What if your submission note could land you a self-tape—even if you weren’t originally considered?

Casting directors fly through hundreds of submissions, and most actors blend into the background.

But your note can be the one that stops them cold and makes them want to know more about you.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• A simple trick to get casting directors to actually read your note
• What to say to show you’re a perfect fit - without overselling
• A sneaky way to stand out by offering more than just acting

Want to finally get noticed in crowded casting calls? Hit play and learn how to write a killer submission note in just three sentences.

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.

Should You Say “Commercial Resume Available Upon Request”? It Might Be Hurting You!

Have you ever added “Commercial Resume Available Upon Request” to your acting resume and wondered if it really helps - or just makes things awkward?

Many actors worry that listing past commercial work could create conflicts, especially when auditioning for competing brands. But using this phrase without the right experience might be doing more harm than good.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• When hiding your commercial credits actually works in your favor
• A simple trick to avoid being passed over by casting directors
• How top commercial agents want your resume formatted

Listen now and find out if your resume is setting you up for success - or silently turning casting directors away.

Contact:

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.

What’s the secret to making your casting profile actually book you work?

Too many actors throw everything on their profiles and hope for the best - but that’s a quick way to get ignored by casting directors.

In this episode of The Actor’s Career Compass, you’ll learn how to choose the right videos and photos that make casting directors want to call you in.

Discover how to build a clean, focused casting profile that boosts your chances of booking roles without overwhelming the people who matter most.

You’ll learn:

• The exact video clips that casting directors want to see (and how long they should be)
• What every actor should have on their profile to look professional and hirable
• Which optional extras can help you stand out - without being a waste of time

Play this episode now to stop second-guessing your casting profile and start booking better auditions!

Contact Info:

• Email: martin@cityheadshots.com
• Website: martinbentsen.com

Additional Resources:

• Headshots
• Shoot Footage for Your Reel
• Edit 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.

Ever dream of acting again but feel like “real life” is in the way?

If you've got a mortgage, a day job, and retirement on the horizon, you might think acting has to wait. But what if you could start building your dream career right now, without risking everything?

This episode is your roadmap to reigniting your acting career—on your own terms.

You don’t need to wait until retirement. Whether you're aiming for full-time acting or just want to book roles on the side, this episode shows you how to start today, even with a packed schedule.

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

• How to restart your acting journey without quitting your job or uprooting your life
• A smart way to manage time and energy while staying consistent in your acting goals
• Simple moves you can make today to prepare for a full-time acting path later

Ready to finally give your acting dream the space it deserves—without turning your world upside down? Tune in now.



Contact Information:

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.

Do casting directors still care about monologues - or is there something better?

If you’ve been relying only on monologues for your casting profiles, this episode might surprise you.

More and more industry pros are now leaning toward a different kind of clip that shows what really matters on screen.

You’ll find out how a small change to your profile can help you stand out, what casting directors are actually watching for, and how to still use your monologues without falling behind.

Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode:

• Why actors who use these newer clips are booking more roles faster
• The hidden reason monologues alone aren’t cutting it anymore
• A simple way to shoot powerful dialogue scenes without hiring a crew

Hit play to learn what clips your profile really needs to boost your bookings.

Contact Information:

• 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.

Are you wondering how to go from small auditions to starring on big networks like Netflix and PBS?

In this episode, we talk with Emmy winner and multi-Grammy Award-winning artist Alisha Gaddis.

She shares how she got started, what challenges she faced, and the smart moves that helped her rise in the entertainment world.

Whether you're just getting started or trying to book your next big role, this is one you won’t want to miss.

You’ll discover:

• One common trap that keeps actors from landing speaking roles—and how to avoid it
• Why trying everything in entertainment might help you book more work
• What Alisha would do right now if she were starting her acting journey over today

Hit play now to learn what it really takes to make it in the industry from someone who's done it across film, TV, music, and more.

Contact Information:

• 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.

Want to land bigger acting roles in indie films? Here’s a strategy most actors totally miss.

Many small film productions run on tight budgets - and that means directors are searching for actors who can wear more than one hat.

If you know how to offer help beyond just acting, you’ll stand out fast and get more opportunities.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• A smart way to position yourself as more than just another actor
• The secret skills that can quietly boost your chances of landing a major role
• A simple way to pitch yourself without sounding needy or pushy

Tune in now and discover how to become the kind of actor indie filmmakers love to hire.

Email: martin@cityheadshots.com

Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com

Additional Resources:

• Headshots
• Shoot Footage for Your Reel
• Edit 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.

Is Your Acting Reel Hooking Casting Directors in the First Five Seconds?

Casting directors are bombarded with hundreds of acting reels daily. If yours doesn’t grab them instantly, they’ll move on.

In this episode of The Actor’s Career Compass, host Martin Bentsen reveals exactly what makes your reel stand out - and what causes casting directors to click away.

Discover:

• The #1 reason casting directors stop watching after just five seconds
• How to craft an opening that makes them NEED to see more
• Common reel mistakes that kill your chances before you even get started

Your acting reel is your ticket to major auditions—don’t let a weak start hold you back. Tune in now to make sure your clips demand attention from the very first moment!

Contact Information:

Email: martin@cityheadshots.com

Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com

Additional Resources:

• Headshots
• Shoot Footage for Your Reel
• Edit 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.