Questions and Actor: Laurent Pitre

Broghanne Jessamine is a Scottish American SAG-AFTRA eligible actress, voiceover artist, and producer who works across film, television, theatre, and animation in both the US and UK. Originally from the North East of Scotland, she moved to New York City in 2012 to attend The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts and has since built a career spanning NYC theatre, independent film, commercials, and international voice work. Her work can be seen on Netflix and HBO, alongside an extensive indie film résumé, with notable credits including Leviathan, Blue, Vellanus, and Prodigal. She often plays flawed women with lived in grit and emotional intelligence, frequently playing survivors, quiet authority figures, or ride or die support roles with a sharp point of view. Follow her at: https://www.instagram.com/broghannejessaminehttps://msha.ke/broghannejessamine

Brian Quintero is a Costa Rican-Canadian actor and filmmaker based in Toronto, known for combining steady genre work in film and television with a growing slate of self-generated projects through his company Dead Mariachi Films. A graduate of Seneca College’s Acting for Camera & Voice program, he has built a decade-plus career across independent features, shorts, theatre, commercials, and series work, with screen credits that include Beauty and the Beast (CW), Designated Survivor (ABC), The Umbrella Academy (Netflix), Billy the Kid (MGM+), Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Rabbit Hole, Good Sam, and the western The Abandons for Netflix. He has also appeared in genre features such as Lifechanger and Last Resort, and earned a Best Actor in a Drama award at the Actors Awards Los Angeles for the short film Narcissistic.Parallel to his acting, Quintero has steadily expanded his footprint behind the camera as a writer, director, and producer. Through Dead Mariachi Films he wrote and directed the short Oldtimers, which won the Silver Audience Award for Best Canadian Short Film at Fantasia, plus the Youth Jury Prize and Audience Choice Award at the San Sebastián Horror & Fantasy Film Festival, while his directing portfolio also includes the backyard-wrestling comedy series The Ropes and the short Grievance. As a producer he has backed projects such as Last Resort, We Came to Wreck Everything, and the sci‑fi horror short The Fore-Men (which has surpassed 500K views on the DUST channel), and he has deepened his industry chops through programs like the CBC Actors Conservatory at the Canadian Film Centre, the Blood in the Snow Horror Development Lab, the Toronto Latin American Film Festival Filmmakers Lab, the Warner Bros. Discovery Access Canada Showrunners Bootcamp, and the Cannes Market Readiness Program.You can follow him at:https://www.instagram.com/thisisquintero

Conor Forrest is a Toronto-based director, writer, and producer whose work spans narrative shorts, feature documentary, television, and music videos. His films lean toward character-driven dramas and dramedies about coming of age and messy family dynamics, with notable shorts including Friday Night Fish, A Summer’s Day at Sherwood Park, Used Furniture, The Two of Us, and Daddy-O, as well as the series Writers Room. Used Furniture was acquired for CBC Gem’s Canadian Reflections platform, and his feature documentary Unravelling The Ravelled Mind—exploring the lived experience and stigma around ADHD—was picked up by Amazon Prime Video, extending his reach into the documentary space.Forrest’s work has screened at festivals such as Catalina Film Festival, OutSouth Queer Film Festival, Toronto Shorts International Film Festival, and Yorkton Film Festival, where he was also selected for the RBC Yorkton Film Festival Mentorship Program as one of only three filmmakers. Alongside his festival run, he continues to direct music videos and shorts while building a reputation as an emerging Canadian filmmaker focused on intimate, emotionally grounded storytelling.Follow him at:https://www.instagram.com/director_conor.forresthttps://linktr.ee/Conor_Forrest

Kurt Evans is a Winnipeg‑born Canadian actor and director whose career spans more than 100 film and television credits, including work on “iZombie,” “The Man in the High Castle,” “The Good Doctor,” “Supernatural,” “Stargate SG‑1,” “Smallville,” and “The X‑Files,” as well as numerous Hallmark and cable movies such as “Autumn in the City,” “Christmas Town,” “A Family Christmas Gift,” and “Signed, Sealed, Delivered: The Vows We Have Made.” Based in Vancouver since the late 1990s, he has become a versatile character actor.Evans’ path began in theatre in Winnipeg, where a formative high‑school turn as Cyrano de Bergerac led to years of stage work in improvised murder‑mystery shows, Fringe productions, and lunchbox theatre before he transitioned into screen acting. A graduate of the University of Winnipeg with a Bachelor of Education, he has been an acting coach and teacher for more than two decades, teaching audition technique and on‑camera performance at Vancouver Film School while coaching actors privately. In 2019, he founded Artist2Artist, a digital actor showcase that lets emerging performers submit scenes for detailed feedback from working professionals and connect directly with major Canadian casting directors through recurring showcases in Vancouver and Toronto, which have involved thousands of actors to date.Follow him at:https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0262957/Follow and join the Artist2Artist Showcase in the links below:(this month's showcase will end at midnight on March 31st, it will be with casting directors Lisa Parasyn, Annalese Tilling & Erin Lally)https://www.instagram.com/artist2artist.actor.showcasehttps://artist2artist.ca/current-showcases/

Naomi Guttman is a Belgian-born, Toronto-based actor and multidisciplinary artist working across film, television, and theatre, known for her fluency in multiple languages and her classical stage grounding. After earning a BA in Anthropology from McGill University, she completed conservatory training at the Tom Todoroff Acting Conservatory in New York.On stage, Guttman has distinguished herself in contemporary and classical work, with credits including Hedda Gabler, Ivanov, Rotterdam, Les Belles-Soeurs, and Shakespeare’s Henry IV and Richard III, among others. She has also been awarded the 2024 Scene Slam Champion title in Canada’s Monologue Slam and placed first runner-up at Hart House/Shakes BASHd’s Classical Monologue Slam. Guttman continues to expand her presence as an on-camera performer with festival-selected short films such as Beach and French Savant, the hit series Interview with the Vampire (The Vampire Lestat), and a range of independent screen projects. As an actor, writer, dancer and all around creative, Guttman strives to bring forth the healing virtues of storytelling. (Rep: Shortlist Artist Management)You can follow her at:https://www.instagram.com/naomi.guttman

Episode: https://riverside.com/shared/exported-clip/e346137df7bff8ec1fd1Post:  https://riverside.com/shared/exported-clip/3748d18c2f730fb6cb2dDerek Johns is a Canadian actor from London, Ontario, raised in Saint-Colomban, Quebec, who trained at Dawson College’s professional theatre program in Montreal before moving into film and television. After early work in children’s theatre, he began booking screen roles around 2015, appearing in series such as The Bold Type (Freeform) and The Moodys (FOX), and later in projects including Quantico, The Umbrella Academy, Essex County, SkyMed, and TV movies like Candy Cane Christmas and Broken Trust.His breakthrough came with his recurring turn as the outrageous fan-favorite character Love Sausage on Prime Video’s hit series The Boys, which significantly raised his profile. Johns has since built a solid genre-heavy résumé, starring as Freddy Mercks in the horror-comedy feature We Are Zombies and appearing in films such as The Wolf and the Lion, The Sacrifice Game, Moonfall, Appiness, and The Voyeurs, while also cultivating a following as a Twitch streamer under the handle @DerkaJohnsTV. Also you can catch him on television in Sheriff Country, Brilliant Minds, and of course, the final season of The Boys, which airs April 8th, 2026.You can follow him at:https://www.instagram.com/realderekjohns

Today on "Questions and Actor", I’m thrilled to be joined by Toronto‑based Rotten Tomatoes–approved critic, film writer and programmer Carolyn Mauricette. She’s the Director of Canadian Programming at Montreal’s Fantasia International Film Festival, a longtime programmer and former development coordinator for Toronto’s Blood in the Snow Film Festival, and the founder of View From The Dark, where she dives deep into horror, sci‑fi and fantasy with a focus on race and representation.Beyond programming lineups, Carolyn has been actively building pipelines: she's the co-founder of Access Threshold a creative agency dedicated to helping PoGMI (People of the Global Majority and Intersectionality) creators navigate the film industry, she’s lectured on Afrofuturism and Black women monsters for The Black Museum, Fantasia and the Miskatonic Institute. You’ve seen her byline at Rue Morgue, Grim and Hollywood Suite, and heard her on shows like Reely Melanated and A Year in Film—in this episode, we get to tap into her experience and talk about life and career and what the festival circuit looks like from the inside.Follow her below:https://www.instagram.com/cemo25Follow her initiative Access Threshold:https://accessthreshold.com/Submit to Fantasia Film Festival:-Last Chance Deadline (April 25th, 2026):https://filmfreeway.com/FantasiaFilmFestival

John Frank Levey is a four-time Emmy Award–winning casting director. He’s the architect behind the ensembles of landmark series like China Beach, ER, The West Wing, Third Watch, Southland, Shameless and Animal Kingdom, and spent decades in senior casting roles at Warner Bros. and John Wells Productions before launching his own company.Starting out as a theatre director before pivoting into casting, John has helped launch or turbo‑charge the careers of actors like George Clooney and Allison Janney, and his work has been honored with multiple Emmys, numerous Artios Awards and the Casting Society’s Hoyt Bowers Award for lifetime achievement. He’s also the author of the memoir Right for the Role and host of a podcast by the same name, where he shares the stories and lessons from a career spent in audition rooms, on sets and in the middle of some of TV’s most influential creative teams.Follow him below:-on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_frank_levey_-his website: https://www.johnfranklevey.com/-his book with autograph: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ILETjKqYMYKFCHcufbpZhP-YFBjIBllmyWiaTOfnPco/-his book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Right-Role-Breakdowns-Breakups-Breakthroughs/dp/B0BBPY94X6-his podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/right-for-the-role-with-john-frank-levey/id1783661409-his headshot photographer: https://www.heroshots.la/https://eusebiocreative.com/

Julian Bailey is a Canadian actor from Montreal, Quebec, with a versatile career spanning film, television, voice acting, theater, and video games. A child performer from the Children's Theatre of Montreal, he voiced iconic characters like Pepito in HBO's Madeline specials (narrated by Christopher Plummer) and Mowgli in Jungle Book Shōnen Mowgli, alongside early roles in animated series such as Ox Tales and Saban's Adventures of Peter Pan.After taking the leap into the United States and eventually training at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Pasadena and performing with The Piven Theatre Workshop in Chicago (mentored by Byrne Piven), Bailey built a screen career with guest spots on NCIS, JAG, Charmed, and The Young and the Restless, plus films like Meeting Spencer, He's Out There, The Hummingbird Project, and X-Men: Dark Phoenix. Breakthroughs include the series regular role of Peter Morrow in Amazon Prime's Three Pines (2022) opposite Alfred Molina, and prominent video game voices as HQ in Rainbow Six: Siege (over 70 million players), Deputy Staci Pratt in Far Cry 5, and others in Deus Ex: Mankind Divided and The Outlast Trials. More than an actor, he is an incredible human being, friend, and fierce supporter of the arts.Follow him below:-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianbaileyofficial-IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1060258/

Adam and Matthew Lupis are a filmmaking brother duo behind Westona Pictures, best known for their debut feature All Is Fine in ’89, a personal, nostalgia-driven indie they developed and carried through the full pipeline from idea to post-production, and now on multiple platforms including Tubi & Plex, and soon Amazon Prime!Adam Lupis is an actor, host, and producer with a passion for all things retro, bringing a modern twist to everything he does. He hosts a podcast featuring movie reviews, pop culture content, and celebrity interviews. Known for his fresh style and authentic approach, Adam is steadily building a strong presence in today's entertainment industry, guests include Danny Trejo, Luis Guzmán, Joe Mantegna, Sean Gunn, Michael Madsen, just to name a few!Matthew Lupis works primarily as Adam’s creative partner, directing and writing mostly, on their shared projects, like the short film "The Joshua Painting".The brothers described themselves as involved “every step of the way” on their feature film debut All Is Fine in ’89—from the initial concept through writing, casting, location scouting, and post-production. In interviews about the film, including this one, they emphasize turning obstacles into opportunities and using their flagship joint project as a foundation to build future stories together under "Westona Pictures". Watch "All is Fine in 89":-Tubi: https://tubitv.com/movies/100050645/all-is-fine-in-89-Plex: https://watch.plex.tv/watch/movie/all-is-fine-in-89Watch "The Joshua Painting": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQDzA83snmY&t=10sFollow Adam :https://www.instagram.com/adamlupisFollow "The Up & Adam Show":https://www.youtube.com/@AdamLupisFollow Matthew :https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13834628/Follow Westona Pictures:https://www.instagram.com/westonaofficial/

Pete Robinson, known online as @petesakes, is an Indigenous actor, musician, location sound mixer, and music producer. His career spans acting credits in notable TV series alongside behind-the-scenes work in sound and music that have brought him all over the world, especially with some of his documentary work.He has appeared as an actor in TV shows like Motherland: Fort Salem, The 100, and APTN's Jason. These roles highlight his presence in sci-fi and drama genres. Starting from reading for actor friends to major roles onset as a key part of the cast, I had the pleasure of acting with him in Vancouver on an upcoming horror feature film called "Stick Indian" directed by Wolf Ryman. STAY TUNED TO THIS WONDERFUL SOUL'S JOURNEY!Follow Pete:https://www.instagram.com/petesakesFollow his music "Ghost Etiquette":https://www.instagram.com/ghostetiquettehttps://linktr.ee/ghostetiquette

The McManus Bros — twin brothers Kevin and Matthew McManus — are Emmy‑nominated writers, directors, and producers known for sharp, character‑driven genre storytelling in film and TV.Their debut feature, the coming‑of‑age comedy‑drama Funeral Kings (SXSW 2012), established them as a writing‑directing duo to watch. They went on to write and produce for Netflix’s American Vandal and Cobra Kai, earning an Emmy nomination and a Peabody Award for their work on American Vandal. In 2021 they co‑wrote, directed, and produced the Netflix horror‑thriller The Block Island Sound, shot in their home state of Rhode Island and featuring their sister Michaela McManus, further cementing their reputation for grounded, atmospheric genre stories. Most recently, they are releasing Redux Redux, featuring their sister, playing a vengeful mother in a multiverse‑driven horror thriller. The film premiered at SXSW 2025 and will open in theaters across the U.S. on February 20th, 2026 via Saban Films. RUN TO SEE THIS CINEMATIC GEM IN THEATERS IF YOU CAN!TICKETS to "Redux Redux":https://www.fandango.com/redux-redux-2026-244300/movie-overviewFollow Matthew McManus:https://www.instagram.com/matthewmcmanushttps://letterboxd.com/matthewmcmanus/Follow Kevin McManus:https://www.instagram.com/kevinjmcmanushttps://letterboxd.com/kevinmcmanusFollow the bros:www.mcmanusbros.com

Jeremy Holm is a versatile character actor celebrated for his intense, grounded performances in TV prestige dramas and indie genre films. With an MFA from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and stage credits at BAM and regional theaters, he broke through playing FBI Agent Nathan Green on Netflix's House of Cards and Mr. Sutherland on USA's Mr. Robot.His film roles span the ensemble drama The Judge (with Robert Downey Jr.), the SXSW-premiered slasher The Ranger (directed by Jenn Wexler), and genre standouts like The Block Island Sound, Brooklyn 45, Unconformity, Herd, and Black Mold.In the McManus Bros.' upcoming multiverse revenge thriller Redux Redux (Certified Fresh 98% on Rotten Tomatoes), Holm plays the menacing Neville, the serial killer repeatedly hunted across dimensions; the film opens in limited theaters February 20, 2026 via Saban Films.Jeremy also happens to be a loving father & husband, who met his wife along his artistic career. She actually runs a chocolate business that ships all over the United States, if you've got a sweet tooth. (There's even one chocolate that has honey, from Jeremy's honeybees!) Only a great human being can truly play these iconic villains in film & television with such truth & empathy.TICKETS to "Redux Redux":https://www.fandango.com/redux-redux-2026-244300/movie-overviewFollow Jeremy Holm:https://www.instagram.com/jeremysholmJeremy's wife's chocolates:https://www.dailychocolatevt.com/

Aleah P. Carreau is an award-winning filmmaker from Montreal and the founder of the film & video production company Aren't We All productions. Carreau was part of the creation of projects including the 2024 titles In Plain Sight, Stasis, and Lockjaw, reflecting a growing portfolio in short-form and independent cinema. She also works as a director and producer, noted by her representation with Aspire Talent Management Canada as a “double carded” member active behind the camera. Her short film Stasis, which she wrote and directed, has screened on the festival circuit, including at the Dreamwave Film Festival, and explores themes of grief inspired by a musical composition by her brother. Through her company Aren’t We All Productions, Carreau continues to build experience across film and theatre, developing emotionally driven visual stories as both a creative lead and collaborator.Check out her website: www.arentweall.caFollow her company & her on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/arentweallproductionshttps://www.instagram.com/aleahpcarreauWatch "Stasis": https://youtu.be/0f3TJSWPD5c?si=lt0dxXtpAn82zSnz

Vitalia Khmil is a queer Ukrainian-Canadian singer-songwriter, actress, and DJ based in Montréal, known for high-energy alt-pop and house-influenced performances that blur pop, funk, disco, and alternative rock.Starting her musical journey at age six performing annually at Montreal’s Ukrainian festival, she developed a dynamic, jazz-trained vocal style and a genre-blending indie pop sound that emphasizes vulnerability, resilience, and sapphic romance in its storytelling. She introduced a rock-leaning era with the single “what a shame,” followed by tracks like “molly,” “alone in a crowd,” and “insecure,” which later anchored her debut EP alone in a crowd, released in spring 2025. Her work has been spotlighted in Canadian music media and on radio, notably through the single “Land of Black,” a tribute to Ukrainians affected by the ongoing war that helped spark broader conversation about the conflict.On screen, Khmil has appeared in independent film and screen projects such as Les figures intimes (2024), Lendemain (2020), and REIDframed (2023), showcasing her versatility in front of the camera alongside her music career. Across live shows, recording, and acting gigs, she has built a reputation for an interactive stage presence, bold pop aesthetics, and a growing profile in the Canadian indie scene.Listen to her new song "threesome": https://hypeddit.com/vitalia/threesomeFollow her journey here: https://www.vitalia-music.com

Kendall Savage is a multi–award-winning clown specialist, performer, and educator, known for highly physical, emotionally honest clown work that blends traditional circus influences with contemporary absurdist theatre. Co‑founder and former artistic director of the Montreal Clown Festival, she has spent nearly two decades developing original acts such as her notorious HotDog Act and the one-woman show “A Truck Stop Diner. In the Middle of Nowhere. On the Night Shift,” while teaching popular Clown 101 classes and online micro-lessons that demystify clown technique for a broad audience.Currently based in Toronto and performing regularly across Canada, Savage is in the process of securing an O‑1 extraordinary-ability artist visa in order to relocate to Las Vegas, where she is preparing to showcase her work— including the developing show “Night Shift” and her award-winning cabaret numbers—within the city’s growing entertainment ecosystem.Follow at: https://linktr.ee/Kendall_savage_clown

Josh Collins is a Canadian actor and filmmaker based in Vancouver, born in Gander, Newfoundland. He trained at Vancouver Film School’s Acting Program and has built a steady career in film and TV, often playing imposing or morally complex characters with emotional depth. His credits include The 100 (Otis), Batwoman (Chris Hayner), Wynonna Earp / Joe Pickett (Chris Urman), Surface, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (Agent Sabitha), the TV movie Hoax: The Kidnapping of Sherri Papini (Chris), and the upcoming feature Soul’s Road (Kevin Reid). He also writes, produces, and directs, with several of his screenplays in pre‑ or post‑production.Beyond acting, Collins is a committed creator in the indie‑film and podcast space. He hosts the actor‑focused interview show “Bottom of the Callsheet”—a podcast where he talks candidly with working actors about auditions, training, survival on set, and the mental‑health side of the industry.On top of his on‑screen work, he is positioning himself as a multifaceted filmmaker, with projects like Soul’s Road and Thatcher & Barlow situating him both in front of and behind the camera. Industry‑focused pieces on filmmaking and commitment highlight his philosophy of “learning by doing” and treating creative work as a long‑term pursuit rather than a quick win.Follow him at https://www.instagram.com/the.josh.collinshttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm6641873/Follow his podcast "Bottom of the Callsheet" at https://www.instagram.com/botc.podhttps://open.spotify.com/show/5SEDNoS29E3SnMZJYA3tpt?si=09f2d03a27e74173

Joel is an experienced director who is best known for work in the space of music television -- concert films, music documentaries, music series and music videos. Joel made Taylor's first concert special (Live at Revival, 2017), lit a cigar for Glen Campbell and once bought a t-shirt for Russell Crowe. He comes on the podcast to talk about his life, his career and his first feature film, 'Soul's Road', that he made with myself, a brilliant cast & crew, and with the amazing folks of Dept 9 Studios in Edmonton, Alberta.Follow Joel: https://linktr.ee/fostermotelFollow the film, "Soul's Road": https://soulsroadmovie.com/https://www.instagram.com/soulsroadmovieTICKETS: https://soulsroadmovie.com/showtimes/

From dancer to actress, Camille speaks with Laurent on her journey from dance to acting, including her time at the Canadian Film Center, to having the courage to just work in mail delivery for Canada Post before booking the lead of "Soul's Road", and much more!Follow her at @https://www.instagram.com/camillestopps/Her IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5113706/John Boylan's Tips & Insights: https://www.centreforthearts.com/tips-and-insightsHer website: https://www.camillestopps.com/

In the 1st LIVE Q&A, casting director Sergio Alvarado shares his unique journey from Peru to USA to Peru to Canada, highlighting the influences of his nomadic childhood and early artistic interests, such as reading, films and piano. He discusses his unexpected entry into the casting, starting in reality TV and eventually adding scripted work to his projects. Sergio emphasizes the importance of supporting artists and reflects on the joy of witnessing their growth in the industry. He shares insights into the casting process, the importance of collaboration, and tips for successful auditions. He emphasizes the need for actors to follow instructions, ask questions, take control, keep training and maintain a mindset of letting go. You can follow him @the.brunchstore on InstagramHe hosts weekly "ASK ME ANYTHING" sessions and does workshopsAlso, he does headshots too!

In this engaging conversation, Laurent Pitre speaks with Lisa Hendel (Drupsteen) about her journey from drama therapy to becoming a content creator on YouTube. We explore themes of identity, creativity, and the importance of playfulness in acting. Lisa shares her experiences of transitioning careers during the lockdown, launching a channel "A Lot Like Comedy" with her husband, Michael Hendel, and the significance of collaboration in the creative process. The discussion also touches on personal growth, the challenges of the creative landscape, and aspirations for the future.Follow her at: @lisa_drupsteen@alotlikecomedyhttps://www.youtube.com/@alotlikecomedy

In this engaging conversation, Amber Dhall shares her journey as an actor and producer, discussing the importance of flow state in creativity, her experiences at NYU, and the lessons learned from putting yourself out there. She emphasizes the significance of self-affirmation, the interplay between acting and producing, and the value of life experiences in shaping an artist's identity. Amber's insights reflect a deep understanding of the industry and a commitment to personal growth, making her story both inspiring and relatable.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Amber Dhall02:10 Discovering the Creative Flow06:02 The Journey to Acting08:43 Navigating NYU and Acting Techniques16:09 Experiences in On-Camera Acting19:54 Public Performances and Lessons Learned27:14 The Role of a Producer34:43 The Interplay of Acting and Producing41:48 Advice to My Younger Self47:21 Life Lessons from Acting

In this inaugural "Coaching & Actor" episode of "Questions and Actor", host Laurent Pitre and guest Thom Niles delve into the intricacies of personal growth and the journey of becoming an actor. Thom shares his initial hesitations about pursuing a coaching career, reflecting on the wisdom gained from recognizing his own limitations. The conversation flows into discussions about evening habits, the importance of self-care, and the influence of upbringing on artistic aspirations. Tom recounts his childhood in Happy Valley Goose Bay, Labrador, and how his family's artistic background shaped his creative identity. The duo emphasizes the significance of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals and the value of coaching in fostering growth and opportunity in the arts. In this engaging conversation, Thomas and Laurent delve into the journey of pursuing a career in acting, emphasizing the importance of following one's dreams and taking risks. Thomas shares his transition from Halifax to Montreal, highlighting the supportive community he found there and the opportunities that arose, particularly during the pandemic. The discussion touches on the significance of self-production in the arts, with Thomas recounting his experience of producing a play, which has reignited his passion and commitment to his craft. Laurent encourages Thomas to embrace his aspirations and to visualize his future roles, reinforcing the idea that actors must actively create their own opportunities rather than waiting for them to come.For coaching, reach out to @thelaurentpitre or @questionsandactorFor Thom, follow @goodtimethom or @bornonaraftheatre on InstagramChapters00:00 Introduction to Thom Niles02:31 Growing Up in Happy Valley Goose Bay05:30 The Moment of Inspiration: Becoming an Actor09:44 Early Steps Towards Acting10:45 First Professional Acting Experience13:32 Transitioning to Montreal and Career Growth15:30 Envisioning the Future: Dream Roles and Aspirations20:55 The Importance of Theater in Acting21:55 Setting Goals and Vision Boards23:45 Overcoming Obstacles in Acting24:51 Self-Producing and Taking Initiative26:40 The Journey of Producing a Play28:57 The Role of Community in Theater29:55 Reframing Beliefs About Success31:34 Daily Habits and Rituals for Success44:19 Evening Habits and Relaxation Techniques47:15 Morning Routines for Success50:29 The Importance of Self-Reflection53:16 Pursuing Dreams and Opportunities56:16 Overcoming Fear and Taking Risks59:28 Creating a Vision for the Future01:02:20 Building Positive Beliefs and Habits01:06:13 Embracing the Journey of Coaching01:09:08 Learning and Growing Together01:12:15 Finding Your Unique Superpower01:15:14 Taking Action and Moving Forward

Georgia Acken shares her journey from an upbringing on Salt Spring Island to traveling the world as an emerging actress in the international performing arts industry. She discusses her early inspirations, the transition from stage to screen, and the impact of the pandemic on her creative process. Georgia reflects on her experiences working on projects like "The Sacrifice Game" and her aspirations for the future, emphasizing the importance of community, creativity, and personal growth in her life & career.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:07 Creative Identity and Community05:58 Early Inspirations and Acting Journey09:04 Transition to Film and Television11:58 Impact of the Pandemic on Creativity14:54 Training and Development as an Actor18:05 Differences Between Theater and Film20:59 First On-Screen Experience23:57 Lessons Learned on Set30:17 The Art of Authentic Storytelling31:49 Journey to The Sacrifice Game34:38 Auditioning and Callback Experiences36:00 Filming The Sacrifice Game39:50 Life After The Sacrifice Game45:00 Reflections on Growth and Future Goals49:53 Inspiration and Creative Pursuits52:40 Acting and Life Advice

In this engaging conversation, filmmaker Jenn Wexler shares her journey from childhood horror fan to accomplished director and writer. She discusses her early influences in the horror genre, the importance of creativity in childhood, and her experiences in directing and working with actors. Wexler delves into the creative process behind her film, The Sacrifice Game, highlighting character development, casting choices, and the balance of humor & horror. She also reflects on the impact of social media on creativity and the valuable lessons learned throughout her artistic career.00:00 Introduction to Filmmaking Journey02:47 The Early Influences of Horror07:25 Childhood Creativity and Early Productions12:55 First Directing Experiences and Lessons Learned17:41 Learning to Work with Actors22:16 The Sacrifice Game: Vision and Execution29:20 Character Transformations in Horror Films33:30 The Art of Comic Relief in Horror36:49 Casting Insights and Character Development39:51 Improvisation and Creative Freedom on Set43:39 The Impact of Filmmaking on Personal Growth45:04 Navigating Social Media and Creative Focus50:25 Building Creative Habits and Discipline55:57 The Journey of a Filmmaker: A Marathon, Not a Sprint

In this engaging conversation, John Thomas Gauthier (AKA Johnny) shares his journey from Ottawa to Toronto, from bartender to actor, discussing his early inspirations, the importance of social skills developed through the service industry, and the role of fitness in his artistic career. He emphasizes the power of gratitude, networking, and the ups and downs of the creative pursuit. Johnny also looks ahead to future projects and exciting opportunities that lie ahead as he continues to build his career in the industry.

Watson Rose shares the story of her journey into acting, from her stage name to her childhood experiences and her time at LAMDA. She discusses the pivotal moments that shaped her confidence and passion for acting, leading to her pursuit of a career in the industry. The conversation covers Watson's experience at LAMDA, the realization she had about fully committing to his acting, the challenges she faced after graduating, and her journey in the Canadian acting industry. It also delves into her approach to building a community, navigating the theater and film world, and her experience with a TV series regular role in Hallmark's "The Way Home". Watson shares her journey of financial stress, audition struggles, and eventual breakthrough in the industry.TakeawaysStage Name SignificanceChildhood ImaginationPermission to ActLAMDA Experience Commitment to acting is essentialNavigating the challenges of the acting industryBuilding a supportive community Financial stress and audition struggles are common challenges for actors.Leaving the industry doesn't have to be permanent, and it's important to prioritize mental and emotional well-being.The experience of feeling seen and valued in a role can be transformative for an actor.Chapters00:00 The Significance of her Stage Name08:49 Journey at LAMDA40:48 Navigating Theater and Film World51:27 The Way Home - TV Series Regular01:03:41 Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead to 2026

The conversation delves into the origin of Wyatt's early influences that shaped his childhood and upbringing. It explores his early exposure to movies and acting. Additionally, it touches on his experience with wrestling and the transition to bodybuilding, highlighting the pivotal moments that led to his pursuit of acting and the challenges he faced along the way. The conversation delves into the influence of parental expectations on career choices, the challenges and discoveries of the acting journey, and the theme of perseverance and endurance in the face of personal and professional challenges. Wyatt Dorion shares his journey of resilience and emotional connection, from honoring his father's memory to navigating pivotal moments in his acting career. He reflects on the impact of recent events on his life and career, emphasizing the importance of taking care of himself and looking forward to the future.TakeawaysEarly Influences Acting journeyPerseverance ResilienceEmotional ConnectionChapters00:00 Early Influences23:04 Parental Influence and Career Choices30:35 Perseverance and Endurance43:48 The Race and Promise to Dad50:33 Auditioning for Gen V56:28 Impact of Recent Events on His Life and Career

The conversation delves into Patrick's journey as an actor, highlighting the discovery of his passion for acting, the influence of supportive relationships, and his early career and business mindset. The conversation delves into the journey of self-discovery, artistic expression, and the significance of authenticity in creative endeavors. It explores the challenges, pressures, and triumphs of the artistic industry, emphasizing the importance of self-expression and creative freedom. The discussion also highlights the significance of transmitting emotion and ideologies through art, embracing failure, and navigating the boundaries of artistic experience and expression.TakeawaysPassion for ActingInfluence of Supportive Relationships Authenticity as a compassThe importance of self-expression and creative freedomChapters00:00 Discovering the Passion for Acting05:55 Early Career and Business Mindset24:40 Transmitting Emotion and Ideologies through Art30:16 Navigating Pressure and Discipline in the Industry39:33 Reflecting on Past Achievements and Future Aspirations

Laurent Pitre, an actor with over 16 years of experience, in TV, film, theater, videogames, clowning, filmmaking, coaching and beyond, shares his journey through various roles, from being a zombie in a haunted house to playing a Canadian supervillain in "Murdoch Mysteries." He reflects on the existential questions that drive his career and life choices, aiming to connect with fellow artists and creatives. Through his podcast, Laurent seeks to explore these questions, offering insights into the life and craft of an actor, while encouraging listeners to embrace their dreams and feel less alone in their pursuits.