The Actor's Career Compass: Your Guide to Acting in Film, Finding Auditions & Agents, and Joining SAG AFTRA

Martin Bentsen
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Struggling to book your first speaking role in a network-level production? If so, this podcast is for you. You'll learn how to find and sign with great agents, how to start getting access to high-quality auditions, and how to book major union speaking roles. Each episode addresses specific challenges faced by aspiring screen actors, including: - What casting directors are really looking for in screen actors. - How to find and impress legit, high-level agents. - How to build strong industry connections (even if you don't know anyone yet). New episodes are released Mondays and Thursdays, each filled with tactical advice to help you work through different challenges. Host Martin Bentsen has helped over 6000 actors since 2009, and has been featured in Backstage, Casting Networks, NYU Tisch, and more Ready to dive in? Start by listening to fan-favorite Episode #14: "Where to Find Legit Auditions (Without an Agent)."

  1. 16 HR AGO

    Ep. 203: How to Make a Strong Acting Testimonial Clip on Backstage That Grabs Attention Fast

    Are your Backstage clips getting ignored by casting directors? If your profile isn’t helping you book product commercials, your testimonial clip might be the missing piece. In this episode of The Actor’s Career Compass, you’ll learn how to create a short but powerful video that builds trust, shows off your personality, and helps you stand out in a crowded market. You’ll discover: What makes a testimonial feel real and why casting directors love thatThe #1 shift in camera technique that builds instant trust on screenHow to use your lighting setup to look professional and get more callbacks Record your clip today - and start landing more commercial auditions tomorrow. Email: martin@cityheadshots.com Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com Additional Resources: Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.comShoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.comEdit Footage Into a Reel: https://www.demoreelsnyc.com This show dives deep into the world of acting in film, exploring the journey of movie acting with stories, building confidence among aspiring actors, navigating auditions and productions, and offering insights from acting agents, coaches, and the challenges of becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible to advance your acting career, skills, and landing roles.

    6 min

  2. 3 DAYS AGO

    Ep. 202: How Lloyd Helps Actors Shift Accents Without Losing Identity

    How Can Changing Your Accent Unlock New Roles - Without Losing Your Identity? Actors often worry that altering their accent means giving up part of who they are - but what if it actually helps them connect more deeply with characters and audiences alike? In this episode, vocal coach and music teacher Lloyd breaks down the art and science of accent reduction. Whether you want to sound clearer on camera or explore a more American tone, you’ll learn how to shift your speech without sacrificing your uniqueness. Here’s what you’ll take away from the conversation: – Why tweaking your accent can open doors without erasing your roots – Small, powerful speech changes that make a big difference fast – The truth behind accent coaching - and what most people get totally wrong Listen now to discover how to speak with clarity and confidence in any role you take on. Lloyd's Contact Info: Lloyd Moss Tel. (310) 919-9127 WhatsApp rockpiano@me.com Contact Info: Email: martin@cityheadshots.comWebsite: https://www.martinbentsen.com Additional Resources: Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.comShoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.comEdit Footage Into a Reel: https://www.demoreelsnyc.com This show dives deep into the world of acting in film, exploring the journey of movie acting with stories, building confidence among aspiring actors, navigating auditions and productions, and offering insights from acting agents, coaches, and the challenges of becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible to advance your acting career, skills, and landing roles.

    25 min

  3. 9 OCT

    Ep. 201: How To Get Footage Back From Unresponsive Directors to Build Your Acting Reel

    What do you do when a director won’t give you your footage? If you're tired of chasing down clips that never show up, this episode is for you. Many actors hit a wall when it’s time to update their reel - but how do you move forward when directors ghost you or never finish the project? In this episode, you’ll learn: The exact words to say when following up without sounding pushySmart ways to track down your footage even if the project never wrappedWhy it’s okay to burn bridges with people who never deliver Hit play and find out how to finally take control of your reel - and your acting career. Contact Info Email: martin@cityheadshots.comWebsite: https://www.martinbentsen.com Additional Resources: Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.comShoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.comEdit Footage Into a Reel: https://www.demoreelsnyc.com This show dives deep into the world of acting in film, exploring the journey of movie acting with stories, building confidence among aspiring actors, navigating auditions and productions, and offering insights from acting agents, coaches, and the challenges of becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible to advance your acting career, skills, and landing roles.

    7 min

  4. 6 OCT

    Ep. 200: Why Signing Too Early Can Stall Your Acting Career

    Are you truly ready to sign with an agent - or just hoping one will fix your stuck career? Many actors think signing with an agent is the golden ticket to auditions and bookings. But jumping the gun could actually hurt your chances down the road. In this episode, you’ll learn why rushing to get representation can hold you back - and how to know you’re really ready when the time comes. Here’s what you’ll walk away with: The one belief about agents that causes most actors to feel stuck - even after getting signedA breakdown of what agents actually want to see before offering meetingsThe key benchmarks you must hit so agents see you as a no-brainer client If you’re ready to attract top reps without spinning your wheels or wasting months, press play now. Contact Info: Email: martin@cityheadshots.com Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com Additional Resources: Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.comShoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.comEdit Footage Into a Reel: https://www.demoreelsnyc.com This show dives deep into the world of acting in film, exploring the journey of movie acting with stories, building confidence among aspiring actors, navigating auditions and productions, and offering insights from acting agents, coaches, and the challenges of becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible to advance your acting career, skills, and landing roles.

    9 min

  5. 2 OCT

    Ep. 199: Why Acting in Vertical Shorts Might Be the Fastest Way to Build Your Reel

    Are Vertical Shorts a Joke - or the Best Way to Get Seen as an Actor Right Now? Wondering if vertical drama roles are a waste of time - or a hidden gem for boosting your acting career? In this episode of The Actor’s Career Compass, we explore the fast-rising world of vertical short series and why they might be the smartest move for newer actors looking to gain exposure, build their reel, and get paid doing it. You’ll discover: Why actors who avoid vertical series are accidentally giving you more opportunitiesWhat makes these mobile-only dramas different - and how to stand out in auditionsHow to use vertical footage to strengthen your reel (even if it's filmed on your phone) Don’t miss your chance to get ahead before the industry catches up - hit play now and learn how to book legit roles in a growing part of the acting world. Email: martin@cityheadshots.com Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com Additional Resources: Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.comShoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.comEdit Footage Into a Reel: https://www.demoreelsnyc.com This show dives deep into the world of acting in film, exploring the journey of movie acting with stories, building confidence among aspiring actors, navigating auditions and productions, and offering insights from acting agents, coaches, and the challenges of becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible to advance your acting career, skills, and landing roles.

    8 min

  6. 29 SEPT

    Ep. 198: How to Get Sag Background Vouchers for Acting FAST

    How Can You Get SAG Vouchers Fast - Without Wasting Months on Set? Are you stuck trying to become SAG-AFTRA eligible but don’t know how to get those three elusive background vouchers? You're not alone - and this episode reveals how to seriously cut down the time it usually takes. If you’re a non-union actor dreaming of joining SAG-AFTRA, this episode will show you exactly what most actors overlook - so you don’t waste time or miss opportunities that are right in front of you. Here’s what you’ll get from this episode: A simple trick for getting noticed by the right casting agencies - so you land more union background jobsWhy the “worst” shoot days are secretly the best for snagging a SAG voucherA small but powerful move at the end of every shoot day that could make all the difference in your eligibility Hit play now to fast-track your SAG eligibility and stop waiting around for vouchers that may never come. Contact Info: Email: martin@cityheadshots.com Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com Additional Resources: Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.comShoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.comEdit Footage Into a Reel: https://www.demoreelsnyc.com This show dives deep into the world of acting in film, exploring the journey of movie acting with stories, building confidence among aspiring actors, navigating auditions and productions, and offering insights from acting agents, coaches, and the challenges of becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible to advance your acting career, skills, and landing roles.

    7 min

  7. 25 SEPT

    Ep. 197: The BIG Mistake to Avoid in Self-Tapes & Acting Auditions

    Are you trying too hard in your auditions - without even realizing it? Many actors unknowingly aim for performances that actually hurt their chances of getting cast. If you’ve ever tried to fully transform into a character and still didn’t book the role, you might be falling into a trap that’s way more common than you think. In this episode of The Actor’s Career Compass, you'll learn why “Level 5” performances - while flashy - often come off as fake, and why Level 4 is the true sweet spot that gets you noticed by casting directors. Here’s what you’ll get out of this episode: The simple 5-level acting scale that shows exactly where your performances land - and how to improve.The hidden reason why trying to “be someone else” usually backfires in auditions.How to craft grounded, powerful performances that make casting directors say, “This actor just gets it.” Want to stop overthinking and start booking more roles? Press play and find out what level to aim for in your next audition. Contact Info: Email: martin@cityheadshots.comWebsite: https://www.martinbentsen.com Additional Resources: Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.comShoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.comEdit Footage Into a Reel: https://www.demoreelsnyc.com This show dives deep into the world of acting in film, exploring the journey of movie acting with stories, building confidence among aspiring actors, navigating auditions and productions, and offering insights from acting agents, coaches, and the challenges of becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible to advance your acting career, skills, and landing roles.

    15 min

  8. 22 SEPT

    Ep. 196: How to Do Single-Line Acting Auditions Properly

    Should You Add Extra Lines to a One-Line Audition? Here’s What Casting Directors Really Think Have you ever wondered if adding more lines to a one-line audition makes you stand out - or stand out in the wrong way? In today’s episode of The Actor’s Career Compass, we talk about the real reason casting directors give you just one line - and how to handle it like a pro. If you’ve ever worried that a short script limits your chance to shine, this episode clears up the confusion and helps you make the most of it. Here’s what you’ll take away from today’s episode: A surprising reason going off-script can backfire and what it signals to casting directorsSimple ways to add depth to your performance without adding wordsThe subtle performance choices that can instantly show you're a skilled actor - even in one line Play this episode now to learn how to book small roles that lead to big opportunities - without going off-script. Contact Info: Email: martin@cityheadshots.com Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com Additional Resources: Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.comShoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.comEdit Footage Into a Reel: https://www.demoreelsnyc.com This show dives deep into the world of acting in film, exploring the journey of movie acting with stories, building confidence among aspiring actors, navigating auditions and productions, and offering insights from acting agents, coaches, and the challenges of becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible to advance your acting career, skills, and landing roles.

    6 min
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About

Struggling to book your first speaking role in a network-level production? If so, this podcast is for you. You'll learn how to find and sign with great agents, how to start getting access to high-quality auditions, and how to book major union speaking roles. Each episode addresses specific challenges faced by aspiring screen actors, including: - What casting directors are really looking for in screen actors. - How to find and impress legit, high-level agents. - How to build strong industry connections (even if you don't know anyone yet). New episodes are released Mondays and Thursdays, each filled with tactical advice to help you work through different challenges. Host Martin Bentsen has helped over 6000 actors since 2009, and has been featured in Backstage, Casting Networks, NYU Tisch, and more Ready to dive in? Start by listening to fan-favorite Episode #14: "Where to Find Legit Auditions (Without an Agent)."

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