How Much Should Actors Really Get Paid for Film and TV Work?

Are you getting paid what you’re actually worth as a film or TV actor?

Many actors accept low pay simply because they don’t know the real numbers. In this episode, Martin Bentsen breaks down what actors are typically paid - both union and non-union - so you can recognize fair rates and avoid underselling yourself.

Listen to this episode to discover:

1. The surprising daily and weekly pay rates union actors can earn on major productions
2. What fair non-union pay actually looks like for indie films, shorts, and background work
3. The simple mindset shift that helps actors set a personal minimum rate and negotiate with confidence

Press play to learn the real pay standards in film and television so you can start valuing your work - and your career - the right way.

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."

Are you confident in your acting choices - but secretly scared to let them go when a director gives you a note?

Many actors think confidence means sticking to their first idea. But on set, that can make you look rigid or hard to direct.

In this episode of The Actor’s Career Compass, Martin Bentsen explains how real confidence actually makes you more flexible, not less - and why directors trust actors who can adjust fast.

You’ll discover:

1. Why trusting your instincts makes you easier to direct, not harder
2. How to stay emotionally detached so feedback never shakes you
3. A simple rehearsal mindset that builds both boldness and humility

If you want to feel strong in your choices and calm when direction comes your way, press play now and start building the kind of confidence directors love.

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."

Are you about to sign an acting contract - and wondering if it’s safe or a big mistake?

Many actors get excited about a role and forget to check the fine print. That can lead to unpaid work, lost footage, or even giving away your image forever.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to protect yourself before you sign, so you can build a real career without getting burned.

Here’s what you’ll gain from listening:

1. The must-have parts of every real acting contract so you can feel calm and confident before you sign.
2. The biggest red flags that scream “walk away” before it’s too late.
3. Simple ways to protect yourself on small or non-union projects without feeling awkward or difficult.

If you want to feel smart, safe, and in control of your acting career, press play now and learn how to spot a legit contract fast.

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."

Can your accent really pass as native, or is it just close enough to fool your friends?

Many actors list accents on their profile hoping it will help them book more work. But casting directors expect near-perfect fluency. If your “British” or “Southern” accent slips in the audition room, it can hurt your chances.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to test your accent the smart way, without paying for a coach or agent.

You’ll discover:

1. A simple three-step test to see if your accent is truly profile-ready
2. What casting directors really think when they see accents listed
3. How to get honest, free feedback that tells you the truth fast

If you want to protect your credibility and only list accents you can fully deliver, this episode will show you how - so press play now and make sure your profile works for you, not against you.

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."

Are casting directors skipping your profile before they even see your headshot?

Many actors work hard on their reels and photos. But they forget one small thing that can stop auditions fast.

If your size card is blank or wrong, casting directors may never find you in their search. That means no audition. No callback. No chance.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why your size card matters more than you think in film, TV, and commercials

• When size details are less important, so you don’t stress

• How to make your profile look clean, complete, and professional

If you want more auditions and fewer missed chances, this episode will help you fix a simple mistake that could be costing you roles.

Press play now and make sure your profile never gets filtered out again.

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.

Can you really come back after Hollywood shuts the door on you?

Many actors fear one big mistake, one bad rep, or one slow year will end their career.

In this episode, we look at how that fear is not the end of the story. We break down how Robert Downey Jr. went from being called “unhirable” to leading Iron Man and helping launch the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

His journey shows what is possible when you take full responsibility and rebuild step by step.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. The quiet habits that helped him earn back trust when no one wanted to hire him
2. The mindset shift that turned pain and failure into emotional depth on screen
3. The simple career truth about reputation that most actors learn too late

If you’ve ever felt behind, stuck, or embarrassed by your past, this story will remind you that your comeback can start today - so press play and learn how to rebuild your acting career the smart way.

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.

Are casting directors skipping your reel after just 10 seconds?

Many actors upload one long demo reel and send it to every audition. But casting directors move fast. If your first clip does not match the role, they click away.

That means you could miss out, even if the perfect scene is later in your reel. In this episode, you’ll learn how to build a custom demo reel on Actor’s Access that fits each role and helps you get more auditions.

When you listen, you’ll discover:

1. Why custom reels make casting directors see you as serious and professional.
2. How to choose clips that instantly match the character and show strong emotion.
3. A simple tech tweak that makes your reel look clean, sharp, and pro-level.

Press play now to learn how to make every submission count and stand out from the crowd.

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.

You’ve practiced your lines. You’ve visualized nailing the role. But the second you walk into that audition room - your mind goes blank. Why does this happen, and more importantly, how do you stop it?

Most actors feel like they lose control under pressure, especially when it matters most. But what if your body isn’t failing you… it’s actually trying to protect you?

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. What really causes your brain to “shut down” the second you walk into an audition
2. The surprising mindset shift that can turn fear into fun in just seconds
3. Why letting go of perfection might be the secret to your best performance yet

Listen now and learn how to walk into every audition calm, confident, and ready to shine.

Email: martin@cityheadshots.com

Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com

Additional Resources:

1. Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.com
2. Shoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.com
3. 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.