They Built a Media Career Without Leaving Their Apartment
SAG-AFTRA
Creator V Spehar built a massive audience on TikTok by delivering news from under their desk. Then the media companies came calling. In this replay of an episode, V talks with SAG-AFTRA’s Duncan Crabtree-Ireland about staying independent, using TikTok to support striking workers and building a career as a creator without giving up control. The pair also explain how SAG-AFTRA’s influencer agreement is helping more digital creators join the union. *The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s...
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What Really Happens After You Send in Your Self-Tape
SAG-AFTRA
Self-taping can sometimes feel like sending your audition into a void. In this episode, veteran casting director Jenny Jue, known for her work on Inglourious Basterds and The Brothers Sun, explains what actually happens after you hit send. She shares how casting has evolved, why she watches every tape, how she advocates for actors behind the scenes and what performers can do to improve their chances of landing the role. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of their organization or SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply...
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What Every Actor Should Know About Auditioning
SAG-AFTRA
There’s no shortage of advice out there for performers, but not all of it’s helpful or even accurate. In this episode, Rob Brownstein — a working actor, respected teacher and SAG-AFTRA Professional Representatives Committee Chair — shares what works when preparing for auditions and honing your craft. Brownstein, who runs An Actor’s Space in Los Angeles, offers practical and actionable tips, including how to approach self-tapes without overthinking, why reacting instead of performing is the key to honest work, what to ignore when it comes to outside opinions and industry...
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How to Network Without Feeling Pushy
SAG-AFTRA
Performers often hear they have to “network to get work,” but how can they do so without it feeling awkward, forced or just plain transactional? In this episode, host Duncan Crabtree-Ireland talks with performer-producer and SAG-AFTRA NextGen Performers Committee Vice Chair Rudy Solis III about building genuine relationships in the industry. From union events to everyday encounters, Rudy shares mindset shifts and practical tips to help performers connect with confidence. *The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of their organization or...
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How to Find, Keep, and Work with the Right Agent (Part 2)
SAG-AFTRA
In the second half of our conversation with Daisy Wu, senior partner at the Gersh Agency, we explore how the agent-actor relationship evolves over time—and what happens when success leads performers to rethink their reps. Wu shares hard truths about shifting industry economics, the realities of self-tapes and the importance of adaptability in today’s competitive landscape. She also discusses the often-overlooked collaboration between agents and SAG-AFTRA and why loyalty, transparency and communication matter more than ever. *The views expressed by guests are their own and do not...
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How to Find, Keep and Work with the Right Agent (Part 1)
SAG-AFTRA
What makes a great agent—and how do you build a relationship that lasts? In Part 1 of this two-part series, Daisy Wu, senior partner in the talent department at the Gersh Agency, offers a candid look at how representation really works. She breaks down what agents are looking for, how actors can communicate more effectively, what to expect at different career stages and how to navigate tough industry realities. Whether you're looking for your first rep or thinking about switching teams, this episode offers practical guidance. *The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily...
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A Life of Achievement: Jane Fonda on Acting and Advocacy
SAG-AFTRA
At this year's SAG Awards, Jane Fonda was named the 60th recipient of the Life Achievement Award. The legendary actor and activist sat down with SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher in an Actor to Actor conversation about her remarkable career spanning five decades. Fonda reflects on her early struggles finding meaningful roles, her emotional journey on ‘Grace and Frankie,’ and the challenges of being a woman in Hollywood. She also discusses her passionate advocacy for women's rights and her insights about her growth as both an artist and an activist. *The views expressed are those of the...
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SXSW 2025 Panel: What the Unions Are Doing About A.I.
SAG-AFTRA
At SXSW 2025, labor leaders gathered in a provocative panel discussion to address one of entertainment's most pressing challenges: A.I. regulation. Hosted by SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the panel featured Sam Wheeler (Executive Director/WGA East), Vanessa Holtgrewe (International Vice President / Assistant Department Director, Motion Picture & Television Production/ IATSE), and Rebecca Rhine (Associate National Executive Director/Western Executive Director/DGA) discussing recently negotiated contracts protecting creative workers. The...
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Meet the Union Reps Keeping Sets Safe For Performers
SAG-AFTRA
From stunt sequences to child protection, SAG-AFTRA members face unique challenges during production that require expert oversight. SAG-AFTRA Executive Director, Field Services Jim Damis and stunt performer Samantha MacIvor take listeners inside the critical work of the union's frontline presence protecting members. They also discuss responses to the Rust tragedy and the impact of the Safer Set 24/7 hotline. *The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA's endorsement.
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Protecting Workers In Our Rapidly Changing Digital World
SAG-AFTRA
Earlier this month, labor leaders worldwide gathered in Las Vegas for the 6th Annual Labor Innovation & Technology Summit. The event, held alongside CES 2025, was co-founded by SAG-AFTRA, the AFL-CIO and the AFL-CIO Tech Institute to tackle technology’s impact on workers' rights. In this episode, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland sits down with Executive Vice President Linda Powell, NINT Committee Chair Nick Fondulis and A.I. Task Force Committee Chair Woody Schultz to unpack key moments from the event. Topics include A.I. contract negotiations and worker...
info_outlineEarlier this month, labor leaders worldwide gathered in Las Vegas for the 6th Annual Labor Innovation & Technology Summit. The event, held alongside CES 2025, was co-founded by SAG-AFTRA, the AFL-CIO and the AFL-CIO Tech Institute to tackle technology’s impact on workers' rights. In this episode, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland sits down with Executive Vice President Linda Powell, NINT Committee Chair Nick Fondulis and A.I. Task Force Committee Chair Woody Schultz to unpack key moments from the event. Topics include A.I. contract negotiations and worker protections, international union solidarity and new communications strategies in the age of TikTok. For more information on the Labor Innovation & Technology Summit, visit sagaftra.org/labor-innovation-technology-summit-2025
*The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA's endorsement.