Get Scene Unscripted

Actors often have big goals — series regular, major shows, career breakthroughs — but what actually gets them there?
In this episode of Get Scene Unscripted, Jesse sits down with Emma Graves of District Modeling Talent to break down what agents actually look for, why actors stall, and how real progress is built through training, intentional planning, and realistic steps.
They talk about:
Why skipping the ladder hurts your career

What agents mean by an “actionable plan”

How headshots, training, and submissions work together

Why being submitted but not called in is still useful data

The difference between dreaming and intentional action

This conversation is a grounded, honest look at how actors can take responsibility for their careers — without burnout or delusion.

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In this episode of Get Scene Unscripted, Jesse Malinowski sits down with a recurring guest and working actor to talk honestly about momentum, flexibility, and why working actors often say yes to projects others would turn down.
They break down real career scenarios, including:
Taking local, lower-budget work even after major credits

Why being on set beats waiting for the “perfect” job

The mental and emotional toll of dry spells

How momentum impacts confidence, auditions, and relationships with reps

When turning down work is empowering — and when it isn’t

Why every acting job is a separate hire, not a linear ladder

The conversation reframes what “moving forward” actually looks like in an acting career and why rigid standards can quietly stop actors from working.
👇 Comment below:
Where are you flexible right now — rate, travel, or role size?
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In this episode of Get Scene Unscripted, Jesse Malinowski sits down with his mom for a deeply personal conversation about his early acting journey, his first booking, confidence, credit, resilience, and why actors can’t rely on acting alone.They talk about:Jesse’s very first booking after almost giving upHow his mom pushed him into an audition she didn’t want to doWhy confidence, credit, and support systems matter for actorsThe danger of going “all-in” with no balanceWhy actors need other passions, skills, and income streams to survive long-termThis episode is a reminder that talent alone isn’t enough — longevity comes from mindset, support, and adaptability.👉 Comment below: What's a lesson your mom taught you that shaped your life?📩 Join the Get Scene newsletter:https://getscenestudios.us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=7660af20fdb3c04d6b6516591&id=eecb804958Check out our in person Actor's Summit: https://www.getscenestudios.com/southeast-actor-summit

In this episode of Get Scene Unscripted, host Jesse Malinowski sits down with Michael Sokol — actor, writer, producer, and filmmaker — to talk honestly about what it really means to build a sustainable career in today’s film and TV industry.Michael shares his journey from acting into writing and producing, why becoming a hyphenate matters more than ever, and how creating your own work can deepen your acting craft instead of distracting from it. They break down the realities of auditions, rejection, casting rooms, self-tapes, and why treating acting like a business is no longer optional.This conversation dives into:Why actors should learn writing, producing, and editingHow creating content improves your acting skillsWhat casting rooms actually care aboutWhy not every project needs to be a “magnum opus”How indie filmmakers should think about audience, purpose, and distributionWhy rejection isn’t personal — and how to reframe itIf you’re an actor feeling stuck, burned out, or unsure where your next opportunity is coming from, this episode offers grounded, practical perspective from someone who’s lived on both sides of the industry.🎧 Subscribe for weekly conversations with casting directors, agents, filmmakers, and working actors.📩 Join our newsletter for actor resources, podcast drops, and upcoming workshops:https://getscenestudios.us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=7660af20fdb3c04d6b6516591&id=eecb804958

If you’ve ever thought, “It probably won’t matter anyway” — this episode is for you.In this episode of That Actor Couple, Jesse and Candace Malinowski break down a real, recent audition experience and the mindset shift that every actor needs: give yourself the shot to win.This conversation also covers:Deciding before you audition if a job is worth itWorking local and understanding worst-case scenariosWhy productions don’t “owe” actors anythingHow following directions protects casting directorsLive auditions vs self-tapes and controlling what you canWhy stacking income and stability matters for actorsIf you want fewer regrets, fewer “what ifs,” and more confidence in your submissions — this is a must-watch.👇 Comment below:What’s the hardest audition direction you’ve ever had to figure out?📩 Join our newsletter for actors (podcasts, workshops, and industry insight):https://getscenestudios.us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=7660af20fdb3c04d6b6516591&id=eecb804958🎟 Get your tickets for the Southeast Actors Summit! https://www.getscenestudios.com/southeast-actor-summit