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

Martin Bentsen
  • 5.0 (34)
  • PERFORMING ARTS
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

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. 1D AGO

    Ep. 238: From Unhirable to $50M: The Acting Comeback of Robert Downey Jr.

    Can you really come back after Hollywood shuts the door on you? Many actors fear one big mistake, one bad rep, or one slow year will end their career. In this episode, we look at how that fear is not the end of the story. We break down how Robert Downey Jr. went from being called “unhirable” to leading Iron Man and helping launch the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His journey shows what is possible when you take full responsibility and rebuild step by step. In this episode, you’ll discover: The quiet habits that helped him earn back trust when no one wanted to hire himThe mindset shift that turned pain and failure into emotional depth on screenThe simple career truth about reputation that most actors learn too late If you’ve ever felt behind, stuck, or embarrassed by your past, this story will remind you that your comeback can start today - so press play and learn how to rebuild your acting career the smart way. 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

  2. 5D AGO

    Ep. 237: How Strategic Acting Reels Lead to More Callbacks

    Are casting directors skipping your reel after just 10 seconds? Many actors upload one long demo reel and send it to every audition. But casting directors move fast. If your first clip does not match the role, they click away. That means you could miss out, even if the perfect scene is later in your reel. In this episode, you’ll learn how to build a custom demo reel on Actor’s Access that fits each role and helps you get more auditions. When you listen, you’ll discover: Why custom reels make casting directors see you as serious and professional.How to choose clips that instantly match the character and show strong emotion.A simple tech tweak that makes your reel look clean, sharp, and pro-level. Press play now to learn how to make every submission count and stand out from the crowd. 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.

    6 min

  3. FEB 9

    Ep. 236: How to Avoid Freezing Up in Acting Auditions

    Why Do You Freeze in Auditions (Even When You’re Fully Prepared)?You’ve practiced your lines. You’ve visualized nailing the role. But the second you walk into that audition room - your mind goes blank. Why does this happen, and more importantly, how do you stop it? Most actors feel like they lose control under pressure, especially when it matters most. But what if your body isn’t failing you… it’s actually trying to protect you? In this episode, you’ll discover: What really causes your brain to “shut down” the second you walk into an auditionThe surprising mindset shift that can turn fear into fun in just secondsWhy letting go of perfection might be the secret to your best performance yet Listen now and learn how to walk into every audition calm, confident, and ready to shine. 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.

    5 min

  4. FEB 5

    Ep. 235: Why “Am I Good Enough?” Is the Wrong Question to Ask in Your Acting Career

    Are You Really a Good Actor - or Just Asking the Wrong Question? Every actor wrestles with doubt. But what if the real question isn’t “Am I good enough?” - but “What am I measuring?” In this eye-opening episode of The Actor’s Career Compass, Martin breaks down why talent alone doesn’t determine success - and what casting directors are really looking for. If you’ve been stuck comparing yourself to others, wondering why you’re not booking bigger roles, this episode is your wake-up call. You’ll discover: Why waiting for validation from casting directors kills creativity and confidenceThe surprising factor that makes casting directors trust one actor over anotherHow to track your growth with a system that keeps you moving - and booking Don’t let invisible progress shake your belief in yourself - hit play and learn how to see the momentum you're actually building. Contact & Resources: Email: martin@cityheadshots.comWebsite: https://www.martinbentsen.comHeadshots: 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. FEB 2

    Ep. 234: Why Creating Projects Boosts Acting Confidence & Helps You Book Roles Early

    How Do You Get Auditions Every Week - Without Burning Out? Feeling stuck waiting for auditions? Wondering how to stay motivated while trying to stand out to casting directors and agents? In this episode of The Actor’s Career Compass, Martin Bentsen chats with actress Megan Heyn about how she built a steady stream of auditions each week - without losing energy or momentum. You'll also learn how creating your own projects can be one of the smartest ways to build confidence, showcase your talent, and open doors before the industry even knows who you are. Here’s what you’ll discover: The surprising career shift that helped Megan get seen more often by castingThe importance of taking opportunities on your way to your goalWhy making your own projects can lead to more acting work - sooner than you think Don’t miss this inspiring interview - press play to learn what’s really working in today’s acting world. Megan Heyn Contact: https://www.meganheyn.com/ IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2537376/ Actors Anonymous: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt37741893/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk Contact Martin Bentsen 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.

    47 min

  6. JAN 29

    Ep. 233: Feeling Stuck? How to Know Exactly What to Focus on Right Now in Acting

    What’s the #1 Thing Holding Your Acting Career Back? Do you ever feel like you’re doing everything - yet getting nowhere? If you’re an actor working hard but still not seeing real progress, you’re not alone. In this episode, we’ll break down why spinning your wheels is often a sign of focusing on the wrong things… and how to find the right thing to focus on next. Here’s what you’ll take away from today’s episode: The hidden reason why actors stay stuck - even when they’re constantly busyA surprising method to uncover your biggest career breakthrough pointHow to shift from scattered energy to confident, focused action in just a few steps Ready to finally stop guessing and start making real progress? Tune in now and discover the one focus that can move your acting career forward fast. 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

  7. JAN 26

    Ep. 232: Keep Your Choices Simple to Book More Acting Roles

    Are your bold acting choices stealing the spotlight - for the wrong reasons? Many actors believe they need to “stand out” in every scene, but when it comes to smaller roles, trying too hard can actually hurt your career. This episode will help you learn when less is more and how to make smart, story-driven acting choices that show you’re a true pro. You’ll discover: Why going “deep” in tiny roles can backfire and cost you callbacksA quick way to know exactly how much effort to bring to every sceneThe mindset casting directors wish more actors had in the audition room Press play now and learn how to make choices that get you invited back for bigger roles. Contact: 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.

    3 min

  8. JAN 22

    Ep. 231: Get Your Acting Profile Noticed With This 30-Second Video

    Are casting directors skipping past your Actor’s Access profile? Here’s how to stand out - before they even hit play. Most actors don’t realize they can upload an intro video to Actor’s Access - even though it doesn’t offer a designated slot like Backstage does. That’s exactly what makes this strategy so powerful. If your current reel titles are bland, or your personality doesn’t shine through early, casting directors may scroll right by. But a quick, well-labeled intro video can act like a digital handshake that gets them curious. In this episode, you’ll discover: A sneaky but smart way to post a personal intro video on Actor’s Access (even if it’s “not allowed”)The title mistake that makes your clip invisible to casting prosThree scroll-stopping title formats that highlight your personality and hook attention fast Learn how to turn your Actor’s Access profile into a true attention-grabber - without changing the platform itself. Hit play now to make your Actor’s Access clips 10x more clickable. Contact: 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.

    5 min
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5
out of 5
34 Ratings

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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