This Labor Day, we’re replaying a SXSW Panel Discussion from last spring with leaders from SAG-AFTRA, the Writers Guild of America, the Directors Guild of America and IATSE. We talked about how our unions are protecting members in the age of A.I., what we’ve already won at the bargaining table, what’s still ahead and why collective action matters more than ever. Labor Day is about honoring workers and their rights, and this panel is a reminder of how unions are coming together to support the people who make our industry run. *The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of their organization or SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply endorsement.
--------
48:42
--------
48:42
Breaking Into Audiobook Narration
Audiobooks are one of the fastest growing segments in entertainment, but how do you land work and build a sustainable career as a narrator? Veteran performer and coach Sean Pratt has recorded nearly 1,200 titles over 25 years, voicing everything from Agatha Christie mysteries to business books. In this episode, he shares the skills and temperament the job requires, how to get started on ACX, tips for a basic home studio, the differences between narrating fiction and nonfiction, and why he doesn’t believe AI will replace human storytellers anytime soon. *The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of their organization or SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply endorsement.
--------
31:59
--------
31:59
A Top Voice Coach on the One Skill All Actors Should Know
Your voice is 50 percent of your instrument, but many performers don’t realize they’re not using it to its full potential. On this episode of the SAG-AFTRA podcast, voice coach and dialect expert Bob Corff—who’s worked with stars like Antonio Banderas and Gwyneth Paltrow—explains what it really means to have a strong speaking voice. He shares simple but powerful breathing exercises and reveals why some vocal habits can sabotage your work without you even knowing it. He also offers practical tips for preparing your voice before a big audition and how to develop vocal muscle memory that holds up under pressure. *The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of their organization or SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply endorsement.
--------
30:31
--------
30:31
Don’t Make These 5 Social Media Mistakes
Social media is a powerful tool for performers, but it can also be confusing and time-consuming. What should you post? How do you promote yourself without feeling cringey? And does any of it actually lead to work? In this episode, social media strategist Heidi Dean—founder of Marketing4Actors.com and author of Social Media for Actors: 100 Essential Tips to Grow, Thrive, and Survive Online—breaks down the five biggest mistakes actors make on social media and exactly how to fix them. She shares practical advice on building real relationships, cleaning up your digital first impression, posting with purpose (and gratitude) and how something as simple as commenting on a casting director’s dog photo could lead to your next job. *The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of their organization or SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply endorsement.
--------
36:24
--------
36:24
They Built a Media Career Without Leaving Their Apartment
Creator V Spehar built a massive audience on TikTok by delivering news from under their desk. Then the media companies came calling. In this replay of an episode, V talks with SAG-AFTRA’s Duncan Crabtree-Ireland about staying independent, using TikTok to support striking workers and building a career as a creator without giving up control. The pair also explain how SAG-AFTRA’s influencer agreement is helping more digital creators join the union. *The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.
South Africa