The 98%

Alexa Morden and Katie Elin-Salt
The 98%

Whether you’re in the entertainment industry or not, this is a podcast that will humour, shock, validate and inform. You think you knew what it’s like to be an actor? Think again… The 98% explores what life is really like for the majority of actors and performers who, rather than trying to find an outfit for the Oscar’s, are trying to find an outfit that makes them look as close to an 1850’s aristocrat as possible for an audition in 24 hours. It comes as a surprise to most that only 2% of actors earn their main source of income from acting work. This podcast represents, and gives a voice to, the other 98%. What started as a comedy podcast in 2018, with co-hosts Alexa and Katie laughing and lamenting about the REAL #actorslife, has morphed into a relatable and supportive space through the lens of honesty and realism. By lifting the curtain on things that need changing in the industry, exposing hidden truths, and chatting to brilliant industry professional guests from all corners of the biz, The 98% is a podcast and platform that works to humanise those in the industry and redefine what success means in a business that, before, only shined a spotlight on the small minority. @the98percentpod

  1. S5E38 - Representation Special Part 2: Agent Roundtable

    20 MAY

    S5E38 - Representation Special Part 2: Agent Roundtable

    Grab your headphones and settle in for one of the best episodes of The 98% of ALL TIME! There's been a lot of coverage of dodgy agents recently, so let's hear from some wonderful, trustworthy, supportive ones. In this episode Alexa is joined by Mildred Yuan PMA, Liz Pratt PMA and JBR PMA for an incredibly honest, transparent and wisdom filled chat. You'll hear about how to find the right representation for you, what to look out for when looking for representation, the current state of the industry, a real look into the life of agenting, and so. much. more. Whether you are represented by an agency, self represented, looking for representation, or looking to make the most out of rep you already have - you do NOT want to miss this episode! More information on these wonderful guests: Mildred: https://mildredyuan.com Liz: https://www.nelsontalentmanagement.com J: https://www.jbragent.com Buy J's book 'Getting, Keeping and Working with your Acting Agent: The Compact Guide' here: https://amzn.eu/d/j1cQOc1 . Help support The 98%, every penny goes into the finances of podcasting and helps us stay on the air for free for all to enjoy! Ko-Fi https://ko-fi.com/the98percent  Patreon https://www.patreon.com/the98percentpod . Want to connect with other actors around the world, be coached, see castings, read in for self tapes or earn money reading for others? You can do all this and more at https://www.weaudition.com with 25% off your monthly subscription with the discount code 9825! . The 98% represents the 98% of actors who don't earn their main source of income from acting work (yes, a real stat!!) We have 100+ episodes for you to enjoy, including incredible guests from all corners of the industry. Find out more about The 98% with more content + our blog at www.the98percentpod.com

    1h 27m
  2. S5E37 - Representation Special Part 1: Self Representation

    11 MAY

    S5E37 - Representation Special Part 1: Self Representation

    There's been a lot of worrying discussion around agents recently, so before this series ends The 98% wanted to finish on an uplifting note - platforming conversations around representation that instill confidence and trust in actors. This is part one of a two-part representation special! Due to recent exposé's unconvering malpractice from agents, many have found themselves now without one. While this can feel very daunting, it's a disservice of our industry to make actors feel like they are doomed without an agent. Self representation can be an empowering journey and give actors some control over their career by putting them in the drivers seat. This episode's guest, Phillip Laing, has spent time in this industry represented by agents, and representing himself. He shares the pros, cons, and process of self representation drawing on his own experiences, thoughts and feelings. "Progress is progress. If I get an agent again, I'll be happy. And if I don't, I'll be ok." . Some things mentioned in the episode... Alexa's new venture! For helpful, realistic and relatable support/acting coaching, online resources, advice columns, and more, visit www.actingwithalexa.com Self Representation - Making the most of your freedom Blog Post by Luke Macleod: https://www.the98percentpod.com/blog/2019/6/8/self-representation-making-the-most-of-your-freedom . Help support The 98%, every penny goes into the finances of podcasting and helps us stay on the air for free for all to enjoy! Ko-Fi https://ko-fi.com/the98percent

    1h 7m
  3. S5E36 - The Deceit and Corruption of Fake Self Tapes

    22 APR

    S5E36 - The Deceit and Corruption of Fake Self Tapes

    Just when you thought this business couldn't get any tougher, Deadline exposes another scandal that has rocked the industry and sent shockwaves through the creatvies involved in the audition process. Agents sending fake self tape requests to actors?! If this is something you'd never even contemplated before, you wouldn't be the only one. But sadly these are not just isolated incidents...  Including comments from The CDA and Equity's General Secretary, testimonies from actors who have been affected, and more, join me on a deep dive into the recently exposed scandal of agents sending fake self tape requests to clients. The what's, how's, why's... This isn't just about fake auditions, it's about deceit, emotional manipulation, selfish gain and moral corruption in an industry with such a powerful hierarchy, that this behaviour has been able to thrive for years. [Like the Bodhi Scandal episode, this one is more of a broadcast style vibe - would love to know what you think about this kind of style for The 98%! Share your thoughts online @the98percentpod] Read: IAM / Luc Chaudhary / Helen Kelly 'UK Self-Tape Scandal Deepens: International Artists Management Admits Sending Client Misrepresented Audition Invite' https://deadline.com/2024/03/international-artists-management-iam-sent-client-misleading-audition-invites-1235842868/comment-page-2/#comments '“Was My Tape Fake?”: The Question Panicked British Actors Are Asking Casting Directors About Audition Invites — And Why It Matters' https://deadline.com/2024/03/uk-fake-self-tape-scandal-explained-1235859627/comment-page-2/#comments . If you appreciate the work being done by, and for, The 98% please consider donating to our ko-fi, every little helps and goes back into doing what we do here! https://ko-fi.com/the98percent

    36 min
  4. S5E34 - “My greatest performance was pretending everything was ok"

    25 MAR

    S5E34 - “My greatest performance was pretending everything was ok"

    Mental health has always been a throughline for episodes of The 98% and so the podcast is proud to host Adam Bambrough in this episode, founder and CEO of Wellbeing in the Arts. After leaving the acting profession due to struggles with his own mental wellbeing, Adam planned to write a book revealing the scope of actors and creatives with mental health struggles. He soon realized that there was no stand alone mental health support in the entertainment industry, so no wonder mental health struggles were affecting so many creatives. And so..he made one himself. Wellbeing in the Arts works towards their vision of an industry in which every individual, organisation and production has access to mental health and wellbeing support and where awareness and understanding of mental health issues is vastly improved, along with the root causes of poor mental health in the workplace being addressed. Adam shares his journey as an actor, leaving the professions, neurodivergence, and more. This is an honest, transparent and much needed conversation about creatives and how this industry can exacerbate struggles, and what needs to be done to help. CN: This episode contains discussion around mental illness This brilliant organization has helped Alexa herself have access to 6 weeks of counselling for an incredibly accessible price considering the promptness and high quality of the service. Find out more about this much needed org here https://www.wellbeinginthearts.org.uk Need support with your mental health?  Email: support@wellbeinginthearts.org.uk Call: 0330 123 5574 Text: +44 7496 896 436 For general enrquries or to chat to Adam about his services email admin@wellbeinginthearts.org.uk Follow them online @Wellbeinthearts If you are experiencing a mental health emergency please call emergency services 999 or Samartians 116 123 . The 98% is excited to have this episode sponsored by Kru Live! Find out how you can get paid to have fun with flexible, exiciting work perfect for actors here https://krulive.com  . Follow us on twitter/instagram at @the98percentpod for relatable #actorslife content, tips and advice for actors, and news about our new series. . If you've benefitted from and enjoyed the podcast and want to give a little back, we have a ko-fi where every penny thrown in our hat goes straight into contributing towards the costs of running the podcast and creating helpful content online for actors. Every little helps and is so appreciated! https://ko-fi.com/the98percent

    60 min
4.9
out of 5
200 Ratings

About

Whether you’re in the entertainment industry or not, this is a podcast that will humour, shock, validate and inform. You think you knew what it’s like to be an actor? Think again… The 98% explores what life is really like for the majority of actors and performers who, rather than trying to find an outfit for the Oscar’s, are trying to find an outfit that makes them look as close to an 1850’s aristocrat as possible for an audition in 24 hours. It comes as a surprise to most that only 2% of actors earn their main source of income from acting work. This podcast represents, and gives a voice to, the other 98%. What started as a comedy podcast in 2018, with co-hosts Alexa and Katie laughing and lamenting about the REAL #actorslife, has morphed into a relatable and supportive space through the lens of honesty and realism. By lifting the curtain on things that need changing in the industry, exposing hidden truths, and chatting to brilliant industry professional guests from all corners of the biz, The 98% is a podcast and platform that works to humanise those in the industry and redefine what success means in a business that, before, only shined a spotlight on the small minority. @the98percentpod

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada