Episode 352: Doing the Damn Thing
Acting Business Boot Camp
This week’s episode is all about doing the damn thing. Inspired by Jen Sincero’s You Are a Badass, we explore how to move from wishful thinking into real, consistent action. Because let’s face it: Epiphanies are useless without execution. Self-help without follow-through is shelf-help. Trying to be an actor isn’t the same as being one. From Passive Habits to Active Action Many actors fall into the trap of passive self-help habits. That looks like reading books, journaling, or attending seminars but never actually taking the uncomfortable, messy steps that move...
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Episode 351: Your End of Summer Pep Talk
Acting Business Boot Camp
Okay actors, here it is—your end-of-summer pep talk. I don’t know how we got here so fast, but summer’s basically over and it’s time to stop stalling. Time to get your act together. In this episode, I’m giving it to you straight. Yes, I even drop a few swear words, because honestly, sometimes that’s what it takes to shake things up. I’ll share the story of Bowie the cat (our very cautious little housemate) and how it perfectly connects to where so many of you are stuck in your careers. The question is: are you going to stay scared Bowie… or step up and be brave Bowie? And I’m...
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Episode 350: Improv and Leveling Up Your Takes
Acting Business Boot Camp
When I Froze on “Three Takes” I’ll be honest, the first time a casting director asked me for three takes in the same vibe, my brain short-circuited. The first one felt okay. The second? I made it louder. The third? I whispered and hoped for divine intervention. Sound familiar? If you’ve been there, you’re not alone. No one really teaches us how to do this. We just… guess. But over the years, I’ve learned that “three takes” doesn’t have to be torture. It’s actually an opportunity to show range, subtlety, and intention — if you know where to focus. My Five Go-To Tools for...
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Episode 349: Why Tracking Data is the Secret Weapon in Your Acting Career
Acting Business Boot Camp
Most actors treat their careers like a guessing game. Send a few emails. Hope someone notices. Post on Instagram. Cross your fingers. But what if you could know what’s working? What if you had the exact information to make better choices, save time, and book more work? That is what tracking data does for you, and yes, it is way less boring than it sounds. Why Most Actors Avoid Tracking (and Why That Hurts Them) A lot of actors shy away from anything that feels “too business.” They think tracking numbers will suck the artistry out of what they do. But here is the thing: you are...
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Episode 348: How to Spot a Voiceover Scam
Acting Business Boot Camp
If you’ve ever gotten an email offering $850 for 45 minutes of voice work and thought, huh, that sounds… generous—you’re not alone. Today I’m walking you through one of the most common and dangerous traps voice actors fall into: the voiceover scam. Let’s talk about how to recognize one, why we fall for them, and how to protect yourself. These Scams Are Getting Smarter I’ve seen so many of these land in my inbox or get forwarded from friends and students. And honestly, they’re getting better. Better design. Better phrasing. More personal. But when you...
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Episode 347: Your Mind Is Your World
Acting Business Boot Camp
In this solo episode, Peter gets deeply personal about a challenging week—and the powerful mindset shift that came from it. After getting emotionally “twisted,” Peter turned to her most trusted tools: journaling, meditation, and coaching. What started as a spiral led to a breakthrough realization: Your mind is your world. And your world is your mind. When you’re in your fear-based thought system, everything feels like a problem. But when you shift into a more loving, conscious mindset, you begin to see challenges as opportunities. Peter shares how unconscious thinking patterns can...
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Episode 346: Why VO Actors Should Try TikTok
Acting Business Boot Camp
If you're a creative who rolls their eyes every time someone says, “You should be on TikTok,” I get it. I did too. But I’ve also seen firsthand how a free platform with a low barrier to entry can quietly change your entire business. Not overnight. But steadily. Strategically. Without becoming someone you’re not. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how I use TikTok to stay visible, book clients, and build trust—without filters, dances, or pretending to be an influencer. So, why TikTok? I never expected to like it. I don’t love being on camera. I...
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Episode 345: Shifting Your Momentum with Stephen Ridley
Acting Business Boot Camp
How to Change Your Momentum When You’re Stuck as a Creative If you’re an artist or creative who feels stalled—like you’ve hit a wall in your motivation, progress, or passion—you’re not alone. Whether it’s burnout, fear, comparison, or just plain fatigue, creative momentum can vanish without warning. And getting it back? That can feel impossible. But here’s the good news: momentum is a choice. Not something that magically returns when the conditions are perfect—but something you can actively create, even in the mess of real life. In this week’s Acting Business Boot...
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Episode 344: Passion vs. Aptitude in Voiceover
Acting Business Boot Camp
Let’s talk about something most coaches won’t say out loud: Just because you love something doesn’t mean you’re great at it. I know. It stings. But it’s important. In this episode, I’m digging into the uncomfortable (but necessary) gap between interest and aptitude—especially in voiceover. Because if you're frustrated that you're not booking in your dream genre, you might be ignoring the thing you're actually great at. What I Talk About in This Episode: Why passion doesn’t always equal potential How to spot the areas where you naturally shine Why...
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Episode 343: Building Real Confidence as an Actor
Acting Business Boot Camp
In this episode, I dive deep into one of the most important and misunderstood parts of an actor's journey: confidence. Without confidence, you're benched. Without humility, you're a liability. Confidence is essential in the entertainment industry, but it has to be real—not performative, not overblown, and definitely not hubris. I break down how to build real, grounded confidence that will keep you moving forward in your voiceover or acting career, using neuroscience-backed tools and personal experience from over two decades in the industry. Key Topics Covered: Why confidence is essential,...
info_outlineAI in Entertainment: Essential Insights for Actors
The world of acting is evolving, and one of the most significant changes affecting performers today is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). From digital likenesses to synthetic voices, AI is reshaping the entertainment industry at an unprecedented pace. If you're an actor, understanding how AI impacts your career is no longer optional—it's essential.
In a recent episode of the Acting Business Bootcamp Podcast, hosts Peter Pamela Rose and Mandy Fisher sat down with Erik Passoja, a SAG-AFTRA leader and digital identity advocate, to break down everything actors need to know about AI, contracts, and protecting their digital identity.
The Rise of AI in Acting
AI technology is advancing rapidly, and its effects on performers are profound. Whether it’s through deepfake technology, voice synthesis, or motion capture, AI is being used in new ways that could impact actors' careers and livelihoods. Without proper regulations, AI could allow companies to use an actor’s likeness, voice, or movements indefinitely—without additional compensation.
Key AI-related concerns for actors:
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Digital likeness rights
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AI-generated voices
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Deepfake manipulation
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Contract loopholes allowing indefinite use
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Residuals and monetization concerns
Actors must stay vigilant and informed about how their image and voice are used in the industry.
Read Your Contract: The #1 Rule for Actors
Erik Passoja couldn’t stress this enough: Read your contract! Many performers unknowingly sign agreements that grant companies rights to their voice and likeness in perpetuity. This is particularly concerning for non-union actors, who may have fewer legal protections.
If you’re a performer, here’s what you need to do:
✅ Check for AI clauses in any contract you sign.
✅ Seek legal advice if anything seems unclear.
✅ Understand how your likeness and voice will be used before signing.
✅ If you’re non-union, be extra cautious—you may have little legal recourse.
Even union actors must be aware of the nuances of SAG-AFTRA agreements related to AI. While protections have been put in place, ongoing advocacy is needed to strengthen them further.
Erik Passoja’s Activision Case Study: A Real-Life Example
Erik shared his own experience with AI exploitation in the gaming industry. After working on Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, he discovered that his likeness had been repurposed without additional compensation. His digital image was used in ways he never agreed to, and because of the contract he signed, he had no legal recourse.
His story highlights a growing problem: AI technology is advancing faster than legal protections.
Actors must take charge of their own digital identity by being proactive, informed, and careful about what they sign.
AI & Union Protections: What You Need to Know
SAG-AFTRA has implemented AI protections in recent contracts, but there’s still work to be done. New legislation is being proposed to further safeguard performers, ensuring that companies cannot exploit their digital identity without consent or compensation.
Some of the latest AI-related regulations include:
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Watermarking AI-generated content to track digital use
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Informed consent laws for AI usage in entertainment
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Stronger residual structures for AI-generated performances
As AI becomes more prevalent, SAG-AFTRA continues to negotiate protections that will benefit all performers. Staying informed about these updates is crucial.
How to Protect Yourself as an Actor in the AI Era
🎭 Stay Informed: Follow SAG-AFTRA updates and AI policy changes.
📄 Read Every Contract Carefully: Look for AI-related clauses and seek legal advice if needed.
🚫 Avoid Unregulated Scanning: If you’re non-union, be extremely cautious about contracts that involve AI ingestion.
🔎 Educate Yourself on AI Rights: Understand how AI-generated performances affect your residuals and future work opportunities.
Need Help Navigating Your Acting Career?
Peter Pamela Rose is offering a FREE career consultation to help actors restart their 2025 with clarity and direction. If you’re unsure about how AI and other industry changes affect your career, this is the perfect opportunity to get expert advice.
📌 Book a Free Consultation with Peter
📌 Learn More About SAG-AFTRA AI Policies
Final Thoughts: The Future of AI in Acting
AI is here to stay, and its impact on the entertainment industry will only grow. While technology can bring exciting opportunities, it also presents risks. By staying informed, advocating for fair contracts, and protecting digital identities, actors can ensure that their careers remain secure in the age of AI.
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