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Film & TV Casting Directors You Should Know: 2025 Regional & National Spotlight

By The Up-To-Date Actor, October 06, 2025

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If you want to consistently book work in film and television, there’s one truth you can’t ignore: casting directors are the gatekeepers. They decide which actors get in the room (or on the self-tape list), and which performances make it in front of producers and directors.

For actors building a professional career, it’s not enough to only know the handful of big-name CDs in Los Angeles and New York — you also need to understand the regional markets where production is active, and the casting directors who call the shots there.

Your Fall Industry Update – Film/TV Production • Tariffs • A.I. Acting

By Abigail Hardin, October 01, 2025

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In this week's entertainment industry update, we discuss Film & TV Production; Jimmy Kimmel Censorship; Political; A.I. Acting; Film/TV Business & Content; Theatre Talk; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; Actors on Acting; Quick Bites

One-Sheet vs. Pitch Deck: Two PR Tools Every Actor Should Have in Their Career Toolkit

By Annie Chadwick, September 29, 2025

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As an actor, you are not just a performer—you’re also the CEO of your own small business. That means marketing yourself with clarity, confidence, and professionalism. Two of the most powerful tools to help you do that are the One-Sheet PR Document and the Pitch Deck. While they share some overlap, each serves a different purpose in telling your story, and knowing when and how to use them can open doors for your career.

Why Actors Must Pair Words With Visual Examples When Describing Their Type

By Annie Chadwick, September 26, 2025

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One of the most common questions actors hear in workshops, meetings, or networking events is:

“So, what’s your type?”

It sounds simple, but the way you answer this question can either open a door or close it. Casting directors, agents, and industry professionals don’t just want to hear a vague idea of who you are on screen or stage—they need to see it. That’s why combining your words with visual proof is one of the most powerful tools you can use to communicate your castable type.

Stepping Into a Busy & Inspired Fall Season - 2025 Production Report - Kimmel Suspension/Censorship - Emmy Awards

By Abigail Hardin, September 18, 2025

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In this week's entertainment industry update, we discuss Film & TV Production; Emmy Awards; Censorship & Freedom of Speech; Film & TV Business; Theatre Talk; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; Film Festivals; Quick Bites

Film & TV Production Growth in 2025

By The Up-To-Date Actor, September 12, 2025

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Where the Jobs Are

The cameras are rolling again—and the opportunities for actors are growing right along with them. While many actors believe that Film/TV production is still down, especially after pandemic disruptions and strike slowdowns, recent industry reports show a modest rebound in 2025—with spend and production starts trending upward compared to 2024. With opportunity expanding in new markets, now is the time to position yourself where the work is happening.

The State of Film & TV in 2025

Film and TV production has not only rebounded but surpassed pre-2020 levels in several markets. Streaming platforms continue to expand their content libraries, while traditional networks are investing heavily in scripted programming to compete. The result? More shows, more films, and more casting calls.

• Streaming Growth: Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV+, Amazon, and newer players are greenlighting diverse projects in comedy, drama, limited series, and docu-drama formats.
• Network TV Resurgence: Fall 2025 premieres are seeing a surge in episodic orders, especially in procedurals and family comedies.
• International Co-Productions: U.S. and global studios are teaming up more than ever, bringing opportunities to shoot abroad or in multi-national projects.

Defining Your Artistic Mission

By Annie Chadwick, September 05, 2025

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Creative self-expression burns in all of us. It drives us, gnaws at us, and calls for a form of expression. Creativity is our birthright. We are born to create. Many aspiring actors come to me asking, “Do I have it?” But the truth is, “IT” is not a yes or no question. IT is you. IT is your unique voice and the energy that flows through you. The only reason most people struggle with performing is that they’ve lost touch with the imaginative play they had as children.

This blog is about reconnecting with that childlike creativity and turning it into a guiding force for your acting career. We’ll explore how to define your artistic mission, craft a personal mission statement, and maintain the mindset that keeps you inspired and resilient as a performer.

How to Start Your Acting Career with Background Work

By The Up-To-Date Actor, August 14, 2025

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Breaking into the entertainment industry doesn’t always begin with a starring role or a major audition. For many professional actors, the first paycheck—and first day on a real set—comes through background work.

Also known as being an “extra,” background acting is one of the most accessible ways to gain on-set experience, observe how productions operate, and start building your reputation and connections. Here’s everything you need to know about getting started.

Start Here: How Commercial Print Can Launch Your Acting Career

By The Up-To-Date Actor, July 31, 2025

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When you think of launching your acting career, you might imagine landing a big agent or scoring your first TV role. But what if your breakthrough actually begins with something simpler—and much more accessible?

Enter: commercial print work.

Often overlooked, commercial print is one of the most realistic and empowering ways for new actors to start building momentum in the entertainment industry. It pays, it builds your confidence in front of the camera, and best of all—it doesn’t require an agent or union affiliation to begin.

In this blog, we’ll break down what commercial print work really is, who it’s for, how much you can earn, and why it could be your smartest first step into a professional performance career.

Who Do I Submit To for a Project That’s Already Casting — Even Without a Breakdown?

By The Up-To-Date Actor, July 28, 2025

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You’ve done your research.
You know a project is in production.
You’re the right type for the world.
There’s no breakdown posted... but you don’t want to sit around and wait for one.

So what do you do?

Welcome to the art of the “Specific General Submission.”

It’s one of the smartest — and most underused — tools in an actor’s marketing kit. It’s proactive, it’s professional, and when done well, it can open doors before a role even becomes available.

But the #1 question actors ask when sending one is:

“Who is the best person to submit to? The casting director? An associate? The assistant? All of them?”

Let’s break it down.