Episode 330: Are You a Good Actor?
Acting Business Boot Camp
🎧 Episode Summary: In this empowering solo episode, voiceover actor and coach Mandy Fisher poses a bold question that every actor must learn to answer with confidence: “Are you a good actor?” We’re taught from day one to expect rejection in this industry—but rarely are we taught to say yes to ourselves first. Mandy breaks down why internal validation is the foundation of success and how your energy, mindset, and self-belief shape every audition, job, and opportunity. 💡 Key Takeaways: Your Confidence Sets the Tone: If you walk into the room unsure...
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Episode 329: Acting Through Fear and Uncertainty
Acting Business Boot Camp
Hey there, it’s Peter Pamela Rose. In this episode, I’m getting real with you. After what feels like forever since I last recorded (even though I know that might not be true if you’re bingeing episodes!), I’m back to talk about something that’s been coming up a lot in my weekly classes—how to deal with fear, anxiety, and overwhelm when the world feels like too much. Whether you're feeling the pressure of what's going on globally, or you're just tired of asking yourself, “How the hell did I end up back here again?”—this episode is for you. Here’s what we get into: The...
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Episode 328: Conquer Conferences – Smart Networking for Actors
Acting Business Boot Camp
Thinking about attending a voiceover or acting conference? Conferences can be an absolute goldmine for networking, learning, and career growth—but only if you go in with a plan! In this episode, Mandy Fisher shares her personal experience attending (and now avoiding) conferences, including why she prefers virtual attendance due to being partially deaf. More importantly, she breaks down exactly how to make a conference work for you so you don’t just leave with a pile of swag and a drained bank account. Learn how to: ✅ Identify your specific goal before attending ✅...
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Episode 327: Authenticity, Privacy & Oversharing in Acting
Acting Business Boot Camp
In today’s episode of the Acting Business Boot Camp Podcast, Mandy Fisher dives into a crucial topic for actors and entertainment professionals—the balance between authenticity and privacy online. With social media playing a major role in personal branding, many performers feel the pressure to share intimate details to connect with their audience and industry decision-makers. But where is the line between being real and oversharing? Mandy unpacks the risks and consequences of unchecked openness in the entertainment industry, including how it can impact casting...
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Episode 326: An Actor's Guide to AI (Part Two)
Acting Business Boot Camp
In last week’s episode, we explored the fascinating yet daunting world of AI in the entertainment industry. If you haven’t listened to yet, stop right now and go back! Everything we cover in this episode builds on what we discussed previously. In this follow-up episode, we continue our conversation with Erik Passoja—an AI expert and industry professional—who provides deeper insight into how AI is reshaping the acting world, especially in voiceover work. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the rapid advancements in AI, you’re not alone. But don’t worry—Erik offers...
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Episode 325: An Actor's Guide to AI (Part One)
Acting Business Boot Camp
AI 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,...
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Episode 324: Work Harder, Nobody Cares
Acting Business Boot Camp
Today we're talking about a phrase that might hit you right in the gut. “Work harder. Nobody cares.” And I say it with love because it's a funny phrase and it's also a tough pill to swallow because it's one of the most freeing truths that you can embrace as a person and as an artist. This episode is inspired again by one of my posts on Substack which you can find at the Actors Index and it's a mantra for anyone chasing a creative career or pursuing a big dream. It's a mindset shift that could be the key to unlocking your full potential. So buckle up. We're driving into...
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Episode 323: The Power of Three
Acting Business Boot Camp
I'm excited to explore a concept that has sort of a strange and spooky and undeniable power in our lives, which is the power of three. This episode is inspired by one of my recent Substack posts that I called three, and if you haven't read it yet, please go check it out. But don't worry, I'm going to break it all down for you right here. So, why Three. Why does this number show up in storytelling, in structure, and even how we sometimes have to make sense of the world? Well, stick around and let's unpack it together. Let's start with that very basic, simple question:...
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Episode 322: Interview with Diane Strand
Acting Business Boot Camp
About Diane: Diane Strand is a multi-award-winning serial entrepreneur, executive producer, best-selling author, nonprofit founder, and a TEDx and national speaker. Strand has over 22 years of entrepreneurial experience. She is the majority owner of JDS Video & Media Productions, Inc. and JDS Actors Studio, and the founder of the 501(c)3 nonprofit JDS Creative Academy (JDSCA). Strand is the creator, executive producer, and co-host of the locally broadcasted and nationally streamed magazine-style news and information television series, Spirit of Innovation: Arts...
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Episode 321: The 3 Elements of Personal Branding
Acting Business Boot Camp
I am talking about all things voiceover and creative entrepreneurialism. Hope you are having a fantastic Wednesday. Let's jump right into today's topic, which is branding. And I want to sort of unpack the essence of what branding is because we are drawn in to people who do this for a living. People who create brands for actors. And I just want to get it out into the open. That if you don't have a catchy tagline, if you don't have a palette of colors, if you don't have a logo, it's okay. You don't have to have those things in order to be a successful actor business...
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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