Tech and Talent

Join hosts Jonathan and Brett with award-winning casting director and acting coach Erica Bream for a candid conversation about casting, coaching, and what really happens before the episode officially begins. Haha! Erica shares her passion for actors, insider audition tips, and how she approaches finding the right performer for a role. Expect practical takeaways on audition prep, classes and coaching, and the role of technology in rehearsals. Visit www.ericaSbreamcasting.com for her classes and resources offered during the episode.  And, of course, go to www.RehearseNow.ai to see the latest and greatest of Brett's work!  Wanna feel better about YOUR crazy life? Www.FloridaPoliceCam.com has gotcha covered!

In this episode of Tech and Talent the hosts sit down with Allen Barton — owner, head teacher, and playwright at the Beverly Hills Playhouse — to discuss his journey from student to school director, Milton Katselas’s teaching legacy, and the Playhouse’s old-school scene-study method. They cover classroom discipline, how actors should prepare (memorization, rehearsal, and administration), and why live theater training still matters in today’s fragmented media landscape. The conversation also examines the broader forces reshaping Los Angeles and the acting industry: COVID lockdown effects, the 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes, production shifts away from LA, the rise of vertical content and AI tools, and the uncertain economics for working actors. Allen shares candid views on AI as a tool (useful for rehearsal and analysis but not a replacement for craft), the erosion of residuals and traditional income streams, and the long-term outlook for celebrity and live performance. Listeners can expect practical teaching insights, personal stories from Allen’s 36-year LA career and apprenticeship with Milton Katselas, reflections on culture and technology, and a discussion of potential societal shifts (including economic pressures and UBI). The episode also highlights RehearseNow as a tech tool for actors and teases Allen’s new play and writing projects.

Actor‑producer David Bianchi joins Jonathan and Brett to unpack how AI and new tech are reshaping entertainment — from the SAG‑AFTRA contract debate over synthetic humans to real risks around digital replicas and influencer‑style virtual talent. They discuss David’s Mastering Your Self‑Tape approach (picture, sound, light), practical tips for actors to stay competitive, and the need for entrepreneurial thinking as productions shift globally. David also describes his Emmy‑nominated series Rzr, its blockchain distribution, and the show’s themes of brain‑computer interfaces and cyberpunk futures. Key takeaways: why the SAG vote matters, what "significant additional value" in the contract could mean, how actors can level up self‑tapes, and why creators should own IP and build audiences to protect their careers.

In this episode we sit down with Jason Lockhart, owner and head talent agent at Atlanta Models & Talent, to unpack the rise of vertical content, how AI is reshaping entertainment, and what that means for actors. Jason explains why he launched a vertical division, how non-union vertical projects are creating steady opportunities, and how agents and actors should approach new technology like AI avatars. Topics include: the vertical trend and its career potential, AI’s current and future impact on casting and representation, contract concerns (overtime, likeness use), the ethics of unpaid work, and practical advice for actors — from building footage and daily craft work to submitting self-tapes and leveraging platforms like Actors Access. Jason also shares his experience buying AMT, launching new departments, and creative business strategies that benefit talent. Expect actionable takeaways, candid stories (including client wins and a dog-sitting origin story), and resources to explore further such as amtagency.com, rehearseNow.ai, prodigytalenttraining.com and Jason’s book Ask an Agent (Get Jason's Book Here!). Whether you’re an aspiring actor or industry pro, this episode maps emerging opportunities and pitfalls in a rapidly evolving landscape. Plus, stick around to the end of the episode for a special BTS clip in which Brett, Jonathan, and Jason have a brief chat with the legendary Jesse Malinowski as he signs off! ***Grab your 14 days of FREE full access to RehearseNow by clicking here --> www.RehearseNow.ai/Tech

Hosts Jonathan McFadden and Brett Newton sit down with actor-entrepreneur Jesse Malinowski (Get Scene Studios) to discuss acting, entrepreneurship, and the mindset that turns big goals into simple actions. Jesse shares how Get Scene evolved into a hub for career-changing shifts, the annual Southeast Actors Summit, and practical lessons from building a thriving training company. The conversation dives into AI and tech-driven workflows—Claude, ChatGPT, Autopod, automated podcast editing, and AI-enhanced headshots—plus how these tools power content, marketing, and audition prep. Jesse also offers concrete guidance on communication with agents and casting directors, tracking auditions, and marketing strategies actors can use to stand out. Expect candid stories about bookings and career wins, motivational lessons on overcoming perfectionism, and actionable steps for actors, creators, and entrepreneurs who want systems, momentum, and real-world results. Check out Get Scene Studios -- GetSceneStudios.com. **Tech and Talent is powered by RehearseNow.ai and ProdigyTalentTraining.com