• Ep. 231: Should You Add an Intro Video to Actor’s Access for Faster Acting Auditions?
    Jan 22 2026

    Are casting directors skipping past your Actor’s Access profile? Here’s how to stand out - before they even hit play.

    Most actors don’t realize they can upload an intro video to Actor’s Access - even though it doesn’t offer a designated slot like Backstage does. That’s exactly what makes this strategy so powerful.

    If your current reel titles are bland, or your personality doesn’t shine through early, casting directors may scroll right by. But a quick, well-labeled intro video can act like a digital handshake that gets them curious.

    In this episode, you’ll discover:

    1. A sneaky but smart way to post a personal intro video on Actor’s Access (even if it’s “not allowed”)
    2. The title mistake that makes your clip invisible to casting pros
    3. Three scroll-stopping title formats that highlight your personality and hook attention fast

    Learn how to turn your Actor’s Access profile into a true attention-grabber - without changing the platform itself.

    Hit play now to make your Actor’s Access clips 10x more clickable.

    Contact:

    1. Email: martin@cityheadshots.com
    2. 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.

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    5 m
  • Ep. 230: Why Streamlining Your Self-Tapes Can Skyrocket Your Acting Auditions
    Jan 19 2026

    How Can You Start Getting Auditions Every Week Without Burning Out?

    If you're tired of waiting around for opportunities and want to start building serious momentum in TV and film, this episode is for you.

    Martin Bentsen sits down with actor Court Zeppernick to explore how he made the leap from radio to screen, started landing frequent auditions, and built a repeatable system that saves time and energy during self-tapes.

    Here’s what you’ll get from this episode:

    1. The mindset shift Court made that got agents to finally take him seriously
    2. A smart way to organize your audition prep so it doesn’t take over your life
    3. The key to creating steady momentum - even if you're starting from scratch

    Tap play to learn what it really takes to stay consistent and get noticed in the film and TV world.

    Contact:

    1. Email: martin@cityheadshots.com
    2. 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.

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    42 m
  • Ep. 229: Is it Safe to Sign ‘In Perpetuity’ Clauses to Grow Your Acting Career?
    Jan 15 2026

    Is “In Perpetuity” Always a Red Flag - or Sometimes Just a Smart Career Move?

    Ever paused on signing a contract because of “in perpetuity” rights and wondered if you were overreacting - or missing out?

    Many actors freeze up when they see those words, worried they’re giving up control forever. But while “in perpetuity” can be risky, it’s not always a dealbreaker - and sometimes, it’s exactly what gets you on set.

    In this episode, you’ll discover:

    1. The hidden ways perpetual rights can block big opportunities down the road
    2. When low-visibility or internal-use projects are actually safe to sign
    3. How to quickly spot if the risk is worth the credit, cash, or career growth

    Press play now to protect your future and get booked smarter - without overthinking every contract.

    Contact & Resources

    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.

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    10 m
  • Ep. 228: You Don’t Need a Studio for Great Acting Self-Tapes
    Jan 12 2026

    How Do You Make a Pro-Level Self-Tape in a Tiny Apartment?

    Struggling with bad lighting, cluttered backgrounds, or unclear sound in your self-tapes? You're not alone - and the good news is, you don’t need a fancy studio or expensive gear to fix it.

    This episode of The Actor’s Career Compass shows you exactly how to build a clean, professional self-tape setup - no matter how small your space or tight your budget.

    If you've ever felt held back by your environment, this episode will help you shine on screen.

    Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

    1. The three must-have gear items that make your self-tapes look professional - without breaking the bank
    2. A simple lighting trick that flatters your face - even in a dark room
    3. A background fix that instantly makes casting directors take you more seriously

    Don’t miss this quick guide to looking and sounding like a working actor - even if you're just starting out.

    Here’s Some Self Tape Guidance & Additional Things You Can Purchase:

    Watch this video: https://youtu.be/ubj3jduYe9E

    Clicker for recording self-tapes:

    https://amzn.to/3VDIvrX

    Backdrop:

    https://amzn.to/4g3NfhV

    Lighting Kit:

    https://amzn.to/4hjoZcE

    Additional Light Stand (1 for backdrop):

    https://amzn.to/3Ci4CxO

    A Clamp (to attach backdrop to stand):

    https://amzn.to/3PIeqEf

    Lavaliere Microphone:

    https://amzn.to/3E3WX6E

    For questions or feedback, reach out:

    1. Email: martin@cityheadshots.com
    2. Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com

    Additional Resources:

    1. Headshots
    2. Shoot Footage for Your Reel
    3. 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.

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    24 m
  • Ep. 227: Never Blame Others or Your Acting Career Will Stay Stuck
    Jan 8 2026

    Are you unknowingly giving your power away in your acting career?

    If you’ve ever blamed your agent, the industry, or even your look for not booking roles, today’s episode might be the wake-up call you need.

    We’re diving into why taking 100% responsibility - for everything in your career - can be the ultimate game-changer.

    You'll discover:

    1. The sneaky ways actors lose control without realizing it
    2. How certain thoughts quietly kill your momentum and confidence
    3. A mindset shift that can turn casting directors’ heads and keep you top of mind

    Stop waiting to be discovered. Start creating your own momentum - press play now and take the first step toward real ownership of your acting future.

    Contact Information:

    1. Email: martin@cityheadshots.com
    2. 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.

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    11 m
  • Ep. 226: 5 Proven Steps to Help You Memorize Acting Lines Faster
    Jan 5 2026

    Struggling to memorize lines quickly without the stress?

    What if you could lock in your sides in under 20 minutes and show up off-book, confident, and ready to crush your next audition?

    Many actors feel overwhelmed trying to memorize lines fast - especially with last-minute self-tapes. But today’s episode gives you a simple workflow that helps you get off-book without the panic.

    Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

    – A sneaky letter-based technique that makes lines stick like glue

    – How to use improv strategically to boost memory instead of messing you up

    – A recall trick you can practice while doing chores that locks your lines in tight

    Don’t miss this quick but powerful method to make memorization easier and even fun—hit play now.

    Contact Info:

    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.

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    11 m
  • Ep. 225: How To Memorize Lines Twice As Fast By Making Them Personal
    Jan 1 2026

    Struggle to memorize lines no matter how many times you repeat them?

    What if the key to faster memorization isn't more drilling - but making your lines feel real?

    Most actors think memorizing is about repeating lines until they stick.


    But in this episode of The Actor’s Career Compass, you'll learn how emotion and personal meaning help lock lines into your memory naturally - no more robotic repetition.


    Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

    • A powerful trick for making dialogue feel personal - so it’s easier to memorize and perform.

    • The “Anchor Technique” that turns emotional memories into memorization tools.

    • A surprising way movement helps you learn lines faster and stay locked in on set.


    Want to finally stop blanking out on lines and start delivering them with real emotion? Tap play now and unlock the method that makes scripts stick.


    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 m
  • Ep. 224: Dennis Connors on the Simple Acting Game That Builds Real Emotion
    Dec 29 2025

    Are you forgetting to play when you act? Here’s how reconnecting with joy can transform your performances.

    Many actors get caught up trying to "do it right" - but in today’s episode, you’ll discover why fun might be the missing piece in your acting.

    When you tap into your natural curiosity and connection, your performances become more real, confident, and powerful.


    In this episode, you'll uncover:

    1. A simple game that helps you instantly feel more present, emotional, and honest in your scenes
    2. Why exploring different styles of acting can unlock surprising breakthroughs
    3. How building real connection in a scene can boost your confidence - even in high-pressure auditions


    Don’t miss this fun, eye-opening episode that will reignite your love for the craft - press play now and bring your performances to life.


    Dennis Connors:

    1. NextGen Acting: https://www.nextgenacting.com/

    Contact Information:

    1. Email: martin@cityheadshots.com
    2. 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.

    Más Menos
    42 m