• Ep. 239: The Hidden Acting Profile Errors Blocking Your Career
    Feb 19 2026

    Are casting directors skipping your profile before they even see your headshot?

    Many actors work hard on their reels and photos. But they forget one small thing that can stop auditions fast.


    If your size card is blank or wrong, casting directors may never find you in their search. That means no audition. No callback. No chance.


    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • Why your size card matters more than you think in film, TV, and commercials

    • When size details are less important, so you don’t stress

    • How to make your profile look clean, complete, and professional


    If you want more auditions and fewer missed chances, this episode will help you fix a simple mistake that could be costing you roles.


    Press play now and make sure your profile never gets filtered out again.


    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.

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    4 m
  • Ep. 238: From Unhirable to $50M: The Acting Comeback of Robert Downey Jr.
    Feb 16 2026

    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:

    1. The quiet habits that helped him earn back trust when no one wanted to hire him
    2. The mindset shift that turned pain and failure into emotional depth on screen
    3. The 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.

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    7 m
  • Ep. 237: How Strategic Acting Reels Lead to More Callbacks
    Feb 12 2026

    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:

    1. Why custom reels make casting directors see you as serious and professional.
    2. How to choose clips that instantly match the character and show strong emotion.
    3. 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.

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    6 m
  • Ep. 236: How to Avoid Freezing Up in Acting Auditions
    Feb 9 2026
    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:

    1. What really causes your brain to “shut down” the second you walk into an audition
    2. The surprising mindset shift that can turn fear into fun in just seconds
    3. Why 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:

    1. Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.com
    2. Shoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.com
    3. 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.

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    5 m
  • Ep. 235: Why “Am I Good Enough?” Is the Wrong Question to Ask in Your Acting Career
    Feb 5 2026

    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:

    1. Why waiting for validation from casting directors kills creativity and confidence
    2. The surprising factor that makes casting directors trust one actor over another
    3. How 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:

    1. Email: martin@cityheadshots.com
    2. Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com
    3. Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.com
    4. Shoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.com
    5. 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.

    Más Menos
    6 m
  • Ep. 234: Why Creating Projects Boosts Acting Confidence & Helps You Book Roles Early
    Feb 2 2026

    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:

    1. The surprising career shift that helped Megan get seen more often by casting
    2. The importance of taking opportunities on your way to your goal
    3. Why 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:

    1. Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.com
    2. Shoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.com
    3. 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.

    Más Menos
    47 m
  • Ep. 233: Feeling Stuck? How to Know Exactly What to Focus on Right Now in Acting
    Jan 29 2026

    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:

    1. The hidden reason why actors stay stuck - even when they’re constantly busy
    2. A surprising method to uncover your biggest career breakthrough point
    3. How 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:

    1. Email: martin@cityheadshots.com
    2. Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com

    Additional Resources:

    1. Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.com
    2. Shoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.com
    3. 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.

    Más Menos
    7 m
  • Ep. 232: Keep Your Choices Simple to Book More Acting Roles
    Jan 26 2026

    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:

    1. Why going “deep” in tiny roles can backfire and cost you callbacks
    2. A quick way to know exactly how much effort to bring to every scene
    3. The 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:

    1. Email: martin@cityheadshots.com
    2. Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com

    Additional Resources:

    1. Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.com
    2. Shoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.com
    3. 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.

    Más Menos
    3 m