Episodit

  • It's here! After 40 episodes of Series 5, the season draws to a close. Join the OG's, Alexa and Katie, as they check in on recent goings on, chat about when actual life leaves no room for #actorslife, look back at change of attitudes since the podcast began, discuss the lack of working class creatives in the industry, share a whole lot of love for this community, and more!

    “We’ve got to look after ourselves first otherwise we have nothing to give.”

    This episode is dedicated to you, wonderful listeners.

    Things mentioned in the episode:

    'The Good Ally', By Nova Reid
    Acting With Alexa: https://www.actingwithalexa.com
    AWA resources: https://www.actingwithalexa.com/freeresources
    Watch Alexa and Katie in short film Hers! https://vimeo.com/337750125

    Follow The 98% online at @the98percentpod
    Follow Alexa @alexa_morden (IG) / @alexamorden (twitter) and Katie @KatieElintSalt

    If you appreciate the work being done by, and for, The 98%, please consider donating to our Ko-Fi https://ko-fi.com/the98percent

    While you're here, please consider donating to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund:
    https://www.pcrf.net

    Don't forget you can get 25% off your subsciption to WeAudition with discount code 9825!

  • Every guest on The 98% who has chosen to move on from the performing industry didn't do it because they fell out of love with the art of acting, it was because they didn't want to continue with the industry itself. So for those of us who choose to stay in it, how can we make it an enjoyable place to be? In this episode Alexa shares her thoughts and musings over recent months having a "front row seat to the sh*tshow" and why it is so important to redefine what success means to you in this business.

    Strap in for some classic 98% brutal honesty. The rose tinted glasses are off, because you don't need glasses when you can see things clearly! Using personal experiences and lessons learned, this episode aims to bring solace, support, encouragement, empowerment, and a dose of realism, at an especially difficult and quiet time for creatives in the entertainment industry.

    Below are some links of things mentioned in the episode:
    AWA Resources: https://www.actingwithalexa.com/freeresources

    Meditations: https://www.actingwithalexa.com/freeresources/meditations-for-actors

    The 98% Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/the98percent

    Follow The 98% on twitter/instagram at @the98percentpod. If you enjoyed this episode - please share so more people can find this community!

    While you're here, please consider donating to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund:
    https://www.pcrf.net

  • Puuttuva jakso?

    Paina tästä ja päivitä feedi.

  • Grab your headphones and settle in for one of the best episodes of The 98% of ALL TIME!

    There's been a lot of coverage of dodgy agents recently, so let's hear from some wonderful, trustworthy, supportive ones. In this episode Alexa is joined by Mildred Yuan PMA, Liz Pratt PMA and JBR PMA for an incredibly honest, transparent and wisdom filled chat. You'll hear about how to find the right representation for you, what to look out for when looking for representation, the current state of the industry, a real look into the life of agenting, and so. much. more.

    Whether you are represented by an agency, self represented, looking for representation, or looking to make the most out of rep you already have - you do NOT want to miss this episode!

    More information on these wonderful guests:

    Mildred:
    https://mildredyuan.com
    Liz:
    https://www.nelsontalentmanagement.com
    J:
    https://www.jbragent.com
    Buy J's book 'Getting, Keeping and Working with your Acting Agent: The Compact Guide' here:
    https://amzn.eu/d/j1cQOc1

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    Help support The 98%, every penny goes into the finances of podcasting and helps us stay on the air for free for all to enjoy!
    Ko-Fi https://ko-fi.com/the98percent
    Patreon https://www.patreon.com/the98percentpod
    .
    Want to connect with other actors around the world, be coached, see castings, read in for self tapes or earn money reading for others? You can do all this and more at https://www.weaudition.com with 25% off your monthly subscription with the discount code 9825!
    .
    The 98% represents the 98% of actors who don't earn their main source of income from acting work (yes, a real stat!!) We have 100+ episodes for you to enjoy, including incredible guests from all corners of the industry. Find out more about The 98% with more content + our blog at www.the98percentpod.com

  • There's been a lot of worrying discussion around agents recently, so before this series ends The 98% wanted to finish on an uplifting note - platforming conversations around representation that instill confidence and trust in actors. This is part one of a two-part representation special!

    Due to recent exposé's unconvering malpractice from agents, many have found themselves now without one. While this can feel very daunting, it's a disservice of our industry to make actors feel like they are doomed without an agent. Self representation can be an empowering journey and give actors some control over their career by putting them in the drivers seat. This episode's guest, Phillip Laing, has spent time in this industry represented by agents, and representing himself. He shares the pros, cons, and process of self representation drawing on his own experiences, thoughts and feelings.

    "Progress is progress. If I get an agent again, I'll be happy. And if I don't, I'll be ok."

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    Some things mentioned in the episode...
    Alexa's new venture! For helpful, realistic and relatable support/acting coaching, online resources, advice columns, and more, visit www.actingwithalexa.com

    Self Representation - Making the most of your freedom
    Blog Post by Luke Macleod:

    https://www.the98percentpod.com/blog/2019/6/8/self-representation-making-the-most-of-your-freedom

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    Help support The 98%, every penny goes into the finances of podcasting and helps us stay on the air for free for all to enjoy!
    Ko-Fi https://ko-fi.com/the98percent

  • Just when you thought this business couldn't get any tougher, Deadline exposes another scandal that has rocked the industry and sent shockwaves through the creatvies involved in the audition process. Agents sending fake self tape requests to actors?! If this is something you'd never even contemplated before, you wouldn't be the only one. But sadly these are not just isolated incidents...

    Including comments from The CDA and Equity's General Secretary, testimonies from actors who have been affected, and more, join me on a deep dive into the recently exposed scandal of agents sending fake self tape requests to clients. The what's, how's, why's...

    This isn't just about fake auditions, it's about deceit, emotional manipulation, selfish gain and moral corruption in an industry with such a powerful hierarchy, that this behaviour has been able to thrive for years.

    [Like the Bodhi Scandal episode, this one is more of a broadcast style vibe - would love to know what you think about this kind of style for The 98%! Share your thoughts online @the98percentpod]

    Read:

    IAM / Luc Chaudhary / Helen Kelly
    'UK Self-Tape Scandal Deepens: International Artists Management Admits Sending Client Misrepresented Audition Invite'

    https://deadline.com/2024/03/international-artists-management-iam-sent-client-misleading-audition-invites-1235842868/comment-page-2/#comments

    '“Was My Tape Fake?”: The Question Panicked British Actors Are Asking Casting Directors About Audition Invites — And Why It Matters'

    https://deadline.com/2024/03/uk-fake-self-tape-scandal-explained-1235859627/comment-page-2/#comments

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    If you appreciate the work being done by, and for, The 98% please consider donating to our ko-fi, every little helps and goes back into doing what we do here!

    https://ko-fi.com/the98percent

  • "Archie Purnell" JAMIE FISHER (also using the name 'Richard'), rogue talent agent, is back with a new name, new studio name ('Wigan TV & Film Acting School'), but the same old tricks.

    To get ahead of accusations he is spreading rumours and false claims.

    Knowing all I know, I cannot sit back and let more people be scammed.

    "Drawing from documented sources and firsthand accounts of those impacted, I am making this public statement, as a vital disclosure for anyone who may come into contact with, now or in the future, Jamie Fisher aka Jamie Thomas Fisher aka AP James aka Archie Purnell."

    This statement has also been released as a video on social media. You can find the full video on instagram @the98percentpod, with links posted on twitter at the same handle.

    You can find the full transcription of this statement here:

    https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W5wJ8qq_lcpkM4eqTfzaYzlRtGJB7tyh4betF5XWfnE/edit?usp=sharing

    Listen to S5E32 of The 98% to hear more information and background to this scandal.

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    If you appreciate the work being done by, and for, The 98% please consider donating to our ko-fi, every little helps and goes back into doing what we do here!

  • This episode is 1 hour 4 mins long. If your podcast app is only playing the first 45 mins, there is a technical issue that is currently being looked at! Please check back here for the full episode coming asap!

    Last year The 98% was contacted by Jake Kanter, a journalist for Deadline, after the podcast featured stories of those who experienced abuse and misconduct at UK drama schools. Thus began a relationship that has resulted in multiple exsposé articles unearthing misconduct in the industry after people who had reports to make had nowhere left to go, apart from The 98%, to share what had happened to them. So why did Alexa, and many others, feel like a journalist was the only option in having their voice heard? How does writing an exposé work? What are some behind-the-scenes looks at the uncovering of these recent topics? And why does the idea that those who report are making falsehoods not hold up in these cases? Listen to find out...

    Contact Jake:
    Email [email protected]
    Twitter: jake_kanter

    Looking for a fun, flexible paythebills job that pays weekly and can work around your #actorslife? Check our krulive.com and join their team! We are so appreciative of Kru sponsporing and supporting The 98%

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    Help support The 98%, every penny goes into the finances of podcasting and helps us stay on the air for free for all to enjoy!
    Ko-Fi https://ko-fi.com/the98percent

  • Mental health has always been a throughline for episodes of The 98% and so the podcast is proud to host Adam Bambrough in this episode, founder and CEO of Wellbeing in the Arts.

    After leaving the acting profession due to struggles with his own mental wellbeing, Adam planned to write a book revealing the scope of actors and creatives with mental health struggles. He soon realized that there was no stand alone mental health support in the entertainment industry, so no wonder mental health struggles were affecting so many creatives. And so..he made one himself. Wellbeing in the Arts works towards their vision of an industry in which every individual, organisation and production has access to mental health and wellbeing support and where awareness and understanding of mental health issues is vastly improved, along with the root causes of poor mental health in the workplace being addressed.

    Adam shares his journey as an actor, leaving the professions, neurodivergence, and more. This is an honest, transparent and much needed conversation about creatives and how this industry can exacerbate struggles, and what needs to be done to help.

    CN: This episode contains discussion around mental illness

    This brilliant organization has helped Alexa herself have access to 6 weeks of counselling for an incredibly accessible price considering the promptness and high quality of the service. Find out more about this much needed org here https://www.wellbeinginthearts.org.uk

    Need support with your mental health?
    Email: [email protected]
    Call: 0330 123 5574
    Text: +44 7496 896 436

    For general enrquries or to chat to Adam about his services email [email protected]
    Follow them online @Wellbeinthearts

    If you are experiencing a mental health emergency please call emergency services 999 or Samartians 116 123

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    The 98% is excited to have this episode sponsored by Kru Live! Find out how you can get paid to have fun with flexible, exiciting work perfect for actors here https://krulive.com

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    Follow us on twitter/instagram at @the98percentpod for relatable #actorslife content, tips and advice for actors, and news about our new series.
    .
    If you've benefitted from and enjoyed the podcast and want to give a little back, we have a ko-fi where every penny thrown in our hat goes straight into contributing towards the costs of running the podcast and creating helpful content online for actors. Every little helps and is so appreciated! https://ko-fi.com/the98percent

  • After a lifetime dedicated to the "I can do nothing but act" frame of mind, everything changed aged 39 for guest Lee Mengo. Thinking about his future and his prospects, Lee realized that acting wasn’t giving him what he needed in life. Financially, mentally, spiritually, egotistically...but coming to terms with that was a long hard road. When he finally made the decision to step away, start his journey of sobriety, and found a job that he loved teaching young actors
his 20 years of hard work came back around and he ended up booking bucket list acting jobs!

    As a teacher, Lee practices the values of kindness and positivity. He shares with his students the importance of finding validation and authenticity within themselves and how actor training has no room for hostility or high pressure. This episode is a must listen for an injection of inspiration, positivity, hope, and a reminder to live a person centered #actorslife.

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    Follow us on twitter/instagram at @the98percentpod for relatable #actorslife content, tips and advice for actors, and news about our new series.
    .
    If you've benefitted from, and enjoyed, the podcast and want to give a little back; we have a ko-fi where every penny thrown in our hat goes straight into contributing towards the costs of running the podcast and creating helpful content online for actors. Every little helps and is so appreciated! https://ko-fi.com/the98percent
    .
    Want to connect with other actors around the world, be coached, see castings, read in for self tapes or earn money reading for others? You can do all this and more at https://www.weaudition.com with 25% off your monthly subscription with the discount code 9825!

  • After a group of actors reported their concerns about their former agent regarding fake self tapes, withheld pay, skimming money, lying about cancer, and more, to no avail...they came to Alexa at The 98% for advice on next steps. With seemingly nowhere else to turn, Alexa passed the information on to Deadline journalist Jake Kanter, encouraging him to help expose these dodgy dealings...For the sake of these actors, the others on the agencies book, and the inudstry as a whole. Thankfully, he did.

    And thus began #BodhiGate. Hundreds of emails, texts, screenshots, messages, sent and recieved...police reports, zoom meetings, seven google docs and a 30 page-and-counting armchair investigation into what Alexa describes as a "con of the highest tier." Not all can be revealed...yet. But this episode exists as a comprehensive collation of what is detailed in the articles, next steps for those affected, and insight into what is hopefully a catalyst for real industry change.

    Thank you to Layla, Jake, and others, who have been instrumental in these important developments.

    (Apologies for slight congestion..am overcoming the flu!)

    Email [email protected] or DM @the98percentpod

    Report to:
    Equity
    [email protected]
    Spotlight
    [email protected]

    Donate to The 98%'s Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/the98percent/goal?g=116

    Journalists can get a bad rap..but it can make all the difference when a good one is on your side. Jake was there to tell this story when no one else would help, get in touch with him by email [email protected] or find him on twitter @Jake_Kanter

    Read Jake's full Deadline articles here:

    https://deadline.com/2024/02/bodhi-talent-archie-purnell-professional-misconduct-allegations-1235816154/comment-page-2/#comments

    https://deadline.com/2024/02/bodhi-talent-luna-kids-casting-accused-of-scam-fees-1235825274/

    https://deadline.com/2024/02/the-crown-bad-education-actors-owed-money-bodhi-talent-1235830720/

    If you'd like to hear more about The 98%'s crusade for a safer industry, listen to the 5 part mini series from last year - with special mention to S5E3 with pioneer and trail blazer, Helen Raw:
    https://open.spotify.com/episode/1l4G9d77EJmYNXDsWWX5MF?si=633583fe532a4eda

  • Today's guest, Sally Abbott, has worked in the arts for 35 years. Starting in community arts and working her way up to writing for some of British televisions biggest shows, Sally has so much wisdom and insight to share. In this episode you'll hear why Sally finally feels like she’s who she’s meant to be at aged 55, how she has found confidence and navigated a diagnosis for ADHD, and what her journey in the industry has looked like. Actors listening will hear why writers can’t get you a job (even if a character is literally based on you!), what makes a good self tape for writers watching their work, why ‘rejection’ is not as personal as we feel, what the process of writing for TV looks like...and why a Stranger Things star was cut from a Casualty episode! The 98% is honoured to feature guests from all walks of the creative life and this episode is a perfect example why.

    Follow Sally online: twitter @SallyAbbott3 ig @abbott.sally

    Follow us on twitter/instagram at @the98percentpod for relatable #actorslife content, tips and advice for actors, and news about our new series.
    .
    If you've benefitted from and enjoyed the podcast and want to give a little back, we have a ko-fi where every penny thrown in our hat goes straight into contributing towards the costs of running the podcast and creating helpful content online for actors. Every little helps and is so appreciated! https://ko-fi.com/the98percent We are currently fundraising to keep our website/actor blog going - help us reach our goal so as much 98% content is available online for free as possible!
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    Want to connect with other actors around the world, be coached, see castings, read in for self tapes or earn money reading for others? You can do all this and more at https://www.weaudition.com with 25% off your monthly subscription with the discount code 9825!

  • Series 5 keeps on rolling along and for episode 30 it's the two OG's, Alexa and Katie, sitting down and chatting about the current #actorslife goings on with the usual brtual honesty, evaluating the relationship actors have with the industry, co-dependency, the future of the podcast, some exciting new offerings, and some actor woes and wins!
    .
    Follow us on twitter/instagram at @the98percentpod for relatable #actorslife content, tips and advice for actors, and news about our new series.
    .
    Help support The 98%, every penny goes into the finances of podcasting and helps us stay on the air for free for all to enjoy!
    Ko-Fi https://ko-fi.com/the98percent
    Patreon https://www.patreon.com/the98percentpod
    .
    Want to connect with other actors around the world, be coached, see castings, read in for self tapes or earn money reading for others? You can do all this and more at https://www.weaudition.com with 25% off your monthly subscription with the discount code 9825!
    .
    The 98% represents the 98% of actors who don't earn their main source of income from acting work (yes, a real stat!!) We have 100+ episodes for you to enjoy, including incredible guests from all corners of the industry. Find out more about The 98% with more content + our blog at www.the98percentpod.com
    .
    Episode 30 of Series 5!! This milestone episode (the longest a series of The 98% has gone without a break!) is dedicated to our amazing listeners. You're why we're here and we so appreciate your listenership, love, support and enjoyment of what we do!

  • "This year I will book my first TV credit"
    "I will sign with an agent"
    "I will star in a film"
    Sound familiar? These are all outcome goals, and very common amongst actors who are so determined to achieve that certain thing they think will make them more valid, especially in an industry that tends to only focus on the outcomes. But outcome foccussed goals can be detrimental, especially as actors when the outcome doesn't necessarily correlate to the process. What are process goals and why are they more important to focus on than outcome goals? This episode will explain all, and leave you feeling positive and inspired to make realistic and attainable goals and New Year's Resolutions for 2024 and beyond.

    Today The 98% welcomes back one of the most listened to guests of the podcast, Dr Steve Bull! Steve is a keynote speaker, author and 'high performance' consultant. During his 40 year career he has coached CEOs, Olympic athletes, NATO officers, actors and university professors. He has attended 3 Olympic Games as the Great Britain Team Headquarters Psychologist and has worked with hundreds of athletes in professional sports helping individuals and teams optimize their performance potential. Steve is also...Alexa's Dad! While the bias may be considered strong here, this really is a not-to-be-missed episode and can change your mindset in ways that will forever improve your career.

    In this episode Alexa and Steve discuss the importance of reframing goals as an actor to ensure they're within the realms of "controlling the controllables", how to stay confident and resilient as an actor, redifing success, and more! The perfect episode to shake off those January blues and get back on the actor horse.

    For Steve's previous apperances on The 98% listen to Series 1 Episode 5 and Series 3 Episode 14.

    For coaching/mentorship for The 98% visit https://www.the98percentpod.com/help

    Read Steve's latest book The Game Plan for more (albeit, sports laden) insightful tips on enhancing performance under pressure.
    https://www.amazon.com/Game-Plan-Guide-Mental-Toughness-ebook/dp/B07M5N1TSD

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    Follow us on twitter/instagram at @the98percentpod for relatable #actorslife content, tips and advice for actors, and news about our new series.
    .
    If you've benefitted from, and enjoyed, the podcast and want to give a little back; we have a ko-fi where every penny thrown in our hat goes straight into contributing towards the costs of running the podcast and creating helpful content online for actors. Every little helps and is so appreciated! https://ko-fi.com/the98percent
    .
    Want to connect with other actors around the world, be coached, see castings, read in for self tapes or earn money reading for others? You can do all this and more at https://www.weaudition.com with 25% off your monthly subscription with the discount code 9825!

  • The Spotify wrapped for The 98% showed that 70% of listeners discovered the podcast in 2023! So, incase you missed these festive parodies in previous seasons, here are a couple of the favourite #actorslife covers from Christmases gone by. Jingle Bells parody + An Actors Night Before Christmas.

    Happy Holidays everyone!

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    Follow us on twitter/instagram at @the98percentpod for relatable #actorslife content, tips and advice for actors, and news about our new series.

    If you've benefitted from and enjoyed the podcast and want to give a little back, we have a ko-fi where every penny thrown in our hat goes straight into contributing towards the costs of running the podcast and creating helpful content online for actors. Every little helps and is so appreciated! https://ko-fi.com/the98percent

    Want to connect with other actors around the world, be coached, see castings, read in for self tapes or earn money reading for others? You can do all this and more at https://www.weaudition.com with 25% off your monthly subscription with the discount code 9825!

  • Happy Christmas 98 percenters! You made it through another year. This time with continued pandemic fallout, and industry strikes. If your 2023 was a brilliant one, Alexa and Katie are cheering you on from the bleachers! But if you had troubles this year, whether professional or personal, The 98% is here to hold you in comfort, support and solidarity. In this episode Alexa and Katie speak about those sometimes highs and often lows that came in 2023, with the support of Hester Evans; a wellbeing facilitator for film, tv & theatre and person-centred counsellor.

    Follow Hester at @hesterevansf
    Follow us @the98percentpod, @alexa_morden and @katieelinsalt

    If you'd like to partake in the gift of giving this Christmas, please see the below charities that Katie mentions in this epiosde:
    https://www.arc-uk.org/
    https://www.relaxwithlucy.co.uk/ellies-gift-app
    https://www.sands.org.uk/winter

    For quick links to our previous Christmas episodes, full of festive cheer, incredibly hilarious stories, and so much more - see the below!

    2018: Christmas Special with the Show People Podcast! https://open.spotify.com/episode/37GYOJk2KO4bSwgM2X4FU3?si=3d9685acaa8a4c7c
    2021: The 98% Christmas Panto Episode
    https://open.spotify.com/episode/7j2FEMLVws2vyqpxs9kSSL?si=fd1701b458874478
    2022: The 98% Christmas Episode (with listener stories!)
    https://open.spotify.com/episode/1MFlKNjTCCrAjCWVcPrsAL?si=c166ebda70bc4b39

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    Want to connect with other actors around the world, be coached, see castings, read in for self tapes or earn money reading for others? You can do all this and more at https://www.weaudition.com with 25% off your monthly subscription with the discount code 9825!

  • The 98% inturrupts its regular scheduling to bring you a bonus episode as an early Christmas treat!

    Listen to Alexa and Katie as guests on In The Room, a podcast inspired by The 98%! Hosts Matthew and Christian invited Alexa and Katie on to give a behind the scenes look at their journys in the industry, the background to how and why The 98% was born, what they've learned from doing The 98% and the guests the podcast hosts, advice for actors, thoughts on the abuse and mistreatment actors recieve, and much more!

    You can listen to In The Room on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Amazon music where guests help break down how actors can "get in the room." Follow them online @ITRInTheRoom

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    Follow us on twitter/instagram at @the98percentpod for relatable #actorslife content, tips and advice for actors, and news about our new series.

    .

    If you've benefitted from and enjoyed the podcast and want to give a little back, we have a ko-fi where every penny thrown in our hat goes straight into contributing towards the costs of running the podcast and creating helpful content online for actors. Every little helps and is so appreciated! https://ko-fi.com/the98percent

    .

    Want to connect with other actors around the world, be coached, see castings, read in for self tapes or earn money reading for others? You can do all this and more at https://www.weaudition.com with 25% off your monthly subscription with the discount code 9825!

  • It's the 100th episode of The 98%! And what could be more on brand than a deep dive on the one thing that actors in the 98% have in common...having to have a non-acting job. Guest Robyn Holdaway returns to the podcast after publishing a brilliant article on The 98%'s blog entitled "How To Pick The Right Non Acting Job For You". They break down every part of the process of having to find a paythebills job with the main idea being finding a job that doesn't rot your soul...because, as Robyn so brilliantly puts it, "you will be a better actor if you don’t hate yourself and your work, because the more desperate you become for an acting job...the worse you’re going to become."

    It's very normal to believe that the "right" job to have alongside your acting career is one that makes you as flexible and available for acting as possible, but that shouldn't be the only criteria. Considering 98% of actors don't earn their main source of income from acting, the reality is you are more than likely going to be paying your tax bill each year from work outside of the industry. So finding a job that is right for YOU, which can differ person to person, is of paramount importance. As is keeping a healthy state of mind and finding joy in your day to day life. How you pay your bills is a huge part of that, and in turn makes you a healthier and better person to enjoy the acting work when it does come. So how do you find a job like this? And what are the options? Listen now to find out!

    Read the original blog post here: https://www.the98percentpod.com/blog/2023/10/2/1oqonj6t4ijsfut6289rpo2rxxheld

    Follow Robyn online @robynholdaway

    An enjoyable side hustle of reading in for self tapes for others is a click of a button away at https://www.weaudition.com Enjoy 25% off your monthly subscription with the discount code 9825!
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    Follow us on twitter/instagram at @the98percentpod for relatable #actorslife content, tips and advice for actors, and news about our new series.
    .
    If you've benefitted from and enjoyed the podcast and want to give a little back, we have a ko-fi where every penny thrown in our hat goes straight into contributing towards the costs of running the podcast and creating helpful content online for actors. Every little helps and is so appreciated! https://ko-fi.com/the98percent

  • While people are saying the SAG-AFTRA vote is over, technically it's just suspended. The deal offered by the AMPTP and agreed upon by the actors union still needs to be voted on by members of SAG-AFTRA...and some are voting no, including previous podcast guest and strike captain Kylie Sparks, who featured in our special strike episode in July.

    Hear Kylie break down some of the deal points that bring concern for the "journeyman actor" (like those in the 98%!), and why they believe the union has been strong-armed into accepting a deal instead of pushing for rights that, if ignored, could cause irreprobable damage to our industry.

    This episode is an audio recording of an instagram live, so if you'd prefer to watch this discussion head over to @the98percentpod to view.

    (Halfway through the episode you may hear running water coming from Kylie's audio - someone was taking a shower and we weren't aware sound was being picked up, apologies!)

    Follow Kylie online @kyliesparks

    Read the MOA:

    https://www.sagaftra.org/files/2023%20SAG-AFTRA%20TV-Theatrical%20MOA_F.pdf

    Follow us on twitter/instagram at @the98percentpod for relatable #actorslife content, tips and advice for actors, and news about our new series.

    .

    If you've benefitted from and enjoyed the podcast and want to give a little back, we have a ko-fi where every penny thrown in our hat goes straight into contributing towards the costs of running the podcast and creating helpful content online for actors. Every little helps and is so appreciated! https://ko-fi.com/the98percent

    .

    Want to connect with other actors around the world, be coached, see castings, read in for self tapes or earn money reading for others? You can do all this and more at https://www.weaudition.com with 25% off your monthly subscription with the discount code 9825!

  • It's the 98th episode of The 98%! And rules are being broken!! For the first time, The 98% is hosting someone from the other side...a 2 percenter!! Forget the usual format of interviewing familiar faces though, this is a relatable, validating discussion that might be exactly what you need in 98% life right now in the difficult landscape we find ourselves in.

    Many will remember today's guest Tony Gardner as the whacky and wonderful Brian from My Parents Are Aliens and despite going on to have a brilliant long standing career in the arts, Tony is a listener of The 98% and big supporter of what the platform is all about. So, after he tweeted about the podcast last year, Alexa and Katie could not pass up the oppurtunity to have him on (and rejoice in their millenial glee)!

    Tony shares his journey from medical school to stage and screen, his passion for the arts, his frustrations at difficulties actors face, and so much more!

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    Follow us on twitter/instagram at @the98percentpod for relatable #actorslife content, tips and advice for actors, and news about our new series.
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    If you've benefitted from and enjoyed the podcast and want to give a little back, we have a ko-fi where every penny thrown in our hat goes straight into contributing towards the costs of running the podcast and creating helpful content online for actors. Every little helps and is so appreciated! https://ko-fi.com/the98percent We are currently fundraising to keep our website/actor blog going - help us reach our goal so as much 98% content is available online for free as possible!
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    Want to connect with other actors around the world, be coached, see castings, read in for self tapes or earn money reading for others? You can do all this and more at https://www.weaudition.com with 25% off your monthly subscription with the discount code 9825!

  • In this two-part Halloween Special, Alexa and Katie enter the world of true crime, sharing cases with each other that also relate to being an actor, and life in the entertainment industry. Where better to uncover these sordid tales than Tinseltown itself: Hollywood..Where, behind the glitz and glam, lies a dark underworld of crime, prejudice and exploitation.

    In this episode, Alexa tells Katie about the investigation of the murder of Bonny Lee Bakley. Bonny, desperate to find self worth, moved to Hollywood to chase the one thing she thought would give her life meaning - a famous husband. She finds this in Robert Blake, a man who was once hailed as among the finest actors of his generation but became better known as being in the center of a real-life murder trial and the most expensive investigation in LAPD history.

    Content note: murder, coercive and abusive relationships.

    The true crime starts at 10 minutes in, with the first part of the episode being general chat between Alexa and Katie about their current #actorslife.

    If you are experiencing violence or abuse at home, please reach out for help. In the UK visit refuge.org.uk or Canada www.domesticshelters.org

    Happy Halloween everyone! Stay spooky and stay safe!

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    Follow us on twitter/instagram at @the98percentpod for relatable #actorslife content, tips and advice for actors, and news about our new series.
    .
    If you've benefitted from, and enjoyed, the podcast and want to give a little back; we have a ko-fi where every penny thrown in our hat goes straight into contributing towards the costs of running the podcast and creating helpful content online for actors. Every little helps and is so appreciated! https://ko-fi.com/the98percent
    .
    Want to connect with other actors around the world, be coached, see castings, read in for self tapes or earn money reading for others? You can do all this and more at https://www.weaudition.com with 25% off your monthly subscription with the discount code 9825!