Box Angeles

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Latest Episodes:

#337: Kimia Behpoornia Oct 28, 2024

Actor Kimia Behpoornia stops by the bungalow and discusses performing in Asssscat, the pressure of booking things without auditioning, walking around Los Angeles, and more!

Kimia's IMDb and Instagram @childclown.

00:00 - Introduction.
01:37 - Kimia slates her name.
03:15 - Casting workshops.
04:56 - Embarassing yourself and bad shows.
08:21 - Asssscat.
13:32 - Taking improv in elementary school as a shy kid and taking a ton of classes.
19:59 - Attending UCLA for theatre.
21:50 - Unique college theatre classes.
25:40 - Pursuing acting and reps after graduating.
29:04 - Working day jobs like teaching kids to swim.
32:36 - Starting to book work early.
36:35 - Taking a break from commercials.
44:09 - What Kimia gets herself versus agents.
45:16 - Booking Abbot Elementary without auditioning.
50:01 - Processing things after they happen.
51:40 - Surviving off of acting and reflecting.
55:27 - Budgeting time.
57:13 - Walking around LA.
1:01:02 - Who took a chance on Kimia.

The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/337

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#336: Jeremy Brandt Oct 21, 2024

Actor Jeremy Brandt stops by the bungalow and discusses how one audition can change everything, his contract as the Captial One guy, working a day job as a United pilot, and more!

Jeremy's IMDb and Instagram @Jer_Brandt.

00:00 - Introduction.
02:17 - Jeremy slates his name.
03:29 - Being the spokesman for Capital One.
06:53 - Celebs doing commercials.
09:42 - What having a contract with Capital One entails.
16:22 - What commercials Jeremy was doing prior.
18.26 - Expecting Capital One to be small when auditioning.
23:46 - Winning and reading the room.
29:50 - How many commercials in the first Capital One run.
33:03 - Why Jeremy hasn't done a podcast.
34:44 - Going to UCLA and then being a snowboard instructor before going to flight school.
42:45 - Working as a United pilot until being furloughed after 9/11.
44:44 - Giving acting a shot after a cross country road trip.
46:58 - Jeremy's current day job as a United airlines pilot.
52:48 - Does Jeremy get recognized when flying.
58:35 - Always being one audition away.
1:01:34 - Who took a chance on Jeremy.

The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/336

Support Box Angeles (and access the audio archives) on Patreon.

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#335: John Rosenfeld, Returns Sep 09, 2024

Acting teacher John Rosenfeld stops by the bungalow and discusses the mood of actors right now, his problem with audition classes, why he shifted his focus from acting to teaching, and more!

John's IMDb and Instagram @johnrosenfeldstudios.

00:00 - Introduction.
02:19 - John slates his name.
03:02 - Bald brotherhood.
07:18 - Dissappointment and finding the nuance in each student.
11:58 - The mood of students right now.
14:43 - Doing things in your control.
16:58 - John drives and loves sports.
19:58 - Does TV feel like homework.
21:15 - Audition classes.
29:53 - Online classes.
35:23 - John's actor and coach tree.
39:23 - Coaching famous people.
45:02 - Why John pivoted to teaching.
52:19 - Would John act today.
57:14 - How many students does John decline.
1:00:03 - Advice for co-star auditions.
1:02:36 - Who took a chance on John.

The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/335

John's first Box Angeles -- boxangeles.com/246

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#334: Robert Ulrich & Christine Russell Aug 26, 2024

Casting Director Robert Ulrich & producer Christine Russell stop by the bungalow and discuss their new musical The Civility of Albert Cashier, why it's so relevant today, and more!

Robert's IMDb and Instagram @rj.ulrich.
Christine's IMDB and Instagram @christinerussell2033.

Get your tickets to The Civility of Albert Cashier at the Colony Theatre in Burbank Aug 31 - Sept 22.

00:00 - Introduction.
02:24 - Christine slates her name.
02:50 - Representing composers as an agent.
05:08 - Why The Civility of Albert Cashier now.
09:37 - Do people know the Albert Cashier story.
10:30 - The long journey to get it on stage.
12:09 - Why such a limited engagement and Broadway aspirations.
14:17 - Syncing up with Robert.
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15:52 - Robert slates his name.
17:10 - How Robert got involved with The Civility of Albert Cashier.
20:45 - The excitement for this musical.
21:18 - More producing in the future.
22:17 - Why The Civility of Albert Cashier now.
24:23 - Inviting celebrities to the show.

The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/334

Robert's first Box Angeles -- boxangeles.com/328

Support Box Angeles (and access the audio archives) on Patreon.

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#333: Stephanie Kato Aug 19, 2024

Yoga instructor Stephanie Kato stops by the bungalow and discusses how yoga translates to the real world, how she sequences her classes, the decision to walk away from acting, and more!

Steph's IMDb and Instagram @stephkato_.

00:00 - Introduction.
02:14 - Steph slates her name.
03:38 - Yoga for actors and mindfulness.
06:54 - Yoga translating to the real world.
08:30 - Studying in Bali.
13:27 - Using storytelling to guide class and "peak pose".
16:15 - Using both Sanskrit and English.
17:10 - Economics of Yoga.
18:34 - How Steph choregraphs her sequences with writing, drawing and playing.
25:52 - Rituals and time manangement.
28:33 - Memorizing sequences.
31:00 - Hecklers in class.
34:03 - How much does Steph practice yoga.
37:03 - Describing yoga.
38:15 - What is the point of Shavasana.
43:37 - Stephisms and being proud of students.
46:19 - Pet peeves for class.
49:34 - Steph acting as a young child in LA while living in Tuscon.
53:02 - Moving to LA as an adult but struggling with day jobs and limiting beliefs.
58:18 - Being content with the decision to walk away.

The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/333

Support Box Angeles (and access the audio archives) on Patreon.

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#332: Sara Tomko Jul 22, 2024

Actor Sara Tomko stops by the bungalow and discusses the long journey of Resident Alien, the importance of working day jobs, finding success later in life, and more!

Sara's IMDb and Instagram @saratomko19.

00:00 - Introduction.
02:25 - Sara slates her name.
03:20 - The ups and downs of Resident Alien.
06:32 - Never being comfortable even after "getting the one".
13:55 - Residuals versus smaller audience from a cable network.
15:34 - Day jobs.
20:24 - Finding success later in life.
25:15 - Sara's audition growth and trajectory.
29:35 - How much is Sara auditioning now.
36:12 - Self tapes.
40:32 - How to handle and stay creative in the down times.
49:40 - Time mamanagement.
57:02 - Who took a chance on Sara.

The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/332

Support Box Angeles (and access the audio archives) on Patreon.

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#331: Jason Winer Jun 17, 2024

Director Jason Winer stops by the bungalow and discusses starting out in improv, his overall deal with 20th Century Fox, actor networking, and more!

Jason's IMDb and Instagram @jasonwiner.

00:00 - Introduction.
01:58 - Jason slates his name.
02:10 - Directing a pregnant Julie Bowen in the Modern Family pilot.
04:32 - Dealing with unexpected situations as a director.
09:25 - The lack of new comedy television.
11:24 - Starting out in improv comedy at iO Chicago.
15:10 - Studying performance at Northwestern.
17:16 - Surviving in LA as an actor partly via selling MTV the show The Blame Game.
20:15 - Transitioning from in front of the camera to behind it.
28:50 - Working with or against perfectionism.
32:25 - How does improv background effect directing.
35:00 - Getting a meeting about Modern Family.
37:40 - Editing improvised scenes.
40:27 - Jason's overall deal with 20th Century Fox.
44:49 - Eric Andre needs to act more.
45:43 - How involved is Jason in casting.
51:00 - Finding new talent on crews like producers, casting, costume, etc.
54:44 - The prep a director does for an episode.
1:00:08 - Who took a chance on Jason.
1:01:26 - Keeping up relationships with directors and actor networking.

The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/331

Support Box Angeles (and access the audio archives) on Patreon.

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BA #330: Jeff Greenberg Jun 03, 2024

Casting director Jeff Greenberg stops by the bungalow and discusses how he got started in casting, how many people he auditioned for the leads of Modern Family, his opinions on self tapes, and more!

Jeff's IMDb and Instagram @jeffgreenbergcd.

00:00 - Introduction.
01:59 - Jeff slates his name.
04:53 - Did David Hyde Pierce crash the Frasier audition?
10:50 - The greatness of the show Frasier.
12:30 - Does Jeff watch the shows he casts.
15:28 - How Jeff shifted from acting to casting in the 80s.
19:56 - Getting the big break to cast Cheers in season 5.
24:18 - Working alone for Jeff's whole career.
27:02 - Ty Burrel being the hardest person to cast in Modern Family.
32:21 - Do notes from networks upset Jeff.
33:03 - How many people did Jeff read for the leads in Modern Family.
38:55 - The number Jeff auditions for leads verses submissions and salary involvement.
42:24 - Giving feedback to actors that you continually bring in to test.
44:28 - Does Jeff keep track of analytics in general.
49:23 - What does casting value the most in a new actor.
52:30 - Jeff's lists and stacks.
54:24 - Self tapes versus in-person auditions.
1:00:10 - Who took a chance on Jeff.

The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/330

Support Box Angeles (and access the audio archives) on Patreon.

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BA #329: Lesly Kahn Apr 29, 2024

Acting teacher Lesly Kahn stops by the bungalow and discusses her approach to acting, how she can be perceived as intimidating, working on a scene with Mike, and more!

Lesly's IMDb and Instagram @leslykahn.

00:00 - Introduction.
01:49 - Lesly slates her name.
04:57 - Access to the breakdowns and asking for things.
07:53 - The business of acting class.
12:49 - Lesly's coaching tree.
14:50 - Starting out as an actor with multiple degrees and not knowing how to act.
17:10 - The key to acting is thinking.
21:00 - Working on a recent scene Mike auditioned for.
34:15 - Does Lesly view herself as a polarizing person.
38:00 - Coaching sessions for both self tape an in-person with Lesly.
49:25 - How actors should approach casting directors.
1:00:05 - Pretty faces that work that can't act.
1:02:42 - Lesly is not a fan of testimonials.
1:05:26 - Who took a chance on Lesly.
1:06:45 - We revisit the scene we worked on earlier.

The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/329

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BA #328: Robert Ulrich Apr 22, 2024

Casting director Robert Ulrich stops by the bungalow and discusses the state of self tapes, working for a larger casting office, how he finds new talent, and more!

Robert's IMDb and Instagram @rj.ulrich.

00:00 - Introduction.
02:05 - Robert slates his name.
04:40 - Does casting consciously bring in the same people.
12:28 - Self tapes are here to stay.
18:23 - The benefits of working as a bigger office (Ulrich/Dawson/Kritzer Casting).
22:09 - How the work is divided at the office.
26:30 - How does new talent get in front of their office.
32:08 - There is no right way to approach acting.
38:00 - Robert's long journey from acting to casting.
48:43 - How Ulrich/Dawson/Kritzer organizes their staff.
50:21 - Mentoring and advice for the next generation of casting.
58:10 - Casting getting fired.
1:00:02 - Who took a chance on Robert.

The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/328

Support Box Angeles (and access the audio archives) on Patreon.

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BA #327: Stevie Nelson, Returns Apr 01, 2024

Actor Stevie Nelson stops by the bungalow and discusses balancing careers with acting pursuits, seeking out opportunities to learn, agents watching self tapes, and more!

Stevie's IMDb and Instagram @iamstevienelson.

00:00 - Introduction.
02:01 - Stevie slates her name.
03:19 - The struggles of being a podcaster.
05:45 - Self tapes taking the fun out of auditions.
14:00 - Balancing careers with creative pursuits.
18:25 - Waiting everyone else out and sticking with it.
21:00 - What acting is in 2024.
26:22 - Continuing education as an actor.
31:37 - Making your own content.
33:00 - Podcast interview or coffee?
37:55 - How much did Stevie book last year.
39:21 - Doing way more in the audition than on set.
42:09 - Reps watching tapes.
48:38 - Stevie's experience with Crashletes.
54:20 - Who took a chance on Stevie.
56:20 - Maru.

The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/327

Stevie's first Box Angeles -- boxangeles.com/102

Support Box Angeles (and access the audio archives) on Patreon.

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BA #326: Mary Holland, Returns Mar 18, 2024

Actor Mary Holland stops by the bungalow and discusses her improv team Wild Horses, getting writing repetition in during the pandemic, trying not to focus on things out of her control, and more!

Mary's IMDb and Instagram @maryhollandaise.

00:00 - Introduction.
01:54 - Mary slates her name.
03:35 - Wild Horses ending their improv run.
07:21 - How does Mary feel about improv currently.
10:47 - Thoughts on UCB selling.
14:57 - Livestreamed comedy shows.
17:35 - Paying improvisers.
19:27 - Navigating work stoppages.
22:28 - Mary's emphasis on writing.
24:37 - Budgeting time.
25:24 - Does Mary get more work through relationships or auditions.
27:27 - Self tapes.
34:45 - Being repped by CAA.
36:30 - How much Mary auditions and not thinking about it.
45:47 - The not knowing everything that reps are up to.
48:31 - Hobbies and getting away.
52:29 - Who took a chance on Mary?
54:00 - Finding trust in yourself.

The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/326

Mary's first Box Angeles -- boxangeles.com/037

Support Box Angeles (and access the audio archives) on Patreon.

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BA #325: George Basil, Returns Mar 11, 2024

Actor George Basil stops by the bungalow and discusses how he stays creative during slow times, getting offered the role in Barbie, being scared about what his agents aren't telling him, and more!

George's IMDb.

00:00 - Introduction.
01:20 - George slates his name.
03:33 - Going through droughts in this business and staying creative in life.
12:44 - Missing performing live shows.
15:10 - Going to an audition at 200 South after this podcast.
19:08 - Opinions on in-person versus self tapes.
24:00 - Making $1,500 on Barbie.
26:45 - Getting offered the role from Allison Jones.
32:00 - George's Curb You Enthusiasm experience with Larry David.
35:11 - George's approach to self tapes.
37:35 - Booking Wrecked with a unique ocean audition in Nicaragua.
39:50 - The ritualistic motions of auditions.
42:26 - A learning moment showing up to Santa Clarita Diet unprepared.
46:43 - Approaching things with a spontaneous attitude.
50:19 - Does George audition for smaller roles and not wanting know what agents are not telling him.
51:15 - Being advised not to do Barbie.
53:25 - Was George's teenage daughter excited he was in Barbie?
57:17 - Who took a chance on George?

The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/325

George's first Box Angeles -- boxangeles.com/242

Support Box Angeles (and access the audio archives) on Patreon.

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BA #324: Jessica Amlee Mar 04, 2024

Actor Jessica Amlee stops by the bungalow and discusses growing up in Canada, working on a TV show 8 months a year while in high school, missing casting directors, and more!

Jessica's IMDb and Instagram @jessicakelseyamlee.

00:00 - Introduction.
01:44 - Jess slates her name.
04:47 - Growing up outside Vancouver in Maple Ridge.
05:45 - Starting to act at the age of 4.
12:55 - Experience juggling school and acting.
18:07 - Booking out important dates contractually.
19:52 - Landing Heartland at age 12 and the experience working on that show 8 months a year.
28:14 - Going to high school while being a star on a TV show.
32:50 - Jess' character arc on Heartland matching real life.
35:35 - Moving to Los Angeles.
36:41 - Does Jess have any thoughts on Alyson Stoner's Dear Hollywood podcast.
39:37 - Would Jess let her children be actors.
41:22 - The perceived benefits of starting younger as an actor.
46:20 - Jess' experiences with acting and comedy classes.
50:55 - Mental health throughout acting.
53:32 - Missing casting directors and in-person auditions.
1:00:45 - Who took a chance on Jess.

The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/324

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BA #323: Michael Jamin Feb 26, 2024

Writer Michael Jamin stops by the bungalow and discusses his new book of personal essays, his matter of fact attitude towards show business, learning how writer's rooms work, and more!

Michael's IMDb, Instagram @michaeljaminwriter and get his new book A Paper Orchestra.

00:00 - Introduction.
01:54 - Michael slates his name.
03:12 - The origin of his new book A Paper Orchestra.
06:13 - Getting rejected from the creative writing program at Princeton.
11:50 - Writing the book without studio notes and finding his voice.
14:13 - Writing rituals and routines.
17:50 - Growing up in New York and wanting to be a sitcom writer.
18:35 - Learning the mechanics of a writer's room.
19:49 - Landing Just Shoot Me with his wrting partner.
23:15 - Showrunning Glenn Martin DDS and dealing with it's lack of success.
27:48 - Michael's longest period without working is right now.
30:17 - How much does Michael get versus his represenation getting.
34:29 - Michael's one man show with the book tour.
36:44 - Watching casting tapes as a writer / showrunner.
44:28 - Getting passed momentum stoppers like a wrtier's strike.
46:15 - Dealing with rewrites and avoiding movies.
49:40 - Who took a chance on Michael.

The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/323

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BA #322: Michael Sanford Jan 29, 2024

Casting Director Michael Sanford stops by the bungalow and discusses the importance of therapy, how he tries to provide as much feedback as possible for actors, how he watches every audition, and more!

Michael's IMDb and Instagram @sanfordcasting.

00:00 - Introduction.
01:42 - Michael slates his name.
02:55 - Michael does so many podcasts as the nice guy in casting.
05:08 - Casting directors as therapists for actors.
09:06 - Michael did one semester of grad school for psychology.
11:32 - Helping make actors feel comfortable in a world of self tapes.
16:20 - Casting his first play recently.
17:47 - Wanting feedback on self tapes.
27:23 - Writing down notes about actors.
32:18 - How Michael fills audition slots.
39:27 - Does Michael watch the entirity of every audition.
40:19 - Callback numbers.
44:33 - Full body shots.
45:15 - Nit picking and wanting perfection on self tapes.
51:28 - Selfishly doing a podcast for general meetings.
53:51 - Does Michael do generals with actors.
55:33 - The best way for new actors to get in front of Michael.
1:01:15 - How many projects did Michael cast last year.
1:05:17 - Who took a chance on Michael.

The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/322

Support Box Angeles (and access the audio archives) on Patreon.

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BA #321: Ryan Gaul Jan 22, 2024

Actor Ryan Gaul stops by the bungalow and discusses getting less confident as he's gotten older, working consistently sincing moving to Los Angeles, never wanting to do Saturday Night Live, and more!

Ryan's IMDb and Instagram @rygaul.

00:00 - Introduction.
01:50 - Ryan slates his name.
03:14 - Getting asked to do a lot of podcasts.
08:25 - Booking House of Lies the day his son was born.
09:55 - Thoughts on working consistently the last ten years.
14:31 - Getting less confident getting older.
18:08 - Never thinking he will book again.
18:43 - Booking The Last OG because Ryan didn't care.
21:45 - Bad advice from an acting coach.
28:55 - Ryan's not great experience with a casting workskop.
34:23 - Having one day job in LA for two weeks and then never again.
38:08 - Not being great at theartical auditions to start.
40:00 - Getting representation from The Groundlings.
41:50 - Never wanting to do SNL.
44:48 - Worries about saying no.
47:49 - Being in rooms full of agents.
49:20 - Allison Jones.
52:10 - Actors wanting feedback and reps keeping things from clients.
55:45 - How much is Ryan auditioning.
1:03:37 - Who took a chance on Ryan.

The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/321

Support Box Angeles (and access the audio archives) on Patreon.

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BA #320: Jason Palmer Jan 08, 2024

Writer Jason Palmer stops by the bungalow and discusses working at Fox NFL Sunday, being a writer's assistant for eight years, taking improv classes to help with his writing, and more!

Jason's IMDb and Instagram @jpalmcomedy.

00:00 - Introduction.
01:23 - Jason slates his name.
02:08 - Landing the Fox NFL Sunday gig writing comedy sketches.
07:40 - Not being prepared for live television.
12:21 - Producing, casting and directing the sketches but not knowing he could build sets.
15:05 - The tight weekly scheduled to put them up.
18:46 - Being a full time gig.
22:00 - Growing up in the Inland Empire and studying film production at Loyola Marymount.
23:15 - Landing an internship at Caroline in the City and pivoting the focus to television writing.
28:40 - Getting a writer's PA gig on Dawson's Creek and working his way up to writing an episode.
34:58 - Landing an agent but not getting any work from them.
39:00 - Having a rought start jumping into improv classes.
46:10 - Still suffering from stage fright even after landing The Sunday Company at the Groundlings.
49:50 - Winning an Emmy for Fox NFL Sunday last year.
51:25 - Advice for writers starting out now.
57:15 - Who took a chance on Jason?
58:35 - Jason interviewed for the writer's assistant gig on Friends.
1:00:45 - Sticking with a writer's assistant job that started out tough.

The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/320

Support Box Angeles (and access the audio archives) on Patreon.

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BA #319: Emily Pendergast Nov 20, 2023

Actor Emily Pendergast stops by the bungalow and discusses struggling with self doubt, throwing a party for the first thing she booked only to be cut out of it, her audition for SNL, and more!

Emily's IMDb and Instagram @ependergast.

00:00 - Introduction.
02:40 - Emily slates her name.
03:30 - Emily reflects on where she is in her career.
07:50 - Wrestling with self doubt and ADHD.
13:43 - Getting cut out of the first thing Emily booked.
16:59 - Choosing simplicity and non-doing.
20:39 - Getting through momentum stoppages like the strike.
23:45 - How Emily views improv these days.
32:25 - What initially got Emily into performing.
36:39 - Auditioning for SNL.
45:47 - Odd jobs.
49:04 - What advice does Emily have for Mike.
52:00 - Rewatching self tapes.
54:33 - Putting a bow on auditions.
58:35 - Struggling with commercial auditions.
1:02:10 - Who took a chance on Emily.

The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/319

Support Box Angeles (and access the audio archives) on Patreon.

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BA #318: Jacob Seidman Sep 25, 2023

Actor-writer Jacob Seidman stops by the bungalow and discusses creating short films, studying with a collaborative acting class, the value add of a writing partner, and more!

Jacob's IMDb and Instagram @jhseidman.

00:00 - Introduction.
02:00 - Jacob slates his name.
02:30 - How Jacob is feeling during the strike.
05:50 - How Jacob deals with momentum getting stopped.
10:35 - Being in an acting class (Studio 24/7) that is collaborative.
15:45 - Writing and producing short films.
20:30 - Submitting to film festivals.
23:45 - Stepping up the production in Fall to Fame and learning to be open to other voices.
32:00 - Advice for first time short filmmakers.
35:55 - Idea generation and writing approach.
39:30 - The value add of a writing partner and deadlines.
40:30 - Finding agents via LinkedIn with a video resume.
45:25 - The role of a literary agent.
47:20 - Time budgeting and stepping away.
55:55 - Who took a chance on Jacob.

The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/318

Support Box Angeles (and access the audio archives) on Patreon.

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BA #317: Michelle Lewitt Sep 11, 2023

Casting director Michelle Lewitt stops by the bungalow and discusses how she got her first job in casting from writing letters, how she thinks actors need to follow their gut, audition feedback, and more!

Michelle's IMDb.

00:00 - Introduction.
01:42 - Michelle slates her name.
03:55 - Actors playing with slates and accents.
06:40 - Attire and appearance in auditions.
08:30 - Following your gut to your authentic self.
11:15 - Purposefully dressing out of character to stand out.
14:00 - Actors self sabotaging and being in it for the wrong reasons.
18:50 - Growing up in Los Angeles and trying to be a basketball coach.
20:45 - Randomly wanting to be a casting director.
22:45 - Writing letters to casting directors and landing an unpaid job.
27:05 - Finding work after going out on her own.
30:40 - Finding new talent.
33:15 - Does Michelle watch auditions in their entirity.
35:35 - Breaking down the audition numbers.
43:40 - The many gates actors need to get through culminating at the producers.
46:25 - Giving audition feedback and wanting more of it as an actor.
57:55 - Casting directors being therapists.
1:00:58 - Does Michelle charge a certain minimum for projects.
1:02:20 - Who took a chance on Michelle.

The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/317

Support Box Angeles (and access the audio archives) on Patreon.

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BA #316: Jessica Sherman, Returns Aug 21, 2023

Casting director Jessica Sherman stops by the bungalow and discusses the traditional way casting directors found work, feeling like a therapist for actors, exhaustion from trying to inact change, and more!

Jessica's IMDb and Instagram @jshermy.casting.

00:00 - Introduction.
03:15 - Jessica slates her name.
04:45 - The origins of Jess' Tipsy Casting podcast.
07:45 - Any concerns with sharing too much.
09:25 - Do actors get too friendly with outreach.
15:04 - The parralels of this industry to dating.
16:25 - Educating producers on finding new casting directors.
18:40 - The traditional way casting directors got work.
26:25 - Attempting going thru the Producer's Guild.
29:16 - The trades seemingly not caring about independent casting directors.
30:30 - Feeling pressure to leave the industry.
34:40 - Giving more feedback to actors.
43:05 - How casting can be therapists for actors.
47:50 - What agents do for casting directors.
51:25 - Writing breakdowns and Breaksdowns Express taking copyrights.
54:05 - Should actors have access to the breakdowns.
59:00 - Does Jess worrry about rocking the boat at all.
1:00:40 - Exhaustion coming from trying to inact changes.
1:02:22 - Has Jess ever had to have a day job.
1:04:47 - Who took a chance on Jess.

The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/316

Jessica's first Box Angeles -- boxangeles.com/258

Listen to Mike on Jessica's Tipsy Casting podcast.

Support Box Angeles (and access the audio archives) on Patreon.

Follow Box Angeles on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.

BA #315: Jenn Presser Aug 14, 2023

Casting Director Jenn Presser stops by the bungalow and discusses moving to London this year, educating producers on finding new casting professionals, the pools of talent in different markets, and more!

Jenn's IMDb and Instagram @breakawaycasting.

00:00 - Introduction.
02:29 - Jenn slates her name.
04:15 - Actors using slates and manicures.
07:05 - Taking a one way trip to London after considering leaving the business post pandemic.
15:25 - Deciding to move to London on a whim and all the legwork going into immigratiting.
19:20 - Did Jenn have any nervousness leaving behind years of work in LA.
23:15 - Casting directors being on "hold" for projects and payments.
29:17 - What an agent does for a casting director.
30:38 - Casting directors don't have a minimum fee.
33:25 - Legacy casting directors hoarding projects.
36:30 - Finding producers to network with.
38:50 - Jenn's thoughts on assistants doing the casting.
43:45 - How Jenn finds new talent.
46:30 - How Jenn approaches general meetings.
50:00 - Advice for co-star auditions.
54:05 - How much casting actually takes place in London.
57:30 - How big are the pools of talent in LA vs London vs Atlanta vs NYC.
1:02:55 - How many casting directors are in LA.
1:05:05 - Who took a chance on Jenn.

The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/315

Listen to Mike on Jenn's Tipsy Casting podcast.

Support Box Angeles (and access the audio archives) on Patreon.

Follow Box Angeles on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.

BA #314: Leah Knauer Jul 31, 2023

Actor Leah Knauer stops by the bungalow and discusses always doing new things, always saying yes, her advice for new actors, and more!

Leah's IMDb and Instagram @leahknauer.

00:00 - Introduction.
01:33 - Leah slates her name.
02:15 - Leah always pivoting and doing new things.
08:50 - Manifesting things, like tweeting at Kevin Smith.
12:30 - Struggle with productivity and relaxing and comparison.
16:30 - Time management and to-do lists.
20:45 - Acting at the age of 6 in Philadelphia amd going to a few colleges.
24:45 - How Leah got her reps.
30:00 - What's helped Leah handle the dark moments in LA.
35:25 - Navigating auditions.
37:00 - Staying level headed and not riding the highs / lows.
41:10 - Always saying yes to things.
43:10 - Pushing thru when momentum gets stifled.
46:05 - What Leah does to step away.
48:30 - When Leah hosted a live streaming dating show.
49:50 - Having mostly entertainment focused odd jobs.
51:45 - Leah's love of self submitting.
52:45 - The advantage of starting earlier.
57:35 - Leah's advice for new actors.
1:02:35 - Who took a chance on Leah.

The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/314

Support Box Angeles on Patreon.

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BA #313: Desiree Middlebrook Jul 24, 2023

Manager Desiree Middlebrook stops by the bungalow and discusses watching her clients auditions, her thoughts on self tapes, how much communication she likes to have with clients, and more!

Desiree's IMDb and Instagram @desireewiththewine.

00:00 - Introduction.
01:30 - Desiree slates her name.
03:05 - Watching and critiquing client auditions.
09:43 - Thoughts on coached auditions.
14:04 - Thoughts on self tapes.
17:30 - How Desiree started in casting before becoming a manager.
24:23 - What Desiree looks for in new clients.
29:00 - Do you want the same types on your roster.
33:00 - Differences between agents and managers.
37:00 - Should actors be submitted to co-stars once they are past that level.
39:20 - What makes you want to drop a client.
43:10 - How aware of the numbers is Desiree.
52:35 - How much communication with clients is ideal.
58:20 - Does Desiree ever visit actors on set.
59:10 - What actors don't know.
1:00:10 - Who took a chance on Desiree.

The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/313

Support Box Angeles on Patreon.

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BA #312: Stephany Folsom Jul 17, 2023

Writer Stephany Folsom stops by the bungalow and discusses her experience at film school, how she approaches rewrites, her script for Toy Story 4 grossing over a billion dollars, and more!

Stephany's IMDb and Instagram @stephfolsom.

00:00 - Introduction.
01:03 - Stephany slates her name.
02:00 - The writer's strike.
04:50 - Wanting to write from an early age including some dark stories.
07:30 - Loving watching movies at the cineplex.
09:07 - Moving to LA to attend film school at Loyola Marymount.
15:50 - Learning to recognize what is only an idea and not a full story.
20:30 - Advice for writer's block.
21:27 - Writing rituals.
25:13 - Does Stephany like being called a "writer".
26:37 - Doing coverage work as a PA, before switching to other odd jobs.
29:00 - Time budgeting and management.
32:25 - Things Stephany does to recharge.
34:15 - Joining a writer's group to help get momentum.
35:35 - Meeting a development exec at a party who got Stephany her manager.
36:52 - Getting a script on the black list.
40:15 - Surviving only off writing since her first paid gig.
41:35 - Advice for new writers.
43:23 - How to approach rewrites.
48:47 - Amount of work Stephany has generated versus her reps.
50:18 - Toy Story 4 grossed $1 billion.
52:42 - Writing a character for Keanu Reeves.
56:03 - Not realizing she was inerviewing for Toy Story 4.
59:40 - Has someone taken a chance on Stephany.

The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/312

Support Box Angeles on Patreon.

Follow Box Angeles on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.

BA #311: Carl Tart Jul 10, 2023

Comedian Carl Tart stops by the bungalow and discusses getting a manager from the CBS Diversity showcase, how improv is important for his mental health, being an introverted extrovert, and more!

Carl's IMDb and Instagram @dammitcarl.

00:00 - Introduction.
01:29 - Carl slates his name.
02:20 - What does Carl say he does. Actor? Writer? Comedian?
05:00 - Wanting to be a comedian despite being shy kid.
06:25 - Consuming as much comedy content as he could.
07:05 - Thinking athletics was the career choice rather than comedy.
10:40 - Moving to LA so Carl's mom could act.
12:20 - The first time Carl did improv in a casting workshop.
15:10 - Attending a year of college to play basketball before moving back to LA to pursue comedy.
17:50 - Doing open mics and then improv.
21:45 - Landing the CBS Diversity showcase and getting a manager from that.
26:00 - Landing a writing gig with MadTV.
28:20 - Having a day job as recent as 2016.
29:15 - A tough year at Boom Chicago in Amsterdam.
31:20 - Does Carl get typed for auditions given his stature.
35:30 - What's been the toughest period without work for Carl.
38:45 - How improv and podcasting is so good for Carl's mental health.
42:40 - Being an introverted, extrovert.
45:40 - Does Carl manage his time at all.
50:50 - Carl hates self tapes.
57:05 - Never booking a commercial.
1:01:15 - How much is a usual amount of auditions for Carl.
1:04:50 - The writer's strike.
1:05:20 - Who took a chance on Carl.

The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/311

Support Box Angeles on Patreon.

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BA #310: Stephanie Allynne, Returns Jun 26, 2023

Writer Stephanie Allynne stops by the bungalow and discusses how she wrote a lot during the pandemic, her opinion on live streaming improv shows, not lettings the ups and downs effect how she feels about the industry, and more!

Stephanie's IMDb and Instagram @stephanieallynne.

00:00 - Introduction.
01:25 - Stephanie slates her name.
04:10 - Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld.
06:35 - How Stephanie handled her creativity during the pandemic.
12:24 - Focusing on the story, with grounded characters when writing.
14:07 - Thoughts on the UCB Theatre being sold.
17:25 - Wild Horses doing shows at other theaters around town.
19:50 - How Stephanie doesn't like live streaming shows.
23:35 - Being approached to do a Largo show.
24:25 - The doomed Wild Horses TV show.
26:07 - How Stephanie views herself as a writer / director first before an actor.
29:30 - Time budgeting and writing process.
37:50 - Succession spoilers.
39:58 - How much Stephanie auditions and her advice for them.
48:35 - How often does Stephanie cast someone different than what she wrote.
53:35 - Hobbies and ways to recharge.
55:50 - Not letting the highs and lows sway the view of show business.
59:05 - Stephanie's views on the WGA strike.
59:40 - Has anyone taken a chance on Stephanie.
1:05:42 - Sam Christensen's class.

The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/310

Stephanie's first Box Angeles -- boxangeles.com/033

Support Box Angeles on Patreon.

Follow Box Angeles on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.

BA #309: Gianna Butler Jun 12, 2023

Casting associate Gianna Butler stops by the bungalow and discusses her advice for handling rejection, how she approaches audition submissions, her aspirations to start her own casting company, and more!

Gianna's IMDb and Instagram @gbutt.

00:00 - Introduction
01:17 - Gianna slates her name.
02:50 - Thoughts on slates.
07:50 - Attending San Fran State for theatre before switching to casting.
10:45 - Advice for handling rejection.
13:00 - What skills are vaulable to be good at casting.
15:15 - Starting doing zoom callbacks / note session for self tapes.
20:00 - How many auditions get sent to producers.
23:45 - Wanting to find new talent.
24:50 - Going thru submissions and how much digging into reels, resumes and slate shots.
32:10 - Going to agents for talent and getting pitched by them.
36:45 - How has the pandemic changed the casting process.
38:20 - In-person versus self tape auditions.
41:40 - Recalling actor's names.
43:20 - Gianna always like more than one take sent.
46:50 - What stands out in a co-star audition.
49:30 - Gianna hoping to go out on her own and if she sees a path towards that.
53:40 - Growing up in LA.
55:15 - The importance of doing your homework before an audition.

The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/309

Support Box Angeles on Patreon.

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BA #308: Will Hines, Returns Jun 05, 2023

Actor Will Hines stops by the bungalow and discusses how he survived teaching improv during the pandemic, his thoughts on UCB being sold, not being a fan of self tapes, and more!

Will's IMDb and Instagram @williebhines.

00:00 - Introduction.
01:35 - Will slates his name.
02:30 - How Will survived off doing podcasts and teaching improv during the pandemic.
10:05 - Will deciding to not focus on acting.
11:45 - In February 2020 wanting to really lock in on acting.
15:40 - How Will feels about Upright Citizens Brigade selling.
20:55 - Does performing improv still bring joy.
22:30 - Should new actors get into the improv scene.
25:20 - Only having a manager and not a TV agent.
28:15 - Booking largely from people Will knows.
28:50 - Not being a fan of auditions and self tapes.
31:50 - How Will uses improv and stand up as an acting class.
35:25 - The amount of auditions Will usually gets.
38:45 - Will's cyncical attitude towards acting.
44:25 - How does an actor give their vibe or persona in a two line audition.
49:10 - Advice for new actors.
1:00:30 - Who took a chance on Will.

The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/308

Will's first Box Angeles -- boxangeles.com/035

Support Box Angeles on Patreon.

Follow Box Angeles on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.

BA #307: Josh Ropiequet May 22, 2023

Casting associate Josh Ropiequet stops by the bungalow and discusses what got him into casting, his day-to-day working at Lowry-Johnson / Goldstein, how he approaches actor submissions, how the writer's strike has affected his side of the business, and more!

Josh's IMDb and Instagram @jrrnottolkien.

00:00 - Introduction.
02:04 - Josh slates his name.
02:45 - Studying theatre at Northwestern.
04:45 - What drew Josh to casting after an internship at Sony.
06:45 - What makes a casting person good at their job.
09:49 - How quickly Josh was able to find casting work after moving to LA.
12:55 - Landing at Lowry-Johnson / Goldstein Casting for 10 years now.
14:35 - The day-to-day of a casting associate.
16:05 - Breaking down casting an episode of 'Yellowjackets'.
20:25 - Which roles get the most submissions.
23:33 - How many actors do they see for a role.
27:14 - Slates and slate shots.
28:30 - Is the character or story more important in auditions.
30:43 - How collaborative is each project.
31:55 - How many actors do they send to producers.
35:59 - Does Josh envision the character before looking at submissions.
40:07 - What Josh loves and hates seeing in self tapes.
45:45 - How covid and the writer's strike have changed the casting process.
49:50 - The way new actors can get seen.
51:50 - Does Josh like to get pitched by agents.
54:14 - Does Josh ever share feedback with actors.
57:45 - Do casting workshops help.

The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/307

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BA #306: Jennifer E. Gardner May 08, 2023

Actor Jennifer E. Gardner stops by the bungalow and discusses booking her first theatrical audition, her not prioritizing getting an agent after moving to Los Angeles, avoiding tying your worth to booking gigs, and more!

Jen's IMDb and Instagram @jennifer.e.gardner.

00:00 - Introduction.
01:18 - Jen slates her name.
02:10 - Jen's first theatrical audition for On The Verge.
07:40 - That audition being before covid and booking the show after covid.
09:25 - Jen waiting to get an agent after moving to LA.
10:35 - Getting an agent from a chance biz cute meeting at a pool.
12:48 - Any worry about working at an agency as an actor.
14:25 - The reason for coaching for auditions.
17:10 - How Jen approaches self tapes.
20:40 - What Jen learned (and faked) on her On The Verge experience.
25:10 - Keeping confidence during the down periods.
27:45 - Not tying your worth to whether you book or not.
29:05 - Looking at who booked things you auditioned for.
33:10 - What Jen does to get away from the industry.
38:00 - Jen's day jobs.
41:15 - Does Jen budget her time.
44:55 - What is Jen's current relationship with improv.
53:50 - Who took a chance on Jen.
56:40 - Jen asks Box some questions.

The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/306

Support Box Angeles on Patreon.

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BA #305: Oscar Montoya, Returns Apr 24, 2023

Actor Oscar Montoya stops by the bungalow and discusses booking Minx after one audition, how has being a series regular changed his position in the business, his fear he is a terrible actor, and more!

Oscar's IMDb and Instagram @ozzymo.

00:00 - Introduction.
01:31 - Oscar slates his name.
02:50 - Auditioning for Minx and getting yelled at beforehand.
06:00 - Doing one take for them and one take for me.
07:35 - Doing four callbacks and a producer session for an Apple+ show.
09:55 - Booking Minx post-covid months after his only audition.
11:45 - Show runner Ellen Rapoport knowing Oscar was their actor and Jake Johnson is very cool.
15:25 - The Apple+ shows callback process.
16:05 - Has booking series regular role resulted in more auditions.
17:10 - Climbing the actor credit ladder and not being able to go backwards.
21:00 - Auditioning for Superstore but not being "middle America" enough.
22:40 - Manicures when auditioning and booking a job due to a Jurassic Park tattoo.
25:00 - Oscar's audition numbers.
28:40 - Never setting out to be an actor and trying to not care as much.
32:35 - Coaching for auditions.
34:50 - Oscar's fear of being told he is a terrible actor.
41:00 - How Oscar combats memorizing struggles.
45:15 - Does Oscar budget his time.
52:10 - Oscar's hobbies.
53:50 - Who took a chance on Oscar?
59:45 - Oscar's worst audition of all time.

The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/305

Oscar's first Box Angeles -- boxangeles.com/199

Support Box Angeles on Patreon.

Follow Box Angeles on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.

BA #304: Artoun Nazareth Apr 17, 2023

Actor Artoun Nazareth stops by the bungalow and discusses finding happiness outside the entertainment industry, how he budgets his time between creative endeavors, his post audition treats, and more!

Artoun's IMDb and Instagram @artouncartoon.

00:00 - Introduction.
02:05 - Artoun slates his name.
02:30 - Artoun's "linear" growth in the industry.
05:45 - Finding happiness outside of the entertainment business.
11:00 - The high of filming Ghostbusters: Afterlife.
13:30 - What got Artoun interested in performing.
16:50 - Studying and focusing on acting at Tufts University.
17:45 - Reason for moving to Los Angeles.
19:10 - How Artoun prioritizes his time between acting, comedy, and his hypnosis show.
23:50 - Audition process and rituals.
28:10 - Self tapes process and rituals.
30:05 - In-person versus self tape auditions.
33:30 - The importance of bombing auditions.
38:15 - Artoun's post audition treat.
39:00 - Starting to book gigs after joining SAG.
43:55 - Ideal and average auditions per month.
47:05 - How Artoun got his representation.
50:40 - How important improv has been to Artoun.

Pics, vids -- boxangeles.com/304

Support Box Angeles on Patreon.

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BA #303: Christine Bullen Apr 06, 2020

Actor Christine Bullen (Plus One, The Real O'Neals) stops by Studio 309 and discusses what she did as the UCB artistic director, her SNL audition, and more!

Pics, vids -- boxangeles.com/303

BA #302: Amber Horn Mar 16, 2020

Casting director Amber Horn (Just Roll With It, Andi Mack) stops by Studio 309 and discusses what casting sees on the submission side of breakdowns, attending SMU for film, and more!

Pics, vids -- boxangeles.com/302

BA #301: Sibby Kirchgessner Mar 09, 2020

Casting director Sibby Kirchgessner (Single Parents, Veep) stops by Studio 309 and discusses how actors shouldn't overthink auditions, living in Aspen for a few years, and more!

Pics, vids -- boxangeles.com/301

BA #300: Demi Adejuyigbe, Lindsey Kraft, Payman Benz (Live @ UCB Franklin) Mar 02, 2020

On the live three hundredth episode writer Demi Adejuyigbe, actor Lindsey Kraft and director Payman Benz stop by the podcast (via UCB Franklin) and discuss how their relationships with representation has evolved over their career, navigating the highs and lows of the business, and more!

00:00 - Introduction.
07:07 - Working on things that don’t air.
15:37 - Relationships / power shifts with representation.
22:17 - How much work do they generate themselves.
27:07 - Last time they worked a non-industry job.
29:02 - Are there a number of bookings in a year they must hit to survive.
39:17 - Demi’s success with Gilmore Guys.
42:12 - Getting pigeonholed into a particular thing.
48:22 - Have they ever thought about quitting the industry.
54:17 - Living through the highs and lows.
1:03:22 - Trying to enjoy the process
1:04:07 - Sending the elevator down.

Pics, vids -- http://boxangeles.com/300

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