The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World

Layoffs rip through Hollywood and How to Create Your Own Work

Welcome to Episode 33 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! This week the guys discuss the massive layoffs happening throughout Hollywood, including WB Discovery, Paramount, Disney, and many more.  Looks like the actors and crew aren't the only ones looking for work. E-Kan and Rían find a little comfort in this turbulent time in the industry and talk about the only real thing to do right now - make your own stuff!
This is just skimming the surface and part two will come, but E-Kan talks about his experience directing, producing, writing, and starring in award-winning web series and short films (links below). They talk about their experiences collaborating  with others, gems like don’t let great be the enemy of good, how creating your own work will make you a better actor, and how to prioritize starting a production from the ground up with limited resources. 
If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to creating your own projects, this is the episode for you. 
 
https://deadline.com/feature/hollywood-media-layoffs-list-1236007845/
Web series "Born Losers"
https://bornloserstv.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@bornloserstv2995
Short Film - "No Laughing Matter: Tears of a Clown" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sleaN1b0og8&t=141s
"How to Book with Lesly Kahn" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzSg6Q03W4o&t=22s
Hidden Gems: 
Ci Siamo (NYC) https://www.cisiamo.com/menus/
 
Time stamps
(0:00) Intro
(2:50) Layoffs at the studios
(7:15) The only thing you can do as an actor
(11:25) Don't let Great be the Enemy of Good 
(13:25) Making your own stuff
(15:50) How do you start? 
(17:50) The freedom in making your own work
(19:37) Minimizing expectations and the real purpose
(29:00) Where it all started
(29:50) The importance of finding the right partner
(32:50) Hidden Gems
 
 

Working with Tom Hanks and Debunking Self-tape Myths on the Internet

Welcome to Episode 32 to the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World podcast!
Still coming down from last week’s epic episode with last week’s guest Kirsten Sheridan, E-Kan and Rían recap major takeaways and lessons learned. Be sure to check out her summer workshop happening this month in LA, info below.
They get onto a little blast from the past when E-Kan worked with a screen acting legend and all because he was an intern at the casting office. Listen in to hear how E-Kan’s ass got his first studio credit.  Rían also shares his first movie experience with Joel Schumacher and how he also worked at a casting office. You’ll hear what he learned about auditioning from watching and reading with so many actors as well as why “sexy indifference” is so appealing.
Rían also brings up wisdom from incredible actor Michael Kostroff that changed how he looks at auditions and how it helped to remember “you’re not going to get the fucking job.”
And then they discuss a controversial post about "self-tapes truths" from a former casting director that has caused a stir online. No ring light? Don’t act, just be yourself? No "bold choices"??  The guys get into it and what actors need to remember, especially newer ones. You’re going to want to hear this one.
New episodes every Monday, wherever you find your podcasts, including video on Youtube and Substack!
Follow @actorsguidepodcast on all social media including IG and TikTok.
 
Kirsten Sheridan’s website-  www.kirstensheridan.net 
Summer workshop - www.bowstreet.ie/kirsten-sheridan-workshop 
Aaron Paul “Breaking Bad” audition
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-6vWahav9E
Amy Adam’s “June Bug” audition
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxxVcAc4gZc
Emma stone’s audition “Easy A”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6f0UgVxpe9E
 
Hidden gems: Museum of Moving Image (Astoria, NY) Jim Henson and Mission Impossible https://movingimage.org/whats-on/screenings-and-series/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22307333704&gbraid=0AAAAAogSa6Wx8yyXir9YTjwyjqeZFYzj5&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjJrCBhCXARIsAI5x66XlXeI3vGlrWaJ2gD1A1MEz2nVXJz1fo9cnMikUedk5lfQr6S7bsjgaAmNzEALw_wcB
Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari https://www.amazon.com/Nexus-Brief-History-Information-Networks/dp/059373422X
Time stamps
(0:00) Intro
(2:45) Kirsten Sheridan recap
(7:05) Working with legend Tom Hanks
(12:50) Rían first film experience with Joel Shumacher
(17:00) Lessons learned from interning at a casting office
(18:00) Audition workshop from "The Wire" actor Michael Kostroff
(23:30) "Self-Tape Truths" debunked
(35:24) Learn from the best auditions online
(37:00) Hidden gems
 
 

Our first guest! Oscar-nominated writer-director Kirsten Sheridan on Cillian Murphy and Hulu’s Say Nothing | Ep 31

Welcome to Episode 31 to the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World podcast! This episode came out a little late this week but it’s worth the wait. We have our very first guest- Oscar nominated writer director Kirsten Sheridan stops by the show.  That's right. We might just quit after this episode.  We discuss so many things, from being nominated for writing “In America”, the indie hit based on her life story immigrating to the U.S., watching her legendary director father direct Daniel Day Lewis, and directing her first feature starring a 25-year old Cillian Murphy.
The incredible actors she has worked with include Samantha Morton, Paddy Considine, Djimon Hounsou, and of course Robin Williams. She has so much wisdom to share. 
Kirsten talks about the biggest lesson she learned from her father and the one piece of advice she always gives actors. Also what on Earth is Danny Devito’s Troll Foot? And what’s a 99?
Also Kirsten's latest show "Say Nothing" on Hulu is earning rave reviews. The gripping true story spans four decades during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, and we discuss the impact it's having on audiences. She and Rían also reminisce as they happened to have gone to the same high school as one another.  As if that wasn't enough, she started a filmmaking community/school in Ireland and is bringing that experience to LA this summer (info below). We talk about how she likes to work with actors and how she helps them achieve their best work, as well what she looks for in self tapes. 
Kirsten is clearly a director an actor would dream to work with but also to have as a guest. Please enjoy this episode. 
Kirsten Sheridan’s website-  www.kirstensheridan.net 
Summer workshop - www.bowstreet.ie/kirsten-sheridan-workshop 
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0792202/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1
IG: @bowstreetacademy
Time stamps
(0:00) Intro
(1:24) Kirsten Sheridan
(3:11) Seeing the flaws of your old work
(5:09) Cillian Murphy is an incredible actor
(9:27) Pitfalls learning lessons as a young director
(09:54) The big lesson Kirsten learned from her legendary director father
(11:12) The worst thing a director can do
(15:24) Growing up on film sets
(18:20) How writing helped her find her voice
(18:54) Starting a film acting school
(21:11) In America
(23:03) Imposter syndrome
(24:26) Behind the scenes of In America
(30:27) Building a community in LA
(34:43) Hulu hit “Say Nothing”
(41:11) Ireland’s tumultuous history
(44:33) How to survive in the new industry of entertainment
(49:26) Danny Devito and Troll Foot
(50:24) Teaching classes and building community
(56:07) Viciously protecting your craft like Cillian Murphy
(57:51) Directing Robin Williams
(1:00:35) How do you keep up with all the content?
(1:03:09) The one piece of advice I always give actors
(1:04:44) Finding the actors’ essence
(1:08:44) What's next for Kirsten
(1:10:49) Hidden gems

DeNiro, Self-Tapes, and The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World, Episode 30! Both E-Kan and Rían are having excellent days with this recording, you’ll have to listen to hear why.
E-Kan saw DeNiro speak and learned what it makes him such a great movie star and actor. It was also the first time E-Kan's sister was ever star struck. We talk about how the game has changed since DeNiro was coming up and a little about the pros and cons of self-tapes. What are actors missing out on not going into the room anymore? Does it hurt them on set?
We get onto a little bit about the process, memorizing lines, what we have found to be successful, and an interesting story about Anthony Hopkins and why he reads his script 200 times. 
Then E-Kan talks about how he sets boundaries, avoids getting overwhelmed by the news cycle and what he's learned about the Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck. 
 
Follow us wherever you find your podcasts, including video on YouTube and Substack.
Hidden Gems: 
Radio Bakery (NYC) @radiobakerynyc
Line Learner App
Anthony's Paint & Body Shop (Santa Monica) - https://www.yelp.com/biz/anthonys-paint-and-body-shop-santa-monica?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
 
Walton Goggins video - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJaSWnKs9mB/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Anthony Hopkins Westworld video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kSGkGKwp9U
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck-
https://www.amazon.com/Subtle-Art-Not-Giving-Counterintuitive/dp/0062457713
(00:00) Intro
(05:08) Meeting DeNiro
(09:04) How the industry has changed
(10:50)The trap of self-tapes 
(13:40) How important is memorizing lines
(14:20) Anthony Hopkins' simple process
(19:00) What works for us
(26:00) How do you choose what to care about? And not get overwhelmed
(28:40) The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
(30:00) Hidden Gems
 
 

AI Regulations Ban, the New SAG Commercial Contract, and Staying in the Game

Welcome to Episode 29 of the Actor’s Guide to The End of the World!
This one is PACKED. We have AI Regulations for actors, healthcare, and everyone else are in danger thanks to the folks in Congress. You'll hear what happened when E-Kan gave them a call this week. 
E-Kan and Rían also go over the tentative SAG-Aftra commercial contract up for vote this week and everything actors need to know to make an informed decision and what major gains were achieved. Also why these contracts are important for all actors, whether you're in SAG-Aftra or not. They get on to the very polarizing talk about union, fi-core, non-union, and the rampant amount of non-union projects, especially commercials. Why is Fi-core so polarizing? Should there be a stigma around fi-core? We go DEEP on this.  Rian even drops some Ireland political history into the mix.
You'll hear what casting site just got called out for using AI models on its site. OY it never ends. 
Then they discuss the valuable lesson learned from Alan Rickman, who achieved major fame with his first movie role at age 41 in Die Hard which gets them on to the importance of having a life, staying in the game, and how to play the waiting game as an actor without being a victim. Both Rían and E-Kan share how fear and ego has held them back and what they're doing about it and the power of community.
Follow us wherever you find your podcasts, including video on YouTube and Substack.
Hidden Gems: 
AMC Discount Wednesdays and Tuesdays (with free Stubs membership)
Griffith Observatory show (Los Angeles) https://griffithobservatory.org/explore/daily-programs/
 
(02:10) Congress tries to strip AI Regulations
(04:15) E-Kan calls Congress
(07:26) The ongoing AI debate
(09:13) Casting site gets caught using AI models
(12:00) SAG-Aftra Commercial Contract
(14:15) How Streaming commercials pay out vs Linear TV
(24:00) What is Fi-core?
(28:55) Does Fi-core weaken the Union?
(35:00) Is it wrong to work outside of LA?
(37:10) Alan Rickman broke out at 41
(39:15) What is your idea of making it?
(43:16) E-Kan faced his fear
(44:20) Don’t wait for someone to reach down to you
(45:00) Hidden Gems

The New Pope, On-set Etiquette, and Trump's Hollywood Tariffs

Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World, episode 28!
You asked for an episode on Trump’s tariffs, and you got it. E-Kan and Rían were intended to jump into political waters but it just so happens everyone and their mom was asking, and they couldn’t NOT talk about it. This is everything you need to know, what exactly was said, the surprising responses from those in the industry - IATSE, SAG-Aftra, the Teamsters, as well as Governor Newsom and Jon Voight, of all people.  Rían battle a headache while E-Kan digs into Jon Voight’s proposal to reinvigorate the US Hollywood industry.. and dare we say, Make America Film Again…
This is going to get wild.
They also open up about how do you stay informed without getting bogged down with the depressing news cycle? E-Kan found a silver lining and some benefits in learning a little more about what makes our industry run, or in some ways, not run.
Also, the first American pope got announced, and you will hear the crazy connection E-Kan has with him. Then Rían and E-Kan dig into the social dynamic on set- should you be social and chat with everyone or keep your distance, stay on set or break away to your trailer? The guys discuss what works for them and what they prefer, and the unnamed star who absolutely did NOT talk to him.
Follow us wherever you find your podcasts, including video on YouTube and Substack.
 
https://deadline.com/2025/05/trump-movie-tariffs-hollywood-1236384980/
https://deadline.com/2025/05/sag-aftra-reacts-trump-film-tariffs-1236385594/
https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/president-trump-gavin-newsom-film-tariffs-tax-credit/
https://abc7.com/post/governor-gavin-newsom-offers-work-trump-75-billion-tax-credit-proposal-boost-us-films/16339525/
https://deadline.com/2025/05/jon-voight-hollywood-plan-read-in-full-trump-tariffs-1236387042/
NYC increases tax credit -  https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/new-york-aims-large-scale-producers-indie-projects-film-subsidy-boost-1236212240/
Texas increases tax credit- https://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/31/texas-film-television-incentive-fund/
Hidden Gems-
Yellow mangoes. Don’t knock it if you haven’t tried it.
Capital One Cafes - (NYC, LA)
(00:00) Intro
(01:00) E-Kan’s Pope story
(05:10) Trump’s Tariffs
(08:30) Union’s response
(11:40) What Governor Newsom has to say
(13:35) Jon Voigt’s proposal
(22:00) How do you not overwhelmed by the news?
(26:00) Stay on set in between takes?
(30:40) The one rule on set
(35:00) Hidden Gems
 
 

Jeremy Renner Leaves Hawkeye, Hollywood vs the World, and Secrets from Top TV Directors

Welcome to Episode 27 of the Actor’s Guide to The End of the World! Apologies for the late upload, but this one is packed and well worth the wait.  This episode was recorded BEFORE Trump announced possible tariffs on foreign film production, but coincidentally this episode we discuss the complexities of the current entertainment industry and whether it is a Hollywood vs the World issue. So apparently we do predict the future... more to come. 
E-Kan tells us what he thought about the hottest show on Broadway, Glengarry Glen Ross, starring Bon Odenkirk, Kieran Culkin, Bill Burr, and Rían’s friend John Pirruccello- make sure to listen to our Hidden Gems at the end of the episode to hear how he snagged them!
There’s positive news for the California film industry and Stay In LA as two crucial bills to reform film tv tax credits just got pushed through to the next round, but there's still a long road ahead. The guys dig into the fierce competition for film and tv production across the world and the deeper issue - Is it really Hollywood vs the world, or do we all succeed if Hollywood succeeds? Does Hollywood deserve to be protected? And did E-Kan really compare the Hollywood industry to the great pyramids of Egypt? Yes he did. This will be part of ongoing conversation you don't want to miss. 
Jeremy Renner walks away from Season 2 of Hawkeye because Disney offered half of what he made the first season and calls them "penny pinchers". Is this an actor fighting for what he's worth or just entitlement? And how is this relevant to the working actor? E-Kan and Rían differ in opinion and it'll make you think. 
And E-Kan shares insights from a panel with two of TV's top directors, one of which directed him on Bosch: Legacy. Some things discussed- what a director's job SHOULD be, the differences between film and tv, how much say do they have in who gets cast. 
But the burning question on Rían's mind - what does "holding space" actually mean?
Follow us wherever you find your podcasts, including video on YouTube and Substack.
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/jeremy-renner-hawkeye-season-2-salary-1236205536/
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/california-film-and-tv-tax-incentive-bills-1236148381/
TV Director Panel with Deborah Kampmeier and Hagar Ben-Asher- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x_sbaKjIh0
Hidden Gems: 
Glengarry Glen Ross $45 tickets (listen to the end)
https://youtu.be/z7-p3XIzoAE?si=kAULbdLSlUWTNBFI
Da Michele Pizza in Hollywood - https://damicheleusa.com/
(00:00) Intro
(02:30) Glengarry Glen Ross
(05:50) Two Film/TV bills get pushed up in California
(06:50) Stay in LA Rally 
(11:18) Is California taking Hollywood for granted?
(13:00) Hollywood vs the World 
(17:20) Is Hollywood still an institution?
(18:40) Jeremy Renner walks away from Hawkeye
(22:30) TV Director Panel
(28:30) Hidden Gems
 

Mingling with Fassbender, Sinners Shakes up Hollywood, and the Question Every Actor Hates

Welcome to the Actor's Guide Podcast, Episode 26!
E-Kan has come back from his travels - you’ll hear what far off place he visited and why he prefers a little danger on his trips. Ryan Coogler, Sinners, and its huge opening weekend are all the talk in Hollywood, but is it getting enough credit? And why is it making Hollywood studios scared? E-Kan and Rían break down Coogler’s unique deal with the studio, why it challenges traditional Hollywood contracts, and whether we should expect to see more of the same in Hollywood.
Then E-Kan talks about his recent experience going to an industry screening and reception with Michael Fassbender, Richard Gere, and Jeffrey Wright, and how weird the energy is at networking events. This gets them on the often-dreaded question actors face- “So what have you been in?”. They explore why it’s so hated and what we can learn from it. We’re back in the saddle, everyone, and this one goes deep.
Email us at @actorsguidepodcast@gmail.com Follow us on YouTube, Substack, and all social media @actorsguidepodcast!
Kara Mayer Robinson’s podcast “Really Famous” https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/really-famous-with-kara-mayer-robinson/id1231521180
Sinner’s box office success -https://movieweb.com/sinners-ryan-coogler-warner-bros-ownership-dealexplained/#:~:text=Coogler%20isn't%20the%20first,Upon%20a%20Time%20in%20Hollywood
https://www.npr.org/2025/04/25/nx-s1-5375043/why-the-box-office-hit-sinners-is-making-waves-in-hollywood
Hidden Gems: Woody Harrelson’s the Woods Cafe - https://thewoodsweho.com/ Mint Pearls for travel and nausea - https://www.daburinternational.com/uae/product/dabur-pudin-hara-pearls
 
Time stamps:
(00:00) Intro
(01:30) E-Kan's travels
(08:00) Coogler and Sinners box office success
(10:10) Breaking down Coogler's deal
(14:30) Variety gets called out
(18:45) The Agency panel with Fassbender
(21:30) The question actors hate
(24:45) Are actors more zen?
(27:20) Hidden Gems