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. 1 DAY AGO

    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

  2. 4 DAYS AGO

    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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 18 SEPT

    Ep. 195: 3 Numbers You MUST Track To Boost Auditions & Book More Acting Roles

    Are your acting submissions getting ignored - or is there a bigger problem you’re missing? If you're submitting constantly but rarely booking, it's not bad luck - it's a numbers game. And most actors have no clue what their numbers are. In this episode of The Actor’s Career Compass, you’ll learn how tracking just three key metrics can uncover what’s really holding you back from landing roles. Here’s what you’ll take away: The one number more important than “working harder” in your acting careerThe bare minimum audition and booking rates every actor should be hittingHow to increase your bookings without submitting more or burning out Want to finally stop guessing and start booking? Press play now to take control of your acting career. Contact Info: Email: martin@cityheadshots.com Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com Additional Resources: Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.com Shoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.com Edit 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

  6. 15 SEPT

    Ep. 194: How to Use "Local Hire" Status to Unlock Hidden Acting Opportunities Nationwide

    Want to Book More Acting Work Without Moving? Here’s the Secret. What if you could double or even triple your audition opportunities - without relocating? In this episode of The Actor’s Career Compass, Martin Bentsen reveals how listing yourself as a local hire can open doors in multiple acting markets - no moving van required. If you’re struggling to get seen or stuck competing in just one major city, this episode will show you a smarter, more flexible way forward. You’ll discover: How to legitimately position yourself as a local hire in multiple citiesThe exact steps to update your casting profiles to boost visibilityWhat to prepare so you can say “yes” the moment an audition or booking comes your way Hit play now to learn how actors are landing roles faster - just by shifting how they list themselves on casting sites. 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

  7. 11 SEPT

    Ep. 193: Stop Playing It Safe: Acting Auditions That Give Casting Directors Goosebumps

    Do your acting auditions feel solid... but still forgettable? In today’s episode, Martin breaks down what separates a technically “good” audition from one that actually moves casting directors to take action. If you’ve ever felt like your performance is polished but missing that something special, this is for you. Here’s what you’ll learn: The one shift that instantly makes your acting feel real and unforgettableWhy bold acting choices get callbacks - even if they miss the markWhat most actors don’t realize they’re doing that kills emotion in their performances Want casting directors to feel something when they watch your auditions? Press play now and learn how to start showing up at Level 4. 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

  8. 8 SEPT

    Ep. 192: How to Format Acting Self-Tapes So You Don’t Get Skipped Over

    Should You Combine Your Slate and Audition in One File? Here’s the Right Way to Do It Are you making this common self-tape mistake that could get you skipped by casting? Many actors aren’t sure whether to upload their slate and audition scene in one video - or keep them separate. And doing it wrong could make casting’s job harder or even break their rules. In this episode, you'll finally learn the clear answer so you always know what to do. You’ll discover: The one situation where combining your slate and scene is a mustWhat most casting directors actually prefer in your submissionsA simple labeling trick that makes you look like a total pro Want to stop second-guessing your self-tape uploads? Hit play now to make sure you’re doing it right - every single time. 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.

    4 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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