Two Unemployed Actors

Max Belmonte

What actually happens behind the scenes. Follow Max on his journey through auditions and projects across Commercials, Theatre, Voice Overs, TV, and Film.

  1. 27/10/2025

    The Future of Acting: Michelle Danner on AI, Casting, and Directing A-Listers - Ep 108

    Send us Fan Mail 🎬 How do you balance coaching A-list stars like Gerard Butler and Salma Hayek while directing Hollywood blockbusters?  In this episode of Two Unemployed Actors, host Max Belmonte sits down with industry powerhouse Michelle Danner. With over 30 years of experience, Michelle is a renowned acting coach, director, and producer who is currently shaping the future of cinema.  In this episode, you’ll discover:  Behind-the-Scenes Secrets: What it was like shooting Miranda’s Victim during a global pandemic with icons like Donald Sutherland, Andy Garcia, Abigail Breslin, Ryan Phillipe, and Luke Wilson.  Global Filmmaking: The logistical and creative differences between filming in Italy vs. the USA. Project Deep Dives: Get the inside scoop on her upcoming romantic comedy Under the Stars (starring Toni Collette) and her latest project, Starstruck.  Industry Evolution: Michelle’s candid take on the current state of AI in Hollywood and what it means for the next generation of actors.  Whether you're an aspiring actor looking for coaching insights or a filmmaker interested in the mechanics of high-level production, this conversation is a masterclass in navigating a multi-hyphenate career in the modern industry. Subscribe for more insights! Resources Mentioned: Studio: Michelle Danner Acting Studio Episode Webpage: https://www.twounemployedactors.com/michelledanner/ Support the show An Add Kulcha Production

    34 min
  2. 27/04/2025

    Stop Being "Honest" and Start Winning: Ivana Chubbuck’s 12-Step Acting Technique - Ep 106

    Send us Fan Mail Ivana Chubbuck: The Secret Behind Hollywood’s Greatest Performances 🎭✨ In this episode of Two Unemployed Actors, we are joined by the legendary Ivana Chubbuck—founder of the Ivana Chubbuck Studio and the visionary creator of the world-renowned Chubbuck Technique. Ivana has coached some of the most iconic actors in history, including Halle Berry, Charlize Theron, Brad Pitt, Jake Gyllenhaal, and many more. Today, she shares her deep insights into the craft of acting, her 12-step technique, and her newly updated book, The Power of the Actor. Whether you're an emerging actor or a seasoned pro, this conversation is packed with actionable advice on how to turn your personal pain into dynamic, award-winning performances. In this episode, we discuss: 🚀 Beyond "Honest and Truthful": Why being real isn't enough to get the job. 🏆 The Winning Mindset: How to be an "emotional hero" and overcome objectives. 🧠 The Science of Acting: Drawing from behavioural science and psychology. ✍️ The Work Ethic of Greats: Stories of Christopher Walken, Charlize Theron, and Pamela Anderson. 📹 Mastering the Self-Tape: Tips for creating chemistry and energy on camera. 🚫 Taking the Judgment Out: Why judging your character will lose you the role. Subscribe for more insights! 📚 Resources Mentioned: Book: The Power of the Actor (Updated Edition) by Ivana Chubbuck. Studio: Learn more at the Ivana Chubbuck Studio. Episode Webpage: https://www.twounemployedactors.com/ivana-chubbuck/ Support the show An Add Kulcha Production

    52 min
  3. 03/01/2024

    The Voiceover Masterclass: LA Casting Secrets with Andy Roth Ep103

    Send us Fan Mail In Episode 103 of "Two Unemployed Actors," host Max Belmonte welcomes award-winning producer, Voice Casting Director, and educator Andy Roth for an extensive deep dive into the evolving landscape of the voiceover industry. Andy shares his professional journey, which began at Samuel French before he transitioned into a role as an assistant at a major talent agency’s voiceover department. It was here that he recognized voiceover as a distinct, massive ecosystem, eventually leading him to become an in-house booth director where he mastered the art of guiding vocal performances.  A recurring theme throughout the conversation is the paramount importance of professional relationships. Andy emphasizes that success in this field is less about "who you know" and more about "who knows you" and understands your specific professional vibe. He offers invaluable advice on navigating the audition process, which he likens to a first date. He encourages actors to make bold choices based on available information while emphasizing that direction is merely a tool; if a specific note doesn't serve the performance, it can be discarded in favour of authenticity.  The episode also tackles the practicalities of the modern era, particularly the rise of the home studio. Andy advises emerging artists to focus on technical "minimalism"—learning only the essential software skills required to deliver high-quality, unprocessed audio. He highlights the necessity of a professional website and a clean "studio sample" to prove reliability to casting directors.  Furthermore, Andy reflects on the industry’s shift toward authentic casting and diversity, admitting his initial resistance before realizing the profound depth and subtext that authentic performers bring to a script. Addressing future concerns, he discusses the impact of artificial intelligence, urging actors to stay engaged and adaptable rather than fearful. Ultimately, he champions highly specialised training and classes as the most effective way for talent to build the "mind-meld" connections necessary to thrive in this competitive and specialized professional acting landscape.  Subscribe for more insights! Episode Webpage: https://shorturl.at/bY60G Support the show An Add Kulcha Production

    59 min
  4. 10/07/2023

    How Daniel Craig & Austin Butler Prepare: Acting Secrets from Terry Knickerbocker - Ep 101

    Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder what separates a "hit or miss" actor from a consistent A-list professional? In this masterclass episode, Max Belmonte sits down with legendary New York acting coach Terry Knickerbocker to deconstruct the training behind stars like Daniel Craig, Austin Butler, and Sam Rockwell. Terry reveals the "GPS" for acting consistency, the "Full Body Yes" mindset for career longevity, and the incredible story of how Denzel Washington personally vouched for Austin Butler to land the role of Elvis. Whether you're an emerging artist or a seasoned pro, this conversation is your roadmap to mastering the Meisner technique and surviving the business of acting. Key Takeaways: The Consistency GPS: Why professional acting isn't about "having a good day"—it’s about a reliable, repeatable process.The Austin Butler Connection: Why hard work in the "trenches" of theater led to a life-changing call from Denzel Washington.Redefining Chemistry: How to create genuine connection on screen by "seeing and being seen."The Zen of Auditioning: How to stay loose, focus on the process, and let go of the result in the age of self-tapes.Episode Page: https://www.twounemployedactors.com/terryknickerbocker/ About Terry Knickerbocker: Terry Knickerbocker is the founder of the Terry Knickerbocker Studio in Brooklyn, NY. A veteran of the NYU Tisch experimental theater wing and a protégé of William Esper, he has coached Academy Award winners and nominees, helping them find authenticity and depth in their work. Learn more: Terry Knickerbocker Studio Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twounemployedactors   Don’t forget to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps other actors find these resources!  Support the show An Add Kulcha Production

    1hr 5min

Ratings & Reviews

4.2
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

What actually happens behind the scenes. Follow Max on his journey through auditions and projects across Commercials, Theatre, Voice Overs, TV, and Film.