10 Podcasts You Should Be Listening to as an Actor

10 Podcasts You Should Be Listening to as an Actor

As podcasts continue to skyrocket in popularity, more and more of these listening entertainment options are hitting the market space each month. The challenging part now is deciding which podcasts are worth the time and effort investment. As a busy actor, you might often feel pressed for time. Here are ten podcasts that actors should check out for both entertainment and informational purposes:

BROADWAY’S BACKBONE

Host Brad Bradley delves deep into the unsung heroes of any Broadway production by interviewing the ensemble cast, chorus members, and dancers that give life to any show.

HOLLYWOOD HUSTLE

With a purpose of inspiring its listeners, this podcast brings the struggles of those in the industry into focus through a series of interviews with those on their way up the career ladder.

THE YOUNG ACTOR’S GUIDE

Hosted by casting director and mom Dana Bowling, this informative podcast is ideal for parents and young kids looking for advice on navigating this often overwhelming yet exciting journey.

HOLLYWOOD CLOSE-UP

This empowering podcast focuses on providing practical advice and inspiration for creating your own career path in this complicated industry.

THEATER PEOPLE

Host Patrick Hinds uses his extensive podcast work experience to bring to light the extraordinary lives of Broadway performers. This show boasts a myriad of full-length interviews with a host of theater legends and Tony Award winners.

IN THE ENVELOPE

Focused on both the big screen and the Broadway stage, this podcast delivers a variety of interviews of some of the most famous names in the business. The inspirational edge will leave listeners feeling like they are not in this alone.

SOUND ADVICE

Hands-down the best podcast for those looking to break into the voiceover market, this show focuses on the current trends and instructional advice for the industry and how you can make the most of any opportunity.

LIVING THE DREAM

Tony-nominated actor Rory O’Malley hosts this light-hearted and funny show about how to keep your cool in this field. O’Malley brings in his acting industry friends to share insights and stories guaranteed to make you smile.

CINEMA AFTER DARK

With a focus on the independent film industry, this podcast looks at this often ignored subset of the field. Host Max Cole uses his expertise in independent filmmaking to bring to light stories from the industry in a way that connects with listeners.

THAT ONE AUDITION WITH ALYSHIA OCHSE

Producer and actress Alyshia Ochse interviews a bevy of Hollywood insiders who reveal their real-life audition stories. This candid and humorous podcast can be counted on to make you laugh while also giving you practical advice about making the most of any audition opportunity.

Logan Sekulow is a renowned producer and director.

7 Movies That Didn’t, But Should Have, Won an Oscar

7 Movies That Didn't, But Should Have, Won an Oscar

Many critically acclaimed films never won an Oscar in any category. Many of these same movies were also very popular with audiences as well. Here are 7 movies that never won an Oscar, but probably should have:

1. The Shawshank Redemption

This 1994 film based on a novella by Stephen King tells the story of a banker who is sent to prison for a murder that he did not commit. The film actually received 7 Oscar nominations, but it did not win any. Though it was eventually recognized by the National Film Registry as being a significant film.

2. Fight Club

This classic 1999 film was based on a critically acclaimed novel by Chuck Palahniuk. The movie, which is about a group of men trying to find purpose in their lives through extreme violence, was also popular with both critics and audiences. But it was only able to garner a single Oscar nomination for Best Sound Effects Editing, which it lost.

3. A Clockwork Orange

In 1971, this Stanley Kubrick film about a violent gang of youth living in a futuristic dystopia shocked audiences and critics alike, much as the novel by Anthony Burgess had years earlier. While the movie was a big success and gathered 4 Oscar nominations, it failed to win any of them. But it would remain a cult classic decades after its release.

4. Psycho

In 1960, well before there was a Freddy Krueger or a Jason Voorhees, there was Norman Bates. Based on a book, which in turn was based on a real-life killer, this movie singlehandedly created the slasher genre. It also was able to avoid the censors, who at the time placed strict controls on sex and violence in films. Though while it did get nominated for 4 Oscars, it won none of them.

5. Wolf of Wall Street

This 2013 Martin Scorsese film starring Leonardo DiCaprio is based on the true story of stockbroker Jordan Belfort, and it chronicles corruption and deceit in the financial industry. The movie was a huge commercial success, and it was popular with critics as well. But it was not as popular with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. While they gave the film 5 Oscar nominations, it did not win any.

6. The Prestige

Based on a 1995 novel by Christopher Priest, this 2006 film told the story of two competing magicians, played by Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman. Like other movies in this list, it was popular with both critics and moviegoers. But it only got 2 Oscar nominations, and it did not win either one.

7. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

This 1986 teen classic starring Matthew Broderick won the hearts of a diverse group of fans that included both Kurt Cobain and former Vice President Dan Quayle. It was also popular with critics. But not only did it not win any Oscars, but it was also not even nominated for one.

Logan Sekulow is a renowned producer and director.

15 Famous Actors Who Turned Down Superhero Roles

15 Famous Actors Who Turned Down Superhero Roles

1. Jon Hamm as Green Lantern

Jon Hamm is a huge fan of superhero movies but bluntly passed on the opportunity to portray Green Lantern in the 2011 film, because he was disappointed with the direction in which the studios were taking them.

2. Tom Cruise as Iron Man

Tom Cruise has praised Robert Downey Jr’s portrayal of Iron Man, saying he was the perfect match for the role of Tony Stark and despite persistent rumors, he was never close to obtaining the part.

3. Matt Damon as Daredevil

Childhood pals Ben Affleck and Matt Damon were both eager for a shot at the main role in “Daredevil.” Damon ultimately ended up passing after getting a look at the subpar script.

4. Kate Beckinsale as Wonder Woman

Although Beckinsale was considered for the role of Diana Prince in “Wonder Woman,” she ultimately declined. She delicately implied the script was lacking and stated her days of wearing skin tight costumes are at an end.

5. Pierce Brosnan as Batman

Before he was enjoying a shaken martini as Bond, Brosnan was offered the role of Batman in the Tim Burton franchise. He mistakenly thought the movie would be a cheesy superhero flick and wanted to take on more serious films.

6. Emily Blunt as Black Widow

This British star regrets having to turn down the part of Black Widow in 2009. She had already committed to “Gulliver’s Travels” with Jack Black.

7. Josh Hartnett as Spider-Man

Early in his career, Hartnett was offered the role of Spider-man. He turned it down due to fear that he would be typecast as a superhero character.

8. Amandla Stenberg as Shuri

Shuri, Princess of Wakanda is a prime role from “Black Panther” turned down by Stenberg after much thought. She felt her skin was too light for the role, and it would detract from the film.

9. Brie Larson as Captain Marvel

Not eager for the limelight this role would bring, Larson turned down the offer to be Captain Marvel in the 2015 film “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” She later had a change of heart and will play the part in 2019.

10. Paul Newman as Lex Luthor

Newman was in good company when he refused a four million dollar offer to play Lex Luthor in the 1978 “Superman” film. Al Pacino, Burt Reynolds and Robert Redford also declined to be in the film.

11. Leonardo DiCaprio as Spider-Man

While DiCaprio does not think the part of Spider-Man would have impacted the trajectory of his career, he felt he was not yet ready to take on the role when it was offered to him by James Cameron.

12. Jessica Chastain as The Wasp

Chastain was very interested in becoming part of a superhero franchise, but when she was offered the role of The Wasp, the amount of screen time was not enough for her.

13. Heath Ledger as Batman

Though Ledger did appear as The Joker in the “Batman” sequel, he originally was not compelled enough by the series to accept the role of Batman.

14. Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Star-Lord

Gordon-Levitt would later regret turning down the part of Star-Lord to appear in the unsuccessful “Sin City: A Dame to Kill For.”

15. Will Smith as Superman

The 2006 film, “Superman Returns” almost featured Smith in the starring role. He turned it down because he feared fans would be upset at a Superman with darker skin.

Logan Sekulow is a renowned producer and director.

The 10 Best Thanksgiving Movies of All Time

The 10 Best Thanksgiving Movies of All Time

Thanksgiving is one of the most enjoyed holidays in the United States. Along with the tradition of these holidays comes a variety of great Thanksgiving-themed movies. There are ten in particular that continue to be favorite’s decades after they were released.

Addams Family Values

The Addams Family is one of the most iconic fictional television families. In this move, the family tries to cope with the unique Thanksgiving holiday in their picturesque suburban. They also put their own spin on the big day.

The Big Chill

This melodramatic film shows a group of college friends that are gathering together following the funeral of one of their own. It takes place around the Thanksgiving holiday, which uses the holiday as the backdrop.

Planes Trains and Automobiles

This is a classic comedy movie starring Steve Martin and John Candy. It features the two men playing polar opposite characters that find themselves stranded from home during the holidays. The two men then go through a hilarious trip as they try to make their way home for the holidays.

Home for the Holidays

In this film, you will get to see a great cast that includes Jodie Foster and Robert Downey Jr. It showcases has a family can truly come together for the Thanksgiving holiday and enjoy spending time together even after some difficult times in their past.

Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

One of the most classic children’s movies of all time is Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. In Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, the title character and his friends learn all about the history of the holiday and even start their own traditions.

Beethoven

This is a Thanksgiving movie staple that is perfect for families. In this movie, a family that feels like they are being torn apart adopt a new dog, which helps to bring them back together. It is full of laughter and is a feel-good movie for anyone with young children.

Avalon

Family gathering is one of the best parts of getting together for Thanksgiving. In Avalon, a family gathers at their New York home to celebrate the holiday. However, there is an incredible amount of suspense and drama as the family deals with their past together.

Scent of a Woman

This award-nominated movie features Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro. In the film, the two famous actors put on a performance of a lifetime. This takes place during the start of the holiday season with Thanksgiving as a backdrop.

Dutch

This movie stars Ed O’Neil who is tasked by his new girlfriend with brining her teenage son home from prep school for the Thanksgiving holiday. In this film, you get to watch as the two actors start out at odds with one another. However, after a great adventure they soon grow much closer.

The New World

This film stars Colin Farrell as Captain John Smith. It also shows the first few years in which the Pilgrims and Native Americans meet one another. It also shows the first ever Thanksgiving holiday between the two groups of people.

Logan Sekulow is a successful producer and director known for relaunching the popular studio known as Laugh-O-Gram studios.