• The Actor's Career Compass: Your Guide to Acting in Film, Finding Auditions & Agents, and Joining SAG AFTRA

  • By: Martin Bentsen
  • Podcast

The Actor's Career Compass: Your Guide to Acting in Film, Finding Auditions & Agents, and Joining SAG AFTRA

By: Martin Bentsen
  • Summary

  • Struggling to book your first speaking role in a network-level production? If so, this podcast is for you. You'll learn how to find and sign with great agents, how to start getting access to high-quality auditions, and how to book major union speaking roles. Each episode addresses specific challenges faced by aspiring screen actors, including: - What casting directors are really looking for in screen actors. - How to find and impress legit, high-level agents. - How to build strong industry connections (even if you don't know anyone yet). New episodes are released Mondays and Thursdays, each filled with tactical advice to help you work through different challenges. Host Martin Bentsen has helped over 6000 actors since 2009, and has been featured in Backstage, Casting Networks, NYU Tisch, and more Ready to dive in? Start by listening to fan-favorite Episode #14: "Where to Find Legit Auditions (Without an Agent)."
    Copyright 2023 to Present – MJB Home Entertainment, LLC
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Episodes
  • Ep. 153: When to List Commercial Acting Credits Separately - and When It Just Looks Weird
    Apr 24 2025

    Should You Say “Commercial Resume Available Upon Request”? It Might Be Hurting You!

    Have you ever added “Commercial Resume Available Upon Request” to your acting resume and wondered if it really helps - or just makes things awkward?

    Many actors worry that listing past commercial work could create conflicts, especially when auditioning for competing brands. But using this phrase without the right experience might be doing more harm than good.


    In this episode, you'll discover:

    • When hiding your commercial credits actually works in your favor
    • A simple trick to avoid being passed over by casting directors
    • How top commercial agents want your resume formatted

    Listen now and find out if your resume is setting you up for success - or silently turning casting directors away.

    Contact:

    Email: martin@cityheadshots.com

    Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com


    Additional Resources:

    • Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.com
    • Shoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.com
    • Edit Footage Into a Reel: https://www.demoreelsnyc.com

    This show dives deep into the world of acting in film, exploring the journey of movie acting with stories, building confidence among aspiring actors, navigating auditions and productions, and offering insights from acting agents, coaches, and the challenges of becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible to advance your acting career, skills, and landing roles.

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    7 mins
  • Ep. 152: How To Use Slate Shots, Skills Tapes & Personality Clips To Get Noticed Fast For Your Acting Career
    Apr 21 2025

    What’s the secret to making your casting profile actually book you work?

    Too many actors throw everything on their profiles and hope for the best - but that’s a quick way to get ignored by casting directors.

    In this episode of The Actor’s Career Compass, you’ll learn how to choose the right videos and photos that make casting directors want to call you in.

    Discover how to build a clean, focused casting profile that boosts your chances of booking roles without overwhelming the people who matter most.

    You’ll learn:

    • The exact video clips that casting directors want to see (and how long they should be)
    • What every actor should have on their profile to look professional and hirable
    • Which optional extras can help you stand out - without being a waste of time

    Play this episode now to stop second-guessing your casting profile and start booking better auditions!


    Contact Info:

    • Email: martin@cityheadshots.com
    • Website: martinbentsen.com

    Additional Resources:

    • Headshots
    • Shoot Footage for Your Reel
    • Edit Footage Into a Reel

    This show dives deep into the world of acting in film, exploring the journey of movie acting with stories, building confidence among aspiring actors, navigating auditions and productions, and offering insights from acting agents, coaches, and the challenges of becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible to advance your acting career, skills, and landing roles.

    Show more Show less
    12 mins
  • Ep. 151: How to Restart Your Acting Career Without Quitting Your Day Job
    Apr 17 2025

    Ever dream of acting again but feel like “real life” is in the way?

    If you've got a mortgage, a day job, and retirement on the horizon, you might think acting has to wait. But what if you could start building your dream career right now, without risking everything?

    This episode is your roadmap to reigniting your acting career—on your own terms.

    You don’t need to wait until retirement. Whether you're aiming for full-time acting or just want to book roles on the side, this episode shows you how to start today, even with a packed schedule.

    Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

    • How to restart your acting journey without quitting your job or uprooting your life
    • A smart way to manage time and energy while staying consistent in your acting goals
    • Simple moves you can make today to prepare for a full-time acting path later

    Ready to finally give your acting dream the space it deserves—without turning your world upside down? Tune in now.

    

    Contact Information:

    Email: martin@cityheadshots.com

    Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com

    Additional Resources:

    • Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.com
    • Shoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.com
    • Edit Footage Into a Reel: https://www.demoreelsnyc.com

    This show dives deep into the world of acting in film, exploring the journey of movie acting with stories, building confidence among aspiring actors, navigating auditions and productions, and offering insights from acting agents, coaches, and the challenges of becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible to advance your acting career, skills, and landing roles.

    Show more Show less
    15 mins
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