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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

Is your reel turning casting directors off in the first 10 seconds?

Many actors unknowingly start their reel with scenes that make them look unlikable - and that can cost you the audition.

But with just a few simple shifts, you can instantly pull casting directors in and make them want to see more.

In today’s episode of The Actor’s Career Compass, you’ll learn why your opening scene matters so much and how to make a memorable first impression fast.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

The one type of scene that instantly kills your likability - and what to do instead

What small on-camera moments make casting directors feel connected to you

A simple way to add depth to emotional scenes so they draw people in instead of pushing them away

Listen now to find out how to open your reel in a way that makes casting directors say, “I want to meet this actor.”

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. 183: Avoid This BIG Mistake in Your Acting Reel

Are you tired of pretending you're okay when acting feels like it’s tearing you apart inside?

In today’s episode of The Actor’s Career Compass, we talk about the hidden emotional toll of being an actor - and why it doesn’t mean you're weak or failing. If you've ever felt crushed by rejection or exhausted by the need to always look like you’re thriving, this one’s for you.

You’ll learn:

Why the acting world can feel so personal - and how to stop letting it destroy your confidence

The quiet damage of always “staying positive” when you feel anything but

A better way to measure progress so you finally feel like you’re moving forward

Hit play now and learn a healthier path to loving your craft again - without losing yourself along the way.

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. 182: How To Rebuild Confidence After Setbacks in Your Acting Career

Why Isn’t Your Agent Sending You Auditions? Here's What You Can Do About It

Ever wonder why your agent seems to have gone quiet lately?

Many actors think their agent isn’t working hard enough, but the truth might be something else. 

If your audition skills or materials aren’t up to par, even a great agent may stop submitting you to protect their own reputation.

In this episode, you'll learn how to quickly shift that dynamic and start landing more opportunities.

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

 • The hidden reason agents quietly pull back - and how to quickly get back in their good graces
 • A simple email check-in strategy that keeps you top-of-mind without being pushy
 • How to book roles on your own and use that momentum to reignite agent interest

Ready to take back control and get more auditions? Listen to this episode now.

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. 181: Reasons Your Agent Stopped Sending You Auditions - And How to Fix It FAST

What does it take to get signed by a top talent agent - and keep that relationship strong?

If you’ve ever wondered why some actors get meetings with agents while others are ignored, this episode gives you answers straight from the source.

Marc Soper is not only a SAG-AFTRA actor with years of military experience - he also runs one of the biggest talent agencies in the Southeast.

Discover what really matters when agents choose new talent - and what you should avoid doing.

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

 • Why your first impression can make or break your shot at representation
 • How to tell if you’re ready to reach out to an agent - or need more prep
 • The surprising things that make agents 
not • respond to your email

Hit play to hear how you can stand out and grow a lasting relationship with an agent who believes in you.

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. 180: An Agent's Top Tips for Getting Signed and Building Your Acting Career

Are you using your imagination to unlock your best acting performances?

Most actors don’t realize how important imagination is to feeling real emotion on screen.

If your acting ever feels flat or forced, the problem might be that you’re not playing enough. 

In this episode, we explore simple and fun ways to grow your imagination, so your acting feels alive, believable, and full of feeling.

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:

 • Why pretending like a kid again can totally transform how you prepare for roles
 • The fast mental game that trains your brain to think like your character instantly
 • One powerful habit that helps your scenes feel real—even before you start acting

Press play now to strengthen your imagination and unlock performances that feel real, emotional, and fun to watch.

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. 179: Why Imagination Matters in Acting & How To Build It

Can You Use a Reader of a Different Gender in a Self Tape?

Ever wonder if using a reader of a different gender could hurt your audition?

In today’s acting episode, we break down a common worry actors face when taping at home: does your reader’s gender matter - and how can you make sure it doesn’t distract from your performance?

You’ll discover:

 • Why casting directors don’t care about your reader’s gender - but something else does matter
 • The one thing your reader should 
never • do when reading lines
 • A simple way to be ready for big auditions, no matter who’s around to help

Hit play now and learn how to keep your acting strong, even with the “wrong” reader behind the camera.

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. 178: Can You Use a Male Reader for a Female Role in Acting Auditions?

Are you still waiting on someone else to help you get great acting clips?

You don’t need fancy equipment, expensive coaching, or anyone else’s schedule to start showing off your acting range today.

This episode breaks down how to create strong, professional-looking footage on your own - fast.

Here’s what you’ll get in today’s episode:

 • A smart way to show raw emotion in a scene - even without a script
 • What casting directors 
really • want to see in a clip
 • How to shoot self-made scenes that actually look professional

Start building a reel that gets attention from agents and casting directors - listen now and learn how to film clips that work without the wait.

Here’s Some Additional Self Tape Guidance & 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

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. 177: How To Create Great Acting Clips Fast Without Scripts or a Crew

How Do You Explain a Long Break from Acting - Without Sounding Unsure?

Have you taken 10, 20, or even 30 years off from acting - and now you’re wondering how to explain that gap without sounding awkward or uncertain?

Many actors feel nervous reentering the industry after a long break. But really, casting directors care much more about your passion and preparation now than what you did in the past.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

 • A confident way to explain your acting gap that actually makes you more castable
 • How to turn your life experience into a strength that sets you apart
 • What agents and casting directors 
really • want to hear in a cover letter, bio, or meeting

Ready to feel proud of your story and excited about your next chapter? Hit play and let’s build your confidence.

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. 176: How to Use a Career Pause to Reignite Your Acting Journey with Confidence

Are you struggling to land your first union-level speaking role as an actor?

In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Marcus, a full-time actor for over 40 years with nearly 1,300 bookings under his belt. He shares the exact steps he took to break into union work and how today’s actors can rise above industry challenges.

You’ll discover:

 • A common mistake actors make that keeps them from getting seen by agents
 • The quiet trick Aaron used to land his very first union role (and how it still works today)
 • What to do when your emails to agents go unanswered - even with solid credits and strong footage

Listen now to learn how you can move closer to union-level work and start landing roles faster.

Contact Aaron at howtoactandmodel.com

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. 175: How Aaron Marcus Landed 1,300+ Acting Gigs Over 40 Years Without Burning Out

Are you missing out on roles just because casting directors don’t know you’re SAG-AFTRA Eligible?

Too many actors work hard to earn SAG-AFTRA Eligibility - then fail to show it in the right places.

In this episode, we’ll help you make sure your union status gets noticed so casting directors can say “yes” to you fast.

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

 • The one place most actors forget to mention their eligibility - and why it matters
 • How to subtly spotlight your union status in a way agents and CDs actually read
 • A quick fix to make your resume and profiles union-ready without overthinking it

Want to start booking legit roles? Play this episode now to make your eligibility work 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.

Ep. 178: Can You Use a Male Reader for a Female Role in Acting Auditions?

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