Rejection, Nepo Babies, And Living Paycheck To Paycheck: Making It As A Working Actor

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In this week's TFC, Chelsea sits down with Sam of the One Broke Actress podcast to talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly of making it as an actor in Hollywood when you don't come from wealth or connections.
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[@OneBrokeActress]

I am so honored to be included in TFD's work, thank you so much for having me and sharing the stories of what it's really like!

[@Bronwyn-cf3um]

This was a great interview and very enlightening, thank you for being so open and honest. May you be showered with blessings, success and happiness in all you do! Wishing you nothing but the best!

[@MM-lx4zh]

You look like Margot Robbie girl😮

[@SLBriggs]

Thank you for sharing your experiences - it was really, really interesting. It must be so hard to keep going when it’s just so difficult. Bless you.. xx

[@JuriAmari]

Thanks so much for sharing your story Sam! ❤

[@PeukinsPoint]

Loooove your podcast!! Chelsea always picks the best actor guests!

[@Fabdanc]

So much better than those minimalism bros because she is not answering every question like she is on a TedX stage.

[@supernova622]

You can tell those guys do a lot of speaking engagements because everything sounded so rehearsed. Didn't feel genuinely engaging at all

[@kaw8473]

I'm a stay at home mom and I have been asked so many times, "so what do you do?" And I'm like "wipe a butt and pick up toys" I've even had a friend suggest I work from home with my 15 month old, who just learned to climb. People need to respect motherhood and back off.

[@alezandradavila2581]

Exactly it’s none of there business what u do

[@alezandradavila2581]

Whether u work or not lol

[@sammierose1150]

I’m a childfree woman who loves kids and absolutely 100% respects the work that stay at home mothers and fathers do everyday. I have a chronic illness that requires me to get 8 hours of sleep every day minimum. Along with medical complications that would make giving birth life-threatening. Being a parent is one of the hardest jobs on the planet and I have nothing but respect for those who choose to embark on that journey. People who think you need to justify “just being a stay-at-home parent, need to mind their business and focus on their own life, and maybe go outside and touch grass 😂

[@belorama8]

Agreed! I would however, rather be asked what I do than what my HUSBAND does though. Ugh... Hate that one too.

[@marisol0813]

I tried going back to college. Having to read 35 pages in a day with a needy two year old was nearly impossible 😞

[@160p2GHz]

This is WEIRDLY similar to the experience of first generation academics. Like I would never think a physicist and actor have so much in common. In both it's all hush hush inside knowledge, so much due to connections, if you can't afford to go to the big event and meet people who could hire you, too bad you're probably not gonna make it, there's a huge cost in trying to make it look like you belong there --getting fancy upper class people food and drinks, keeping a website, paying your own professional memberships, etc--, your jobs are contract (until you're like 40 if you're lucky) and you feel like you're always gonna be unlucky next round, the public doesn't get where the money comes from and that its a few weird pools with every scientist pulling for them which just makes it hard to explain, you're probably paid less than most people would think (still thinking of those hilarious tweets from tech bros thinking new researchers make over 50K or professors make like 150-200K),constant rejection and the expectation that you never take it personally on all your school and job applications and the funding apps you spent literal weeks on with no feedback, pushing back your work, and finally it being a field that your family is just not understanding, even if they are supportive they just don't get if/why you're in school, when your out, how you get jobs, which ones you're qualified for, people managing you who can act out of your interests even if well meaning,

[@lenaeospeixinhos]

Yes, came here to say the same, that as a scientist there came a moment where I had to choose between my passion job and having a normal life cause apparently I wasn't playing the game right or something?

[@OneBrokeActress]

So my little sister is a researcher at Harvard and we always joke we got into the same business with very different forward-facing expectations!

[@adira24]

Really really good point

[@PeukinsPoint]

Yep. Sounds just like theater. They all become professors in the end.

[@JuriAmari]

This! It’s ridiculous what hoops we have to go through especially with our loved ones!

[@160p2GHz]

Million points to her for acknowledging the privilege of no or very little debt!

[@Quantyla1]

Thanks for watching, send a Dm to the number above let's talk on WhatsApp . Endeavour to reach out! 📩👆.

[@monideun]

I'm a scientist, and I know many people here will not believe me when I say this: but an artists and scientists career are very similar financially and emotionally. I've been saying this for years (knowning many artists) and this just makes me more confident in the comparison. This conversation plays out exactly like every convo I have with my scientific friends about our career choices. The constant rejection and criticism (aimed at your ideas and intelligence, rather than your looks, although as a women this also happens), the nepotism, the moving from the job to job with little financially security, the idea that if you leave you aren't a scientist, constant thoughts and plans on how to get out if the money is pulled from under you, no one talking about it and pretending nothing is wrong. It would be interesting if you could have a chat to a postdoctoral researcher about this.

[@hellomiguel_]

i had a friend who was doing an internship in some chem lab on medication(?). the spitefulness from co-workers to make sure they were gotten rid of to ensure their own success was surprising to hear as an outsider to that industry.

[@mds8255]

Yes! So true.

[@FaivenFeshazion]

I’m a debt-free actor in NYC and my other job is freelance event captain. I do agree that most of us don’t feel like we “made it” unless we are a series regular (full-time, a main character) on a show and can afford to quit the other job - regardless of how many smaller TV/film/theater credits we have

[@innerblackbeauty8815]

One of the reasons Viola Davis choose Julliard w/ because she got an agent after graduating from acting school. Back in the day, Julliard made a point of connecting their actors to agents upon completion of degree. To be successful in entrainment industry--- one has to be very strategic, have decent budgeting ($) skills, and be business minded. Kerry Washington was substitute teacher in NYC while auditioning during pilot season. Speaking of pure creative expression, I know a lot of people who step away from L.A. & go back to doing regional theater from time to time.

[@alezandradavila2581]

Yep that’s how it is

[@HitchcockBrunette]

I went to Juilliard and I can attest to this. Now, you aren’t guaranteed the end of year 4 workshop where agents show up as it used to be… that was a very important offering it had, no longer the case. :(

[@bethanybsoprano]

The opera industry is even worse-we have to pay application fees to apply for an audition, and often we aren't even granted that audition. Sometimes we pay $300+ on making up to date quality video/audio "prescreening" recordings, that many companies don't even watch (Hello, we can see the views on KZbin). In addition to all the money we spend on voice lessons, attire, advanced degrees (most of us have a masters), and on top of it all the opera industry has found a loophole to pay singers less than minimum wage as part of a "young artist program" where they can legally provide housing and a stipend and that's somehow ok. Meanwhile, singers live in places like NYC, San Francisco, Chicago, etc., and have to try to sublet their places or end up paying rent anyway. The opera industry is a HUGE scam.

[@RobinSentell]

You left out so much: you pay for your pianist who may or may not be your musical coach. There are acting classes and dance classes. And moreover, a lot of early gigs are you pay to sing and only if you are selected out of many.

[@elvannmusic]

I started studying opera in Uni, and 1 year into it I started to really realize that and quit to do harp instead: Now I've avoided all of those issues & don't need to pay an accompanist. But also I'm not in the classical music world anymore because that just really didn't work for me despite loving the music.

[@RobinSentell]

@@elvannmusicOpera really is for people who don't need to earn their living and who have unlimited cash. There are few opera singers that come from nothing.

[@modelno2004]

My acting career in Los Angeles lasted 3 years, and I left. Just like Sam, I moved there without university debt, and I still found it difficult to fund all of the things she mentioned to even get close to being seen by casting teams, much less find a rep. I joined the actors union a few months before I left LA, and I’ve found another niche market outside of major film/tv that is finally more forgiving for performers. The Los Angeles market is TOXIC.

[@Quantyla1]

Thanks for watching, send a Dm to the number above let's talk on WhatsApp . Endeavour to reach out! 📩👆.

[@funbibakare7414]

What do you do now that means you can still perform

[@itsthedeek234]

So true about the pressure on women to both have kids and to in no way seem like they have had kids once they do. Their bodies are still treated as existing for the sexual interest of the world at large, even if they've just gone through the trauma of birth. And they're expected to not have to but anything else on the backburner in order to become a parent, but simultaneously to make their kid their whole world or else they're a terrible mom. Great interview; I had no idea about all that BS around the contracts, 12-hour workdays, etc. It's good that they have the union to at least offer some basic protections, but there should be a much higher floor on how badly entertainment workers are allowed to be treated.

[@LG-zg8mw]

Well done talking about the hard topics such as nepotism. Denying they are privileged and got an advantage in the business is gaslighting and dishonest!

[@archielovesnoel]

Thank you for peeling back the layers of women's lives, careers and financial struggles. So very helpful at any age to see the world as it is, not as how someone wants you to see it. Valuable conversations.

[@YourSwollenToe]

Hi Chelsea and the TFG team, please be aware there has been a crazy inundation of spam in the comments section of this video (and other videos as well). I’ve had to report 2-3 already, and the video hasn’t even been up for an hour.

[@Quantyla1]

Thanks for watching, send a Dm to the number above let's talk on WhatsApp . Endeavour to reach out! 📩👆

[@antiantipoda]

I am a woman in Brazil. I actually worked as a photographer for a while, while also working as a programmer. At one point I thought I might make it a go of being a full time photographer. So I opened a spreadsheet and calculated two years of expenses, living and business to open a studio and do fashion photography. It was a very optimistic estimative of what it would cost to get it up and running for just two years until I got enough work. It was an untenable sum to save up and a very unwise sum to finance. I made up my mind then and there that photography would be a hobby and not a job. Years later I gave away and sold all my photo equipment, because I realized that while I love to produce and shoot, I hate to post produce images (I am also pretty lousy at it, maybe both go together).

[@julie3686]

I'm only 10 minutes in, but already see so many similarities between this and my own career as a classical singer. I often joke that you've got to be rich to be a classical musician, since the cost of voice lessons, coachings, courses and masterclasses, making professional recordings for audition pre-selections and marketing, travel for auditions (I live in Northern Europe and often have to travel out of my country for auditions), concert attire, sheet music, etc etc etc. Not to mention the competitiveness and very meager pay. As singers, we are also prone to cancelling because of illness, since a simple cold can knock us out. I graduated in May and don't have tons of work yet, but I'm making ends meet. One of the next steps for me now is to find a side hustle that allows me to save for the months when I am not getting enough singing work. It's hard though to find a job that will give me the flexibility to go off and sing sometimes for weeks on end in another country. Any ideas would be appreciated lol...

[@oxigen85]

It's funny you mentioned Tom Cruise because just recently I fell into a rabbit hole of ex-scientologists "whistleblowers" and oh boy, Tom Cruise is NOT just like you and me.

[@sarahwatts7152]

Okay wait wait...So an actor gets paid $1000 and $200 goes to their manager and agent, but the actor still pays taxes on the $1000....Do the manager and agent not pay taxes on that $200 income or is the government collecting twice?

[@milessara87]

Collecting twice. The fee for the agents and managers is their income

[@LauraPalmerD]

Same for writers. Their advance is spread out over a few years, a huge chunk goes to their manager, and then they pay taxes. Most writers will never earn royalties either because most books don't sell enough even when they sell well, they won't meet the threshold for getting royalties. And I'm pretty sure musicians too.

[@angelar.5683]

It's really not that simple... Most entertainers get an LLC or corp that their pay is processed through. So when they file taxes, the gross amount is technically taxed but then they have a bunch of deductions to offset

[@CaraMarie13]

I can imagine that the amount they pay for their agents is tax deductible. I hope she has a good accountant who can do that stuff for her.

[@LauraPalmerD]

@@CaraMarie13 It is. But tax deductible doesn't mean it didn't cost them. Tax deductible lowers their taxes a bit but they still lose money overall.

[@wanr5701]

Whoever thinks going to entertainment industry means easy money, they will be horribly mistaken. Easy money is the last thing that should be expected. Not only in Hollywood but anywhere in the entertainment world.

[@Blahgirl283]

This

[@AlexielRaziel]

I'm a professional model and actress, And honestly this is such a relief to hear. A lot of times you feel Isolated because these are a lot of struggles that people who are not in the industry can't understand. They only see the glamor and don't see all of the back end effort and expenses that go into this industry.

[@Quantyla1]

Thanks for watching, send a Dm to the number above let's talk on WhatsApp . Endeavour to reach out! 📩👆

[@Blahgirl283]

It’s hush hush and even when you try to explain, I’ve found that folks write it off as you complaining or not working hard enough, or as not real issues, etc. it’s very isolating, sometimes even with other artists who may not like being transparent about what it’s like.

[@MeansToTravel]

This was such a great interview, thanks Chelsea and Sam! I feel like I learned a lot while having fun listening to both of your stories. Everything was interesting, but I especially liked how Sam talked about social media’s role in her life at the end, since creating social media boundaries is something I struggle with as well. Hope she can come back to TFD at some point! 😀🙏🏻

[@t2tu-n0o48]

Have to say..... I honestly feel like Chelsea would fit right in with my friendship circle! Love the sass, irony and honesty. Thanks for a great video. From a friendly Londoner!

[@PeukinsPoint]

Same😂

[@icanseewater]

Love it when people just say it as it is and get really candid about everything. So refreshing and inspiring. X

[@Quantyla1]

Thanks for watching, send a Dm to the number above let's talk on WhatsApp . Endeavour to reach out! 📩👆

[@archielovesnoel]

Completely.

[@Blahgirl283]

Yes

[@dazedneptune]

Woof. Gonna strap in for this one as a person who once wanted to be part of the industry. It’s so infuriating how many misconceptions there are about an acting career and how many people mock it. This capitalist culture has such a love/hate relationship with artists in general. I think the acting industry reflects capitalism overall in a nutshell. Not to mention, actors from marginalized identities have it even harder. Not just because there’s far less roles, but they’re also less likely to have as many resources to start out with.

[@Quantyla1]

Thanks for watching, send a Dm to the number above let's talk on WhatsApp . Endeavour to reach out! 📩👆.

[@PeukinsPoint]

Yep!

[@TickleMeElmo55]

Capitalist culture compared to what?

[@yasip9897]

I spent two years in Los Angeles trying to break into the industry as a writer. I spent years NY before that doing odd jobs in the industry. I even became a background actor and landed two shows. It’s a tough business.

[@Blahgirl283]

And a lot of gatekeeping, secret costs (classes, coaching, headshots, vocal lessons, Actor websites, etc)

[@reneecailloux2573]

Excellent topic and content as usual! Thanks for that insider look!

[@Quantyla1]

Thanks for watching, send a Dm to the number above let's talk on WhatsApp . Endeavour to reach out! 📩👆

[@emiliecavallo]

WOW, I am a working opera singer and it is EXACLTY the same. Getting an agent (or no), pay your outfits, shots, website etc. doing auditions and being rejected almost all the time.The only difference is that there is not LA for opera singers so we have to travel all over in order to audition (and pay for it). And shall I even mention that I have started playing an instrument as a very young child (3 yo) and that I went up to doing a Masters degree in Music? But we love being artists. Even if financially, it makes absolutely no sense.

[@marig9236]

all these issues my now ex bf went thru. I tried to explain you have to have a job to be an actor. he was so narrow minded on only making money off of acting but thats easy to do when you are 37. still living at home w ma and pa. But if you want to have a relationship that grows, it isn't fine.

[@headsinger]

I feel like this is why a lot of people won’t date people “in the industry” because their lives are often so unstable.

[@FaivenFeshazion]

Yup! I’m in the industry and won’t date someone else in the industry 😂; someone needs to have a job! How else can you plan for a future, especially kids. I don’t want to CHOOSE struggle love

[@JessicaPradoHanson]

I did real estate in Boston and maybe I wasn’t successful because I am not a good enough actor. My lying coworkers made so much more than me. I am honest to a stupid capacity like the time I realized electric wasn’t included in my rent and they cut it off after a year and a half. When calling them I was honest about how long I lived there and I ended up homeless because I couldn’t afford it. Sometimes to survive you should lie and those corrupt companies don’t deserve my empathy. I hope if that happened again I would lie and say I just moved in if I couldn’t afford the bill! But that should have told me I would have been bad at real estate. I am better as an artist sharing the truths of life through art since I am too honest lol. Sending you love!

[@capucnechaussonpassion14]

I love this show more and more thanks for all of this very important work

[@Blahgirl283]

Thank you for this! This was so freeing!

[@keniarosemary]

Screamed when I got the notification of this upload! Such a surprise collaboration! I just love that Chelsea knows Sam. Two women whose work I love. ❤️ Thank you for talking about this. Most actors are working in the trenches. And the biggest kept secret in Hollywood is that everyone's broke! It's expensive to be an actor. Sure there's actors who pay for stylists but even just taking acting classes regularly and getting new headshots is a regular expense. One thing that wasn't mentioned is that a lot of actors have odd jobs (i.e. waitressing, dog walking, etc.) for flexibility of auditions and booking gigs, HOWEVER those jobs usually are low paying and then the actor is broke and can't afford to invest in acting because they got 2-3 flexible jobs for these auditions they're not even getting! That used to be me. So I got a high paying 9-5 job, used my higher salary to invest in better headshots and footage, and then was able to get a manager! Now I audition regularly for film/TV roles and I still have a good paying job, so I can enjoy my life while I'm not acting. It's so important as creatives to love life even when you're not booking a gig. This industry is a game of endurance and I love the community Sam has built. It makes us all feel less alone. ❤️

[@PeukinsPoint]

This is my exact plan. The flexibility and security of my 9-5 lets me live comfortably without scarcity/taking weird jobs. I can use PTO to shoot and use acting money for my savings. The 2-3 odd jobs wastes SO much time, energy and builds resentment over time....

[@DoreenCalderon]

My parents wanted me to have something to "fall back on". I resisted, thinking that if I had something to fall back on, then that's what I would do - I'd quit acting. I WISHED, however, that instead they said that I needed something to SUPPORT my career! Totally different mindset. It's only recently, that I've earned my living as an on-screen actor.

[@MinkytheMinkY]

Same for being a winemaker. Beginning usually as an intern you get 2 months of work. 4 months if you go to the other hemisphere and have the right visas, saved for the flight, and a job waiting for you. Very unsustainable, if you're not well off. You do this for several years maybe become an assistant. That, or be a cellar rat for a decade plus and maybe gives you a chance. If you're especially charismatic or well connected, which I'm not, you jump the line and have a mentor who will let you play.

[@emilyniedbala]

For anyone who is curious, I believe the “below the line” union she mentioned is IATSE (international alliance of theatrical stage employees) which I know because unlike many others, it is the same union for both theatre and TV

[@sarahthomas2506]

The actress on Power was going to move back in with her parents because before she got the roll on Power she was going to do something else! She was in a few tv rolls over the years before Power! She got the role on Power! She was on there for 5 seasons but, she was ready to leave off that show don't know what went down allegedly! I see her in a few roles not many! Its a crazy business you need to have something on the back burner in case it doesn't work out! You can be running hot for a long time and then the roles dry up! Its happened to a lot of actresses and actors!! Thanks for the content!!😮😮😮😊😊😊

[@micheleogle6036]

Acting is similar to being in the music business. The nepotism, sexist and financial stranglehold to make it. Think the female group TLC and how they were getting Grammies but were broke. Being on top has a cost. It's so much harder than people think.

[@johalopeztable]

My favorite two podcasts together! ♡

[@Quantyla1]

Thanks for watching, send a Dm to the number above let's talk on WhatsApp . Endeavour to reach out! 📩👆

[@zlatina299]

I thought that Jennifer Coolidge was the guest. 😂

[@mofetabionica]

Me too! lol

[@ilyak8987]

I would love to hear her thoughts on this topic since she seems like someone who has been typecast through the years.. What did she do in between?? 😅

[@oxigen85]

Me too! 🙈🤣🤣🤣

[@kelseycoca]

me too!

[@eagain1918]

I somehow thought of the same thing ummm

[@l01230123]

"[Twitter is] the smoking section of social media" Accurate 😎🚬

[@Tantejuju65]

I love DIY / decorating styling shows. If the show sponsors didn't gift the host the products to style the space with, the cost would be outside the reach of many of space owners... there are always hidden costs. Great show.

[@Quantyla1]

Thanks for watching, send a Dm to the number above let's talk on WhatsApp . Endeavour to reach out! 📩👆.

[@peteranderson5714]

Thanks for this content! I'm also living paycheck to paycheck but financially free and currently growing a solid retirement plan. It takes a positive and consistency to learn new things, unlearn the old habits is important to get a mentor/coach to lead you all the way. It's great to start young too!

[@dabriga7]

Hi, I'm 43 working on my retirement fund too. What do you think is the best target for retirement?

[@jonesdamian6448]

A lot of people find having a coach/financial advisor a luxury.

[@peteranderson5714]

@@dabriga7 personally i think 1m is the goal to overcome inflation and having them in an investment portfolio is a perfect plan. I'm half way to my goal

[@peteranderson5714]

@@jonesdamian6448 yeah. When looking for financial advisors, fees and commissions are important considerations. There are financial experts out there who, regardless of how little you wish to start

[@peteranderson5714]

@Elisa Masur I work with Rachel Blanc her services are cost effective and very efficient. I recommend her to anyone, anytime. She's competent you can do your own due diligence.

[@whoscares]

Never in my life have I thought about these things for actors, but wow!

[@prittyugly86]

Naw I worked in dental offices for 10+ years and having to hold your pee was pretty much standard issue. And the dentist getting upset when you do or when you need water.

[@PinkDiamond7777777]

2:53 - 2:57 Me with my current over a year long job search - not in acting, although I did pursue acting for 13 years, but I left it 'cause it simply wasn't working out for me, including not being able to afford the Spotlight fee anymore (an acting booking platform you have to be on in the UK), as I wasn't getting any auditions, hence jobs to earn the £150/yr Spotlight Actresses fee I would've needed to pay, then, as I was no longer eligible for the £90/yr Spotlight Young Performers books I'd be on when I was younger. With an average of one audition a year, especially since I don't come from a wealthy background, it wasn't gonna happen. I was able to book lots of work as an extra, though and while I mainly did it for the money to support me an extra, I really enjoyed it and like to do more, when my life is a bit less hectic, searching for employment. Unfortunately, being an extra is a lot of one-off bookings, not a full time job, so I still need to chase that Astronomy PhD for the fourth (and final) year (I'm exhausted!), Data Analysis or Writing job (I've been writing for over a decade, so would be nice to have a paid staffed position in something I'm great at and enjoy. I really don't wanna be chasing unpaid invoices of £30 for over 2 years, as a freelancer again. 🤣). My 3 degrees and decade+ experience aren't enough to be hired, though. Anyway, didn't expect to write this long, so I'll stop there. Courage to all actors and everyone struggling through the job market, to get the job they're skilled and experienced in or just want to learn.

[@christie_exist]

I'm glad all of these were mentioned. As for Nepo babies, I think consumers have to help to make them less popular by not consuming movies / series with Nepo babies. So actors who really deserve the roles get them. If that's done, the casting is less likely to pick Nepos and people who deserve the roles get them.

[@Quantyla1]

Thanks for watching, send a Dm to the number above let's talk on WhatsApp . Endeavour to reach out! 📩👆.....

[@Buttercup697]

Yeah… still wondering how Gwenyth Paltrow got that Oscar for a silly riff on Shakespeare when Cate Blanchette knocked it outta the park with her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth 1.

[@AlexHider]

Sam is literally so pretty, I kept being distracted by her face.

[@headsinger]

Growing up here in LA, I didn’t realize so much of this wasn’t widely known.

[@andreamartineau1197]

Why would it be?

[@LancesArmorStriking]

@@andreamartineau1197 because every aspect of actors' lives are under a microscope... except for the important parts, apparently

[@MarimoMare]

I wish I could finally immerse myself in music by the time I retire. Maybe we'll all witness an era of elderly "breakthroughs of the year" in a few decades.

[@dashadasha1522]

Omg, Sam is absolutely gorgeous😍 Like, why isn’t she on every possible TV show and film? This is such an unfair industry

[@Tabbylover55]

The life of a struggling actor sounds like absolute hell to me :(

[@DoreenCalderon]

Unfortunately, being a "struggling" actor is rewarded by being liked. People would rather hear about a celebrity's '"struggle" than the everyday miracles of a working actor. Personally, I choose to share my "miracle" stories - the fun and easy stuff - with other actors, because it gives them hope and an understanding of infinite possibilities. 😍

[@kelseycoca]

love a barefoot contessa stan (and I don't mean Jeffrey lol) this was a really interesting episode! I love the part about being a public figure and keeping your identity and privacy

[@Quantyla1]

Thanks for watching, send a Dm to the number above let's talk on WhatsApp . Endeavour to reach out! 📩👆.

[@skybluskyblueify]

15:50 There isn't someone calling to let you know you aren't hired, but cant they use a computer program that lists all the talent and then after the cast is final sends an automated message to those that did not get the part? Is that too impersonal? Is that a realistic idea?

[@Quantyla1]

Thanks for watching, send a Dm to the number above let's talk on WhatsApp . Endeavour to reach out! 📩👆.

[@OneBrokeActress]

so they go through our agents first and then they pass that to actors. so agents would be getting hundreds of "no" emails a day haha which would potentially be equally horrible! but I love this thought!

[@DoreenCalderon]

The solution is not for the system to change, but for actors to develop the healthy habit of moving on. Get on with life, the next audition, whatever. Lingering on any audition, waiting for a reply is a big waste of time and energy. I always liken the business to romantic relationships - would you wait on a new love interest who isn't calling you back, or would you get on with life? 😀

[@OneBrokeActress]

@@DoreenCalderon I totally get what you’re saying! I do think though that there are some things in the system that need change, this the reason it’s so important for us actors to get involved in our union, something it took me a long time to learn!

[@DoreenCalderon]

@@OneBrokeActress YES! I always attend our W&Ws, and look forward to next week's meetings.

[@marryellenmonahan5585]

Welcome! Enjoy L.A.... the weather could not be better!

[@Quantyla1]

Thanks for watching, send a Dm to the number above let's talk on WhatsApp . Endeavour to reach out! 📩👆

[@somebieleh9018]

Loved Sam’s response to the nepo baby question. You could tell Chelsea thought (hoped) she’d go a different way lol

[@Quantyla1]

Thanks for watching, send a Dm to the number above let's talk on WhatsApp . Endeavour to reach out! 📩👆

[@DoreenCalderon]

I wonder if Sam would reconsider the name of her podcast? What she has to say is very helpful, but if actors perpetually refer to themselves as "broke", what does that do to our mindset? 🤔

[@kimaparks2592]

Why I let this play like 10x😂😂. When she was done muttering & she yelled for him to help Lawd 💀💀💀

[@yorkshirehousewife784]

So essentially, it’s like most things in life, it’s for the privileged, with connections who can largely swan about on someone else’s income because the working classes are largely financially dependent upon their income. The lie is: “if you work hard enough you can make it happen!” The truth is: you’re competing with wealthy individuals who have families and connections in the business. If you want to try to make it happen you’re paying more than you’ll earn to even get on the proverbial first rung of the ladder. Yet those who can’t afford it will inevitably be chided for not trying hard enough.

[@tatymac21]

Well this was depressing!

[@Blahgirl283]

Honest and truly freeing. It can be isolating being an artist and you’re going through these things but you’re made to feel you’re alone in that or it’s not something others are majorally going through. The top 1% of actors who are making a living off of acting only- a majority have an annual income of 50k. I am really happy people are speaking out about the reality bc it’s really alienating navigating this industry and trying to explain to folks not in it.

[@Purpie_Slurpie]

am I the only one who's getting increasingly irate with these sofi ads?

[@Quantyla1]

Thanks for watching, send a Dm to the number above let's talk on WhatsApp . Endeavour to reach out! 📩👆.

[@argusfleibeit1165]

You can skip ahead.

[@Purpie_Slurpie]

@@argusfleibeit1165 yeah, having to skip through like 3 of the same ads in one video is annoying af, especially when the ads are like 5 minutes each

[@argusfleibeit1165]

@@Purpie_Slurpie It's free content, you can skip it, and you're still bitching? Entitled much?

[@freshfreshfreshfresh]

Well they gotta make money and it’s a valid service (e.g. banking)

[@ang5035]

Trump wrote off thousands in haircuts so 😂

[@Narcjus]

Acting Dynasties.

[@magicallouis]

I enjoyed this but I really wanted Jennifer Coolidge 😢

[@Quantyla1]

Thanks for watching, send a Dm to the number above let's talk on WhatsApp . Endeavour to reach out! 📩👆.

[@WigglyTuffStuff]

Second! (Third but I can't see the second comment) For many people, the LA experience is starvation.

[@Quantyla1]

Thanks for watching, send a Dm to the number above let's talk on WhatsApp . Endeavour to reach out! 📩👆

[@manestreambeauty]

I've always wondered HOW actors support themselves, especially if they are recognizable, but not famous or working consistently.

[@Quantyla1]

Thanks for watching, send a Dm to the number above let's talk on WhatsApp . Endeavour to reach out! 📩👆

[@FaivenFeshazion]

For the married ones, their spouses might be carrying the weight of the bills. Like actor/house wife dynamic since acting isn’t all the time

[@manestreambeauty]

@@FaivenFeshazion Good point. Similar to writers.

[@c_No2631]

waiting tables is very common for actors in LA. Some works at Trader Joe’s where I hear conversations of, “I have/had an audition today”

[@manestreambeauty]

@@c_No2631 That reminds me of the social media buzz around Geoffrey Owens (Elvin on The Cosby Show) an actor who was recognized while working at Trader Joe's. In his case, the show wasn't on the air, but it was very popular. I'm curious about the jobs done by actors in this category; where they don't become a distraction or attract unwanted attention.

[@doorway2fandom459]

Please try to get Amy/Markiplier on, I KNOW they want to talk Creative Projects etc.

[@ClaLu]

Whyyy the voice fry!!!! It's such an awesome topic and video...that fn voice fry scratches my ears...I guess I can't finish this vid 🙄

[@writingthewrong5376]

First??

[@Quantyla1]

Thanks for watching, send a Dm to the number above let's talk on WhatsApp . Endeavour to reach out! 📩👆

[@ChloeTheePayne]

this was such a fabulous episode and i want to give myself a shout out cuz this listening experience really showed me how much good work i've done in therapy babyyyyy!!! i am one of those people who went to theater school and amassed a ton of student debt, then got into even more debt via credit cards cuz i had no idea what i was doing and was just trying to make ends meet as an actor, and for the longest time i was soooooooo bitter and resentful about how so many of my peers seemed to be making more progress in their careers because their parents paid for their education or were STILL paying for their living expenses post-college while i had to hold down multiple part time jobs the whole time. i felt so tricked, like i was bound to lose in this game because all the other players had more resources than me, most importantly just the resource of TIME, the tiiiiime everyone else had to audition or network at social events or even just SLEEP while i was running from rehearsals to the barista gig to the nannying gig and barely coping, just the physical exhaustion was unbearable when my well-rested buddies were always healthy and energized cuz they had time to sleeeeep! i left chicago about ten years ago cuz i couldn't afford it anymore and also just because i was turning into a cynical judgmental person and that freaked me out. so the last few years have involved a lot of working on myself, working on my finances, and learning that compare and despair is a surefire way to drive myself crazy if i let it. no more comparing myself to anyone else's journey's, my only metric for success is how happy and creatively fulfilled i am today when compared to previous versions of myself. when i sat to listen to this episode today i thought it might get me upset or wake up some of those old feelings, and instead i was just nodding along with everything sam had to say. it's validating to hear someone else acknowledge these realities, but i no longer feel the same ragethat used to consume me when faced with the realities of nepo babies and economic disadvantages. i'm really proud of myself for that and i'm on break from my day job so i wanted to leave a long rambling comment to celebrate myself! i'm thrilled to be at a point in life where i'm saving and getting ready to move back to the midwest in the next few years (cuz i'm a nerd and i love the theater community of the like chicago/st. louis/twin cities part of the country) and i can't wait to see what that chapter of life will have in store. and in the meantime, i'm content with all the work i've done to get to this point. so in the unlikely event anyone ever reads this: long distance high five to you, i hope you're proud of the long term goals you're striving towards and not comparing yourself to anyone else 💙

[@DoreenCalderon]

I too, have a Chicago theater background! Left it after 10 years (with all my union cards), and have been in L.A. ever since. I've had so many wonderful things happen here, as well as experienced so many depressing times. I'm in a very good place now with my TV career, because I've learned the difference between relying on others to validate my worth and KNOWING my value. Best of luck back in the midwest - I miss it SO much that I got an agent in Chicago, hoping to book gigs there too.

[@ChloeTheePayne]

@@DoreenCalderon wow HELL YEAH rock on, what a fabulous journey!