Acting Tips
What I Learned From My First Time Behind the Casting Table
After three years of auditioning for other people's projects, I finally produced my own short film and sat on the other side of the casting table. Here is what I learned watching auditions instead of giving them, the good and the bad.
Acting Tips
How to Network as an Actor Without Sounding Like You Want Something
I was at Film Bar Mondays a few months back. A guy walked up to a director I know, introduced himself, and asked to be...
Page 4 Films
The Festival Circuit, Honestly: Where to Submit, Where to Skip, and Where You’re Just Funding Someone’s Side Hustle
Most festival advice online is either pollyanna nonsense or written by someone selling you a course. Before I send Legacy into the festival ecosystem this fall, I wanted to write down what I actually know about how this works. Here's the honest map of which festivals are worth your money, which won't get you a deal but are still worth submitting to, and which ones are funding someone's hobby business with your $60.
Page 4 Films
Fractured Atlas 101: How Fiscal Sponsorship Actually Works (From Someone Who Just Used It)
Most filmmakers either don't know what fiscal sponsorship is, or think it's a grant. It isn't. Here's what I learned raising over $10,000 for Legacy through Fractured Atlas.
Uncategorized
Ideas Are Cheap. Doing Is Not.
The talent gap between people is smaller than we pretend. The execution gap is enormous. There are wildly talented people who never finish anything. There are average people who finish constantly and end up running things. Finishing is the rarer skill.
Projects
The Indies Are About to Run the Table
The majors are getting bigger and making fewer films. The indies are getting smarter and making better ones. As an actor and filmmaker with skin in the game, here's why I think the math is finally breaking our way.
Uncategorized
A Phone Call Changed Everything
Over the past week, I resigned from my demanding beverage manager position to regain control of my life. After considering a return to bartending, an unexpected call from my former boss offered me a chance to return to my previous job with a higher salary. This allows me to finance my film projects while pursuing filmmaking, albeit with limited availability for acting roles. Ultimately, this new path supports my long-term goals as a filmmaker.
Acting Tips
The Other Side of the Camera: What Casting My First Film Taught Me About Reels
The author, currently casting their short film "Legacy," shares insights from their new perspective. They emphasize the importance of captivating performances over production quality when reviewing actor reels, noting that strong first clips and appealing headshots significantly impact selections. Actors should ensure they engage viewers early in their reels.
Projects
Legacy Short Film Update — Where We Are
Simon updates on his short film "Legacy," which is 75% funded through donations and a major gift. Unlike many projects, all cast and crew will be paid, reflecting his commitment to fair compensation. The film stars a SAG actor and will shoot in Atlanta after July 2026. They seek a Chinese or Chinese-American actor for a key role. Follow for updates on Instagram.
Projects
I’m Making a Short Film. Here’s Why I Need Your Help.
Simon, an actor, is transitioning to directing with his short film "Legacy." It follows Henry Chen, a Chinese-American restaurant owner who helps a young Black man in need. Currently in pre-production in Atlanta, Simon seeks financial backing for the $10,000 budget to cover production costs. Donations are tax-deductible.