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Martin Bentsen

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)."

The Actor's Career Compass

Want Casting Directors to Call You In for Auditions? Here's a Smart Way In…

Ever wonder how actors land roles before even auditioning? What if just helping out at auditions could get you on the radar of major casting directors?

In today’s episode, Martin breaks down the little-known strategy of becoming a reader - and how it can quietly fast-track your acting career.

This episode is a must-listen if you want more legit auditions, build real connections, and stand out professionally without trying too hard.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

• The secret reason casting directors love great readers - and how you can become one they remember

• How volunteering as a reader can lead to surprise invitations for real auditions

• The simple way to get your foot in the door, even if you’ve never worked on a professional set

Don’t miss your chance to unlock new auditions by being helpful in the room - press play now and start building the right connections.

Contact Info:

• 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.

Ep. 223: Should You Be a Reader to Boost Your Acting Career?

Want to Get Cast on Your Dream TV Show - Even Without an Agent?

What if you could get in the room for your favorite show before it starts casting?

Many actors wait around for auditions to drop… but smart actors know how to plan ahead.

In this episode of The Actor’s Career Compass, Martin Bentsen shows you how to build real relationships and position yourself for casting opportunities - even if you don’t yet have representation.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

The little-known strategy for figuring out who’s casting a show even if IMDbPro has no info yetHow to start connecting with casting directors the right way - without being weird or pushyA clever method for standing out by offering something extra (that has nothing to do with acting)

Hit play now to learn how to get noticed before the show starts holding auditions.

Email: martin@cityheadshots.com

Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com

Additional Resources:

HeadshotsShoot Footage for Your ReelEdit 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.

Ep. 222: 3 Ways to Target a TV Show Before It Casts (No Agent Needed for Acting Opportunities)

How Can You Add a Credit to Your Resume Before It’s Even Filmed?

Ever booked a role but weren’t sure if or how to list it on your resume? You’re not alone - and if you do it wrong, it could actually hurt your chances with casting directors and agents.

In this episode of The Actor’s Career Compass, Martin Bentsen shares the exact steps to list unfilmed and unreleased projects professionally - so your resume looks current, trustworthy, and industry-ready.

Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode:

 • The 
right • way to label roles that haven’t filmed yet - without raising red flags
 • Why one wrong word (like “upcoming”) can make you look dishonest
 • The little-known rule about how many pre-production credits you should 
actually • list

Hit play to learn how to show momentum in your career without misrepresenting your experience.

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.

Ep. 221: How To Add Unfinished Roles To Your Acting Resume Without Looking Unprofessional

What’s the Real Age You Can Actually Play on Camera?

Are you listing the right age range on your actor profiles - or are you secretly scaring off casting directors?

Most actors guess their playable age based on what they hope they can book. But in today’s episode, you’ll learn how to figure out the real age range that casting directors and agents actually believe - so you can land more auditions and avoid looking unprofessional.

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

 • Why your 
face • sells one age, but your 
energy • sells another - and how to figure out both
 • The exact range width that makes you look polished and castable (hint: bigger isn’t better)
 • The one mistake that makes agents roll their eyes at your profile

Listen now and learn how to adjust your age range to get called in more often - with less guesswork.

Email: martin@cityheadshots.com

Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com

Additional Resources:

HeadshotsShoot Footage for Your ReelEdit 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.

Ep. 220: Should You Widen Your Acting Age Range to Book More Roles? Here’s the Truth

How Do Some Actors Land Auditions Every Week While Others Struggle to Get One?

If you're tired of waiting around for opportunities that never come, today's episode will show you how to take control of your acting career and start booking more auditions fast.

You’ll hear from actor Court Zeppernick, who shares his journey from radio to TV and film - and how he now gets consistent auditions every week.

Discover how he simplified his self-tape process, gained discipline, and built momentum that keeps his inbox full of casting notices.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

 • A mindset shift that helped Court get noticed by agents and casting directors
 • How to save time on self-tapes without sacrificing quality
 • The real reason most actors aren’t auditioning enough - and how to fix it fast

Hit play now to learn how to boost your audition rate and build a career that moves forward every week.

Contact & Resources

Email: martin@cityheadshots.com

Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com

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.

Ep. 219: Why Most Acting Careers Stall & How One Actor Fixed It To Book More Auditions

Are you tired of second-guessing your self-tapes after you hit “submit”?

What if you could review your audition with clear eyes - within the hour - and feel totally confident about what you send in?

In this episode of The Actor’s Career Compass, you’ll learn how to reset your brain fast so you can catch performance issues before it's too late.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

– A weird but effective way to trick your brain into seeing your audition like it’s someone else’s

– Quick review techniques that expose weak moments you’d normally miss

– A smarter way to rewatch your takes so you stop doubting your choices

Submit stronger tapes faster than other actors. Hit play now and make your next audition your best yet.

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.

Ep. 218: How to Watch Your Acting Tape Like a Casting Director

Are you skipping steps in your acting journey without even realizing it?

So many actors feel stuck, busy, or unsure if they’re actually improving. In this episode, legendary acting coach Terry Knickerbocker - who has trained stars like Sam Rockwell, Austin Butler, and Emmy Rossum - pulls back the curtain on what real growth looks like behind the scenes.

If you’ve ever wondered why some actors skyrocket while others stall out, this conversation is packed with insight from someone who’s helped shape over 300 projects in film, TV, and theater.

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

 • The little-known daily habits top actors use to break through faster than the rest
 • What “acorn-to-oak” development really looks like - and how to know if you're on the right path
 • Simple ways to spot 
real • progress in your work (even when it feels slow or hard)

Press play to find out what you're missing - and how to start growing like the pros.

Terry Knickerbocker:

January Conservatory

- Now enrolling

- Classes begin January 15th

Spring Intensive

- Now enrolling

- Classes begin February 16th 

book a conversation with our Office of Admissions

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.

Ep. 217: How Terry Knickerbocker Trains Top Talent to Master Their Acting Craft

Why Does Your Acting Feel Fake On Camera - And How Can You Fix It?

Ever watch your self-tape and cringe, thinking, “Why does this feel so forced?” You’re likely indicating - and in this episode, we uncover where it really comes from and how to stop.

Indicating happens when you show emotions instead of truly feeling them.It’s a big reason why auditions fall flat, even for experienced actors.

But here’s the good news: once you know the root cause, you can fix it fast - and your performances will feel more honest and powerful.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

 • The sneaky trap even advanced actors fall into that causes fake-looking acting
 • Why doing 
less • in your prep can actually help you 
feel • more in the scene
 • A simple mindset shift that helps your emotions show up naturally, without forcing anything

Want your self-tapes to feel raw, real, and bookable? Listen now and transform your next audition.

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.

Ep. 216: Why Simplifying Acting Choices Creates More Powerful On-Camera Moments

Should You Use Filmed-for-Reel Scenes? Here's What Casting Directors Really Think

Have you ever wondered if casting directors can instantly tell when your footage is fake?

For many actors, getting footage that looks like it's from a real movie or show can feel impossible without first landing a legit role. 

But today’s episode reveals why “shot-for-reel” scenes can either help or hurt you - and how to make sure yours works in your favor.

You'll discover:

 • The surprising truth about why some filmed-for-reel scenes actually 
turn casting directors off • Three subtle giveaways that make even pro-shot scenes scream "fake"
 • What makes a clip pass the “channel flip” test—and why that’s the new gold standard for actor reels

Press play now to learn how to make your reel feel undeniably real and attract the right kind of attention.

Contact Info:

Email: • 
martin@cityheadshots.comWebsite: • 
https://www.martinbentsen.com

Additional Resources:

HeadshotsShoot Footage for Your ReelEdit 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.

Ep. 215: Is it OK to Film Custom Reel Scenes To Book Acting Roles Faster?

How Much Emotional Prep Is Too Much for a Scene? Find Out Here.

Do you ever feel like you’re overthinking your scenes - or trying too hard to “feel” something? You’re not alone, and today’s episode breaks down exactly how much emotional prep you need to feel confident without going overboard.

Many actors spend so much time prepping that they lose the natural spark and spontaneity of the moment. This episode shows you how to prep just enough - so your work feels real, honest, and clean on camera.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

 • A simple emotional prep rule that will instantly boost your performance clarity
 • The biggest red flag that you’re over-preparing (and how to stop)
 • Three must-ask questions to help you feel grounded before hitting record

Listen now to stop second-guessing your prep - and start delivering performances that feel real, not forced.

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.

Ep. 214: Should You Simplify Acting Prep If You Want More Auditions/Bookings? Here’s the Truth

Feel awkward negotiating your pay as an actor?

Negotiating can be challenging, especially if you've never done it before.

Martin shares valuable insights and strategies in this episode to help actors navigate this process effectively:

 1. Understand the importance of building a portfolio BEFORE focusing on pay negotiations.
 2. Learn practical tips for negotiating better rates by showcasing your value and professionalism.
 3. Discover long-term strategies to command higher rates through skill development and industry connections.

Enhance your negotiation skills—listen to this episode now for expert advice and actionable tips!

For more information and resources, reach out to Martin at martin@cityheadshots.com and visit his websites at https://www.martinbentsen.com, https://www.cityheadshots.com, https://www.actorscreenershoot.com, and https://www.demoreelsnyc.com.
Contact Info and Resources • Martin's Email: martin@cityheadshots.com
 • Martin's Website: 
https://www.martinbentsen.com • Headshots: 
https://www.cityheadshots.com • Shoot Footage for Your Reel: 
https://www.actorscreenershoot.com • Edit Footage Into a Reel: 
https://www.demoreelsnyc.com

 

This podcast 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.

Ep. 53: How to Negotiate Your Pay (Without an Acting Agent)

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