've got down and dirty advice to help you make dollars and sense (pun intended) of your creative life.
If you're done suffering for your art and second guessing every step of your yellow brick road, Brian Breaks Character is your new pair of ruby slippers.
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Buckle up, actors, cuz this episode is about to step up your audition game 🚀 In this episode, I sat down with Mel Brown, the Customer Success Manager for Performers at Spotlight, and trust me, you're going to want to hear this.
If you've ever stared at your Spotlight profile and thought, "Am I doing this right?" — I've gotchu! 💁♂️
Here are just a few juicy takeaways:
🎯 How to optimize your profile so casting directors actually find you
🚫 The biggest mistakes actors make on Spotlight (and how to fix them, stat!)
🌍 Why you need to be on Spotlight (even if you're not in the UK)
This is only one of my four-part series devoted to helping you get the most out of these casting sites.
REMINDER:💰You already pay for these sites — you deserve to get your money's worth!
👉 So make sure to check out episodes 134, 135 and 136 where I delve into Casting Workbook, Actors Access and Casting Networks.
Wanna learn more about how to get more auditions?
Join me for GIMME GIMME MORE AUDITIONS 🙋🏿♀️🙋🏽🙋🏻♂️
A Proven 3-Part Framework to Get More Auditions for Worthwhile, Paid Projects
Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Brian Breaks Character!
If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave an honest review. Your review helps boost the show and gives us the chance to help more creatives get out of suffering for their art and into action. Be sure to leave your IG handle when you do so I can send a VIP episode to say thank you.
🎙️Get ready to level up your audition game because in this episode, I chat with Lucky Mackey, Client Success Manager at Talent Systems, and Katie O'Connor, Enterprise Sales Manager for the West Coast at Casting Networks. We dig into all things casting networks—especially how you can make your profile work for you, not against you. 💥
If you're ready to make your profile shine ✨ and get seen, this episode is for you!
Here's what you'll learn:
What kind of headshots casting directors need to see 👀
How to use multiple takes during self-tapes 🎬 to your advantage without overthinking it
All about the new features and global opportunities 🌍 on Casting Networks and why now's the time to update that profile.📲
This is only one of my four-part series devoted to helping you get the most out of these casting sites.
REMINDER:💰You already pay for these sites — you deserve to get your money's worth!
👉 So make sure to check out episodes 134, 136, and 137 where we delve into Casting Workbook, Casting Networks and Spotlight.
Wanna learn more about how to get more auditions?
Join me for GIMME GIMME MORE AUDITIONS 🙋🏿♀️🙋🏽🙋🏻♂️
A Proven 3-Part Framework to Get More Auditions for Worthwhile, Paid Projects
Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Brian Breaks Character!
If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave an honest review. Your review helps boost the show and gives us the chance to help more creatives get out of suffering for their art and into action. Be sure to leave your IG handle when you do so I can send a VIP episode to say thank you.
#127 A Special LGBTQ+ Podcast Series: The Queer Spirit with Nick Venegoni & TanyaMarck Oviedo
Season 2
Wednesday, June 21, 2023 • Duration 42:02
🏳️🌈 This is the third episode in our series devoted to elevating and uplifting LGBTQIA+ voices for podcasts and content creators. 🎧🎥
Today, you're in for a treat. I cannot wait for you to meet The Queer Spirit podcast. 🙌
You know that we talk about spirituality a lot on Brian Breaks Character, but hosts Nick Venegoni & TanyaMarck Oviedo of The Queer Spirit look at spirituality in all its multiple forms through the lens of being queer. This podcast spotlights LGBTQIA+ artists, healers and activists who enliven, heal and empower our communities to thrive and flourish.
Now in their 6th season, TanyaMarck has joined Nick as co-host and the episode we're featuring is a really special one in their sequence cuz it's the the last episode of season 5 where Nick interviews TanyaMarck. So you really get a window into these two incredible people. 💗
And... Just a quick reminder 👉 Brian Breaks Character is on vacation for June and July 🏝😎, but we will be back to you in August with season three. Can't wait to see you then! 🎉
Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Brian Breaks Character!
If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave an honest review. Your review helps boost the show and gives us the chance to help more creatives get out of suffering for their art and into action. Be sure to leave your IG handle when you do so I can send a VIP episode to say thank you.
#39 Mia proves that agents aren't worried about your credits half as much as you are
Saturday, October 23, 2021 • Duration 44:37
Mia is a classically trained theatre actor who is now going to Juilliard. But before that, she was working tirelessly to break into the world of film and TV. Her lack of materials to submit to reps, made her feel as if she was never truly "in the game".
Then, while going through the process of reaching out to reps and learning to own where she was at this stage in her career, Mia was thrown yet another curveball and was accepted into Juilliard for grad school.
Navigating her conversations with reps around this topic of potentially leaving the audition pool for quite a few years turned out to be yet another layer in what made her unique!
CLOSER LOOK & TAKEAWAYS
You DO NOT NEED TV credits to get in the door with managers and agents
Mia's theatre training had her focused on "range", but figuring out her personal unique story was actually the gift that changed it all
How early in your career, rep meetings can leave a scar on your actor-soul
Finding confidence in who you are and what you bring to the table can help you find a long-term partner
With this How They Did It series, actors I'm talking to you: I believe that acting is your calling and your purpose on the planet. You use your voice, and your body, and all that you are, to tell stories that remind US what it is to be human. You have the power to change lives.
And, we all know that having great representation makes that impact all that much more possible.
But let's not get it twisted – looking for an agent or a manager sucks. It's not straightforward, there are tons of people telling you the best-slash-only ways to do it, and it can leave you in a constant state of anxiety thinking to yourself – is this ever going to happen for me?
#38 No-Sweat Social Media Strategies with the Queen Heidi Dean
Wednesday, October 20, 2021 • Duration 55:31
Have you ever worried about what to post on social media?
Well, Heidi Dean of Marketing4Actors clears this up for us on today's episode. And whether you're a butcher, a baker, a candlestick maker, her advice will empower you to actually make an impact (and worthwhile connections!) on social media.
{I have to admit, I was a bit intimidated by the awesomeness of this guest. But, guess what…. She gave me an A+ on my IG captions. Hey now! This means a lot coming from this Social Media Queen!}
In this episode, Heidi teaches a three-part framework (you know I love one of those!) that will help you NAIL what to include (and what not to!) in your next post.
But she doesn't stop there...
HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE BIGGEST TAKEAWAYS
How to put the ME in your social MEdia
You are so much more than the gigs you book... so post like it!
Why your engagement will only go up if you use your platform like a telephone, not a megaphone
How to measure engagement BEYOND LIKES AND FOLLOWS
Why the magic lies in focusing on Connection Not Perfection
Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Brian Breaks Character!
If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave an honest review. Your review helps boost the show and gives us the chance to help more creatives get out of suffering for their art and into action. Be sure to leave your IG handle when you do so I can send a VIP episode to say thank you.
Want to learn more? If you're an actor and your goal is to have a fabulous representation, come watch Make Agents Want You for free (). That way, you can get off the hamster wheel of reaching out and focus on the acting you were born to do.
#37 Showrunner Paul Witten's Road to the Emmys was Paved with NOs
Wednesday, October 13, 2021 • Duration 52:58
In this episode of Brian Breaks Character, Showrunner, Creator, and Actor, Paul Witten gives us a MASTERCLASS in putting yourself out there! I brought him on the show so you can see how relentless creativity (and not taking NO for answer) reallllllly pays off!
Paul is the creator and showrunner of Dropping the Soap starring Jane Lynch. And Jane WON the Emmy Award for her role on his show.
But it wasn't all rainbows, lollipops, and big-name comedians… Paul heard NO a lot, but instead of letting the NOs bring him down, he transformed them into finding the right community of artists and supporters for his projects.
What I love about Paul (and I know you will too!) is that he leads with kindness. In this episode, Paul explains how he surrounded himself with like-minded individuals who wanted to get on board with his project because of HIS story and then was able to make his show happen WITHOUT ONE OUNCE OF CROWDFUNDING.
He tells us how there are no rules in this business (you there in the back row, did you hear that?!?) and why vulnerability is the key to getting people to believe in (and invest in!) your projects.
And beyond all that, Paul is a joy to talk to and I can't wait to introduce you to him. Paul is an inspiration and I hope that you learn as much as I did from this episode.
TAKEAWAYS
The power of NO and what you can learn from it
Tell your personal stories and allow yourself to be vulnerable - That is how to get someone to be a part of your project
Know your boundaries as an artist and what you need to protect and take care of yourself
There are no rules
Paul Witten is an actor/writer/producer. He recently had the pleasure of shooting "The Comeback Trail", a feature film working alongside Robert DeNiro, Tommy Lee Jones, Morgan Freeman and Zach Braff, as well as a recent guest spot on Brooklyn 99. He also had a recurring role in the multiple award winning Apple+ series "The Morning Show", with Jennifer Aniston. Additionally, Paul created, co-wrote and stars opposite Jane Lynch in the Emmy winning comedy series, "Dropping The Soap", currently available on Amazon. Paul's most recent short film, "A Play", which he produced, co-wrote and stars in, is currently running the festival circuit having won numerous festival awards. Paul also just penned a half hour comedy pilot, "You Are Here", which he will begin pitching soon. Favorite Los Angeles theatre credits include; "The Goat Or, Who Is Sylvia" (Best Actor nominee, Ovation Awards), "The Woman In Black" (Best Actor nominee; LA Drama Critics Circle and Ovation Awards/ LA premiere); "The Brothers Karamazov" (Best Ensemble LA Drama Critics Circle, LA premiere).
#36 How Angel started her 3rd act with 14 offers for representation
Saturday, October 9, 2021 • Duration 40:08
Angel hit LA running back in the day. She landed reps fast and worked until... she realized she had no idea how to keep things going and she ultimately got burned out.
After taking a 12-year hiatus from the biz to work as an elementary school teacher, Angel realized she still had an actor itch to scratch… except she had no idea how to get back into things, how to submit to reps, or how to translate her years of experience and wisdom into meetings and finding her team.
Now after 15 meetings and 14 (!!) offers for representation, Angel is flying high and taking on the business with a whole new outlook in her self-proclaimed "3rd act"!
CLOSER LOOK & TAKEAWAYS
VO, TV, whatever: Agents aren't worried about your credits half as much as you are
How Angel created an actor accountability group and how it keeps her motivated
The challenge of deciding amongst multiple offers
How prayer was her big guidance in her process and her life
What it really means to be a "good client" for your reps
With this How They Did It series, actors I'm talking to you: I believe that acting is your calling and your purpose on the planet. You use your voice, and your body, and all that you are, to tell stories that remind US what it is to be human. You have the power to change lives.
And, we all know that having great representation makes that impact all that much more possible.
But let's not get it twisted – looking for an agent or a manager sucks. It's not straightforward, there are tons of people telling you the best-slash-only ways to do it, and it can leave you in a constant state of anxiety thinking to yourself – is this ever going to happen for me?
#35 Why the YES Vote Matters – An IATSE Member Tells Her Story
Wednesday, October 6, 2021 • Duration 40:15
IATSE voted 99% YES to authorize a strike.
And because union negotiations can be reduced to just that... "negotiations," it was important to us on the show to put the focus on exactly what we are actually talking about here: Human beings' well-being on set and in life.
So, on this episode of Brian Breaks Character, my guest is IATSE crew member Heather Fink. She works as a Boom Operator and Sound Utility and she joined me not as a formal representative of IATSE, but as a human being in the industry. In this intimate conversation, Heather openly shares her real-life experience as a "below the line" creative as we stare down this strike.
IATSE is asking for better pay for streaming service work; higher wages for coordinators and assistants on all productions; longer rest periods between shifts and on weekends; and strengthened requirements for meal breaks during marathon shoots.
So to be clear, it's not about pointing at "one bad person" it's about revolutionizing an industry that can too often make *the bottom line* more important than human experience.
WHICH IS LITERALLY INSANE SINCE FILM AND TV-MAKING IS STORYTELLING … and storytelling EXISTS to connect us as humans.
In this episode, I put on my novice hat so I could ask Heather ALLLL the questions you might need to know about WHY this is so important and you'll learn precisely WHY as a fellow creative you'll want to take a stand with IATSE.
This episode is dedicated to all the members of IATSE. We stand with humanizing this business. We stand with IATSE.
TAKEAWAYS
IATSE crew is the engine that runs everything on a Film/TV set
How the @ia_stories Instagram Account helped Heather to take a pause and realize that after 11 years of working on film crews that it's not normal nor is it OK the conditions that IATSE crew members have been working under.
IATSE has not had a strike since WWII, so over time members have lost things from their contract every time it's been negotiated.
The YES vote does not mean there will be a strike, it means that IATSE has authorized a strike and can go back to negotiations with AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers) with the hopes that will be enough.
#34 Get More Auditions with your Casting Profiles – The Megamix
Wednesday, September 29, 2021 • Duration 23:03
September has been a very busy month in Brian Breaks Character land! We devoted the entire month to helping actors to get more auditions. And we were lucky enough to have some heavy hitters on the show, so we wanna make sure you didn't miss any of the best tips and takeaways!
Take a listen to this very special 24 minute megamix from all of our Get More Auditions episodes this month.
You'll hear the voices of: Casting Networks' Katie O'Connor and Scott Madej, CastingAbout and Actors Access' Blair Hickey and Brian Wold, and my Actor Happiness Manager, our very own Summer Mastain (she puts ME in the hot seat so you get my take on what you can do TODAY to get more auditions TOMORROW!).
TOP 3 TAKEAWAYS
Why casting profiles should be a core focus of your acting career
All things headshots: How many is too many? How few is not enough?
Casting Networks updates and how the update has modernized the platform
As I mentioned, these are just some of the juicy takeaways from my September Episodes focused all on getting more auditions and casting profiles…
...but don't think that listening to this gives you the full story – get the full scoop on how to get more auditions by listening to the full episodes here:
Casting Networks' Survival Guide with Katie O'Connor & Scott Madej
#33 Casting Networks' Survival Guide with Katie O'Connor & Scott Madej
Wednesday, September 22, 2021 • Duration 49:15
Any chance you are super freaked out by the Casting Networks' recent update? It was a doozy. And whether or not you think the update is good or bad, it doesn't matter, change can be HARD.
So I'm here to help... On this episode of Brian Breaks Character, I sat down with the powers that be from Casting Networks, Katie O'Connor Enterprise Sale Manager for the West Coast and Scott Madej the Manager of Global Talent Support to ask tough questions about the overhaul on their website.
In this interview, you'll hear how this big change came about, how much better it is for you, what casting thinks of it all… PLUS you'll pick up some tips for HOW TO MAKE YOUR PROFILE MO' BETTA.
HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
Don't underestimate the power of your casting profile
How to use the CN media bank to your advantage
The best way to write your bio
Where to focus your energy when you start to work on your *new* profile
Work from home advantage: Casting is sometimes seeing up to 30% more actors for a role
Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Brian Breaks Character!
If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave an honest review. Your review helps boost the show and gives us the chance to help more creatives get out of suffering for their art and into action. Be sure to leave your IG handle when you do so I can send a VIP episode to say thank you
And that's why in this series of tell-all interviews with my agent goals students – you'll hear how they did it.
REMINDER: Each of these bonus episodes is very different because each of these actors wants different things from their careers: some want to be on Broadway, others have their sights set on tv and film, and still others are creators and want to land reps that are excited by that.
Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Brian Breaks Character!
If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave an honest review. Your review helps boost the show and gives us the chance to help more creatives get out of suffering for their art and into action. Be sure to leave your IG handle when you do so I can send a VIP episode to say thank you.
Want to learn more? If you're an actor and your goal is to have a fabulous representation, come watch Make Agents Want You for free (www.MakeAgentsWantYou.com). That way, you can get off the hamster wheel of reaching out to reps and focus on the acting you were born to do.
Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Brian Breaks Character!
If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave an honest review. Your review helps boost the show and gives us the chance to help more creatives get out of suffering for their art and into action. Be sure to leave your IG handle when you do so I can send a VIP episode to say thank you.
Want to learn more? If you're an actor and your goal is to have a fabulous representation, come watch Make Agents Want You for free (https://www.makeagentswantyou.com). That way, you can get off the hamster wheel of reaching out and focus on the acting you were born to do.
And that's why in this series of tell-all interviews with my agent goals students – you'll hear how they did it.
REMINDER: Each of these bonus episodes is very different because each of these actors wants different things from their careers: some want to be on Broadway, others have their sights set on tv and film, and still others are creators and want to land reps that are excited by that.
Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Brian Breaks Character!
If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave an honest review. Your review helps boost the show and gives us the chance to help more creatives get out of suffering for their art and into action. Be sure to leave your IG handle when you do so I can send a VIP episode to say thank you.
Want to learn more? If you're an actor and your goal is to have a fabulous representation, come watch Make Agents Want You for free (www.MakeAgentsWantYou.com). That way, you can get off the hamster wheel of reaching out to reps and focus on the acting you were born to do.
Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Brian Breaks Character!
If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave an honest review. Your review helps boost the show and gives us the chance to help more creatives get out of suffering for their art and into action. Be sure to leave your IG handle when you do so I can send a VIP episode to say thank you.
Want to learn more? If you're an actor and your goal is to have a fabulous representation, come watch Make Agents Want You for free (https://www.makeagentswantyou.com). That way, you can get off the hamster wheel of reaching out and focus on the acting you were born to do.
Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Brian Breaks Character!
If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave an honest review. Your review helps boost the show and gives us the chance to help more creatives get out of suffering for their art and into action. Be sure to leave your IG handle when you do so I can send a VIP episode to say thank you.
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