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🎬 How do you balance coaching A-list stars like Gerard Butler and Salma Hayek while directing Hollywood blockbusters?

In this episode of Two Unemployed Actors, host Max Belmonte sits down with industry powerhouse Michelle Danner. With over 30 years of experience, Michelle is a renowned acting coach, director, and producer who is currently shaping the future of cinema.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Behind-the-Scenes Secrets: What it was like shooting Miranda’s Victim during a global pandemic with icons like Donald Sutherland, Andy Garcia, Abigail Breslin, Ryan Phillipe, and Luke Wilson.

Global Filmmaking: The logistical and creative differences between filming in Italy vs. the USA.

Project Deep Dives: Get the inside scoop on her upcoming romantic comedy Under the Stars (starring Toni Collette) and her latest project, Starstruck.

Industry Evolution: Michelle’s candid take on the current state of AI in Hollywood and what it means for the next generation of actors.

Whether you're an aspiring actor looking for coaching insights or a filmmaker interested in the mechanics of high-level production, this conversation is a masterclass in navigating a multi-hyphenate career in the modern industry.

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Resources Mentioned:

Studio: Michelle Danner Acting Studio

Episode Webpage: https://www.twounemployedactors.com/michelledanner/

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In this episode, Max talks to Helene Rousse a Casting Director based in Canada with over 35 years of experience in the business. We talk about what the industry looks like in Canada, emerging trends in filmmaking such as verticals, and casting insights for Actors.

· Working in the growing world of Vertical Productions

· Canadian industry update

· Importance of networking in this industry

· Tips on self taping

· How to build a profile with Casting Directors

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Ivana Chubbuck: The Secret Behind Hollywood’s Greatest Performances 🎭✨
In this episode of Two Unemployed Actors, we are joined by the legendary Ivana Chubbuck—founder of the Ivana Chubbuck Studio and the visionary creator of the world-renowned Chubbuck Technique.

Ivana has coached some of the most iconic actors in history, including Halle Berry, Charlize Theron, Brad Pitt, Jake Gyllenhaal, and many more. Today, she shares her deep insights into the craft of acting, her 12-step technique, and her newly updated book, The Power of the Actor.

Whether you're an emerging actor or a seasoned pro, this conversation is packed with actionable advice on how to turn your personal pain into dynamic, award-winning performances.

In this episode, we discuss:
🚀 Beyond "Honest and Truthful": Why being real isn't enough to get the job.

🏆 The Winning Mindset: How to be an "emotional hero" and overcome objectives.

🧠 The Science of Acting: Drawing from behavioural science and psychology.

✍️ The Work Ethic of Greats: Stories of Christopher Walken, Charlize Theron, and Pamela Anderson.

📹 Mastering the Self-Tape: Tips for creating chemistry and energy on camera.

🚫 Taking the Judgment Out: Why judging your character will lose you the role.

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📚 Resources Mentioned:
Book: The Power of the Actor (Updated Edition) by Ivana Chubbuck.
Studio: Learn more at the Ivana Chubbuck Studio.

Episode Webpage: https://www.twounemployedactors.com/ivana-chubbuck/

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It’s time for a Max update. Why the long break between Podcast episodes, how come I had to get a new agent, the focus for 2025 and a key lesson from last years Acting experience.

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A conversation with SPA CEO Matthew Deaner

What does SPA do
What resources SPA offer to Producers chasing their first credit and tips and tricks
Current issues and opportunities in the Australian industry
Why minimum Australian content quotas are so important and what could the model look like
Why commissioners are risk averse
Screen Forever Conference and how its beneficial for emerging Producers
How other countries are implementing quotas on their local content.
Emerging producers can still make their mark with Short films and low budget content.
How to be successful in building a relationship with commissioners
Intellectual property and how importance ownership is. What happens if producers lose too much of their IP and how to protect IP rights.

Episode Page:
https://www.twounemployedactors.com/Screen-Producers-Australia

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Max talks with LA Casting Director Andy Roth who specialises in Voice Over work.

Andy Roth , LA Casting Director talks about how he started in Voice Over Casting, building his own Casting business and then Directing.

Its not who you know, it's who knows you!

Some great insights for Actors around auditioning, whether its for Voice or not.

How to navigate the ‘business of connections… and relationships’.

Advice on how to start in voiceovers

How to manage getting direction in the voice booth and having the confidence to make the choices that you feel are right.

Elevating your voice over auditions through physical movement.

Home studio set ups and the need to add your ‘studio sample’ to your website.

Advice on getting an Agent, current industry trends and so much more…

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Max talks with Director and Producer of the Documentary ‘The Promise’ Jye Currie

They talk the challenges of Producing and Directing a Documentary

Advice for other creatives wanting to produce a Documentary

The balance between telling a personal story and presenting facts

Managing the wellbeing of crew when filming sensitive and difficult subject matter

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Ever wonder what separates a "hit or miss" actor from a consistent A-list professional? In this masterclass episode, Max Belmonte sits down with legendary New York acting coach Terry Knickerbocker to deconstruct the training behind stars like Daniel Craig, Austin Butler, and Sam Rockwell.

Terry reveals the "GPS" for acting consistency, the "Full Body Yes" mindset for career longevity, and the incredible story of how Denzel Washington personally vouched for Austin Butler to land the role of Elvis. Whether you're an emerging artist or a seasoned pro, this conversation is your roadmap to mastering the Meisner technique and surviving the business of acting.

Key Takeaways:

• The Consistency GPS: Why professional acting isn't about "having a good day"—it’s about a reliable, repeatable process.
• The Austin Butler Connection: Why hard work in the "trenches" of theater led to a life-changing call from Denzel Washington.
• Redefining Chemistry: How to create genuine connection on screen by "seeing and being seen."
• The Zen of Auditioning: How to stay loose, focus on the process, and let go of the result in the age of self-tapes.

Episode Page: https://www.twounemployedactors.com/terryknickerbocker/

About Terry Knickerbocker:

Terry Knickerbocker is the founder of the Terry Knickerbocker Studio in Brooklyn, NY. A veteran of the NYU Tisch experimental theater wing and a protégé of William Esper, he has coached Academy Award winners and nominees, helping them find authenticity and depth in their work. Learn more: Terry Knickerbocker Studio

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twounemployedactors

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