The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World

The Indie Film Episode - Anora Backlash and Sing Sing Reinvents the Indie Film | Ep 21

Welcome to the Actor's Guide Podcast, Episode 21!
This is our Indie Film episode and we get to a lot of gems that didn’t make it during award season. There was also some backlash from crew members of Oscar darling, Anora. What really happened on set? And was Sean Baker anti-union? We get into the story and talk about the tricky line where independent film is today as well as why unions are so important for artists.
Also, they discuss how the film Sing Sing, the true story of inmates starting a rehabilitative theater program at the Sing Sing prison, experimented with a new financial model for their film - they paid everyone the SAME - all cast and crew, plus they got equity and points on the backend. The filmmakers are trying to revolutionize the film world and are launching a company to do it more. This is an incredible idea, and the guys will talk about whether it might be a sing of things to come for the indie film world. 
E-Kan and Rían also talk about the milestone California just hit with upcoming film and tv production talks about everything you need to know about what’s coming in the Golden State and how you can help. Information on Keep California Rolling below - nothing is guaranteed and we need to let our state representatives know how important this is.
There’s also plenty of love for inspirational actors like Colman Domingo, and E-Kan and Rían get into a discussion on a quote from Meryl Streep - Are actors more Zen? And how has acting made E-Kan a better person?
 
This is a good one, folks!
Send us your questions actorsguidepodcast@gmail.com! Follow us on YouTube, Substack, and all social media @actorsguidepodcast!
Links: 
https://keepcaliforniarolling.org/
Ekan’s video on California production https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHZgkUmSgZI/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/03/19/while-other-states-chase-hollywood-california-locks-in-record-breaking-film-slate/
 
Sing Sing paid everyone the same - https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/sing-sing-filmmakers-paid-everyone-on-set-the-same-1235945503/
Anora controversy -https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/anora-iatse-union-set-1236162501/
https://www.indiewire.com/features/interviews/can-sing-sing-pay-equity-model-save-indie-film-interview-1235079671/
"Rust" Documentary - https://press.hulu.com/shows/last-take-rust-and-the-story-of-halyna/
Hidden Gems: 
Bear Market Coffee in Dublin https://www.bearmarket.ie/pages/blackrock-coffee-shop?srsltid=AfmBOopW3nRPRTuOYiGPZriIFFgM2RpmB7Hu9Pe-fIpwrPaFU5YSmTmv
Dr. Bronner’s Salsuds
https://www.drbronner.com/products/sal-suds-biodegradable-cleaner?srsltid=AfmBOormctFIcl9lQ3AJZd_ejc9q20QuVNFjTynNd3UF7sdGQm9HmrmF
 
Time stamps:
(00:00) Intro
(02:55) California hits record
(06:28) Sing Sing filmmakers experiment with new pay model
(11:20) Why we love Colman Domingo
(14:25) Anora backlash
(19:45) Gwyneth Paltrow comments on Intimacy Coordinator
(21:43) Why we need unions
(27:20) Are actors more zen?
(28:50) E-Kan thought acting would make him a better person
(31:00) Hidden Gems
 

Is Caring Too Much Cringe? Rick Caruso vs Hollywood, and the Best of Reddit | Ep 20

Welcome to the Actor's Guide Podcast, Episode 20!
There’s a viral article circulating comparing Hollywood’s reaction to Jeremy Strong’s compared to “golden boy” of the moment, Kieran Culkin (article link below). If you weren’t aware, Jeremy Strong is deeply passionate about the craft of acting and the reaction is mixed. If you’re watching on YouTube, you’ll see the picture from 1993 when he was waiting outside the Oscars to watch the actors and actresses enter the ceremony. Adorable or mortifying? E-Kan and Rían will be the judge.   
E-Kan and Rían discuss the comparison - is being passionate about the craft and caring too much unsexy, almost cringey? Is having ambition uncool?  Also getting some side eye was Timothy Chalamet’s SAG Awards speech. What can actors learn from these actors, and how does likability fall into play? What does this tell us about society and even politics and dating?
They also dig into the recent developments of a billion dollar studio expansion in Los Angeles and what Rick Caruso has to say about it and why he's filing a lawsuit against it. Everything you to know about a pivotal project for the Hollywood's future. 
The guys also launch their newest segment - The Week in Reddit! They go through the Acting Reddit thread for the best (and maybe the worst) questions and insights. Is it genius? Toxic? It's Reddit! Send us your questions actorsguidepodcast@gmail.com!
 
Hidden Gems: 
https://www.eltondrinks.com/
Report on Plastics in common day foods- https://www.plasticlist.org/
Links: 
Jeremy Strong/Kieran Culkin Substack Article, thatfinalscene.com - https://substack.com/@itssophieschoice/p-158233281
https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/23/entertainment/jeremy-strong-oscar-nomination/index.html
Jeremy Strong Q/A - https://youtu.be/SM4vf6oskw8?si=Yv4Z05Z_21D-rDjk
Timothy Chalamet SAG Awards speech - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4P50UQeIL4o
Time stamps:
(00:00) Intro
(03:05) Rick Caruso vs Hollywood
(05:40) Jeremy Strong - Kieran Culkin debate
(09:13) Status is ease
(14:30) Ambition is unsexy?
(19:45) The Best in Reddit
(21:46) Self-tape vs In person
(28:00) Hidden gems

The Oscars - The Good, Bad, and the Cringe, Kieran vs. Adrien, and The Actor's Guide Awards! | Ep 19

Welcome to the Actor's Guide Podcast, Episode 19!
This is the big Oscars recap as well as our favorite moments of Awards season, including our very first Actor's Guide Podcast Awards (they're not real but special nonetheless). How did Conan O’Brien do his first time hosting the Oscars? Biggest Shock? Biggest Cringe? Favorite Couple? (Not who you're expecting). 
And of course we had to talk about Adrien Brody... which gets E-Kan and Rían on their favorite speeches and the power of brevity, whether you're giving an Oscars speech or writing an Instagram post. 
Admittedly we thought some of the moments this season were better than the films, and many of them were provided by Kieran Culkin. Did you know that Jesse Eisenberg never saw any of Culkin's work before casting him in A Real Pain? We discuss it, and it might change how you look at your social media and branding. Does anyone remember the time Kieran Culkin took a dig at Adrien Brody taking up too much time at the podium at the SAG Awards, BEFORE the Oscars? We did. You can't write this stuff. 
The guys get into a deep conversation about actors’ process and where’s the line between having doing your best work while also not alienating or annoying your fellow actors. This is a good one, everyone! 
 
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/adrien-brody-record-longest-speech-oscars-2025-1236153234/
Jeremy Strong Interview - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SM4vf6oskw8
Eisenberg on Kieran Culkin - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hu80XNnRjpw
Kieran Culkin and Colman Domingo interview - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBKUDVZlLdI
Hidden Gems: 
Hi Tech Golf - https://supersocial.ie/games/hi-tech-golf/
Chase Lounge at LaGuardia - https://www.chase.com/personal/credit-cards/education/basics/guide-to-the-chase-sapphire-lounge-at-laguardia-airport
 
Time stamps:
(00:00) Intro
(02:20) New CA Bills and Keep California Rolling
(03:20) First Oscar reactions
(06:13) Biggest Shock
(07:50) Biggest Loser
(09:00) Anora 
(10:46) Adrien Brody
(12:20) Our favorite speeches ever
(14:50) The power of brevity 
(16:50) What we can learn from Adrien Brody
(19:50) Why we love Kieran Culkin
(22:12) Our favorite couple
(26:30) When Kieran took a shot at Adrien Brody
(27:16) Cutest Moment
(29:30) Jeremy Strong and an actor's process
(34:45) Kieran Culkin on actors as storytellers
(37:20) Eisenberg saw none of Culkin's work before casting him
(39:36) Hidden Gems
 

Betting on the Oscars, Gambling Stories, and Sean Baker on Being an Indie Film Lifer | Ep 18

Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World, Episode 18! This was recorded BEFORE the Academy Awards, that’s life when you release on Mondays. E-Kan and Rían take a look at the Oscar favorites and even betting lines, so now you can step back into the future and look at what could’ve been, and who really made some money on the upsets. And how much money would you have made if you bet on Mikey Madison to win Best Actress? And Anora?  Be sure to stick around, you’ll hear the story of why Rían will never gamble again.
Also, more big things are coming out of Hollywood- two new bills (SB 630 and AB 1138) were announced to augment Newsom’s Film TV Tax credit proposal for CA, and just announced is the newest movement, Keep California Rolling, gearing up for lobbying to state lawmakers. This will be everything you will need to know about what Newsom and California are doing to keep productions in Los Angeles.
E-Kan and Rían will also discuss Sean Baker’s beautiful speech at the Film Independent Spirit Awards, which was a love letter to indie film but also a warning signal and rally cry for other independent filmmakers. Personal, candid, and eye opening, he talked about the troubling financial landscape as an indie filmmaker, Hollywood should take note. He also called himself an “indie film lifer” and the guys discuss if they can call themselves a “lifer” of anything. You'll also hear what E-Kan would do if he wasn't acting. 
New episodes every Monday! All shows are on YouTube and Substack as well!  Let us know what you think. Email us at actorsguidepodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on all social media @actorsguidepodcast
https://variety.com/2025/film/news/entertainment-union-coalition-keep-california-rolling-production-1236322768/
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/california-film-and-tv-tax-incentive-bills-1236148381/
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/unions-california-film-tv-tax-credit-expansion-1236149638/
https://www.actionnetwork.com/entertainment/oscar-odds-2025-betting-lines-favorites-for-best-picture-best-actor-more-at-academy-awards
Sean Baker Speech Film Independent Spirit Awards - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIxtMGRlx0k
Hidden Gems: 
Riff Raff (2024) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNtKUBrNWNE
Han Dynasty (NYC) - 90 3rd Ave, NYC
Time stamps:
(00:00) Intro
(03:00) New CA Bills and Keep California Rolling
(05:00) Oscar favorites and betting lines
(07:13) Why Rían stopped gambling
(09:40) More Oscar favorites
(11:45) EGOT
(12:30) Sean Baker's epic speech 
(17:00) What would do if you weren't acting? 
(25:25) Hidden Gems
 

Maya Hawke, Instagram, and How Much Money Does It Cost to Win An Oscar? | Ep 17

Welcome to Episode 17 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World!
Maya Hawke's comments about Instagram and social media have sent shockwaves through the acting community and Hollywood, shining a light on the state of the industry and asking the big question - do actors have to be on social media? E-Kan and Rían dig into the power of social media, their love hate relationship with it, and the hard truth actors need to face - but also uncover the brighter side and how this might not be as bad as it sounds. And if you’re an actor not on social media, this episode might change your mind. On the flip side, E-Kan mentions some things that actors can learn from the YouTubers and some telling signs of how the industry embraces them even more with high profile projects as well as why fame is more ambiguous than ever right now. And coincidentally, Rian will finally find out who Mr. Beast is. The icing on the cake? Ethan Hawke's comments about all this was HILARIOUS. You’re not going to want to miss this.
They also get into the hidden world of financing an Oscar campaign and how much it really costs to win an Oscar.  Is it worth it? They get into what goes on behind the scenes, the many rules and regulations controlling how you campaign and what you can and cannot say. Listen and you’ll find out the moment in history when Oscar campaigns really became a thing. And if that wasn't enough, Brady Corbet, award winning director of Oscar favorite "The Brutalist" reveals he made zero dollars for making the movie and shoots commercials to pay the bills. 
This gets the guys onto the interesting balance between making money and pursuing your creative ambitions. E-Kan shares why he thinks he has been so successful in the commercial world and gives insight on the power of mindset, and Rían shares a cool metaphor for building new neural pathways he learned from Lesly Kahn. This is going to be a good one, folks. 
New episodes every Monday! All shows are on YouTube and Substack as well!  Let us know what you think. Email us at actorsguidepodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on all social media @actorsguidepodcast
 
https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/maya-hawke-producers-cast-actors-instagram-followers-1236309282/
https://variety.com/2025/film/festivals/ethan-hawke-casting-actors-based-instagram-followers-crazy-1236312855/
https://variety.com/2025/film/awards/the-brutalist-brady-corbet-no-money-1236311496/
https://deadline.com/2023/10/oscars-campaign-fees-rising-1235585681/
Hidden Gems:
White House (Baldoyle) -http://thewhitehousebarandfood.com/
Nobel Prize Winner - Harvard Professor William Lipscomb
Time stamps:
(00:00) Intro
(03:40) Maya Hawke and Instagram
(11:30) Why this is a trap for actors
(13:40) Do actors need to be on social media? 
(15:30) What are the best practices for actors and Instagram?
(16:30) They've been doing this forever
(20:30) Studios are starting to invest in Influencers
(25:20) What Ethan Hawke had to say about it
(27:40) How much does an Oscar campaign cost? 
(29:45) Brady Corbet made zero dollars on The Brutalist
(34:00) The mindset traps for actors and building new neural pathways
(41:00) When Oscar campaigns became a thing
(43:00) Hidden Gems
 
 
 
 
 

Watching Self-Tapes for 4 Seconds Part 2, Oscars Fire Back at AI, and SuperBowl! | Ep 16

Welcome to Episode 16 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World!
It has been wild week in sports for both Rían and E-Kan - Rían meets his childhood heroes and Manchester United legends while E-Kan celebrates the other football as his Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl in epic fashion. E-Kan recounts his favorite moments at the Eagles Super Bowl parade and why Philadelphia unlike no other.
Last week was so good, E-Kan and Rían run it back and do a follow up on last week's conversation about the four second self-tape controversy as their opinions have shifted over the week. After their initial gut reaction and emotions are taken out of it, they take a more nuanced look at the discussion overall and face the honest truth about whether four seconds is enough time to judge a self tape. This might be polarizing and unpopular for a lot of actors, but it might help you be less precious about your work and change how you look at your auditions. 
Also coincidentally after last week's episode about Best Picture nominees The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez using AI, the guys dig into how the Oscars are considering making it mandatory to disclose the use of AI in Oscar entries moving forward. How much AI is too much for the Oscars?
New episodes every Monday! All shows are on YouTube and Substack as well!  Let us know what you think. Email us at actorsguidepodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on all social media @actorsguidepodcast
 
https://deadline.com/2025/01/atlanta-casting-director-self-tapes-viewing-1236273084/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/timlammers/2025/01/21/emilia-prez-and-the-brutalist-ai-controversies-explained/
https://variety.com/2025/artisans/news/oscars-consider-requiring-films-disclose-ai-use-brutalist-1236299063/
Hidden Gems:
https://www.wakingup.com/
https://timdenning.substack.com/p/im-38-if-youre-in-your-20s-or-30s
Time stamps:
(00:00) Intro
(02:05) The Super Bowl and Eagles Parade
(07:35) Rían meets his childhood heroes Manchester United legends
(11:20) Oscars consider disclosing AI use
(17:35) Follow up on four seconds self-tape controversy
(26:05) The honest truth about self-tapes 
(31:35) Hidden Gems
 

AI Oscars Controversy, Emilia Pérez Debacle, and Watching Self-tapes for Only 4 seconds?! | EP 15

Welcome to Episode 15 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World!
This past weekend, Rían celebrates his birthday going to see a soccer match as E-Kan anxiously awaits the Super Bowl (Go Birds). They talk about America’s obsession with football and E-Kan explains why the Philadelphia Eagles get a bad reputation and why he thinks football is the ultimate team sport.
Also, E-Kan and Rían dig into the controversial comments made by an Atlanta casting director about how she only watched actors’ self tapes for four seconds. This is a conversation that actors need to hear. Was it overblown? Is this common amongst casting directors? What can actors learn from this? And what is the job of the casting director and what does this say about our industry moving forward? They talk about it their experiences working for a casting office as a reader and how it will change how you approach auditions.    
And Emilia Pérez... where do we begin? They give their thoughts on Karla Sofia Gascon's Oscar campaign that came and went. They also break down the AI controversy in the Oscar competition this year with The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez, both Best Picture nominees that have admitted to using AI. Is this going to start a trend? Do actors care if performances are altered? Or are we being naive? They also discuss what is the need to perfect performances through AI and is it worth the backlash.  E-Kan shares insights from a VFX supervisor about how they use technology to alter films that blew his mind.
New episodes every Monday! All shows are on YouTube and Substack as well!  Let us know what you think. Email us at actorsguidepodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on all social media @actorsguidepodcast
 
https://deadline.com/2025/01/atlanta-casting-director-self-tapes-viewing-1236273084/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/timlammers/2025/01/21/emilia-prez-and-the-brutalist-ai-controversies-explained/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2025/02/05/emilia-prez-director-disavows-karla-sofa-gascns-tweets-and-slams-actress-for-playing-the-victim-all-the-films-controversies-explained/
 
Latinos on Emilia Pérez- https://www.indiewire.com/features/commentary/emilia-perez-latinos-racist-does-academy-care-1235090484/
AI at the SuperBowl
https://www.adweek.com/media/no-ai-super-bowl/
Hidden Gems - Emmet Kirwan’s "Accents" show on tour
https://www.civictheatre.ie/whats-on/accents/
Dog Man (2025)
 
Time stamps:
(00:00) Intro
(03:45) The Super Bowl and Philly Eagles' fan reputation
(07:09) Rían explains how sports differ in Ireland than the US
(09:44) Casting director 4 seconds controversy
(17:29) Do casting directors watch every self tape? 
(19:14) Lessons actors can learn from this 
(22:14) Atlanta growing pains
(23:59) What actors can learn from being a casting director
(26:59) Emilia Pérez and Karla Sofia Gascon disaster
(29:44) The Latino problem with Emilia Pérez
(33:15) AI Controversy in the Oscars
(35:19) Do actors care if performances are altered by AI?
(40:04) The things that are altered with technology
(41:59) Hidden Gems
 
 
 

First Acting Jobs, Tarantino, Theater vs. Film, and Biggest Actor Pet Peeves | Ep 14

Welcome to Episode 14 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! 
Good news- Rían got hit with one of the worst storms in Ireland’s history and lived to tell about it. Quentin Tarantino is sounding off at Sundance about the state of film and how watching theater compares to film right now. Is he right? What does it say about the future of film? Is it going extinct? E-Kan and Rían will dig into it from the actor's perspective and talk about their own experiences on stage (or lack thereof), and why they wish they acted on stage more. Also the value of working in theater vs film and tv as an actor. Is it true theater should be the foundation of most actors? 
Also, the guys talk about the Stay In LA petition that is growing momentum and what you need to do to help support the cause (link below), as well as a great editorial by actor PJ Byrne on the importance of keeping productions in LA. 
They go down memory lane and talk about their first jobs - Rían touring through Europe, E-Kan shooting a film while living on the beaches of Santa Barbara for a film - and why they would never do it again. Also what are the demands for the modern day actor right now? They discuss why it helps to have the mindset and dedication of a professional athlete and how that will change your career and help you deal with the grind. Also discussed - what are the biggest actor pet peeves and what we wish non-actors would understand about our profession. Why "everyone's a critic". And the power of saying "no."
They also bring up the famous actor who said the difference between theater and film is like the difference between making love and masturbation. They disagreed- what do you think? In the pod, E-Kan mistakenly attributed it to Meryl Streep, but it was Susan Sarandon. Listen to the end and you'll hear the Viktor Frankl quote that got them going down the rabbit hole. This is a good one, folks! 
New episodes every Monday! All shows are on YouTube and Substack as well!  Let us know what you think. Email us at actorsguidepodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on all social media @actorsguidepodcast
 
Stay In LA Petition - https://www.stayinla.org/
PJ Bryne editorial - https://variety.com/2025/biz/news/la-bigger-tax-incentive-program-rebuild-fires-1236282891/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRknmmDcF20
Susan Sarandon interview- https://www.interviewmagazine.com/film/susan-sarandon
VIktor Frankl - A Man's Search for Meaning- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4069.Man_s_Search_for_Meaning
Hidden Gems: About Time (2013)
Free Paddle Tennis (Venice, CA)
Theatr App (resold theater tickets)
 
Time stamps:
(00:00) Intro
(05:17) Stay In LA Petition to help recovery from the wildfires
(08:12) Tarantino on theater vs film
(11:32) What makes theater special
(14:02) Is theater out of touch? And the future of entertainment
(16:52) Rían toured around with a show around Europe
(17:17) E-Kan's first job living on the beach of Santa Barbara
(19:17) The demands of the modern actor now in 2025
(23:17) Why everyone's a critic when it comes to acting and people just don't understand
(30:17) Their first times on stage
(33:47) Why theater is the purist medium for actors
(35:37) Theater is making love, film is masturbation
(38:17) Live life like it's the second time around
(40:37) Hidden Gems