Actors Connection

Actors Connection President Tony Nation talks diverity issues in casting & how to get into indie films with Liz Ortiz-Mackes, one of the most actor-friendly CD's in town. Liz casts for film, theater, television, industrials and digital media.  As a casting director and indie film producer credited on projects which have screened at hundreds of US and International film festivals including: Sundance, Toronto, Palm Springs, HBO Latino, Urban World, Slam Dance, Berlin, Hamptons, South Africa, Costa Rica, Martha's Vineyard, Hamptons, Famous Monsters of Film Land among others, and have aired on HBO, Showtime and Cinemax; casting/producing highlights include: "Lost Revolution," with Oscar winner Melissa Leo and Aaron Stanton (Mad Men, The Nanny Diaries), Short film: "Pop Foul", "Crazy Beats Strong Every Time" & "The Bravest, The Boldest" by acclaimed director Moon Molson (Sundance), TV: Six Episodes of "Monsters Inside Me" for Animal Planet, "Garabatos" a pilot for Sinamaica Productions, "Soul Dancer" a PSA

Actors Connection President Tony Nation talks with Casting Director & Personal Manager Rita Powers about the casting process, hints for audtitions, & international castings.   A former agent with A+ Agency, Rita has been in casting since 2003. In the past 8 years, Rita has cast for television shows, commercials, feature and independent films, including the critically acclaimed HALF NELSON and 2011 MUSICAL CHAIRS with Academy Award winning director Susan Seidelman. Rita also casts internationally as well working with prominent Bollywood producers Karan Johar and Adiyta Chopra. Two of her films that she recently cast - the indie feature THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES (background) and the Bollywood film ENGLISH VINGLISH (dayplayers and background) received critical acclaim at the Toronto Film Festival.   

Actors Connection President Tony Nation talks casting for cable tv with Kimberly Graham.  With years of experience casting feature films, television projects, commercials, and theater, Kimberly is known for casting with Judy Henderson the Emmy award winning hit Showtime series HOMELAND(renewed for season 5).

Actors Connection President Tony Nation talks about breaking into horror films from a casting perspective, and the current state of indie and major horror films with Casting Director Pamela Kramer. In the business for over twenty years, Pamela Kramer, (Casting Director and owner of Bradley Baron) casts for film and TV as well as hundreds of commercials, industrials, and voice-overs. Recent film casting includes the independent film, "Torture Chamber", the award-winning"Charred" and the short film "The Orchard", a new TV series called TAILGATE 48 on the Big 10 Network and a huge industrial for the ARMY. 

Actors Connection President Tony Nation talks about booking that Film or TV role with one of NY's top indie film casting directors Brette Goldstein. Brette's casts for predominately for film, TV and commercials. Recent projects include the films: SHARKNADO 2, the UNTITLED DONNY DEUTSCH PROJECT, the web series SWIPE RIGHT and the UNTITLED MOM PROJECT; Commercials for Vicks, Optimum Business. Past projects include: God Don't Make the Laws with Paul Sorvino, Robert Prescott and Peter Vack, Queen City with Vivica Fox, Buffalo Bushido with Jesse L. Martin, Frederick Weller and John Savage, The David Dance and El Camino with Elisabeth Moss, Christopher Denham and Wes Studi.   

Actors Connection President Tony Nation talks about an actor's brand with Image Consultant and ower of Inherent Style, Jessica Myhr. Jessica has over 10 years experience as an image consultant in the NYC area. Using her unique background in acting, branding, and fashion, Jessica will give you the tools to help you look your best. 

Actors Connection President Tony Nation talks accent reduction & regionalisms with Susan Finch, who has been teaching Accent Reduction for over 28 years. She is on the faculty of The Atlantic Theater's Conservatory program where she teaches and serves as vocal coach for productions.

Actors Connection President Tony Nation talks acting technique with Susan Finch, an actress who has been teaching for over 28 years. A graduate of The Juilliard School, she is on the Faculty of The Atlantic Theater Acting School and is a guest artist at The Juilliard School.

Actors Connection President Tony Nation sits down with Patricia Stark, current Breaking News Reporter for Fox News /TV Anchor/Host/Media Trainer to talk about what it takes to become a TV Host or Anchor. 

Actors Connection President Tony Nation sits down with Judy Bowman, Casting Director for Film/TV & Theater to talk about the her career as a Casting Director and auditioning for film.

Actors Connection President Tony Nation sits down with Shorey Walker, Actors Connection Director/Career Consultant & Professional Actor to talk about the current state of the Film/TV Demo, what Casting Directors & Talent Agents are looking for and what will get yours noticed.

Actors Connection President Tony Nation sits down with Ben Esner, NYC headshot photographer to talk about the importance of a great headshot and how to go about getting one. 

Actors Connection President Tony Nation sits down with Barry Shapiro, 30 year veteran commercial casting director and owner of Herman & Lipson Casting to talk about the current climate for actors in commercial casting and what it takes to make it in the industry.