The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World

Welcome to Episode 43 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! Marvel drops the bomb it’s no longer doing business in Georgia and hopping over the pond to the UK. Has this been happening for years? E-Kan and Rían will get into that and discuss why they think UK has been bustling with film production. They also get into the nitty gritty, break down the differences between what an actor makes in SAG-Aftra in the US vs in the UK, and why E-Kan thinks the race to the bottom isn't sustainable.  On a bit of a lighter note, E-Kan also brings up a revealing article that might spell good news for LA and the Hollywood industry.  Stay to the end and you'll hear, did E-Kan really have an extra tooth?  If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review, it'll help other people find the podcast as well! Follow @actorsguidepodcast on social media for clips during the week! @ekansoong and @riansheehykelly on IG Marvel Leaves Georgia - https://nypost.com/2025/08/18/business/marvel-leaves-georgia-to-film-in-uk-gutting-states-movie-industry/ The productions numbers LA vs NYC vs Georgia - https://www.instagram.com/p/DMdFbz4O1WM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Hidden Gems: @industryjazzcafe - https://industry-cafe-jazz.res-menu.com/menu Wilson US Open Scavenger Hunt - @wilsontennis Time stamps:  (0:00) Intro (2:30) Marvel Has Left Georgia for the UK (8:15) The current number of productions LA vs NYC vs Atlanta (11:55) How it's like predicting stocks (17:50) How much does an actor make in the UK (28:15) Who's to blame?  (39:55) Hidden Gems    

Welcome to Episode 42 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! This episode is one for the film lovers - mostly. Tarantino has a gripe about the current state of film, calling it "repressive" while Richard Linklater has a word of caution for young filmmakers. On the brighter side, the NY Times released their Top 100 Films of the 21st Century and E-Kan and Rían break it down - what they got right and what they think they missed - and why they appreciate these films more now than ever. Meanwhile Amazon invests in a startup that has launched a streaming platform of AI generated content called "Showrunner". It will allow users to create their own animated tv shows in hopes of becoming the "Netflix of AI". Will it work? Is it more AI slop? E-Kan said it was going to be a fun episode but couldn't help himself.  The guys get into a discussion about the art of acting and film today - with the rise of social media and influencers, is acting going to become more and more niche, like say opera and ballet? This one gets wild.  If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review, it'll help other people find the podcast as well! Follow @actorsguidepodcast on social media for clips during the week! @ekansoong and @riansheehykelly on IG   "Netflix of AI" - https://variety.com/2025/digital/news/netflix-of-ai-amazon-invests-fable-showrunner-launch-1236471989/ NYT Top 100 List- https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/movies/best-movies-21st-century.html Richard Linklater on young filmmakers - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DL03De2S56-/?igsh=Mzc3ZTVlOWMwZA== Tarantino on the "repressive era" of film- https://www.instagram.com/p/DM_0XwATpuU/ Hidden Gems: Miracle and Wonder: Conversations with Paul Simon - https://www.pushkin.fm/audiobooks/miracle-and-wonder-conversations-with-paul-simon Sundance Collab - https://collab.sundance.org/ Time stamps:  (0:00) Intro (2:08) Amazon invests in the "Netflix of AI" (8:10) Richard Linklater's warning for young filmmakers (10:30) Is acting for tv/film going to go out of date?  (13:20) Why do people want to be famous?  (14:15) Live events are booming  (25:27) Tarantino calls it a "repressive era" of film  (26:00) The NY Times Top 100 List (55:00) Hidden Gems    

Welcome to Episode 41 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! E-Kan and Rían jump around this episode with a nice a recap of our recent guests Patrick Massett and Kevin Walsh, and some not so nice news with Actors Access changing their terms of service. You will hear what actors need to know, why actors are in a sticky situation, and the root of the problem actors have with Actors Access.  They also get into a discussion about keeping your status as an actor in a turbulent time in the industry. Then somehow the guys start comparing, who talks about their feelings less- the Irish or the Asians? And of course they start talking about their feelings. This is a deep one, ya'll.  Then E-Kan talks about the recent survey that said the top job wanted by young children was YouTuber or streamer, and why it might not be a bad thing.  If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review, it'll help other people find the podcast as well.  Follow @actorsguidepodcast on social media! @ekansoong, @riansheehykelly Actors Access video - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DM8Cc9tO43p/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== https://www.cnbc.com/2019/07/19/more-children-dream-of-being-youtubers-than-astronauts-lego-says.html Hidden Gem: Translate App The Rainmaker (USA Network, Peacock) Time stamps: (0:00) Intro (2:40) Actors Access drama (11:49) Rían's fear of getting in trouble (19:00) Recap of Patrick Massett and Kevin Walsh interviews and insights  (08:07) When Kevin first got the acting bug (23:00) Actions dictate Feelings (26:27) Asian vs Irish culture - who talks about their feelings less?  (34:00) YouTube is young kids' top profession (19:40) A crazy story with the guns and the armorer (41:40) Hidden Gems

Welcome to Episode 40 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! This week we have friend of the podcast and fellow actor in Los Angeles, Kevin Walsh!  For most of his life, Kevin was a professional footballer playing around the world, and now he’s taking center stage as an actor. Along with hilarious stories,  Kevin tells the guys about his transition to the arts and how he was a “closeted” actor and knew from early on, he was driven to pursue the arts. They also discuss how Kevin’s athletic background translates to his acting career, the moment when he told his dad he was going to quit playing football and become an actor and how Steven Urkel and Family Matters was an especially formative moment for him. Plenty of sports metaphors in this one - they talk about grit and determination and how film and tv is another great team sport. This was recorded a couple of months ago, and he talks about the process of producing a play -  “The Irish Curse 2.0: The Diverse Curse”. The play just wrapped and has been a success, selling out to great reviews. This is a fun one! If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review, it'll help other people find the podcast as well.    Kevin Walsh - @mayoyank @theirishcurse2.0_theplay Hidden Gem: Photographer Jeff Vespa @Jeffvespa   Time stamps (0:00) Intro (2:08) Getting Started in Acting (05:20) Life as a footballer (06:55) Inspired by Family Matters and Steve Urkel (08:07) When Kevin first got the acting bug (11:30) Having Self-Confidence (14:50) It’s the most complete I feel (16:50) Getting experience on set (19:40) A crazy story with the guns and the armorer (23:55) First paid job as an actor (28:00) Landing an agent and knowing your type (31:00) Why athletes make great actors (34:50) What it takes to producing a play (39:15) Hidden Gem

Welcome to Episode 39 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! This is a special one, folks. Writer-Producer Patrick Massett (Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Friday Night Lights, The Blacklist) returns to the show.  Unlike most sequels, this one might be better than the first time.  This week, Patrick discusses how Friday Night Lights became a cult classic, his writing process, the very best book on writing, and how he manages to keep the fire going despite the ups and downs of this crazy industry.  They also get into a very insightful conversation about mindset, spirituality, and how sobriety changed Patrick's life.  Of course, there will be more Hollywood stories, like the time Michael Mann almost got Patrick killed. So sit back and enjoy this one!  Follow us wherever you find your podcasts, including video on YouTube and Substack! And on all social media @actorsguidepodcast If you haven't heard their first conversation Episode 37, the link will be below. They discussed how Patrick grew up in rural Nebraska with a love for movies, starting out as an actor in Hollywood without knowing anyone besides, um, Val Kilmer, and how he broke through early adapting Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, the most successful video game adaptation up until Super Mario.  Patrick's IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0557266/ Patrick Massett Pt 1 - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/writer-producer-patrick-massett-talks-taking-risks/id1776516950?i=1000717431148 Time stamps (0:00) Intro (2:45) Friday Night Lights (10:00) How Friday Night Lights became a cult favorite (14:40) Crazy Eagles football story (16:00) What are the differences between writing and producer credits on a TV show?  (18:00) Dealing with politics on set (32:20) Did you think Jesse Plemons would be a star?  (36:20) Why Robert McKee's Story is the best writing book (45:00) What a writing day looks for Patrick (48:00) How sobriety changed his life (54:50) What's your favorite part about being a writer (1:01:35) The secrets to pitching a show (1:08:30) Gold film with Matthew McConaughey (01:13:30) The Michael Mann story (01:22:22) Hidden Gems    

Welcome to Episode 38 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! This week, we got a few bombs to drop. First WeTransfer, online file sharing service announced a highly confusing and enraging change to their terms and conditions, did someone say machine learning? This service is used by almost all actors and those working in the industry, so needless to say, people were freaking out. E-Kan and Rían will go over the backlash and what you need to know. Next, is the announcement that The Late Show with Colbert is ending despite strong ratings, and a look into why and what that means for the future of late night. This week is another segment of “The Best in Reddit” where E-Kan and Rían answer the best questions from the “acting” thread of Reddit which poses the question, “Does rehearsal kill the spontaneity in performance” We also talk about how Tom Holland revealed that he often goes over his lines the morning of when he’s in the make-up chair and more tales from Hollywood Land. The guys also break a new segment “Worst Breakdowns”, and go into an actual breakdown that has red flags all over it. For those not in the industry, breakdowns are the listings that have the information on the project, roles, that actors get when they audition for a project. This one was a DOOZY and a fair warning for those submitting for non-union projects especially.   Follow us wherever you find your podcasts, including video on YouTube and Substack! And on all social media @actorsguidepodcast   https://www.the-independent.com/tech/wetransfer-terms-conditions-ai-artificial-intelligence-b2789452.html https://tech.yahoo.com/ai/articles/wetransfer-backtracks-ai-file-training-205600763.html https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/wetransfer-changes-terms-licensing-rights-ai-1234747368/   Late Show with Stephen Colbert Ratings - https://latenighter.com/news/ratings/late-night-tv-ratings-q2-2025/   Reddit thread - https://www.reddit.com/r/acting/comments/1lick5v/netflixs_adolescence_kills_the_idea_that/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button https://youtube.com/shorts/iKGCSf9CjSI?si=ulSwwa0ACWN6TTbP Hidden Gems: Cooking fennel..? Xing Fu Tang (NYC, Taiwan) - https://xingfutang.com/   Time stamps: (0:00) Intro (1:45) WeTransfer changes terms of service (9:27) Late Show w/ Stephen Colbert ending (14:50) Worst Casting Breakdown ever (18:30) Best of Reddit acting thread - Does Over-rehearsing kill spontaneity in performance? (27:20) Tom Holland says he learns his lines the morning of in the makeup chair (32:40) Hidden Gems

Welcome to the Actors Guide to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 37! This week we have a very special guest, prolific screenwriter and producer, Patrick Massett! This episode is packed as Patrick walks the guys through his incredible career spanning decades, beginning with hitting it big co-writing Lara Croft: Tomb Raider w/ Angelina Jolie, the most successful video game adaptation until Super Mario. E-Kan and Rian got a treat to Patrick’s many classic Hollywood stories like doing theater with Val Kilmer and behind the scenes hanging on the set of Oliver Stone’s "The Doors" and how sometimes you gotta take big swings to succeed in this industry. They  go back to the Patrick's early days starting out as an actor, working with some of the greats in TV history, including Ron Moore, Larry Gordon, and Sean Ryan, as well as humble beginning growing up in Nebraska. You'll hear a hilarious story of how he got into his first acting class and yet another lesson why everyone should take an acting class.   Patrick talks about pivoting from acting to screenwriting and following his passion for telling stories. He also talks about his writing process and why handling criticism and feedback are so important to his success. This is a masterclass in how to handle the ebbs and flows of a tricky and evolving entertainment industry. Of course they eventually get into the polarizing AI conversation, and a larger discussion about data, money, and how it all will affect our entertainment industry and global economy, as well as an alarming warning of what might happen if we're not careful. This episode was so packed, stay tuned for a part two coming soon! Follow  @actorsguidepodcast  wherever you find your podcasts! New episodes here every Monday! Patrick's IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0557266/ Time Stamps: (0:00) Intro (3:00) Growing up in Nebraska and how it started (4:00) Shooting big helped them land Tomb Raider (7:30) The old Hollywood we miss (9:00) How a Nebraska quarterback got into acting and writing (10:49) The first person I met was Val Kilmer (11:30) Early inspirations and falling in love movies (13:10) Writing success rescued him from being broke (15:15) Mick Jagger and taking risks (16:45) How they landed Angelina Jolie (22:30) Getting typecast as the bad guy (28:55) How he started acting because of football (29:36) Doing Shakespeare with Val Kilmer (37:30) When Rían auditioned for Patrick (40:00) Pivoting from acting to writing and trusting your gut (41:21) Against all odds with Friday Night Lights (46:40) It’s a collaboration (52:15) Fighting the algorithm and the magic of the unknown (56:00) Why we need AI regulations and the future of TV (1:06:00) Final thoughts and keys to success

Welcome to Episode 36 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! This week, the AI Regulations Ban gets voted down by the Senate 99-1, so chalk one up for the good guys. Can’t speak about everything else in the bill, but that’s really good news for AI state regulations. Thanks to the overwhelming action taken by voters calling in to their local lawmakers and Senators, state AI laws will still be in effect and are safe… for now. The guys also discuss a recent MIT study on the brains of Chat GPT users and the results are TERRIFYING. You’ll want to hear this. Rían shares how he used Chat GPT for the first time and what happened when  E-Kan tried to adjust a picture of the Pyramids in Egypt in Chat GPT. The guys also discuss the trending vertical shorts that are sweeping through the entertainment industry. Cheesy, addictive, quick to shoot, and non-union-What can go wrong? What actors need to know and are they good for your career? It’s the good, the bad, and the ugly on this week’s episode! Follow us wherever you find your podcasts @actorsguidepodcast and on all social media. New episodes every Monday!    https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-senate-strikes-ai-regulation-ban-trump-megabill-2025-07-01/ https://time.com/7295195/ai-chatgpt-google-learning-school/ https://www.instagram.com/p/DLEzpBUxwG5/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLafRmfJ2qi/?igsh=MTl4YWJjMzlkZ24xYw== Hidden Gems: Wabry Strawberry Sauce https://www.amazon.com/W%C3%A4bry-Organic-Syrup-14-9-Strawberry/dp/B01B38XU7W/ref=asc_df_B01B38XU7W?mcid=ee468f94a7a33797ba79ab5d5c5adc45&hvocijid=9132119578248570766-B01B38XU7W-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9132119578248570766&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9002783&hvtargid=pla-2281435179098&th=1   DeMillo’s (Portland, ME) - https://www.dimillos.com/ Time stamps: (0:00) Intro (3:15) AI Regulations survive (4:40) Chat GPT affect on users’ brains (10:50) Are we willing to be uncomfortable? (15:15) How a journalist uses Chat GPT (18:37) Is it worth it to go to film school or drama school? (24:00) There still is hope for our youth (26:30) Vertical shorts are sweeping Hollywood (29:40) Should actors do vertical shorts? (36:00) What actors should be aware of (40:15) Hidden Gems    

Welcome to Episode 35 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! This week, CA got some big news and a step forward for getting production back in CA. E-Kan and Rían talk about the latest progress in CA’s $750 million film/tv tax credit as well as what just went down the FilmLA contract renewal. FilmLA is the non-profit that helps LA filmmakers get permits for their productions, at least that’s the idea. But with productions leaving CA in droves, LA filmmakers want some major change and showed it by making their voices heard at a town hall in Downtown LA. You’ll hear what went down. The guys also continue their conversation on making your own work, obstacles and roadblocks they’ve faced, and some practical tricks and methods to trick your brain and get sh#* done. E-Kan also saw a talk with Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr. and shares incredible lessons on leadership and collaboration from the Broadway gods themselves. And that gets them to Rían’s worst audition story for a musical and what could’ve been… if Rían just knew how to dance. You’ll also hear why Christopher Nolan said “You don’t need to be typing to be writing”, and E-Kan says “Write what makes you angry.” If you find yourself hitting stumbling blocks, this episode might help you. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/l-a-renews-film-office-contract-five-more-years-1236297718/ https://deadline.com/2025/06/california-passes-750m-film-tax-credit-funding-1236444493/   Lin-Manuel Miranda and Leslie Odom Jr conversation - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzHVG7r0G0c E-Kan directed a short- No Laughing Matter: Tears of A Clown link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=sleaN1b0og8&t=1s&sttick=0   Hidden Gems: The War of Art by Stephen Pressfield - https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Through-Creative-Battles/dp/9395741538/ref=asc_df_9395741538?mcid=5fad61ab3eb73b24b49e34f8e10be519&hvocijid=10747138887357338460-9395741538-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10747138887357338460&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003384&hvtargid=pla-2281435178778&psc=1 B&H Bild Expo- https://www.bildexpo.com/ Time stamps (0:00) Intro (3:50) CA Film TV Tax Credits (5:10) FilmLA Tax Renewal (08:40) Creating your own work (09:45) Rían’s worst audition story was for a musical (12:20) E-Kan enters a singing contest (15:00) Rían was almost a pop star (17:00) Why Lin-Manuel Miranda’s the best (21:00) Roadblocks that Rían faces (23:00) Practical ways to get started creating (26:40) Trick your brain (29:00) Get a deadline (38:00) Lesson E-Kan learned and why consistency is key (40:25) Hidden Gems    

Welcome to Episode 34 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! This week, the guys talk about why Disney and Universal is suing AI powerhouse Midjourney. It's time to root for Disney this time, and E-Kan and Rían talk about why it's a big deal for creators and the future of AI regulations. They dig into what Midjourney does exactly and the tricky debate about whose at fault if a copyrighted image is created - the user or the tool? Is Midjourney like using other tools like Photoshop?  E-Kan also opens up about AI tools he's scared to use and why we need to look into the terms of service for these sites. Can we trust anyone? So far, it's unclear.  They discuss the importance of AI regulations and the power of unions which gets them onto Tyler Perry and his tricky relationship with unions in the past.  And a side tangent- what does it mean when we say someone's intense? Is E-Kan intense? We then get into a conversation about Tom Cruise, how he's saving the movies, and what makes him, according to us, possibly the best movie star we have today. The dedication he has to working on camera and what actors need to learn from him. E-Kan then shares a story about how he did background on a Tom Cruise film back in the day which thrills Rían. This is a fun one, folks.  New episodes every Monday, wherever you find your podcasts, including video on YouTube and Substack. Follow us on social media at @actorsguidepodcast! Disney vs Midjourney Dain Walker post - https://www.instagram.com/p/DK0pmxdTupE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== https://www.wired.com/story/midjourney-generates-videos-of-disney-characters-amid-massive-copyright-lawsuit/ https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/11/business/media/disney-universal-midjourney-ai.html https://blavity.com/entertainment/heres-why-tyler-perry-could-get-in-trouble-with-labor-unions-again-with-new-play-madeas-farewell   Hidden Gems:  The Artist's Way (Julia Cameron) https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-25th-Anniversary/dp/0143129252 Magnesium L-Threonate (I'm not a doctor, shocker, please do your research)   Time stamps (2:17) Disney sues Midjourney (5:37) Who’s at fault? (10:33) Tyler Perry and Unions (15:10) We’re scared to use certain AI tools (20:08) Tom Cruise is saving movies  (22:40) How well Tom Cruise understands the lens (25:47) The intensity of Tom Cruise (30:48) When E-Kan worked on a Tom Cruise movie (40:09) Hidden Gems

Welcome to Episode 33 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! This week the guys discuss the massive layoffs happening throughout Hollywood, including WB Discovery, Paramount, Disney, and many more.  Looks like the actors and crew aren't the only ones looking for work. E-Kan and Rían find a little comfort in this turbulent time in the industry and talk about the only real thing to do right now - make your own stuff! This is just skimming the surface and part two will come, but E-Kan talks about his experience directing, producing, writing, and starring in award-winning web series and short films (links below). They talk about their experiences collaborating  with others, gems like don’t let great be the enemy of good, how creating your own work will make you a better actor, and how to prioritize starting a production from the ground up with limited resources.  If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to creating your own projects, this is the episode for you.    https://deadline.com/feature/hollywood-media-layoffs-list-1236007845/ Web series "Born Losers" https://bornloserstv.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@bornloserstv2995 Short Film - "No Laughing Matter: Tears of a Clown" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sleaN1b0og8&t=141s "How to Book with Lesly Kahn" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzSg6Q03W4o&t=22s Hidden Gems:  Ci Siamo (NYC) https://www.cisiamo.com/menus/   Time stamps (0:00) Intro (2:50) Layoffs at the studios (7:15) The only thing you can do as an actor (11:25) Don't let Great be the Enemy of Good  (13:25) Making your own stuff (15:50) How do you start?  (17:50) The freedom in making your own work (19:37) Minimizing expectations and the real purpose (29:00) Where it all started (29:50) The importance of finding the right partner (32:50) Hidden Gems    

Welcome to Episode 32 to the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World podcast! Still coming down from last week’s epic episode with last week’s guest Kirsten Sheridan, E-Kan and Rían recap major takeaways and lessons learned. Be sure to check out her summer workshop happening this month in LA, info below. They get onto a little blast from the past when E-Kan worked with a screen acting legend and all because he was an intern at the casting office. Listen in to hear how E-Kan’s ass got his first studio credit.  Rían also shares his first movie experience with Joel Schumacher and how he also worked at a casting office. You’ll hear what he learned about auditioning from watching and reading with so many actors as well as why “sexy indifference” is so appealing. Rían also brings up wisdom from incredible actor Michael Kostroff that changed how he looks at auditions and how it helped to remember “you’re not going to get the fucking job.” And then they discuss a controversial post about "self-tapes truths" from a former casting director that has caused a stir online. No ring light? Don’t act, just be yourself? No "bold choices"??  The guys get into it and what actors need to remember, especially newer ones. You’re going to want to hear this one. New episodes every Monday, wherever you find your podcasts, including video on Youtube and Substack! Follow @actorsguidepodcast on all social media including IG and TikTok.   Kirsten Sheridan’s website-  www.kirstensheridan.net  Summer workshop - www.bowstreet.ie/kirsten-sheridan-workshop  Aaron Paul “Breaking Bad” audition https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-6vWahav9E Amy Adam’s “June Bug” audition https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxxVcAc4gZc Emma stone’s audition “Easy A” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6f0UgVxpe9E   Hidden gems: Museum of Moving Image (Astoria, NY) Jim Henson and Mission Impossible https://movingimage.org/whats-on/screenings-and-series/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22307333704&gbraid=0AAAAAogSa6Wx8yyXir9YTjwyjqeZFYzj5&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjJrCBhCXARIsAI5x66XlXeI3vGlrWaJ2gD1A1MEz2nVXJz1fo9cnMikUedk5lfQr6S7bsjgaAmNzEALw_wcB Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari https://www.amazon.com/Nexus-Brief-History-Information-Networks/dp/059373422X Time stamps (0:00) Intro (2:45) Kirsten Sheridan recap (7:05) Working with legend Tom Hanks (12:50) Rían first film experience with Joel Shumacher (17:00) Lessons learned from interning at a casting office (18:00) Audition workshop from "The Wire" actor Michael Kostroff (23:30) "Self-Tape Truths" debunked (35:24) Learn from the best auditions online (37:00) Hidden gems    

Welcome to Episode 31 to the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World podcast! This episode came out a little late this week but it’s worth the wait. We have our very first guest- Oscar nominated writer director Kirsten Sheridan stops by the show.  That's right. We might just quit after this episode.  We discuss so many things, from being nominated for writing “In America”, the indie hit based on her life story immigrating to the U.S., watching her legendary director father direct Daniel Day Lewis, and directing her first feature starring a 25-year old Cillian Murphy. The incredible actors she has worked with include Samantha Morton, Paddy Considine, Djimon Hounsou, and of course Robin Williams. She has so much wisdom to share.  Kirsten talks about the biggest lesson she learned from her father and the one piece of advice she always gives actors. Also what on Earth is Danny Devito’s Troll Foot? And what’s a 99? Also Kirsten's latest show "Say Nothing" on Hulu is earning rave reviews. The gripping true story spans four decades during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, and we discuss the impact it's having on audiences. She and Rían also reminisce as they happened to have gone to the same high school as one another.  As if that wasn't enough, she started a filmmaking community/school in Ireland and is bringing that experience to LA this summer (info below). We talk about how she likes to work with actors and how she helps them achieve their best work, as well what she looks for in self tapes.  Kirsten is clearly a director an actor would dream to work with but also to have as a guest. Please enjoy this episode.  Kirsten Sheridan’s website-  www.kirstensheridan.net  Summer workshop - www.bowstreet.ie/kirsten-sheridan-workshop  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0792202/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1 IG: @bowstreetacademy Time stamps (0:00) Intro (1:24) Kirsten Sheridan (3:11) Seeing the flaws of your old work (5:09) Cillian Murphy is an incredible actor (9:27) Pitfalls learning lessons as a young director (09:54) The big lesson Kirsten learned from her legendary director father (11:12) The worst thing a director can do (15:24) Growing up on film sets (18:20) How writing helped her find her voice (18:54) Starting a film acting school (21:11) In America (23:03) Imposter syndrome (24:26) Behind the scenes of In America (30:27) Building a community in LA (34:43) Hulu hit “Say Nothing” (41:11) Ireland’s tumultuous history (44:33) How to survive in the new industry of entertainment (49:26) Danny Devito and Troll Foot (50:24) Teaching classes and building community (56:07) Viciously protecting your craft like Cillian Murphy (57:51) Directing Robin Williams (1:00:35) How do you keep up with all the content? (1:03:09) The one piece of advice I always give actors (1:04:44) Finding the actors’ essence (1:08:44) What's next for Kirsten (1:10:49) Hidden gems

Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World, Episode 30! Both E-Kan and Rían are having excellent days with this recording, you’ll have to listen to hear why. E-Kan saw DeNiro speak and learned what it makes him such a great movie star and actor. It was also the first time E-Kan's sister was ever star struck. We talk about how the game has changed since DeNiro was coming up and a little about the pros and cons of self-tapes. What are actors missing out on not going into the room anymore? Does it hurt them on set? We get onto a little bit about the process, memorizing lines, what we have found to be successful, and an interesting story about Anthony Hopkins and why he reads his script 200 times.  Then E-Kan talks about how he sets boundaries, avoids getting overwhelmed by the news cycle and what he's learned about the Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck.    Follow us wherever you find your podcasts, including video on YouTube and Substack. Hidden Gems:  Radio Bakery (NYC) @radiobakerynyc Line Learner App Anthony's Paint & Body Shop (Santa Monica) - https://www.yelp.com/biz/anthonys-paint-and-body-shop-santa-monica?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)   Walton Goggins video - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJaSWnKs9mB/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== Anthony Hopkins Westworld video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kSGkGKwp9U The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck- https://www.amazon.com/Subtle-Art-Not-Giving-Counterintuitive/dp/0062457713 (00:00) Intro (05:08) Meeting DeNiro (09:04) How the industry has changed (10:50)The trap of self-tapes  (13:40) How important is memorizing lines (14:20) Anthony Hopkins' simple process (19:00) What works for us (26:00) How do you choose what to care about? And not get overwhelmed (28:40) The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck (30:00) Hidden Gems    

Welcome to Episode 29 of the Actor’s Guide to The End of the World! This one is PACKED. We have AI Regulations for actors, healthcare, and everyone else are in danger thanks to the folks in Congress. You'll hear what happened when E-Kan gave them a call this week.  E-Kan and Rían also go over the tentative SAG-Aftra commercial contract up for vote this week and everything actors need to know to make an informed decision and what major gains were achieved. Also why these contracts are important for all actors, whether you're in SAG-Aftra or not. They get on to the very polarizing talk about union, fi-core, non-union, and the rampant amount of non-union projects, especially commercials. Why is Fi-core so polarizing? Should there be a stigma around fi-core? We go DEEP on this.  Rian even drops some Ireland political history into the mix. You'll hear what casting site just got called out for using AI models on its site. OY it never ends.  Then they discuss the valuable lesson learned from Alan Rickman, who achieved major fame with his first movie role at age 41 in Die Hard which gets them on to the importance of having a life, staying in the game, and how to play the waiting game as an actor without being a victim. Both Rían and E-Kan share how fear and ego has held them back and what they're doing about it and the power of community. Follow us wherever you find your podcasts, including video on YouTube and Substack. Hidden Gems:  AMC Discount Wednesdays and Tuesdays (with free Stubs membership) Griffith Observatory show (Los Angeles) https://griffithobservatory.org/explore/daily-programs/   (02:10) Congress tries to strip AI Regulations (04:15) E-Kan calls Congress (07:26) The ongoing AI debate (09:13) Casting site gets caught using AI models (12:00) SAG-Aftra Commercial Contract (14:15) How Streaming commercials pay out vs Linear TV (24:00) What is Fi-core? (28:55) Does Fi-core weaken the Union? (35:00) Is it wrong to work outside of LA? (37:10) Alan Rickman broke out at 41 (39:15) What is your idea of making it? (43:16) E-Kan faced his fear (44:20) Don’t wait for someone to reach down to you (45:00) Hidden Gems