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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

Can you really film a great self-tape while living out of a suitcase?

In this episode of The Actor’s Career Compass, Martin shares exactly how to keep audition-ready - even when you're far from home and stuck in a cramped hotel room.

You’ll learn how a little planning and a few smart tools can make all the difference in keeping your acting career moving forward while on the go.

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

 • The 3 essential items you need to tape strong auditions from anywhere - even a tiny Airbnb
 • How to turn bland hotel spaces into believable audition setups with no extra gear
 • Creative ways to handle auditions when you’re traveling solo and don’t have a reader

Press play now and discover how to self-tape confidently from anywhere without missing a single audition opportunity.

Product Links

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

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. 212: How to Film Great Acting Self-Tapes from Any Location

Are your acting submissions getting ignored - even when you know you’re good enough to book the role?

In this episode of The Actor’s Career Compass, you’ll learn how to test your materials and submissions in a smart, strategic way so you stop guessing and start booking.

If your audition rate is lower than it should be, this approach can help you fix the problem fast - without wasting time or money.

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

 • A simple way to rebrand your actor profile to stand out in casting rooms
 • How to use low/no-pay projects as a “submission lab” to quickly find what works
 • What 
not • to waste time testing so you stay focused on the things that move the needle

Start making every submission count - and finally book more of the roles you’re right for.

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. 211: Try This Advanced Strategy to Book More Acting Roles

Would your partner be OK watching you kiss someone on stage or screen?

As an actor, kissing scenes can come with the job - but what happens when you’re in a relationship and your partner starts to feel uncomfortable watching it play out?

This episode breaks down how to handle those moments with care, clarity, and confidence.

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

– A smart way to avoid drama before accepting any romantic acting roles

– What to say when your partner says “I’m fine with it”… but really isn’t

– How to protect your relationship without sabotaging your acting career

Hit play now to learn how to handle acting intimacy and keep your relationship strong.

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. 210: How To Handle Kissing Scenes in Acting Without Damaging Your Relationship

Are you stuck doing free acting gigs and wondering when the paychecks will finally come?

If you've been working hard on student films, building your reel, and gaining experience - but still aren't getting paid for your work - this episode is for you.

Discover why continuing to say “yes” to unpaid roles may be quietly holding your career back and how to finally shift into consistent, paid acting work.

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

 • The sneaky signal free projects send to casting directors (and how to stop it)
 • A simple mindset shift that helps producers take you seriously - and expect to pay you
 • The tools that instantly raise your perceived value, even without a big résumé

Start treating yourself like a pro, and the industry will too - hit play to learn how to make that happen.

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. 209: How To Start Getting PAID for Acting

Are agents and casting directors ignoring you - even though you know you’ve got talent?

It might not be your acting skills holding you back - it’s what they see before you ever get a chance to perform.

In this episode of The Actor’s Career Compass, we break down the surprising reason why your auditions might be dead on arrival and what you can do to fix it today.

You’ll discover:

 • Why even talented actors are seen as “not ready” (and what gives that impression instantly)
 • The small, often-overlooked detail that makes agents click away from your submission
 • How to build an acting profile that gets attention - even with little experience

Don’t let your career stall just because of a weak profile. Hit play now and learn how to start booking more roles, faster.

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. 208: How To Build an Acting Profile That Gets You Auditions - No Matter Your Experience

What Should You Do When You Can’t Make a Last-Minute Audition?

Ever gotten an audition request with barely any time to prepare - and had no idea how to handle it?

In this episode of The Actor’s Career Compass, Martin Bentsen shares what to say to your agent when you can’t meet a quick-turnaround deadline, how to protect your reputation, and what to do if you slip up and miss one completely.

You’ll learn:

 • The exact words to use when you need to say “no” without sounding flaky
 • How to bounce back if you accidentally ghost a deadline
 • A simple system to make sure you never miss one again

Hit play now to stay on your agent’s good side - even when life gets in the way.

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. 207: Signs You’re Mishandling Last-Minute Acting Auditions & How To Turn It Around

Do tech problems make you want to quit acting altogether?

If you’ve ever panicked over uploading a self-tape or wanted to throw your phone trying to send a video, you're not alone. Today’s episode is all about making tech simple - even if you hate it.

Learn how a free, easy tool can walk you through any tech issue step-by-step, just like texting a friend who knows everything.

Whether you're stuck on video formats, confused by casting site instructions, or don't even know where your files are saved - help is just one question away.

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

 • A simple, free way to get instant answers to your toughest tech questions
 • How to make submitting self-tapes feel as easy as sending a text
 • The tool actors are using to finally stop stressing over tech (no experience required)

Start making tech one less thing you have to worry about - listen now and feel the relief of handling everything on your own.

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. 206: Think You Need to Be “Tech-Savvy” to Succeed in Acting? You Don’t

Is acting for free helping your career - or just helping someone else’s dream while draining yours?

Today’s episode dives into a hot-button issue: whether unpaid acting work is a valuable stepping stone or a red flag in disguise.

If you've ever wondered whether that next “passion project” will lead to something real - or just waste your time - this episode is for you.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• How to tell if a free acting gig is helping or hurting your long-term success

• The one mistake actors make that leads to burnout and career stalls

• Signs you’re being exploited by low-budget filmmakers (and how to spot them early)

Listen now to find out if free acting gigs are building your future or breaking your spirit.

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. 205: Should You Do Free Acting Work If You’re Serious About Booking Legit Roles?

What Should You Do If Casting Sends You the Wrong Sides?

Have you ever submitted for one role, but casting sends you sides for a completely different one? What does it mean - and what should you do next?

Sometimes casting sees something in you that fits another role better.

In this episode, Martin explains why getting unexpected sides might actually be a sign you're standing out, and how to handle the situation like a pro.

You’ll discover:

 • Why getting the “wrong” sides could actually be great news
 • A simple message to send if you’re unsure what role to prep
 • How to use this twist to show your adaptability and impress casting

Listen now to learn how to turn a surprise audition request into a standout moment.

Contact Info:

Email: • 
martin@cityheadshots.comWebsite: • 
www.martinbentsen.comHeadshots: • 
www.cityheadshots.comShoot Footage for Your Reel: • 
www.actorscreenershoot.comEdit Footage Into a Reel: • 
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. 204: Got Sent the Wrong Acting Sides? Don’t Panic - It Might Be Your Breakout Moment

Are your Backstage clips getting ignored by casting directors?

If your profile isn’t helping you book product commercials, your testimonial clip might be the missing piece.

In this episode of The Actor’s Career Compass, you’ll learn how to create a short but powerful video that builds trust, shows off your personality, and helps you stand out in a crowded market.

You’ll discover:

What makes a testimonial feel real and why casting directors love thatThe #1 shift in camera technique that builds instant trust on screenHow to use your lighting setup to look professional and get more callbacks

Record your clip today - and start landing more commercial auditions tomorrow.

Email: martin@cityheadshots.com

Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com

Additional Resources:

Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.comShoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.comEdit 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. 203: How to Make a Strong Acting Testimonial Clip on Backstage That Grabs Attention Fast

Ever wondered what talent agents really look for when signing actors? Get insider tips from Valerie Adami, a seasoned New York talent agent!

Valerie Adami brings a wealth of experience from her journey in musical theater, commercials, voice-over, and soap operas, to her role as a talent agent. She knows what makes an actor stand out—and what doesn’t.

From her time as director of the Weist-Barron School for Film & TV to representing top talent, Valerie shares valuable insights for actors looking to make a lasting impression on agents:

 • Discover what agents prioritize when considering new talent and what makes an actor irresistible to sign.
 • Learn the major red flags agents watch for and what mistakes can make them skip over a prospective client.
 • Get practical advice on the best ways to contact agents—and the big 
don'ts • to avoid.

Listen to this episode to learn the do’s and don’ts of reaching out to talent agents and discover what it takes to stand out in New York’s competitive acting scene.

You can reach Valerie and her agency at https://sw-artists.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. 110: Major Red Flags That Will Make Film Acting Agents Pass on You – And How To Avoid Them

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