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. 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

  2. 5D AGO

    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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. JAN 19

    Ep. 230: How One Actor Gets Consistent Acting Auditions Without Burning Out

    How Can You Start Getting Auditions Every Week Without Burning Out? If you're tired of waiting around for opportunities and want to start building serious momentum in TV and film, this episode is for you. Martin Bentsen sits down with actor Court Zeppernick to explore how he made the leap from radio to screen, started landing frequent auditions, and built a repeatable system that saves time and energy during self-tapes. Here’s what you’ll get from this episode: The mindset shift Court made that got agents to finally take him seriouslyA smart way to organize your audition prep so it doesn’t take over your lifeThe key to creating steady momentum - even if you're starting from scratch Tap play to learn what it really takes to stay consistent and get noticed in the film and TV world. 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.

    42 min

  6. JAN 15

    Ep. 229: Is it Safe to Sign ‘In Perpetuity’ Clauses to Grow Your Acting Career?

    Is “In Perpetuity” Always a Red Flag - or Sometimes Just a Smart Career Move? Ever paused on signing a contract because of “in perpetuity” rights and wondered if you were overreacting - or missing out? Many actors freeze up when they see those words, worried they’re giving up control forever. But while “in perpetuity” can be risky, it’s not always a dealbreaker - and sometimes, it’s exactly what gets you on set. In this episode, you’ll discover: The hidden ways perpetual rights can block big opportunities down the roadWhen low-visibility or internal-use projects are actually safe to signHow to quickly spot if the risk is worth the credit, cash, or career growth Press play now to protect your future and get booked smarter - without overthinking every contract. Contact & Resources 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.

    10 min

  7. JAN 12

    Ep. 228: You Don’t Need a Studio for Great Acting Self-Tapes

    How Do You Make a Pro-Level Self-Tape in a Tiny Apartment? Struggling with bad lighting, cluttered backgrounds, or unclear sound in your self-tapes? You're not alone - and the good news is, you don’t need a fancy studio or expensive gear to fix it. This episode of The Actor’s Career Compass shows you exactly how to build a clean, professional self-tape setup - no matter how small your space or tight your budget. If you've ever felt held back by your environment, this episode will help you shine on screen. Here’s what you’ll walk away with: The three must-have gear items that make your self-tapes look professional - without breaking the bankA simple lighting trick that flatters your face - even in a dark roomA background fix that instantly makes casting directors take you more seriously Don’t miss this quick guide to looking and sounding like a working actor - even if you're just starting out. Here’s Some Self Tape Guidance & Additional Things You Can Purchase: Watch this video: https://youtu.be/ubj3jduYe9E Clicker for recording self-tapes: https://amzn.to/3VDIvrX Backdrop: https://amzn.to/4g3NfhV Lighting Kit: https://amzn.to/4hjoZcE Additional Light Stand (1 for backdrop): https://amzn.to/3Ci4CxO A Clamp (to attach backdrop to stand): https://amzn.to/3PIeqEf Lavaliere Microphone: https://amzn.to/3E3WX6E For questions or feedback, reach out: Email: martin@cityheadshots.comWebsite: https://www.martinbentsen.com Additional Resources: HeadshotsShoot Footage for Your ReelEdit Footage Into a Reel 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.

    24 min

  8. JAN 8

    Ep. 227: Never Blame Others or Your Acting Career Will Stay Stuck

    Are you unknowingly giving your power away in your acting career? If you’ve ever blamed your agent, the industry, or even your look for not booking roles, today’s episode might be the wake-up call you need. We’re diving into why taking 100% responsibility - for everything in your career - can be the ultimate game-changer. You'll discover: The sneaky ways actors lose control without realizing itHow certain thoughts quietly kill your momentum and confidenceA mindset shift that can turn casting directors’ heads and keep you top of mind Stop waiting to be discovered. Start creating your own momentum - press play now and take the first step toward real ownership of your acting future. Contact Information: 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.

    11 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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