Beyond The Take

Beyond The Take
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Beyond The Take is your all-access pass to the stories behind the scenes. Hosted by actor and producer Marc Chouen alongside co-host Michael J Puddy, this bi-weekly podcast pulls back the curtain on the entertainment industry — from actors and casting directors to producers, writers, and the dreamers in between. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a working pro, or just obsessed with the grind behind the glamor, you’ll hear unfiltered conversations, insider truths, and what it really takes to make it in Hollywood and beyond. Because when the take ends…the real story begins.

  1. Jul 31

    The Fi-Core Debate and the Future of SAG-AFTRA | Austin Highsmith Garces

    Why are more actors considering Fi-Core, and what could they lose by leaving union jurisdiction? Austin Highsmith Garces joins Beyond The Take to discuss: SAG-AFTRA’s new vertical short-form agreementThe risks of going Fi-CorePension, health, residuals, and performer protectionsMisinformation surrounding union contractsStreaming, indie film, and the current acting economyWhy artists may be entering a new era of creative control Austin serves on multiple SAG-AFTRA committees and helped develop the union’s vertical short-form contract.

  2. Jun 19

    How Working Actors Stay Relevant When the Industry Keeps Changing | B. Todd Johnston

    B. Todd Johnston (Mayor of Kingstown) returns to Beyond The Take to discuss writing his own TV series, navigating today’s film industry, and adapting to an entertainment landscape shaped by streaming, self-tapes, and creator-driven content. We discuss: • The future of acting careers • Writing and creating your own projects • Streaming vs. movie theaters • Lessons from Mayor of Kingstown • Building a long-term career in entertainment If you’re serious about acting, filmmaking, or content creation, this episode is for you.

  3. May 15

    The Reality of Indie Film Distribution (Tubi, Plex & Streaming)

    How do indie filmmakers actually survive in 2026? Tube E Movie filmmaker Will Adams joins Beyond The Take to break down indie film distribution, streaming platforms like Tubi and Plex, and the reality of making movies outside the studio system. We discuss: • How indie films make money • Tubi, Plex & FilmHub distribution • Why film festivals aren’t enough • Fast, low-budget filmmaking strategies • Marketing movies in today’s industry If you’re serious about filmmaking or creating your own opportunities — this episode is for you.

  4. Apr 17

    Why Acting Success Can Come Later (And How to Stay Ready) | Bonnie Rose

    Does acting success come later in your career? Marc Chouen sits down with Bonnie Rose to talk about longevity, staying present in auditions, and building momentum at any stage. From booking her first major role with Sidney Lumet to working alongside Rose Byrne and Octavia Spencer, Bonnie explains why her “third act” may be her best yet. • Staying present on set • Navigating different career stages • Building momentum later in life If you’re serious about a long-term acting career — this is for you.

  5. Mar 20

    Are Actors Actually Protected? SAG, AI & Intimacy Coordinators Explained

    What’s really happening behind SAG-AFTRA negotiations — and are actors actually protected on set? Marc Chouen sits down with intimacy coordinator and strike captain Kristen Elizabeth to break down actor safety, union negotiations, and the future of the industry. They discuss: • SAG negotiations & what actors aren’t told • The reality of intimacy coordinators • AI, digital likeness, and actor rights • On-set safety and power dynamics If you’re an actor trying to understand how the industry really works, then this episode is for you. Follow Beyond The Take for more industry insights.

  6. Feb 27

    How to Make an Indie Film With No Investors (Screenwriter Marc Cubelli Explains)

    What does it actually take to make an independent film without investors or studio backing? Screenwriter and actor Marc Cubelli breaks down how he wrote, produced, and starred in his latest indie feature Shooting Sid — built entirely on creative control and guerrilla filmmaking. We discuss: • Self-financing and DIY production • Writing yourself into the lead role • 90s indie film influences • Festival strategy and distribution • Turning rejection into momentum If you’re a filmmaker or actor tired of waiting for permission, this episode is for you.

  7. Feb 13

    From Actor to Festival Director: How Indie Films Really Get Seen w/ Sibyl Santiago

    What does it really take for an independent film to break through? In this episode of Beyond the Take, Marc Chouen sits down with filmmaker, producer, and Executive Director of the SoHo International Film Festival, Sibyl Santiago, for a deep dive into how the indie film world actually works. Sibyl shares her journey from child actor to producer to festival leader, the challenges she faced as an Asian American actress, and how she built a career by creating her own opportunities. She breaks down what festivals are really looking for, how filmmakers should approach submissions, and why community-driven festivals matter more than ever. They also talk about: • How filmmakers can stand out in a crowded festival landscape • What programmers look for when watching thousands of submissions • Why prestige doesn’t always equal opportunity • How streaming is reshaping indie distribution • Building sustainable careers outside the studio system Whether you’re an actor, filmmaker, producer, or just trying to break into the industry, this episode is packed with real-world insight you won’t hear in film school. 🎬 If you’re serious about independent film, festivals, and long-term career growth — this one’s for you.

  8. Jan 30

    What It’s Really Like to Start an Acting Career

    What does it actually take to start acting and how do you know if you should keep going when things get hard? In this episode of Beyond The Take, Marc Chouen flips the format and sits down with someone new to the acting world, asking the kinds of honest questions most people are too afraid to ask out loud. Marc opens up about: • Recently losing his agent and what that really means for an actor’s career • How rejection works and how not to let it destroy your confidence • Why voice acting and on-camera acting are harder than they look • Making personal connections with material that doesn’t feel natural • How auditions, self-tapes, and streaming have changed the industry • What early actors misunderstand about opportunity and competition • Treating acting like a business without losing your creativity • The thin line between persistence and walking away and how to know the difference Marc also shares personal experiences from his own career, including moments where he nearly quit acting entirely before landing pivotal roles, and why fearlessness, preparation, and the right support system matter more than talent alone. This episode isn’t about selling a dream. It’s about clarity. If you’re thinking about acting, just starting out, or questioning whether to keep going, this conversation will help you understand what you’re really stepping into.

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About

Beyond The Take is your all-access pass to the stories behind the scenes. Hosted by actor and producer Marc Chouen alongside co-host Michael J Puddy, this bi-weekly podcast pulls back the curtain on the entertainment industry — from actors and casting directors to producers, writers, and the dreamers in between. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a working pro, or just obsessed with the grind behind the glamor, you’ll hear unfiltered conversations, insider truths, and what it really takes to make it in Hollywood and beyond. Because when the take ends…the real story begins.

Information

  • Creator
    Beyond The Take
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Beyond The Take
  • Show Website
    Beyond The Take