New SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin on What’s Next for the Union (Part 2)
SAG-AFTRA
In the second half of our conversation, newly elected SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin opens up about lessons from the 2023 strike, the challenges of member communication and his goals for the next round of TV/Theatrical negotiations. Sean also reflects on what his most iconic roles — from Rudy to The Lord of the Rings — have taught him about leadership and fighting for what’s right. *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 endorsement.
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New SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin On His Day-One Priorities (Part 1)
SAG-AFTRA
Sean Astin has spent most of his life in front of the camera starring in beloved films like The Goonies, Rudy, and The Lord of the Rings — and behind the scenes as a committed advocate for SAG-AFTRA and its members. Now he’s leading our union as its newly elected president. In Part 1 of this 2-part conversation with SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, Sean talks about what this moment means to him, how his mother Patty Duke’s presidency shaped him, and why he sees this role as “identity shaping.” He also shares his vision for the next...
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How to Be More Confident in Auditions
SAG-AFTRA
Auditions are part of every performer’s journey, but that doesn’t mean they come naturally. The process can feel overwhelming, especially with the rise of self-taping. How can performers approach auditions with less stress and more confidence? SAG-AFTRA members Nikki Dixon and Wes Jetton join the podcast to share their best advice for staying grounded and enjoying the process. They talk about how to prepare without over-rehearsing, the importance of letting go after you hit send and why mindset and flexibility matter more than perfection. *The views expressed by guests are their own and do...
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Money Strategies Every Performer Should Know
SAG-AFTRA
Performers face unique financial challenges with multiple gigs and unpredictable income spread across different states and even other countries. But there are smart steps you can take right now to smooth the ups and downs of your income and protect yourself from IRS headaches. In this episode, we talk to Kevin Doyle, a licensed CPA who has spent more than a decade guiding creative professionals. He explains when it makes sense to form a loan out corporation or S corp, what performers overlook when claiming their deductions, and the smartest way to start building a retirement plan. *The views...
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What Actors Get Wrong About Commercial Auditions
SAG-AFTRA
For many actors, commercials are a vital part of building and sustaining a career. But the world of commercial casting can sometimes feel like a mystery. There are differences from theatrical casting, and the skills that book a commercial aren’t always the same ones that land a film or television role. To help break it all down, we’re joined by highly regarded casting director Alyson Horn. Alyson is the founder of AHC Casting in Los Angeles. She explains how commercial casting really works, why the skills that book commercials aren’t always the same ones that land film and TV roles, and...
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What It Takes to Build a Podcast From Scratch
SAG-AFTRA
Podcasting has never offered more ways to grow your career and your income. Actor, comedian and impressionist Amy Phillips shares how she built her hit show, Drama Darling: A Real Housewives Comedy Podcast, from the ground up. She taught herself production, built an audience without a network and created multiple revenue streams from her home studio. Amy also explains how her podcast became a SAG-AFTRA signatory, making it possible for independent podcasters to apply their earnings toward union health and retirement benefits. *The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily...
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What Unions Are Doing to Take On A.I.
SAG-AFTRA
This Labor Day, we’re replaying a SXSW Panel Discussion from last spring with leaders from SAG-AFTRA, the Writers Guild of America, the Directors Guild of America and IATSE. We talked about how our unions are protecting members in the age of A.I., what we’ve already won at the bargaining table, what’s still ahead and why collective action matters more than ever. Labor Day is about honoring workers and their rights, and this panel is a reminder of how unions are coming together to support the people who make our industry run. *The views expressed by guests are their own and do not...
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Breaking Into Audiobook Narration
SAG-AFTRA
Audiobooks are one of the fastest growing segments in entertainment, but how do you land work and build a sustainable career as a narrator? Veteran performer and coach Sean Pratt has recorded nearly 1,200 titles over 25 years, voicing everything from Agatha Christie mysteries to business books. In this episode, he shares the skills and temperament the job requires, how to get started on ACX, tips for a basic home studio, the differences between narrating fiction and nonfiction, and why he doesn’t believe AI will replace human storytellers anytime soon. *The views expressed by guests are...
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A Top Voice Coach on the One Skill All Actors Should Know
SAG-AFTRA
Your voice is 50 percent of your instrument, but many performers don’t realize they’re not using it to its full potential. On this episode of the SAG-AFTRA podcast, voice coach and dialect expert Bob Corff—who’s worked with stars like Antonio Banderas and Gwyneth Paltrow—explains what it really means to have a strong speaking voice. He shares simple but powerful breathing exercises and reveals why some vocal habits can sabotage your work without you even knowing it. He also offers practical tips for preparing your voice before a big audition and how to develop vocal muscle memory...
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Don’t Make These 5 Social Media Mistakes
SAG-AFTRA
Social media is a powerful tool for performers, but it can also be confusing and time-consuming. What should you post? How do you promote yourself without feeling cringey? And does any of it actually lead to work? In this episode, social media strategist Heidi Dean—founder of Marketing4Actors.com and author of Social Media for Actors: 100 Essential Tips to Grow, Thrive, and Survive Online—breaks down the five biggest mistakes actors make on social media and exactly how to fix them. She shares practical advice on building real relationships, cleaning up your digital first impression,...
info_outlinePodcasting has never offered more ways to grow your career and your income. Actor, comedian and impressionist Amy Phillips shares how she built her hit show, Drama Darling: A Real Housewives Comedy Podcast, from the ground up. She taught herself production, built an audience without a network and created multiple revenue streams from her home studio. Amy also explains how her podcast became a SAG-AFTRA signatory, making it possible for independent podcasters to apply their earnings toward union health and retirement benefits. *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 endorsement.